Global Standards for the Microelectronics Industry
cathode terminal (K, k) (1) (general)
The terminal connected to the n‑type region of the p‑n junction or, when two or more p‑n junctions are connected in series with the same polarity, to the extreme n‑type region.
NOTE 1 See note to "cathode".
NOTE 2 This definition does not apply to current-regulator diodes.
NOTE 3 For voltage-reference diodes, any temperature-compensating diodes that may be included shall be ignored in the determination of the anode terminal.
(2) (of a current-regulator diode): The terminal from which current flows into the external circuit when the diode is biased to operate as a current regulator.
(3) (of a unidirectional diode thyristor): The terminal from which the current flows to the external circuit when the thyristor is in the on state.
(4) (of a unidirectional triode thyristor): The main terminal from which the principal current flows to the circuit being controlled when the thyristor is in the on state.
NOTE A second cathode terminal may be provided for connecting to the control circuit of a p‑gate thyristor.
JESD77-B, 2/00
JESD282-B, 4/00