Aconstant-current diode is an electronic device that limits current to a maximal specified value for the device. It is known as acurrent-limiting diode (CLD) orcurrent-regulating diode (CRD).
It consists of an n-channelJFET with the gate shorted to the source, which functions like a two-terminal current limiter (analogous to a voltage-limitingZener diode). It allows a current through it to rise to a certain value, but not higher.
Note that some devices are unidirectional and voltage across the device must have only one polarity for it to operate as a CLD, whereas other devices are bidirectional and can operate properly with either polarity.
Wide-bandgap materials such assilicon carbide have been used in production devices to enable high-voltage applications in the kilovolt range.[1]
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