DC load line

et the p-n junction diode is connected to a voltage source V₀ under forward biased conditions. If V is the voltage drop across the diode, the current in the circuit is given as

                            

Assuming that there is no voltage drop across the diode, the maximum current (saturation current) is equal to . Similarly, when all the voltage is dropped across the diode, no current flows in the circuit (cut-off point). The line joining the saturation point to the cut-off point is called the dc load line. The point, where load line intersects with the I-V curve of the diode is termed as the operating point.