A
PN junction diode is
unilateral.
This means that it allows current to flow in only one direction — from the
P-type (positive) side to the
N-type (negative) side, when it is forward biased. In the reverse bias (when the
N-type is connected to the positive terminal and the
P-type to the negative), the diode blocks current flow, acting as an open circuit.
So, the diode is unilateral because current can only flow in one direction, not both.