The full form of
PIN diode is:
P –
Positive (or
p-type)
I –
Intrinsic (undoped, pure semiconductor layer)
N –
Negative (or
n-type)
So, a
PIN diode is a type of diode that has three layers: a p-type layer, an intrinsic (undoped) layer, and an n-type layer. The intrinsic layer makes it different from regular diodes, and this structure allows the PIN diode to have special properties, such as being used in high-frequency applications, radio frequency (RF) circuits, and optical switches.