What characteristic does the diode's characteristic curve display?

The diode's characteristic curve primarily displays the relationship between voltage and current. This curve is significant as it illustrates how the current flowing through the diode varies with changes in the applied voltage.

In the forward bias region, as the voltage increases beyond the threshold voltage, the current increases exponentially, indicating that once the diode is conducting, a small increase in voltage results in a much larger increase in current. Conversely, in the reverse bias region, the curve shows that very little current flows until breakdown occurs, highlighting the diode's ability to block current under certain conditions.

This voltage-current relationship is crucial for understanding the operational properties of diodes in various applications such as rectification and signal modulation. By analyzing this characteristic curve, engineers can predict how a diode will behave in a circuit, aiding in effective circuit design and troubleshooting.