Semiconductor Diode
Chapter Name : Semiconductor Electronics: Materials, Devices And Simple Circuits |
Sub Topic Code : 101_12_14_06_02 |
Topic Name : Semiconductor Diode |
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Sub Topic Name : P-N Junction Diode Under Reverse Bias |
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Introduction
A crystalline piece of semiconductor material with a p–n junction connected to two electrical terminals.
Pre-Requisites:
Diode
Activity:
Silicon (Si) is the most widely used material in semiconductor devices.
Real Life Question:
What is P-N Junction?
Key Words / FlashCards
| Key Words | Definitions (pref. in our own words) |
|---|---|
| P-N Junction | A junction between an n-type semiconductor and a p-type semiconductor. |
Learning aids / Gadgets
| Gadgets | How it can be used |
|---|---|
| microprocessors | All transistor types can be used as the building blocks of logic gates, which are fundamental in the design of digital circuits. Transistors act as on-off switches; in the MOSFET, for instance, the voltage applied to the gate determines whether the switch is on or off. |
Real life uses :
Building circuits.
Places to visit :
Digital circuits.
Practical examples around us
| Examples | Explainations |
|---|---|
| Solar cell | Electrical device that converts the energy of light directly into electricity by the photovoltaic effect. |
What you learn in Theory:
When the voltage is raised above a particular point, say 80 volts, the current suddenly shoots (increases suddenly). This is called as “reverse current” and this particular value of applied voltage, where reverse current through diode increases suddenly is known as “break down voltage“.
What you learn in Practice:
The current remains constant at a negligibly small value (in the range of micro amps) for a long range of change in applied voltage.