Electronic Devices

Diodes

A diode is a semiconductor device with a single pn

junction and metal connections to leads. It has the
ability to pass current in only one direction.

p n

Depletion
region

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 Electronic Devices
Forward bias

Forward bias is the condition which allows current in

the diode. The bias voltage must be greater than the
barrier potential.
I F (mA)

V
+ F–
C
IF
–
R
+ VBIAS
+ – B Knee
A VF
0
0 0.7 V

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 Electronic Devices
Reverse bias

Reverse bias is the condition in which current is

blocked.
VBR 0
VR 0
VBIAS Knee
– +

I=0A
R
VBIAS
– +
IR

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 Electronic Devices
Diode approximations

Three diode approximations are:

IF IF IF

VR VF VR VF VR VF
0.7 V 0.7 V

IR IR IR

Ideal Practical Complete

In addition, the complete model includes the effect of a large reverse

resistance that accounts for a tiny current when reverse-biased.
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 Electronic Devices
Example

Use the practical model to determine the current in the

circuit:
R

3.3 kΩ
+
VBIAS 12 V
–

VR =VBIAS − 0.7 V =12 V − 0.7 V =11.3 V

VR 11.3 V
I
= = = 3.4 mA
R 3.3 kΩ

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 Electronic Devices
Diode packages

Some common configurations are

K
K A K
A
A K K
A
A
K

K
A

K A
K K

A A
K
K
A

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 Electronic Devices
Selected key terms-1

Electron The basic particle of negative electrical charge.

Valence Related to the outer shell of an atom.

Free Electron An electron that has acquired enough energy to

break away from the valence band of the parent
atom; also called a conduction electron.

Conductor A material that easily conducts electrical current.

Insulator A material that does not normally conduct

current.

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 Electronic Devices
Selected key terms-2

Semiconductor A material that lies between conductors and

insulators in its conductive properties.

Crystal A solid material in which the atoms are

arranged in a symmetrical pattern.

Hole The absence of an electron in the valence

band of an atom in a semiconductor crystal.

Diode A semiconductor device with a single pn

junction that conducts current in one direction
only.

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 Electronic Devices
Quiz: Q1

1. A semiconductor is a crystalline material with

a. many free electrons held by the attraction of
positive ions
b. strong covalent bonds between neighboring atoms
c. only one electron in its outer shell
d. a filled valence shell

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 Electronic Devices
Quiz: Q2

2. A metallic conductor has

a. many free electrons held by the attraction of
positive ions
b. covalent bonds between neighboring atoms
c. four electrons in its outer shell
d. a filled valence shell

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 Electronic Devices
Quiz: Q3

3. In a semiconductor, the concept of an energy gap is

used to show the difference between the energies of the
a. nucleus and outer shell electrons
b. nucleus and the free electrons
c. conduction band electrons and valence electrons
d. core electrons and valence electrons

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 Electronic Devices
Quiz: Q4

4. An impurity such as Antimony (Sb) has five electrons

in its outer shell. When silicon has Sb impurities,
a. an n material is formed
b. the crystal will be negatively charged
c. both of the above
d. none of the above

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 Electronic Devices
Quiz: Q5

5. Compared to a p-material, the energy levels in an n-

material are
a. the same
b. greater
c. lower

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 Electronic Devices
Quiz: Q6

6. When a pn junction is formed, electrons move across

the junction and fill holes in the p-region. The filled hole
is a
a. neutral atom
b. minority carrier
c. positive ion
d. negative ion

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 Electronic Devices
Quiz: Q7

7. The forward biased knee voltage in a semiconductor

diode is approximately equal to the
a. bias supply voltage
b. breakdown voltage
c. output voltage
d. barrier potential

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 Electronic Devices
Quiz: Q8

8. Using the ideal diode model, the current in the circuit

shown is
a. 0.73 mA
b. 0.80 mA
c. 0.87 mA
d. 1.2 mA

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 Electronic Devices
Quiz: Q9

9. Using the practical diode model, the current in the

circuit shown is
a. 0.73 mA R

10 kΩ
b. 0.80 mA +
VBIAS 8.0 V
–
c. 0.87 mA
d. 1.2 mA

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 Electronic Devices
Quiz: Q10

10. The diode model which includes the large reverse

resistance is the
a. ideal model R

10 kΩ
b. practical model +
VBIAS 8.0 V
–
c. complete model
d. all of the above

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 Quiz answers

Answers:
1. b 6. d
2. a 7. d
3. c 8. b
4. a 9. a
5. c 10. c

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