QUESTION 1

INTRODUCTION TO SCHOTTKY-DIODE

What is a Diode?
A diode can be defined as an electronic device with two terminals that primarily conducts
electricity in one direction only. A diode is like a valve in an electrical circuit it prevents the
current from flowing both ways, it essentially has infinite resistance on one end and negligible
resistance on the other. There are a lot of variations of diodes, but we will focus on the
Schottky-diode.
The Schottky diode, also known as low voltage diode, is a form of metal-
semiconductor junction diode. It is formed by the combination of a semiconductor and a
metal. The Schottky diode features a low forward voltage drop and has a quick switching
action. As is common knowledge, a PN junction is created when p- and n-type semiconductors
are combined. In contrast, metals like platinum or aluminium are utilized in Schottky diodes in
place of P type semiconductors.
Its symbol is as you see it below.

The symbol for the Schottky barrier diode is based around the basic diode circuit symbol.
Instead of a line at the cathode pin of the diode symbol, there is an S-like but angular
shape.
V-I Characteristics of Schottky Diode
Schottky diodes and PN junction diodes both have comparable V-I characteristics. In the
Schottky diode, current is the dependent variable and voltage is the independent one. Shown
below is the V-I characteristics of both Schottky diode and PN junction diode compared.

The Schottky diode has a low forward voltage drop, ranging from 0.2 to 0.3 volts.
Working of a Schottky Diode
Without any trigger inputs, it operates like a typical diode: when it is reverse biased, no
current flows through it; when it is forward biased, current flows through it when the voltage
across it exceeds the diode's break over voltage. The built-in potential is opposed by the
voltage, which facilitates smooth current passage.
USES OF SCHOTTKY DIODE
Because of its unique properties the Schottky diode has many uses in the electronics industry.
Schottky diodes are employed because they have a low turn-on voltage, a quick recovery time,
and low energy loss at higher frequencies. The Shockley diode's trigger switch, which turns on
the SCR, is its most popular application. They can also be used as rectifiers, which require
high power.
Advantages of Schottky diode
• The diode has a very low turn-on voltage between 0.2 and 0.3 volts.
 • The diode's reverse recovery time, or its quick transition from ON to OFF state, is
exceptionally quick.
• The current density of the diode is high as the depletion region is negligible.
• The current density of the diode is high as the depletion region is negligible.
Disadvantages of Schottky diode

• Schottky diodes only have one drawback—they have a strong reverse saturation
current.

2.0 EXPERIMENT

QUESTION 2

(a)
𝑽𝒂 = 𝟎
𝑽𝒂
𝑱 = 𝑱𝒔 [𝒆𝒙𝒑 ( )]
𝒏𝑽𝒕
𝑱 = 𝑱𝒔 𝒂𝒕 𝑽𝒂 = 𝟎

From the graph: 𝑱𝒔 = 𝟏𝟎−𝟒 𝑨/𝒄𝒎𝟐

At 𝑽𝒂 = 𝟎. 𝟐𝒗
𝑱 = 𝟏𝟎−𝟏 𝑨/𝒄𝒎𝟐
𝑽𝒂
𝑱 = 𝑱𝒔 [𝒆𝒙𝒑 ( )]
𝒏𝑽𝒕
𝑽𝒂 𝑱 𝟏𝟎−𝟏
= 𝒍𝒏 ( ) = 𝒍𝒏 ( −𝟒 )
𝒏𝑽𝒕 𝑱𝑺 𝟏𝟎
𝑽𝒂
𝒏=
𝟑𝒍𝒏(𝟏𝟎)𝑽𝒕
 𝟎. 𝟐
𝒏=
𝟑 × 𝟎. 𝟎𝟐𝟓 × 𝒍𝒏(𝟏𝟎)
𝒏 = 𝟏. 𝟏𝟔𝟎

(b)
The value of the fitting constant n is between 1 – 2 which is n = 1.16 this tells us that the
diode follows the ideal diode equation with minimal deviation.
Question 3: The Ideal Case
(a) For a metal/semiconductor to behave as a rectifying junction, a rectifying Schottky
contact must be formed under the condition where ΦM>ΦS
(b) ∅𝒎 = 𝟒. 𝟓𝟓
𝒙 = 𝟒. 𝟎𝟏
∅𝑩𝑶 = ∅𝒎 − 𝒙
=𝟎. 𝟓𝟒𝒗
(c)

Question 4: The Real Case