Scribd
Upload
2 views

lecture 3 - Copy (2)

The document covers the operation and characteristics of diodes, including forward and reverse bias conditions. It explains how diodes allow current to flow in one direction and discusses the V-I characteristics and models of diodes. Key terms related to diodes and their functioning are also defined.

Uploaded by

Mona Sayed
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
2 views

lecture 3 - Copy (2)

The document covers the operation and characteristics of diodes, including forward and reverse bias conditions. It explains how diodes allow current to flow in one direction and discusses the V-I characteristics and models of diodes. Key terms related to diodes and their functioning are also defined.

Uploaded by

Mona Sayed
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 22

Reference:

Electronic Devices
Ninth Edition

Floyd

Lecture 3
Dr. Mona Sayed
Electronics Engineering
Elements course

Chapter 2: Diodes and Applications


Objective :
To study:

Diode Operation
Voltage-Current (V-I) Characteristics of
a Diode
Diode Models

Reference:
Electronic Devices by Floyd
Chapter 2
Diodes and Applications
Summary

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
Summary
Diodes

A diode is made from a small piece of semiconductor


material, usually silicon, in which half is doped as a p region
and half is doped as an n region with a pn junction and
depletion region in between. The p region is called the
anode and is connected to a conductive terminal. The n
region is called the cathode and is connected to a second
conductive terminal.
Summary

Forward bias

Forward bias is the condition which allows current in


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

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

Forward bias

The resistor limits the forward current to a value that


will not damage the diode.
Conditions of forward bias:
- The negative side of VBIAS is connected to the n
region of the diode and the positive side is connected to
the p region.
-Bias voltage, VBIAS, must be greater than the barrier
potential.
Summary

Forward bias
Like charges repel, the negative side of the bias-voltage source “pushes” the
free electrons, which are the majority carriers in the n region, toward the pn
junction. This flow of free electrons is called electron current.
The negative side of the source also provides a continuous flow of electrons
through the external connection (conductor) and into the n region.
The bias-voltage source imparts sufficient energy to the free electrons for
them to overcome the barrier potential of the depletion region and move on
through into the p region.
Once in the p region, these conduction electrons have lost enough energy to
immediately combine with holes in the valence band.
Unlike charges attract, the positive side of the bias-voltage source attracts the
valence electrons toward the left end of the p region.
Summary

Forward bias

A forward-biased diode
Summary

The Effect of Forward Bias on the Depletion Region


Summary

Reverse bias

Reverse bias is the condition in which current is


blocked.
VBR 0
VR 0
VBIAS Knee
– +

I=0A
R
VBIAS
– +
IR
Summary

Reverse bias

The positive side of VBIAS is connected to the n region of


the diode and the negative side is connected to the p region.
The depletion region is shown much wider than in forward
bias or equilibrium.

A diode connected for reverse bias. A limiting resistor is shown although


it is not important in reverse bias because there is essentially no current.
Summary

Reverse bias
Because unlike charges attract, the positive side of the bias-voltage
source “pulls” the free electrons, which are the majority carriers in the n
region, away from the pn junction.
As the electrons flow toward the positive side of the voltage source,
additional positive ions are created. This results in a widening of the
depletion region and a depletion of majority carriers.

The diode at reverse-bias voltage


Summary

Reverse Current

The extremely small reverse current in a reverse-biased diode is


due to the minority carriers from thermally generated electron-hole
pairs.
Summary
V-I Characteristic for Forward Bias V-I Characteristic for Reverse Bias
Summary
The Complete V-I Characteristic Curve

The complete V-I characteristic curve for a


diode.
Summary

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.
Summary

Example

Use the practical model to determine the current in the


circuit:
R

3.3 kW
+
VBIAS 12 V
–

VR VBIAS  0.7 V 12 V  0.7 V 11.3 V


V 11.3 V
I R   3.4 mA
R 3.3 k
Summary

Typical diode packages

Some common configurations are


K
K A
K
A
A K
A K
A
K

K
A

K A
K K

A A
K
K
A
Selected Key Terms

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.
Selected Key Terms

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.
Selected Key Terms

PN junction The boundary between two different types of


semiconductive material.

Barrier The amount of voltage required to produce


Potential full conduction across the pn junction in
forward bias.

Forward bias The condition in which a diode conducts


current.

Reverse bias The condition in which a diode prevents


current.

You might also like