Lecture on Introduction of Semiconductor at North South University as the undergraduate course (ETE411) ======================= Dr. Mashiur Rahman Assistant Professor Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh http://mashiur.biggani.org

1. ETE411 :: Lecture 11 Dr. MashiurRahman ETE411 Lec11 1

2. Review of last class ETE411 Lec11 2

3. During the formation of junction, 2 phenomena take place: A thin layer is set up on both sides of the junction. A junction/barrier potential is developed across the junction Formation of depletion layer: Greater concentration of holes in P than N region Greater concentration of electrons in N than P region The difference in concentration establish a density gradient across the junction resulting in carrier diffusion and terminate the existence by recombination 3

4. OBJECTIVES Up on completion of this topic the student will be able to know How to forward bias the diode, under forward biasing how the diode works. How to reverse bias the diode, under reverse biasing how the diode works. ETE411 Lec11 4

5. ETE411 Lec11 5 PN-JUNCTION FORWARD BIAS - +

6. As soon as battery connection is made, the holes in P region are repelled by the positive battery terminal & electrons in N region are repelledby the negative battery terminal. Thus both holes & electrons are driven towards the junction where they recombine. This allow easy current flow through the semiconductor as the crystal offers low resistance. FB reduces the thickness of the depletion layer. ETE411 Lec11 6

7. Forward characteristics ETE411 Lec11 7

8. At room temperature, a potential difference is require before a reasonable amount of forward current starts flowing in a junction. This is known as threshold voltage, Vth.For applied voltage less than Vth, current flow is negligible. As applied voltage increase beyond Vth, forward current increase sharply. If forward voltage increase beyond a certain safe value, it will produce an extremely large current which may destroy the junction due to overheating. ETE411 Lec11 8

9. PN-Junction with forward Bias Positive terminal of the battery is connected to anode and negative terminal is connected to the cathode. Increasing the applied voltage the potential barrier decreases. Potential barrier disappears when applied voltage exceeds barrier potential. ETE411 Lec11 9

10. The resistance of junction becomes nearly zero and current starts flowing in the junction. Now the current increases sharply with increase in applied voltage. ETE411 Lec11 10

11. PN-JUNCTION REVERSE BIAS 11 ETE411 Lec11

12. During the RB, holes are attracted by the negative battery terminal & electrons are attracted by the positive battery terminal. Thus, both holes & electrons move away from the junction. Hence, no electron-hole combination, no current flow and the junction offers high resistance. 12

13. 13 Practically no current flow, yet there is a small current due to minority carriers which is known as reverse current or reverse current, Isor Io. It also referred as leakage current of PN junction. If reverse bias applied to a junction is increase, a point is reached when the junction breakdown and revere current rises to value limited only by the resistance connected in series with junction. This critical value of voltage is known as breakdown voltage. ETE411 Lec11

14. PN-JUNCTION WITH REVERSE BIAS Negative terminal of the battery is connected to the anode and positive terminal is connected to the cathode. The resistance is very high in the order of mega ohms. Current is almost zero in reverse bias. ETE411 Lec11 14

15. Small reverse leakage current flows due to minority carriers present in P & N regions. Reverse voltage exceeds breakdown voltage the conductivity of the junction rapidly increases causing the diode goes to damage. Operate the diode below break down voltage. ETE411 Lec11 15

16. Zener breakdown When reverse bias is increased, the electric field at the junction also increases. High electric field causes covalent bonds to break. Thus a large number of carriers are generated. This causes a large current to flow. This mechanism of breakdown is zener breakdown. ETE411 Lec11 16

17. Avalanche breakdown The increased electric field causes increase in the velocities of minority carriers. These high energy carriers break covalent bonds, thereby generating more carriers. These generated carriers are accelerated by the electric field. They break more covalent bonds during their travel. Small reverse leakage current flows due to minority carriers present in P & N regions. Reverse voltage exceeds breakdown voltage the conductivity of the junction rapidly increases causing the diode goes to damage. Operate the diode below break down voltage. ETE411 Lec11 17

18. SUMMARY We have discussed about Forward biasing of diode Reverse biasing of diode Avalanche and zener breakdowns. ETE411 Lec11 18

19. QUIZ When we apply reverse bias to a junction diode, it Decreases the potential barrier Increases the potential barrier Greatly increases the minority carrier current Greatly increases the majority carrier current ETE411 Lec11 19

20. 2. When forward bias is applied to a junction diode, it Increases the potential barrier Decreases the potential barrier Reduces the majority carrier current to zero Reduces the minority carrier current to zero ETE411 Lec11 20

21. 3. The reverse saturation current in a junction diode is the current that flows when Only majority carriers are crossing the junction Only minority carriers are crossing the junction The junction is unbiased The potential barrier is zero ETE411 Lec11 21

22. Frequently asked questions 1) Discuss the behavior of PN junction under forward biasing 2) Explain the working of PN junction diode under reverse biasing 3) Define avalanche and zener break down ETE411 Lec11 22