Definition: PIN diode is formed by sandwiching intrinsic layer (high resistivity about 0.1 Ω-m) between P-type and N-type semiconductor to create an electric field between them. Due to this large magnitude of the electric field, the electron-hole pair generation will augment up to a large extent and this, in turn, can process even a weak input signal. The width of these depletion layers is large due to which capacitance will decrease because capacitance decreases with the separation between … [Read more...] about PIN Diode
Schottky Diode
Definition: Schottky diode is a metal-semiconductor junction which does not store charge carriers at the junction because it has no depletion layer. It finds its application where fast switching is needed. Significance of Schottky diode: When a P-N junction diode is forward biased, it starts conducting, but when it is reverse biased, it stops conduction. But this transition from conduction to insulation is not instant. Diode takes some time to reach a steady state of no conduction when it is … [Read more...] about Schottky Diode
Tunnel Diode
Definition: Tunnel diode is a heavily doped diode which possesses high conductivity due to the higher concentration of impurity atoms. It is different from a conventional P-N junction in terms of doping density. Its principle of operation is tunneling. The schematic symbol of Tunnel Diode is represented in the below diagram. Construction of Tunnel Diode A tunnel diode is usually constructed with Gallium. The compounds of Gallium such as Gallium Arsenide and Gallium Antimonide are … [Read more...] about Tunnel Diode
Zener Diode
Definition: Zener diode is specially designed for operation in the breakdown region in reverse bias condition. It is also called breakdown diode. In order to achieve sharp breakdown voltage, it is properly doped. American Scientist C. Zener explained the phenomenon of the breakdown. In the previous article, we have discussed diodes. Diodes can be classified into different types by its operational mechanism. Thus, they are designed in various ways for specific applications. Different diodes … [Read more...] about Zener Diode
Diode
A diode is a two-terminal device formed by placing a layer of P-type semiconductor next to N -type semiconductor. It forms a P-N Junction. The interface which joins both is made up of metal. Thus, it is referred as a metallurgical junction. A diode is a controlling element for electronic devices and circuits. Rectifiers, Amplifiers, linear and digital Integrated circuits, switching circuits, etc. are controlled with the help of diode. P-N Junction The P-type Semiconductor has mobile … [Read more...] about Diode
Semiconductor
Semiconductor shows this behaviour due to their electronic Configuration. In addition to this, they exhibit specific properties according to their unique position in the periodic table. Group - IV elements in the periodic table are used as Semiconductor. Germanium and Silicon are categorised in Group - IV of the periodic table. The common property of all these elements is that they have 4 electrons in the outermost shell. The atoms of these materials have a particular structure, and this … [Read more...] about Semiconductor
Material
To understand the mechanism of electronic devices, it is imperative to understand its construction and material used in it. A Semiconductor is the core building block of electronic devices. All the electronic devices and circuit in this world involves usage of a semiconductor. To have a better understanding of electronic devices, it is imperative to understand semiconductor and to understand semiconductor we should be acquainted with materials. You will get all the answers in this … [Read more...] about Material
Electronic Engineering
Definition: Electronics Engineering is the sub-branch of Electrical Engineering which deals with the motion of electrons and their behavior in vacuum, gases, and semiconductors. These particles form the basis of electronic devices such as diodes, transistors, MOSFETs, etc. and these devices are the building block of electronics circuits. The word Electronics is formed from word Electron with Suffix “ics”. The word electron is formed by combining two words “electric” and “ion”. It is a … [Read more...] about Electronic Engineering
Difference Between Conductor, Insulator and Semiconductor
The major difference between conductor, insulator and semiconductor is defined by the flow of charged particles under the influence of electric field. When any voltage is applied to the conductor, electric charged particles easily flow from valence band to conduction band. Thus conductor is a good conductor of electricity. A semiconductor allows very low charge particles to move from valence band to conduction band. In insulators, there is no flow of charge particles under the influence of … [Read more...] about Difference Between Conductor, Insulator and Semiconductor
Energy Band Theory
Definition: According to Bohr’s theory, each and every shell and subshell of atoms contain a discrete amount of energy. An atom has different energy levels. When atoms are brought closer to each other, electrons at outermost shell interact with each other. This bonding force between electrons is called as an inter-atomic interaction. This interaction causes the change in energy levels of electrons at the outermost shell. This change will give rise to energy band theory, and hence electrons … [Read more...] about Energy Band Theory