Semiconductor Diode Basics Quiz

Semiconductor Diode Functions

• The primary function of a semiconductor diode is to allow current to flow in one direction while blocking it in the opposite direction.
• This rectification capability is key in various electronic applications, including power supplies and signal processing.

P-N Junction Diode Symbol

• The symbol for a p-n junction diode consists of a triangle pointing to a line; the triangle represents the anode (p-type) and the line represents the cathode (n-type) terminal.

Depletion Region in Forward Bias

• When a semiconductor diode is forward-biased, the width of the depletion region decreases, allowing more charge carriers to recombine and enabling current flow.

Components of a Semiconductor Diode

• A semiconductor diode consists of two main components: the p-type material, which has an abundance of holes (positive charge carriers), and the n-type material, which has an abundance of electrons (negative charge carriers).

Barrier Voltage with Voltage Application

• When a small amount of voltage is applied across a semiconductor diode, the barrier voltage decreases, facilitating the flow of current through the diode.

Depletion Region in Reverse Bias

• In reverse bias, when an external voltage is applied across the semiconductor diode, the width of the depletion region increases, which limits the flow of current further.

Condition for Current Conduction

• A semiconductor diode starts conducting current when the voltage across it exceeds the threshold known as the forward voltage; this typically occurs when the anode is made more positive than the cathode.

Carrier Motion with Increased Potential

• When the applied potential across the semiconductor diode is increased significantly, the movement of carriers (electrons and holes) accelerates, enhancing current flow through the device.

Barrier Voltage in Reverse Bias

• In reverse bias, when an external voltage is applied, the overall barrier voltage increases, which restricts the flow of current through the diode.

Forward Bias Configuration

• Forward bias occurs when the positive terminal of a battery is connected to the n-side and the negative terminal is connected to the p-side of a semiconductor diode, allowing current to flow.