P-n Junction and I-V Characteristics of a Diode A P-n junction , also called a diode , is a semiconductor device that allows or blocks the flow of char...
A P-n junction, also called a diode, is a semiconductor device that allows or blocks the flow of charge carriers (electrons and holes) between two regions of different conductivity.
The two regions are called p-type and n-type due to the abundance of free electrons and holes present in these regions.
The I-V characteristics of a diode describe how the current (I) flowing through the diode changes with the applied voltage (V).
Key features of the I-V curve:
Forward bias: When a positive voltage is applied, more free electrons are attracted to the p-type region, increasing the conductivity of the diode and causing current flow.
Reverse bias: When a negative voltage is applied, the n-type region becomes more positively charged, increasing the conductivity and causing current flow.
Zero bias: At zero bias, the diode exhibits ohmic behavior, meaning I = 0 regardless of the voltage applied. This means no current flows through the diode regardless of the voltage.
Examples:
A p-n junction diode allows current to flow from the p-type region to the n-type region when a positive voltage is applied across its terminals.
A n-p-n junction diode allows current to flow from the n-type region to the p-type region when a negative voltage is applied.
In summary:
A P-n junction is a semiconductor device that allows or blocks the flow of charge carriers between two regions of different conductivity.
The I-V characteristics of a diode show how the current changes with the applied voltage.
The forward bias increases the conductivity of the diode, allowing current flow, while the reverse bias decreases the conductivity and blocks current flow.
At zero bias, the diode exhibits ohmic behavior, with I = 0 regardless of the applied voltage