Self Study
Self Study
Self-study organization
All students are divided into groups of 2 or 3 students in each. Each group studies
the materials on one type of diode. Using the materials students compose mind
map on given type of diode. Each group presents the mind map using whiteboard
or flipchart. All other groups prepare and ask the questions on the topic.
Example questions:
1. What is the normal operating region for a Zener diode?
2. Draw the symbols of a photodiode. Is it true that a photodiode is used in a
reverse-bias position, and it will increase conduction as the light intensity
increases?
3. Draw the Zener diode characteristic (V/A). Mark the Zener voltage VZ.
4. Why the Schottky diodes are used in very fast-switching circuits?
5. What do we call the process of emitting photons from a semiconductive
material?
6. What diode is used in seven-segment displays: Zener, LED or Schottky?
7. Draw the symbol of a bidirectional Zener diode. Where can we use this device?
Special-Purpose Diodes
Diodes are known for their unidirectional current property. Basically, diodes
are used for rectifying waveforms, and can be used within power supplies or within
radio detectors. They can also be used in circuits where ‘one way’ effect of diode
is required. Diodes transmit electric currents in one direction, however, the manner
in which they do so can vary. Several types of diodes are available for the use in
the electronics design. Some of diode types are:
Zener Diode: This type of the diode provides a stable reference voltage. It is a
very useful type and has a wide application. The diode runs in reverse bias, and
breaks down at a certain voltage. A stable voltage is produced, if the current
flowing through the resistor is limited.
Schottky Diodes: These diodes feature a lower forward voltage drop if compared
to the ordinary silicon p-n junction diodes. The voltage drop may be in the range
from 0.15 to 0.4 volts at a low current, if compared to the 0.6 volts for a silicon
diode.
Photodiode: Photodiodes are usually used to detect light. Generally, these diodes
operate in reverse bias, wherein even a small current flow, resulting from the light,
can be detected. Photodiodes can be used to generate electricity, used as solar cells
and even in photometry.
Light Emitting Diode (LED): It is one of the most popular types of diodes. When
this diode permits the transfer of electric current between the electrodes, light is
produced. The color of light depends on the energy gap of the semiconductor.
Avalanche Diode: This type of a diode operates in the reverse bias, and uses
avalanche effect. The avalanche breakdown takes place across the entire p-n
junction, when the voltage drop is constant and is independent of the current.
Generally, the avalanche diode is used for photo-detection, wherein high levels of
sensitivity can be obtained by the avalanche process.
Laser Diode: This type of a diode is different from the LED type, as it produces
coherent light. These diodes are used in DVD and CD drives, laser pointers, etc.
Laser diodes are more expensive than LEDs. However, they are cheaper than other
laser generators.
Varicap Diode or Varactor Diode: This type of a diode uses a reverse bias placed
upon it, which varies the width of the depletion layer depending on the voltage
applied to the diode. This diode acts as a capacitor. By altering the bias on the
diode, the width of the depletion region changes, thereby varying the capacitance.
Rectifier Diode: These diodes are used to rectify alternating power inputs in
power supplies. They can rectify current levels that range from an amp upwards. If
low voltage drops are required, Schottky diodes can be used, however, generally
they are p-n junction diodes.
Figure 1. Diode symbols: (a) diode; (b) Zener diode; (c) bidirectional Zener diode; (d)
tunnel diode; (e) Schottky diode; (f) varicap diode; (g) photodiode; (h) light emitting
diode
A Zener diode is a special kind of a diode which allows the current to flow
in the forward direction in the same manner as an ideal diode, but it also permits it
to flow in the reverse direction when the voltage is above a certain value known as
the breakdown voltage, ‘Zener knee voltage’ or ‘Zener voltage’. The device was
named after Clarence Zener, who discovered this electrical property.
A conventional solid-state diode does not allow the significant current if it is
reverse-biased below its reverse breakdown voltage. When the reverse bias
breakdown voltage is exceeded, a conventional diode is subject to the high current
due to the avalanche breakdown. Unless this current is limited by the circuitry, the
diode will be permanently damaged due to the overheating. In the case of a large
forward bias, the diode exhibits a voltage drop due to its junction built-in voltage
and internal resistance. The amount of the voltage drop depends on the
semiconductor material and doping concentrations.
A Zener diode exhibits almost the same properties, except the device is
specially designed to have a greatly reduced breakdown voltage, the so-called
Zener voltage. The volt-ampere characteristic of a Zener diode showing the
breakdown region is shown in Figure 4.6. By contrast with the conventional
device, a reverse-biased Zener diode exhibits a controlled breakdown and allows
the current to keep the voltage across the Zener diode close to the Zener
breakdown voltage. For example, a diode with a Zener breakdown voltage of 4.7 V
exhibits a voltage drop of very nearly 4.7 V across a wide range of reverse
currents. The Zener diode is therefore ideal for various applications such as the
generation of a reference voltage (e.g. for an amplifier stage), or as a voltage
stabilizer for low-current applications.
+IF
Cathode Anode Forward
K A Current
Forward
Bias
Region
-VZ Zener
Reverse Bias Voltage
-VR +VF
IZ(min) Forward Bias
VF
“Zener”
Breakdown
Region
IZ(max)
Reverse
Current
-IR
Figure 2. Zener diode symbol and I-V characteristics
The Zener diode’s operation depends on the heavy doping of its p-n junction
allowing electrons to tunnel from the valence band of the p-type material to the
conduction band of the n-type material. In the atomic scale, this tunneling
corresponds to the transport of valence band electrons into the empty conduction
band states. This occurs as a result of the reduced barrier between these bands and
high electric fields that are induced due to the relatively high levels of dopings on
both sides. The breakdown voltage can be controlled quite accurately in the doping
process. While tolerances within 0.05% are available, the most widely used
tolerances are 5% and 10%. Breakdown voltage for commonly available zener
diodes can vary widely from 1.2 volts to 200 volts.
Another mechanism that produces a similar effect is the avalanche effect as
in the avalanche diode. These two types of the diode are in fact constructed in the
same way and both effects are present in diodes of this type. In silicon diodes up to
5.6 volts, the Zener effect is predominant and shows a marked negative
temperature coefficient. Above 5.6 volts, the avalanche effect becomes
predominant and exhibits a positive temperature coefficient. In a 5.6 V diode, the
two effects occur together and their temperature coefficients nearly cancel each
other out, thus a 5.6 V diode is the component of choice in temperature-critical
applications. Modern manufacturing techniques have produced devices with the
voltage lower than 5.6 V with negligible temperature coefficients, but as higher
voltage devices are encountered, the temperature coefficient rises dramatically. A
75 V diode has 10 times the coefficient of a 12 V diode.
All such diodes are usually marketed under the term of ‘Zener diode’.
Zener diodes can be used to produce a stabilized voltage output with low
ripple under varying load current conditions (Fig. 4.7). A small current passes
through the diode from a voltage source via a suitable current limiting resistor (RS).
Then the Zener diode will conduct sufficient current to maintain a voltage drop of
Vout. We remember from the previous chapters that the d.c. output voltage from the
half or full-wave rectifiers contains ripple superimposed onto the d.c. voltage. By
connecting a simple zener stabilizer circuit as shown below across the output of the
rectifier, a more stable output voltage can be produced.
The resistor, RS is connected in series with the Zener diode to limit the
current flow through the diode with the voltage source, VS being connected across
the combination. The stabilised output voltage Vout is taken from across the Zener
diode. The Zener diode is connected with its cathode terminal connected to the
positive rail of the d.c. supply so it is reverse biased and will be operating in its
breakdown condition. Resistor RS is selected to limit the maximum current flowing
in the circuit.
IS
+V
DC input voltage
from rectifier or RS
smoothing circuit
Vin (VS) IL
IZ
Vout RL
VD
0V
With no load connected to the circuit, the load current is zero, (IL = 0), and
all the circuit current passes through the Zener diode which in turn dissipates its
maximum power. Also a small value of the series resistor RS results in a greater
diode current when the load resistance RL is connected. In this case, the power
dissipation of the diode increases. So care must be taken when selecting the
appropriate value of series resistance so that the zener’s maximum power rating is
not exceeded under this no-load or high-impedance condition.
The load is connected in parallel with the Zener diode, so the voltage across
RL is always the same as the zener voltage, (VR = VZ). There is a minimum zener
current for which the voltage stabilization is effective and the zener current must
stay above this value operating under the load within its breakdown region all the
time. The upper limit of the current is, of course, dependent upon the power rating
of the device. The supply voltage VS must be greater than VZ.
One small problem with zener diode stabiliser circuits is that the diode can
sometimes generate electrical noise on top of the d.c. supply as it tries to stabilise
the voltage. Normally this is not a problem for most applications but the addition
of a large value decoupling capacitor across the Zener’s output may be required to
give additional smoothing.
To summarize, a Zener diode is always operated in its reverse biased
condition. A voltage regulator circuit can be designed using a Zener diode to
maintain a constant d.c. output voltage across the load in spite of variations in the
input voltage or changes in the load current. The zener voltage regulator consists of
a current limiting resistor RS connected in series with the input voltage VS with the
Zener diode connected in parallel with the load RL in this reverse biased condition.
The stabilized output voltage is always selected to be the same as the breakdown
voltage VZ of the diode.
Schottky Diode
The Schottky diode (named after German physicist Walter H. Schottky;
also known as hot carrier diode) is a semiconductor diode with a low forward
voltage drop and a very fast switching action. The cat’s-whisker detectors used in
the early days of the wireless can be considered primitive Schottky diodes.
When the current flows through a diode there is a small voltage drop across
the diode terminals. A normal silicon diode has a voltage drop between 0.6–1.7
volts, while a Schottky diode voltage drop is between approximately 0.15–0.45
volts. This lower voltage drop can provide higher switching speed and better
system efficiency.
A metal-semiconductor junction is formed between a metal and a
semiconductor, creating a Schottky barrier (instead of a semiconductor–
semiconductor junction as in conventional diodes). Typical metals used are
molybdenum, platinum, chromium or tungsten; and the semiconductor would
typically be n-type silicon. The metal side acts as the anode and n-type
semiconductor acts as the cathode of the diode. This Schottky barrier results in
both very fast switching and low forward voltage drop.
The most important difference between p-n and Schottky diodes is reverse
recovery time, when the diode switches from non-conducting to conducting state
and vice versa. Where in a p-n diode the reverse recovery time can be hundreds of
nanoseconds and less than 100 ns for fast diodes, Schottky diodes do not have
recovery time, as there is nothing to recover from (i.e. no charge carrier depletion
region at the junction). The switching time is ~100 ps for the small signal diodes,
and up to tens of nanoseconds for special high-capacity power diodes. With p-n
junction switching, there is also a reverse recovery current, which brings increased
EMI noise in high-power semiconductors. This is not so important with Schottky
diodes switching instantly with only slight capacitive loading.
It is often said that the Schottky diode is a ‘majority carrier’ semiconductor
device. This means that if the semiconductor body is doped n-type, only the n-type
carriers (mobile electrons) play a significant role in normal operation of the device.
The majority carriers are quickly injected into the conduction band of the metal
contact on the other side of the diode to become free moving electrons. Therefore
no slow, random recombination of n- and p- type carriers is involved, so that this
diode can cease the conduction faster than an ordinary p-n rectifier diode. This
property, in turn, allows a smaller device area, which also makes the transition
faster. This is another reason why Schottky diodes are useful in switch-mode
power converters; the high speed of the diode means that the circuit can operate at
frequencies in the range 200 kHz to 2 MHz, allowing the use of small inductors
and capacitors with greater efficiency than would be possible with other diode
types. Small-area Schottky diodes are used in RF detectors and mixers, which
often operate up to 50 GHz.
The most evident limitations of Schottky diodes are the relatively low
reverse voltage rating for silicon-metal Schottky diodes, 50 V and below, and a
relatively high reverse leakage current. Diode designs have been improving over
time. Nowadays voltage ratings reach 200 V. The reverse leakage current, as it
increases with temperature, leads to a thermal instability issue. This often limits the
useful reverse voltage.
Applications
Voltage Clamping
While standard silicon diodes have a forward voltage drop of about 0.6 volts
(voltage drop of germanium diodes is about 0.3 volts), Schottky diodes’ voltage
drop at forward biases of around 1 mA is in the range from 0.15 V to 0.46 V,
which makes them useful in voltage clamping applications and in the prevention of
the transistor saturation. This is due to the higher current density in the Schottky
diode.
Power Supply
They are also used as rectifiers in switched-
mode power supplies; the low forward voltage and fast
recovery time leads to increased efficiency.
Schottky diodes can be used in power supply
‘OR’ing circuits in products that have both an internal
battery and a mains adapter input. However, the high
reverse leakage current presents a problem in this
case, as any high-impedance voltage sensing circuit
detects the voltage from another power source through
the diode leakage.
For example, ST Microelectronics offers Schottky and ultrafast rectifier
solutions for all market requirements. ST’s latest developments include ULVF™
ultra-low VF diodes, improved avalanche rating, and the integration of higher
currents in low-profile PowerFLAT™ packages.
The range of signal Schottky diodes with the new flip-chip and SOD-923
devices helps meet the most precise space-saving requirements, especially for
portable communication equipment.
For power converter applications where silicon diodes reach the limits of
their operating temperature and power density, ST silicon carbide (SiC) devices
take over with optimal reliability.
Photodiode
Principle of Operation
Dark current
Load line
ID Dark current
E1=0 v IPH Photocurrent
E2 CS Diode capacitance
RP Parallel resistance
E3 IR Noise current
RS Series resistance
E4 Photovoltaic RS Load resistance
Photoconductive mode (solar cell)
mode
Photovoltaic Mode
When used in zero bias or photovoltaic mode, the flow of photocurrent out
of the device is restricted and a voltage builds up. The diode becomes forward
biased and ‘dark current’ begins to flow across the junction in the direction
opposite to the photocurrent. This mode is responsible for the photovoltaic effect
(Fig. 4.8), which is the basis for solar cells. In fact, a solar cell is just an array of
large photodiodes.
Photoconductive Mode
In this mode the diode is often (but not always) reverse biased. This
increases the width of the depletion layer, which decreases the junction capacitance
resulting in faster response time. The reverse bias induces only a small amount of
current (known as saturation or back current) along its direction while the
photocurrent remains virtually the same.
Although this mode is faster, the photovoltaic mode tends to exhibit less
electronic noise. (The leakage current of a good PIN diode is so low – less than
1nA – that the Johnson-Nyquist noise of the load resistance in a typical circuit
often dominates).
Light-Emitting Diode
Physical Function
Types of LEDs
The main types of LEDs are miniature, high power devices and custom
designs such as alphanumeric or multi-color.
Miniature LEDs
These are mostly single die LEDs used as indicators, and come in various
size packages: surface mount; 2 mm; 3 mm; 5 mm. Other sizes are also available,
but less common.
Common package shapes: round, dome top; round, flat top; rectangular, flat
top (often seen in LED bargraph displays); triangular or square, flat top. The
encapsulation may also be clear or semi opaque to improve the contrast and the
viewing angle.
There are 3 main categories of miniature single die LEDs:
Low current – typically rated for 2 mA at around 2 V (approximately 4 mW
consumption).
Standard – 20 mA LEDs at around 2 V (approximately 40 mW) for red,
orange, yellow & green, and 20 mA at 4-5 V (approximately 0.1 W) for
blue, violet and white.
Ultra high output – 20 mA at approximately 2 V or 4-5 V, designed for
viewing in direct sunlight.
Multicolor LEDs
Bicolor LEDs contain 2 dice of different colors connected back to back, and
can produce any of 3 colors. Current flow in one direction produces one color,
current in the other direction produces the other color, and bidirectional current
produces both colors mixed together.
Tricolor LEDs contain 2 dice of different colors with a 3 wire connection,
available in common anode or common cathode configurations. The most common
form of both the bicolor and tricolor LEDs is red/green, producing orange when
both colors are powered.
RGB LEDs contain red, green and blue emitters, generally using a 4 wire
connection with one common (anode or cathode).
Alphanumeric LEDs
LED displays are available in 7 segment and starburst format. 7 segment
displays handle all numbers and a limited set of letters. Starburst displays can
display all letters.
7 segment LED displays were in widespread use in the 1970s and 1980s, but
the increasing use of LCD displays with their lower power consumption and
greater display flexibility has reduced the popularity of numeric and alphanumeric
LED displays.
REFERENCES
Internet resource:
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diode
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zener_diode
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varicap
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schottky_diode
5. https://www.microsemi.com/sites/default/files/micnotes/401.pdf
6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photodiode
7. http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/Electronic/photdet.html
8. http://ecee.colorado.edu/~bart/book/book/chapter4/ch4_7.htm
9. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tunnel_diode
10. http://www.radio-
electronics.com/info/data/semicond/tunneldiode/tunneldiode.php
11. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light-emitting_diode