Title of the Report : Special Purpose Diode

Submitted To : Samiron Roy

Chairman, Assistant Professor
Department of Physics
Course Title : Electronic Devices & Circuit
Course Code : EEE- 2105

Submitted By:
Name : Sadia Islam Shajne
Roll : 19CSE032
Department : Computer Science & Engineering
Session : 2018-19
Semester : 3rd
Date of submission : 15-08-2021
 Special purpose diodes
By Sadia Islam Shajne

Introduction:

A two-terminal electronic component that conducts current primarily in one

direction (asymmetric conductance) providing a low (ideally zero) resistance in one direction and
high (ideally infinite) resistance in the other is called a diode.[1]

Fig 1.1: diode

There are various types of diodes and they have varieties in the terms of applications. But the
most common application of diodes is rectification which is used in power supplies to convert
A.C. voltage into D.C. voltage.[2]
Other than these, there are some specific diodes that does some specifics applications. Here are
some specisl-purpose diodes:

1. Zener diode
2. Light Emitting diode (LED)
3. Photo diode
4. Tunnel diode
5. Varactor diode
6. Schottky diode

Zener Diode

Definition:
After the name of American physicist Clarence Zener, who first described the Zener
effect in 1934, this diode was named. The special type of diode that is designed to operate in the
reverse breakdown region is called a Zener diode. Due to excessive current if an ordinary diode
[2]
is operated in this region, it will usually be destroyed.

This diode is symbolized like is,

Fig 1.2: Zener diode

Operation:
A zener diode is a diode that is heavily doped to reduce the reverse breakdown
voltage which causes a very thin depletion layer. A traditional solid-state diode permits great
modern if it is reverse-biased above its reverse breakdown voltage.

When the reverse bias breakdown voltage is exceeded, a traditional diode is subject to excessive
current because of avalanche breakdown. Unless this current is restricted by circuitry, the diode
can be permanently broken because of overheating. A Zener diode reveals nearly the same
properties, except the device is specifically designed in order to have a reduced breakdown
[3]
voltage, the so-referred to as Zener voltage.

Fig. 1.3: Operation

By comparison with the conventional tool, a reverse-biased Zener diode famous a controlled
breakdown and permits the current to maintain the voltage throughout the Zener diode near the
Zener breakdown voltage. For example, a diode with a Zener breakdown voltage of 3.2 V
exhibits a voltage drop of very almost 3.2 V throughout a wide range of reverse currents. The
Zener diode is therefore best for programs including the generation of a reference voltage (e.g.
[3]
for an amplifier stage), or as a voltage stabilizer for low-modern applications.
VI characteristics:

The VI characteristics of a zener diode is proven withinside the under

figure. When ahead biased voltage is implemented to the zener diode, it really works like a
normal diode. However, while reverse biased voltage is implemented to the zener diode, it really
[4]
works in unique manner.

Fig. 1.4: Zener Breakdown

When reverse biased voltage is implemented to a zener diode, it permits most effective a small
quantity of leakage current till the voltage is much less than zener voltage. At this point, a small
increase in reverse voltage will unexpectedly will increase the electrical current. Because of this
unexpected rise in electric current, breakdown happens referred to as zener breakdown.

The zener breakdown voltage of the zener diode is depends on the quantity of doping applied. If
the diode is closely doped, zener breakdown takes place at low reverse voltages. On the
alternative hand, if the diode is lightly doped, the zener breakdown takes place at excessive
[4]
reverse voltages. Zener diodes are available with zener voltages in the range of 1.8V to 400V.
Uses:

The zener diode has used in many ways. It is one of the most useful diode. So, the uses of
zener diode are given below:

 Voltage regulators
 Peak clippers
 Calibrating voltages
 Provide constant reference voltage in a network for biasing
[5]
 Meter safety towards damage from accidental software of excessive voltage.

Advantages:

The zener diode has such countless advantages. A few of the benefits of zener
diode are given below:

 The Zener diode is much less costly than some other diode
 This diode may be utilized in adjust and stabilize the voltage in a circuit
 These diodes have a high-overall performance standard
 Control the flowing current
 Compatibility and obtainability
 It may be utilized in a smaller circuit that could now no longer work with any large form
of the current regulation.
 They are well suited with the maximum system because of their decrease price and extra
[6]
control.

Disadvantages:

The zener diode has also such countless disadvantages. A few of the damage of
zener diode are given below:
  Zener diode cancels out voltage by applying a good large voltage in the reverse path
losing electricity in the process.
 A Zener diode has a quite bad regulation ratio and is normally not as right because the
[6]
transistor.

Light Emitting Diode

Definition:

A light emitting diode (LED) is a diode that offers off seen light while forward
biased. Light-emitting diodes aren't made from silicon or germanium but are made through the
usage of elements like gallium, phosphorus and arsenic.

By varying the quantities of those elements, it is possible to provide light of different

[7]
wavelengths with colors that consist of red, green, yellow and blue.

This diode is symbolized like is,

Fig. 1.5: Symbol of LED

Layers of LED:

A Light Emitting Diode (LED) includes three layers: p-type semiconductor,

n-type semiconductor and depletion layer. The p-type semiconductor and the n-type
semiconductor are separated through a depletion place or depletion layer.

I-V Characteristics:

Before a light emitting diode can ―emit‖ any shape of light it desires a
current to flow through it, as it's far a current dependant device with their light output depth
being immediately proportional to the ahead current flowing through the LED.

As the LED is to be related in a ahead bias situation throughout a electricity supply it have to be
current restricted using a chain resistor to defend it from excessive current flow. Never connect
an LED immediately to a battery or energy supply because it can be destroyed nearly
[8]
immediately because an excessive amount of current will pass through and burn it out.

Fig. 1.6: Characteristics of LED

From the fig. 1.6 above we can see that every LED has its very own forward voltage drop
throughout the PN junction and this parameter that is decided through the semiconductor fabric
used, is the forward voltage drop for a specific amount of forward conduction current, generally
for a forward current of 20mA.

In maximum instances LEDs are operated from a low voltage DC supply, with a series resistor,
RS used to restrict the forward current to a secure price from say 5mA for a simple LED
[8]
indicator to 30mA or extra in which excessive brightness light output is needed.

Series Resistance:

The series resistor value RS is calculated through simply the usage of

Ohm´s Law, through knowing the specified forward current IF of the LED, the supply voltage VS
throughout the combination and the expected forward voltage drop of the LED, V F at the
[8]
specified current level, the current limiting resistor is calculated as:

Fig. 1.7
Color of an LED:

The material used for building LED determines its color. In different
words, the wavelength or color of the emitted light depends at the forbidden gap or energy gap of
the material. Such as—

 Red and infrared light is emitted by Gallium arsenide LEDs.

 Bright blue light is emitted by Gallium nitride LEDs.
 White light is emitted by yttrium aluminium garnet LEDs.
 Ultraviolet light is emitted by aluminium gallium nitride LEDs.
 Green light is emitted by aluminum gallium phosphide LEDs.
[9]
 Red, yellow and green light is emitted by gallium phosphide LEDs.

Uses:
The light emitting diode has used in many ways. So, the uses of light emitting diode are

given below:

 Burglar alarms systems

 Calculators
 Picture phones
 Traffic signals
 Digital computers
 Multimeters
 Microprocessors
 Digital watches
 Automotive heat lamps
 Camera flashes
[9]
 Aviation lighting
Advantages:

The light emitting diode has such countless advantages. A few of the benefits of
light emitting diode are given below:

 Light emitting diodes devour low energy.

 LEDs are very cheap and without problems available.
 LEDs are light in weight.
 Smaller size.
 LEDs have longer lifetime.
 Energy Efficiency
 No Heat or UV Emissions
 LEDs operates very fast. They may be became on and off in very much less time.
 LEDs do not contain toxic material like mercury that is utilized in fluorescent lamps.
[9]
 LEDs can emit unique colors of light.

Disadvantages:

The light emitting diode has also such countless disadvantages. A few of the
damage of light emitting diode are given below:

 High up-front costs

 Transformer compatibility
 Potential color shift over lamp life
 Performance standardization has not but been streamlined
[10]
 Overheating can purpose decreased lamp life.
 Photo Diode
Definition:

A photo diode is a reverse-biased silicon or germanium p-n junction in which

reverse current in-creases while the junction is uncovered to light.

The reverse current in a photo diode is at once proportional to the depth of light falling on its p-n
junction. This way that greater the depth of light falling on the p-n junction of photo-diode, the
[7]
more can be the reverse current.

This diode is symbolized like is,

Fig. 1.8: Symbol of Photo Diode

Photodiode could be very sensitive to light so while light or photons falls at the photodiode it
without problems converts light into electric current. Solar mobileular is likewise referred to as
big place photodiode as it converts solar energy or light energy into electric energy. However,
[11]
solar cell works simplest at shiny light.
Operation:

A photodiode is a PIN shape or p–n junction. When a photon of enough energy

moves the diode, it creates an electron–hole pair. This mechanism is likewise referred to as the
internal photoelectric effect.

If the absorption happens in the junction's depletion region, or one diffusion duration away from
it, those providers are swept from the junction through the integrated electric field of the
depletion region.

Fig. 1.9: Operation of Photo diode

Thus holes move towards the anode, and electrons towards the cathode, and a photocurrent is
produced. The overall current through the photodiode is the sum of the dark current and the
photocurrent, so the dark current should be minimized to maximize the sensitivity of the device.

To first order, for a given spectral distribution, the photocurrent is linearly proportional to the
[12]
irradiance.
I-V Characteristics:

IV characteristics of a photodiode shows that in fig.10 the linear load

lines constitute the reaction of the external circuit: I=(Applied bias voltage-Diode voltage)/Total
resistance.

Fig. 1.10: IV characteristics

The points of intersection with the curves constitute the actual current and voltage for a given
[12]
bias, resistance and illumination.

Uses:
The photo diode has used in many ways. So, the uses of photo diode are given
below:
  Photodiodes are frequently used for accurate size of light depth in science and industry.
They typically have a greater linear reaction than photoconductors.
 They also are widely used in various medical packages, consisting of detectors for
computed tomography (coupled with scintillators), gadgets to analyze samples
(immunoassay), and pulse oximeters.
 PIN diodes are much quicker and extra sensitive than p–n junction diodes, and as a result
are frequently used for optical communications and in lighting regulation.
 P–n photodiodes are not used to measure extraordinarily low light intensities. Instead, if
high sensitivity is needed, avalanche photodiodes, intensified charge-coupled devices or
photomultiplier tubes are used for applications consisting of astronomy, spectroscopy,
night imaginative and prescient system and laser rangefinding. [12]

Advantages:

The photo diode has such countless advantages. A few of the benefits of photo
diode are given below:

 It produces low noise

 It has got the quickest response time in comparison to different kinds of photodetectors.
 It is quite sensitive to light energy.
 It can perform at a high frequency
 Spectral reaction from 190 nm to 1100 nm (silicon), longer wavelengths with different
semiconductor materials.
 The spectral range for the operation of the photodiode is high.
 High quantum efficiency, typically 60–80%
 The lifespan of the photodiode is indefinite if treated properly.
 Has high linearity among the incident photon and the photocurrent in comparison to
[13]
different photo detectors.
Disadvantages:

The photo diode has such disadvantages too. A few of the damage of photo
diode are given below:

 It is temperature-dependent. An increase in the temperature can reason an increase in the

leakage current or the noise.
 It desires offset voltage
 The current produced is pretty low. So, this photocurrent might not be sufficient to force
the circuit. Thus, you could want to expand the output signal using an amplifier.
 It has were given a small active area. [13]

Tunnel Diode

Definition:

A Tunnel Diode is a closely doped p-n junction diode. The tunnel diode suggests
negative resistance. When voltage value increases, current flow decreases. Tunnel diode works
based on Tunnel Effect.

Leo Esaki invented Tunnel diode in August 1957. Therefore, it's also known as Esaki diode. The
materials used for this diode are Germanium, Gallium arsenide and different silicon materials.
Tunnel diode indicates a terrible resistance of their working range. So, it could be used as
[14]
amplifier, oscillators and in any switching circuits.

The tunnel diode is largely a p-n junction with heavy doping of p-type and n-type semiconductor
materials.

This diode is symbolized like is,

 Fig. 1.11: Symbol of Tunnel Diode

Tunneling Effect:
In electronics, Tunneling is referred to as a direct flow of electrons
throughout the small depletion place from n-side conduction band into the p-side valence band.
In a p-n junction diode, each positive and negative ions form the depletion region.

Due to those ions, in-constructed electric capacity or electric area is present withinside the
depletion region. This electric area offers an electric pressure to the opposite direction of
[14]
externally implemented voltage.

Fig. 1.12: Tunneling effect

As the width of the depletion layer reduces, price providers can without problems move the
junction. Charge providers do not need any shape of kinetic power to transport throughout the
junction. Instead, providers punch through junction. This effect is referred to as Tunneling effect
[14]
and as a result the diode is referred to as Tunnel Diode.
VI Characteristics:

Due to forward biasing, due to heavy doping conduction occurs in the

diode. The most current that a diode reaches is Ip and voltage implemented is Vp. The current
value decreases, while more amount of voltage is implemented. Current continues reducing till it
reaches a minimum cost.

Fig. 1.13: VI characteristics

The small minimum fee of current is Iv. From the above graph, it is visible that from point A to
B current reduces while voltage increases. That is the negative resistance region of diode. In this
[14]
place, tunnel diode produces energy in place of absorbing it.

Uses:
The tunnel diode has used in many ways. So, the uses of tunnel diode are given
below:
  Tunnel diode may be used as a switch, amplifier, and oscillator.
 Since it indicates a quick response
 It is used as excessive frequency component.
 Tunnel diode acts as logic memory storage device.
 They are utilized in oscillator circuits
 They are utilized in FM receivers.
[14]
 Since it is a low current device, it isn't always used more.

Advantages:

The tunnel diode has such countless advantages. A few of the benefits of tunnel
diode are given below:

 It is a less power device

 It is a less noise device
 It is a less cost device
 High speed
 Fast response
[15]
 It is too easy to operate.

Disadvantages:

The tunnel diode has such disadvantages also. A few of the damage of tunnel
diode are given below:

 No isolation among input and output circuit because it is a terminal device.

[15]
 The output energy could be very low, it is of simplest few milliwatts.
 Varactor Diode

Definition:

Varactor diode is a kind of diode whose inner capacitance varies with respect to the
reverse voltage. It usually works in reverse bias situation and is a voltage-based semiconductor
device.

The term varactor is originated from a variable capacitor. Varactor diode manages most effective
in reverse bias. The varactor diode acts as a variable capacitor below reverse bias.

Varactor diode is known through numerous names as Varicap, Voltcap, Voltage variable
[16]
capacitance, or Tunning diode.

This diode is symbolized like is,

Fig. 1.14: Symbol of Varactor Diode

It is obvious that the symbol of the varactor diode is much like that of the PN-junction diode.
The diode has terminals: anode and cathode.

One end of the symbol consists of the diode, and the opposite end has parallel lines that
constitute the conductive plates of the capacitor. The gap among the plates indicates their
[16]
dielectric.
Operation:

The perform of the varactor diode is to store charges, therefore it's always operated
in reverse bias condition. when a forward bias voltage is applied, the electrical current flows, as a
result, the depletion region becomes negligible, that is undesirable.

The junction capacitance of a p-n junction diode is inversely proportional to the width of the
depletion layer. In different words, if the width of the depletion layer is less, then, the
capacitance is more, and vice versa.

Therefore if we want to increase the capacitance of a varactor diode, the reverse bias voltage
should be decreased. It causes the width of the depletion layer to decrease, resulting in higher
capacitance. Similarly, increasing the reverse bias voltage should decrease the capacitance.

This ability to induce totally different values of capacitances simply by dynamic the voltage
applied is the biggest advantage of a varactor diode in comparison to a traditional variable
[16]
capacitor.

VI Characteristics:

The V-I characteristics of the diode are non-linear and it allows the flow
of current in best one direction In forward bias mode, the diode permits the flow of current and
gives very low resistance.

Fig. 1.15: VI characteristics

Likewise, in the reverse bias mode, the diode blocks the current flow and gives very excessive
[17]
resistance.

Formula:

1. Capacitance of Varactor Diode, Cj = CK / (Vb−V)m

Here,

Cj = diode capacitance

C = diode capacitance when the device is unbiased

V = applied voltage

Vb = barrier voltage at the junction

m = constant depending upon the material

K =e constant equal to 1

2. Quality factor of the Varactor Diode, Q = F/f

Here,

F = maximum operating frequency

[16]
f = operating frequency
Uses:
The varactor diode has used in many ways. So, the uses of varactor diode are
given below:

 It is applied frequency multipliers.

 It is applied parametric amplifiers.
 It is applied voltage-controlled oscillators.
 These diodes are used in lots of circuits and discover applications in important sectors.
[17]

Advantages:

The varactor diode has such countless advantages. A few of the benefits of
varactor diode are given below:

 It capabilities as rectifier in order to convert alternating current into direct current.

 It is used to suppress voltage spikes. Moreover it is used to defend electronic additives
that are at risk of reverse voltages.
 It is fast in operation and does now no longer require any warm up time.
 It may be very cheap examine to hoover tube.
 Semiconductor diode does not generate any current when voltage isn't always applied.
 It operates at low voltage and consequently it consumes much less power.
 It is smaller in size and light in weight.
[18]
 It has long life.

Disadvantages:

The varactor diode has such some disadvantages. A few of the damaged of
varactor diode are given below:
  Semiconductor diode cannot face up to very excessive reverse voltage.
 It gives negative response.
 It has reverse saturation current.
 Noise level is excessive in semiconductor device at high frequencies.
 Different diodes have unique advantages and disadvantages and as a result refer person
[18]
advantages and disadvantages of respective diode.

Schottky Diode

Definition:

The four-layer semiconductor diode, the Shockley diode became one of the first
semiconductor devices invented. It became named after the scientist William Shcokley.

It’s a PNPN diode, with P-type and N-type cloth alternating layers. It’s similar to a thyristor
with a broken gate.

This isn't always to be confused with a Schottky diode, that is a two-layer metal-semiconductor
device with a quick switching speed. A four-layer bundle of P-N-P-N semiconductor material is
[19]
a primitive example of the Shockley diode.

This diode is symbolized like is,

Fig. 1.16: Symbol of Schottky Diode

Construction:

Shockley diode is constructed with four layers of P-type, N-type, P-type, and
one extra N-type semiconductors squished together. The combination of four layers effects in the
[19]
formation of three junctions.

Fig. 1.17: Construction of Schottky Diode

VI Characteristics:

As we are conscious that during a P-N junction diode, p-type and n-type
are joined collectively to form a PN junction. Whereas, in a Schottky diode metals like platinum
or aluminum are used rather than P type semiconductors.

The V-I characteristics of Schottky diodes are very a lot just like the PN junction diode. Current
is the based variable at the same time as voltage is the independent variable in the Schottky
diode.

[20]
The forward voltage drop of the schottky diode is low among 0.2 to 0.3 volts.
 Fig. 1.18: VI characteristics

Uses:
The schottky diode has used in many ways. So, the uses of schottky diode are
given below:

 Voltage clamping
 Reverse current and discharge protection
 Sample and keep circuits
 Charge control
 Switched-mode electricity supplies
[21]
 Diode rectifiers.

Advantages:

The schottky diode has such countless advantages. A few of the benefits of
schottky diode are given below:
  The capacitance of the diode is low because the depletion region of the diode is
negligible.
 The reverse recuperation time of the diode could be very fast, this is the alternate from
ON to OFF state is fast.
 The current density of the diode is excessive because the depletion region is negligible.
 It can operate at excessive frequencies compare to PN junction diode. They are used as
fast switches at microwave frequencies.
[20]
 The turn-on voltage of the diode is 0.2 to 0.3 volts, which could be very low.

Disadvantages:

The schottky diode has disadvantages too. A few of the damage of schottky
diode are given below:

 Low reverse voltage rating. Most extreme 200V reverse voltage rating Schottky diode
available.
[22]
 High reverse spillage current.

Conclusion:

The use of special purpose diodes in our day to day life is beyond description. They are very
useful in our daily life. These diodes varies from each other as well as in their applications. If we
consider the cost, Varactor is less expensive than the others and can’t be operated in forward bias
whereas the others can perform in both forward and reverse bias. Though Zener diodes was
mainly designed to perform reverse bias but they can also be operated in forward bias where they
act like a normal diode. For having a much better service life than incandescent lamps, LEDs are
much more reliable. For the advantage of having a high speed at which LEDs may be turned on
and off, they are used to transmit digital (on/off) information as pulses of light at very high rates
of speed (millions of pulses per second). Varactor haves a capacity to replace variable capacitors
in other applications such as in frequency multipliers or in phase [Link] diodes are
[23]
unaffected by the changes in temperature which is opposite to photo diodes. Thus these diodes
have many applications, advantages, disadvantages and usages.

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circuits/semiconductor-diodes/[Link]
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