Different Types of Diodes, Ideal and Real Diodes, Switching Diodes, Abrupt and Graded Junctions

Abstract

In this chapter, different types of specific purpose diodes viz. crystal diode, thermal diode, constant current diode, PIN diode, Schottky diode, gold-doped diode, super barrier diode, varicap diode, Esaki diode, laser diode, TVS diode and snap-off diode etc. are introduced besides many others. Their symbolic representation, diode model, ideal diode and real diode are also presented. Different conditions of working of p-n junctions and transient conditions are included. Time dependent variation in space charge, and solution for stored charge is mathematically elaborated. Switching diodes, narrow base diode, reverse recovery transient, and method to improve the switching speed are discussed. P-N junction capacitance, derivation of its expression; Graded junctions, linearly graded, abrupt and hyperabrupt junctions and their doping profile are given. Minute insight into the various topics are given through solved numerical and theoretical examples. Review questions, numerical problems and objective type questions are also given with their answers.