Why does the reverse current of a p-n junction diode show a sudden inc

1.	Why does the reverse current of a p-n junction diode show a sudden increase at the critical voltage?
Answer» When p-n junction is operated under a reverse bias condition a very small reverse current (about few μA) flows due to drifting of minority charge carriers, which is independent of the applied potential up to a critical voltage. When the reverse voltage across the p-n junction reaches a critical voltage, the reverse current suddenly rises to a large value. It is due to sudden increase in the number of minority charge carriers, resulting from breakdown of the diode. If the p-n junction is lightly doped, the avalanche breakdown occurs due to ionisation by collision. If the p-n junction is heavily doped, the zener breakdown occurs at even low voltages due to field emission.

Why does the reverse current of a p-n junction diode show a sudden increase at the critical voltage?

Answer»

When p-n junction is operated under a reverse bias condition a very small reverse current (about few μA) flows due to drifting of minority charge carriers, which is independent of the applied potential up to a critical voltage.

When the reverse voltage across the p-n junction reaches a critical voltage, the reverse current suddenly rises to a large value. It is due to sudden increase in the number of minority charge carriers, resulting from breakdown of the diode.

If the p-n junction is lightly doped, the avalanche breakdown occurs due to ionisation by collision.

If the p-n junction is heavily doped, the zener breakdown occurs at even low voltages due to field emission.

Discussion

No Comment Found

Related InterviewSolutions

What is the difference between multimolecular and macromolecular collids ? Give one example of each . How are associated colloids different from these two types of colloids ?
Gastrointestinal irritation, cardiovascular effects, including tachycardia,arrhythmias, and orthostatic hypotension, mental disturbances, and withdrawalare possible adverse effects of: A. Amantadine B. Benztropine C. Levodopa D. selegiline
Match the column I and IIColumn-IColumn-II(a)Parasitism(i)++(b)Commensalism(ii)+ –(c)Amensalism(iii)0 + (d)Mutualism(iv)0 –(1) (a) - iii, (b) - ii, (c) - iv, (d) - i (2) (a) - i, (b) - ii, (c) - iii, (d) - iv (3) (a) - ii, (b) - iii, (c) - i, (d) - iv (4) (a) - ii, (b) - iii, (c) - iv, (d) - i
Assertion: In commensalism, one organism is benefitted and other is unaffected Reason: Cattle egret bird and cattle is an example of commensalism (1) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion. (2) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion. (3) If assertion is true but reason is false. (4) If both assertion and reason are false.
In charge of Calcutta Mint between 1832 to 1838, he studied and deciphered Ashokan rocks and pillars. His essays on antiquities are considered as classics. Hint: Varanasi. Who are we referring to?
Nature of climax community depends upon(A) Climate (B) Water (C) Soil fertility (D) Temperature
How do biofertilisers enrich the fertility of the soil?
Read carefully the passage and select the correct answer out of given four options:Biofertilizers are organisms that enrich nutrient quality of the soil. The important sources of biofertilizers are bacteria, fungi and cyanobacteria. The symbiotic association of Rhizobium with the root nodules of leguminous plants is the common example. These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into nitrogenous compound and fix in the soil.The organisms which enrich the nutrient quality of the soil are called(a) Microbes(b) Biofertilizers(c) Yeast(d) Biopesticides
Electrophoresis is an essential procedure that needs to be employed in genetic fingerprinting why?
Assertion: Angiosperms form endosperm after fertilization and is diploid. Reason: In gymnosperms, endosperm is formed before fertilization and is triploid. a. Both assertion and reason are true, and reason is the correct explanation of assertion. b. Both assertion and reason are true, but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion. c. Assertion is true but reason is false. d. Both assertion and reason are false.