Why is silicon used for computer chips?
Silicon is used because it can be used as either an insulator (doesn’t allow electricity to flow) or a semiconductor (allows a little flow of electricity). This is important for making chips. Also, it is very, very cheap.
How does Silicon work in computer chips?
Silicon is the material of choice in the chip industry. Unlike the metals normally used to conduct electrical currents, silicon is a ‘semiconductor’, meaning that its conductive properties can be increased by mixing it with other materials such as phosphorus or boron.
What is silicon chips in computers?
A silicon chip is an integrated circuit that serves as the primary component of all computing devices. As the name suggests, silicon chips are made primarily from silicon. Silicon chips are the brain of the device; directing all its functions through its in-built components.
Why are transistors made of silicon?
Silicon is used for electronic devices because it is an element with very special properties. Silicon’s electrical properties can be modified through a process called doping. These characteristics make it an ideal material for making transistors that amplify electrical signals.
Why do we prefer silicon over germanium?
The structure of Germanium crystals will be destroyed at higher temperature. However, Silicon crystals are not easily damaged by excess heat. Peak Inverse Voltage ratings of Silicon diodes are greater than Germanium diodes. Si is less expensive due to the greater abundance of element.
Which is better silicon or germanium?
Why is Silicon preferred over Germanium for semiconductor? The reason is, Silicon can be worked at a higher temperature as compared to germanium. The structure of Germanium crystals will be destroyed at higher temperature. Also, Silicon has much smaller leakage current than that of germanium.
Which is costly silicon or germanium?
Thus Silicon, which is more abundant and less expensive than Germanium became the standard material and is still being used today and for the foreseable future. Silicon Benefits: Low Reverse Leakage Current. Good Temperature Stability.
Why silicon is used in Zener diode?
Silicon does not get damaged easily due to excess heat. Variation of Ic0 with temperature is not much hence thermal stability is maintained. Also reverse voltage of silicon diode is higher. Therefore silicon is the most used material for manufacturing diodes.
How do I get zener voltage?
How to Calculate Zener Diodes
- Determine the maximum and minimum load current (Li), for example 10 mA and 0 mA.
- Determine the maximum supply voltage that may develop, for example a 12 V level, also ensuring that the minimum supply voltage is always = 1.5 V + Vz (the zener voltage rating).
What is the other name of zener voltage?
A Zener diode is a diode which allows current to flow in the forward direction in the same manner as an ideal diode, but 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”, “Zener voltage”, “avalanche point”, or “peak inverse …
What is the main function of zener diode?
Zener diodes are used for voltage regulation, as reference elements, surge suppressors, and in switching applications and clipper circuits. The load voltage equals breakdown voltage VZ of the diode. The series resistor limits the current through the diode and drops the excess voltage when the diode is conducting.
What is the principle of Zener diode?
A Zener diode is a silicon semiconductor device that permits current to flow in either a forward or reverse direction. The diode consists of a special, heavily doped p-n junction, designed to conduct in the reverse direction when a certain specified voltage is reached.
What is the main cause of Zener breakdown?
The main cause of zener breakdown is high doping concentrations. The breakdown is a condition when upon increasing the voltage in small amounts; we experience a massive current flow in the device. Zener breakdown occurs when we apply reverse bias to a heavily doped diode.
What is done for Zener breakdown?
Zener breakdown occurs when the electric field near the junction becomes large enough to excite valence electrons directly into the conduction band.