Why does GE diode produce higher reverse saturation current?
In germanium diodes, a small increase in temperature generates large number of minority charge carriers. The number of minority charge carriers generated in the germanium diodes is greater than the silicon diodes. Hence, the reverse saturation current in the germanium diodes is greater than the silicon diodes.
Why is the reverse saturation current small in silicon than in germanium diode?
The silicon diode is less sensitive than the germanium diode, hence the operation of silicon diodes is stable with changes in temperature. The Si diode has low reverse current compared to Ge. The structure of Germanium crystals will be destroyed at a higher temperature.
Why germanium has more leakage current?
In Germanium and Silicon diodes, leakage current is only of few microamperes and nanoamperes, respectively. Germanium is much more susceptible to temperature than silicon. For this reason, mostly Silicon is used in modern semiconductor devices.
What is the order of reverse saturation current in germanium diode?
The reverse saturation current of a Germanium diode is of the orders of micro-amperes (μA).
Is current in diode?
Since the current can only flow in one direction (forward-bias), we unofficially think of diodes as one-way electronic valves. If the voltage across a diode is negative, then no current will flow; thus, an ideal diode appears as an open circuit.
How fast can a diode switch?
A switching diode is suitable for switching a small signal of up to 100 mA, acting as a rectifier. In contrast, a rectifier diode is used for AC line rectification (from alternating current to direct current).
Which diode is used for fast switching?
Schottky diode
Why do we use Schottky diode?
Schottky diodes are used for their low turn-on voltage, fast recovery time and low-loss energy at higher frequencies. These characteristics make Schottky diodes capable of rectifying a current by facilitating a quick transition from conducting to blocking state.
What can be used instead of Zener diode?
An alternative, which is used for voltage references that need to be highly stable over long periods of time, is to use a Zener diode with a temperature coefficient (TC) of +2 mV/°C (breakdown voltage 6.2–6.3 V) connected in series with a forward-biased silicon diode (or a transistor B-E junction) manufactured on the …
Can I replace Zener diode with normal diode?
Justify your answer. Ordinary diode can’t be used as a Zener diode, since ordinary diodes aren’t operated in the reverse bias breakdown region to avoid them from damaging. Zener diode is a specially designed silicon diode that is optimized to operate in the breakdown region.
What is the difference between Zener diode and normal diode?
A diode is a semiconductor device which conducts in one direction only. A Zener diode is a semiconductor device which conducts in forward biased as well as reversed biased. A normal diode if operated in reversed biased will get destroyed.
Can a Zener diode be used as a regular diode?
“Can an ordinary diode be used as a zener diode?” Strictly speaking, not. Zener diodes have breakdown voltage below approximately 6V. The reference diodes with higher breakdown voltage are employing avalanche breakdown, and have nothing to do with real Zener diodes.
Is 1N4148 a Zener diode?
1N4148 1W Zener Diode is a general-purpose silicon diode. For the protection of various devices, regulating current flow, etc this diode is useful.
Why Zener diode is voltage regulator?
Zener diodes are designed so that their breakdown voltage is much lower – for example just 2.4 Volts. Zener diodes are a special kind of diode which permits current to flow in the forward direction. Zener diodes will also allow current to flow in the reverse direction when the voltage is above a certain value.