ELEC 3908, Physical Devices Lecture 1

Review of Diodes

Lecture Outline

The first lecture is a review of the basic theory of

diodes
The simple ideal diode equation is reviewed, and
plots of the I-V characteristic on linear and log
scales are shown

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Diode - Structure and Symbol

Diode or pn-junction is composed of two
semiconducting materials, one p-type
(anode) one n-type (cathode)
Diode voltage VD is defined as the potential
of the p-type relative to the n-type
Positive VD (raise p with respect to n) is forward
bias
Negative VD (raise n with respect to p) is reverse
bias

Positive diode current ID flows from p to n

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Simple Ideal Diode Equation

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Simple Ideal Equation - Characteristics (Linear)

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Simple Ideal Equation - Reverse Bias (Linear)

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Linear and Log Plots (not in notes explicitly)

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Function on Log Axis vs Log(Function) on Linear Axis

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Slope of Log(Function) on Linear Axis Plot

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Slope of Function on Log Axis Plot

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Zero on Linear vs. Log Ordinate

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Simple Ideal Equation - ln(|ID|) Plot

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Simple Ideal Equation - 3kT/q Boundaries

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Simple Ideal Equation - Projection of VDS > 3kT/q

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Example 1.1: Error in VD 0.7 V

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Example 1.1: Solution

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Measured Diode Characteristics

If real diodes are measured in
the lab we find that they do not
follow the simple ideal diode
eqn
To investigate reasons for
device nonideality, measure I-V
characteristics for several
commercial diodes
Diode observations:
Slope is not kT/q as predicted by
the simple ideal equation, and
varies between devices
Intercept (IS) also varies
The current rolls off at high VD
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Conclusions From Diode Measurements

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Lecture Summary

The ideal diode equation was reviewed, and

plotted on linear and log axes
The use of log axes results in a plot with a
number of useful features, including
Linear regions where the dependence is exponential
A dip to where the quantity goes to 0 this will be
particularly useful in lecture 6, which discusses
doping profiles

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Lecture Summary cont.

In practice, measured diode characteristics are

not well modeled by the simple ideal diode
equation
In order to develop an improved diode model, the
physical structure and behavior of the diode has
to be understood
Next lecture begins this study with an in depth
examination of semiconducting material

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