Question

PN Junctions and breakdown

1. Draw and interpret energy band diagram for pn junction in equilibrium, forward, and reverse bias

2. Describe what physically happens (And why) when you put n-Si in contact with p-Si (e.g., junction formation)

3. Calculate Vo, W, Wn, Wp

4. Describe how/why current flows in forward and reverse bias.

5. Utilize law of junction to calculate the minority carrier concentration just outside the depletion layer

6. Quantify the forward and reverse bias current in a p-n junction given appropriate information

7. Describe the meaning of the diode ideality factor for values of 1 and 2 and in between

8. Describe what constitutes “short diode” conditions

9. Calculate the depletion layer capacitance given sufficient information

10. Identify the two mechanisms that allow for reverse bias breakdown of a diode.

11. Describe what occurs during Zener tunneling and avalanche and the conditions that this will occur

Answer 1