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Semiconductors
&
DevicesDISCLAIMER
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towards, without limitation, any claims, liabilities, damages or suits which may arise with
respect to the same”Semiconductors
introduction
On the basis of concentration of charge carriers or electrical conductivity in solids, we already
have studied conductors and insulators. We now introduce another kind of solid known as
semiconductor. These solids conduct electricity in the presence of an applied electric field,
but the conductivity is very low compared to conventional metal conductors. Silicon is the
example of a semiconductor, its electrical conductivity is about 10" times lower than copper
and about 10" times higher than molten quartz (insulator). Another distinguishing feature
of a semiconductor is that its electrical conductivity increases with increasing temperature.
Metals 407-108
Semiconductors 10°¢ ~ 10
nsulators 10-" - 10-7
In general, semiconductors are of two types —
(a) Elemental semiconductors : Si and Ge
(&) Compound semiconductors : Examples are :
Inorganic : CdS, GaAs, CdSe, InP, etc.
Organic : anthracene, doped pthalocyanines, ete.
Organic polymers : polypyrrole, polyaniline, polythiophene, etc.
it is necessary to understand the mechanism af conduction in solids, tet us discuss
qualitatively, formation of energy bands in solids (specially silicon).
‘The Energy Band Theory of Crystals
A crystal is basically a group of atoms or molecules. These atoms or molecules have
fundamental structural unit. A crystal is series of these identical units and it is regularly
repeated in three dimensions. The energy states of a crystal is different from an isolated
atom.3p (6)
3s (2) |N=3
ae ch 2
Energy =:
(ev) 2s (2)
1s (2) JN=1
Energy levels are further subdivided in sub-energy levels (i.e. s, p, d, f). Electronic configuration
of Si atom is 1s*, 2s’, 2p%. 3s. 3p. It is represented by energy level diagram in figure below.
n case of single isolated atom, the electrons in any orbit possess definite energy. However,
an atom in a crystal is very much influenced by closely packed neighbouring atoms. As a
result, the electron in any orbit of such an atom can have a range of energies rather than a
single energy.
An electron possesses energies in the range known as “Energy band”.
r
= 4" Energy Level
2” Energy Level
rs
1" Energy Level
Figure 1 Figure 2
Figure 1, shows the orbits of different electrons around nucleus for an isolated atom.
Figure 2, is showing the energy level of an isolated atom, where each orbit is having single
energy level.4" band
3 band
2" band
1* band
Figure 3
For a crystal, the electron in each orbit has a range of energies. According to Pauli exclusion
principle, no two electrons can have same energy, therefore, electrons in first orbit have
slightly different energies. A crystal contains millions of first orbit electrons, the slightly
different energy levels form a band and known as 1" energy band as shown in figure 3. The
electrons spinning in the in the first orbit can have any energy that lie in this band. Similarly,
electrons of second orbit form second energy level band and so on.
Let us have an example of Si crystal to understand the “Energy band Theory”. Consider that
the Si crystal is having N no. of atoms. We know that outermost shell (n = 3) is having two
sub-shells (s and p). These two sub-shells can have a maximum 8 number of electrons.
Therefore, there will be 8 energy levels in the outermost shell of Si-atom. Since only 4
electrons lie in outermost shell, so out of 8, only 4 energy levels (or energy states) are filled,
remaining 4 energy levels are empty.
AN states (0 electron)
(conduction band) Atoms with
Energy lost Identity
8N states
6N states,
2N electrons
Forbidden
Energy
Gap
2N states,
2N electrons
| ——AN states (4N electrons)
(alance band)
c {Bs A
Inter atomic distance
Figure 4If distance between neighbouring N atoms is large, all the atoms behave as if they are
isolated and have identical pattern. These atoms will be having 8N energy states, out of
which 2N states will be in 3s sub-shell and other 6N states will be in 3p sub-shell and 3s
and 3p sub-shells are separated by an energy gap. It is shown in figure 4 (portion A).
As the distance between atoms decreases, interaction between atoms increases. Because
of close coupling between atoms, the atoms losses their own identity and become an
electronic system which must obey Pauli Exclusion Principle.
At a specific distance 6N energy states of 3p subshell and 2N energy states of 3s subshell
merged with each other and there will be total 8N energy states without any significant
energy gap between them (figure 4, portion B).
If spacing between atoms is further decreased, the total energy levels start getting divided
yto two parts (4N, 4N) and an energy gap is established between them (figure 4, portion C).
This energy gap is called Forbidden Gap.
At O K temperature, no electron can have energy corresponding to forbidden gap. These
discrete energy levels are represented by horizontal lines in energy diagram having negligible
separation among them and, therefore, look like a band. Lower energy band is called Valence
band and upper energy band is called Conduction band. These bands are separated by
forbidden gap.
Since every semiconductor has only four electrons in its outer shell, therefore, it will be
having structure same as Si crystal.
Insulator
Conduction Band
‘Valence
Electron
Valence Band
Insulators are poor conductor of electricity. They have completely filled valence band and
empty conduction band. These two bands are being separated by a forbidden gap of around
GeV. Normally an electron cannot acquire such a high amount of energy so it cannot jump
from valence band to conduction band and hence conductivity is poor.However, as the temperature increases, some of electrons of valence band acquire sufficient
energy to cross over to the conduction band. Therefore, the resistance of insulator decreases
with the increase in temperature. Hence, an insulator has negative temperature coefficient
of resistance. Diamond and Glass are examples of insulator.
Metal
‘Conduction Band
The bands
overlap
‘Valence Band
na metal, conduction band overlap with valence band, so forbidden gap is not present
and electrons present in valence band can easily move into conduction band. Therefore,
large number of charge carriers are present in metal that constitute high conductivity
of metals.
‘Semiconductor
Free Conduction Band
Electrons
holes:
Semiconductor is a substance whose conductivity lies between metal and insulator.
Forbidden energy gap is nearly teV. At OK, semiconductors behave like insulators,
since no electron can have any thermal energy to jump into conduction band. At room
temperature some valence electrons acquire sufficient energy to cross forbidden gap and
become free/conduction electrons and hence conductivity increases with temperature.
Therefore, semiconductor have negative temperature coefficient. Once they jump into
conduction band, they leave vacancies in valence band. These vacancies are known
as holes.1
Glass Insulator 431 x 10-7
2 Germanium Semiconductor 167
a. Copper Conductor 9x10
| Free electron
hole
Valence
electron
Covalent
bond
Figure shows a Si crystal with broken covalent bond. Each atom has four electrons in outer
shell, each electron is shared by neighbouring atom and hence covalent bond is formed.
At room temperature, some covalent bonds are broken. Energy required to break the
bond is 14eV for Si and 0.72 eV for Ge at room temperature. The absence of electron in
the covalent bond or an incomplete covalent bond is called a hole. This hole acts as
a positive charge. For one electron set free, one hole is created. Therefore, due to
thermal energy, pairs of electron and hole are created, there being as many holes as the
free electrons.Current Carrying Mechanism of Hole
rH
— ht -_ sO eT"
Be ee ee
Assuming that a hole exists in a covalent bond. Electron from neighbouring atom fills this
hole and leaves a hole at its own position. This process will continue. Valence electrons
move towards right and it appears as holes are moving towards left.
Basically current carried by valence electrons in valence band is said to be the hole current
(i) and current carried by free electrons (or conduction electrons) in conduction band is
termed as electron current (j,). The total current flow in Si crystal will be -
‘Types of Semiconductors
(a) Intrinsic (pure) Semiconductors ;- These are the substances without any impurity. Their
conductivity is lower than extrinsic semiconductors. At high temperature, some of the
covalent bonds are broken and few electron-hole pairs are created.
These free electrons and holes are carriers of electricity in an intrinsic semiconductor.
(b) P-type Extrinsic Semiconductor :- They are impure semiconductors with P-type
(trivalent) of impurities doped in. They have majority of holes as charge carriers.
(c) N-type Extrinsic Semiconductor :- When N-type (pentavalent) impurity is added to
intrinsic semiconductor they become N-type extrinsic semiconductors. Majority carriers
are electrons in N-type semiconductors.
Generation and Recombination of Charges
nan intrinsic semiconductor, due to thermal energy or photoelectric radiation, new electron-
hole pairs are created, while at the same time some other electron-hole pairs disappear
due to recombination. Recombination is a process in which a conduction electron falls into
empty covalent bond (hole). Before recombination, the electron-hole pair exist for some
time. This time is called mean life time. This time vary in the range of 10~* sec to 10~* sec.
Life time of hole and electron is indicated by t, and x, respectively.
Intrinsic Concentration
napure (intrinsic) semiconductor, the concentration of electrons (n.) is equal to concentration
of holes (n,).
> nen=n,
where n, is called intrinsic concentration
n, depends on temperature by following relationship.
2fe
ee aTel *
where A = Constant that is independent of T
T = _ Absolute temperature
(E), = Forbidden energy gap at 0 K
K = Boltzmann's constant = 1.38 x 10-7? J/K
Ge si
n, at room Temp. (300 K)
2.5 «10° fem 1.5 10" / cm*
Forbidden Energy Gap
The separation between conduction band and valence band on the energy level diagram is
called Forbidden energy gap (E,). For a semiconductor E, depends upon the temperature by
following relationship.
For Ge: &, (1) = [0.785 - 2.23 x 10~'T] eV where, Tis temp. in K.
For Si: €, (T)=[1.21- 3.6 « 10T] ev
Ge 0.785 ev 072 ev
si 1.21 eV iev
Q. At which temperature, the forbidden energy gap for Ge and Si become equal?
Sol. €s* dee
1.21 ~ 3.6 x 10-T = 0.785 ~ 2.23 x 10 T
1.37 x 10-*T = 0.425
T = 3102.2K‘Types of Doping
f trivalent or pentavalent impurities are added to intrinsic semiconductor, extrinsic (impure)
semiconductor is formed.
Trivalent / Acceptor impurities > 8, Al, Ga,in,T¢
Pentavalent / Donor Impurities > N,P,As,Sb,Bi
N-type Semiconductor
Region
belongs to
conduction
band
Pentavalent/Donor atoms have five valence electrons, four electrons form covalent bond
with atoms of intrinsic semiconductor and fifth is loosely bound. This requires low amount
of energy that is very easily available at room temperature, therefore it aces like free electron
and carries the current.
Almost every Donor atom provides one conduction electron at room temperature, the
electrons (negative charge) become the majority charge carries and therefore this type of
semiconductor is known as N-type extrinsic Semiconductor. Since every pentavalent atom
donate one electron, it is also called Donor impurity.
Every donor atom acquires positive charge and becomes positive ion, when electron leaves
it. Since weight of an ion is much more than an electron, therefore, it is almost immobile
and termed as immobile positive ion.Conduction
band
4
0.05eV(Si), 0.01eV(Ge)
band
Effect of donor impurities on energy band structure
Addition of donor impurity creates new donor energy level (E,) in forbidden energy gap. it
lies just below conduction band. Energy gap is 0.05eV for Si and 0.01eV for Ge. This low
energy level is available at room temperature, so all donor electrons jump from donor
level to conduction level quite easily and large number of free electrons are available, thus
increasing the conductivity.
P-type Semiconductor
Region
belongs to
valence
band
Trivalent atom has only three electrons in outer shell, so they have vacancy of one electron
(known as hole) to complete the covalent bond. Therefore, every trivalent atom provides
‘one hole. Total number of holes in an extrinsic semiconductor depends upon number of
added trivalent atoms. Since every trivalent atom accepts one electron so these type of
impurities are known as acceptor impurities. Current conduction in P-type semiconductor
is due to holes that have positive charge, therefore acceptor impurities are called P-type
impurities and semiconductor so formed is called P-type extrinsic semiconductor.Disappearance of hole
due to recombination
(0,0SeV(Si), 0.01eV(Ge)
Valence electron
Effect of acceptor impurities on energy band structure
Doping of acceptor impurities creates new energy levels called acceptor energy level (E,) in
forbidden energy gap. It lies just above valence band. These new energy levels contain holes.
Electrons from valence band move into acceptor level (E,) and recombine with holes, so
they leave holes in valence band.
Hole is created at position 1 due to movement of electron from position 1 to acceptor level.
Electron from position 2, jump to position 1 and create hole at position 2. This shifting of
position continues and movement of hole takes place from position 1 to position 5 as shown
in above figure. Therefore, in P-type semiconductors, the current conduction in valence
band is due to valence electrons. Since it appears as holes are moving in valence band, so
it is termed as hole current.
Every acceptor atom acquires negative charge after accepting electron and is called immo
negative ion.
Effect of Doping on Properties of Semiconductor
The doping has following effects on Semiconductor :
4. Increased concentration of charge carriers (holes or electrons).
2. Conductivity (9) increases (as o « concentration of charge carriers).
3. It creates extra energy level, for N-type new energy level is created near conduction
band and for P-type near valence band.
4. Concentration of electrons in conduction band increases for N-type semiconductor.
5. Concentration of holes in valence band increases for P-type semiconductor.
6. For N-type semiconductor, concentration of holes (minority carriers) falls below the
level of holes in intrinsic semiconductor. Since N-type semiconductor have large number
of electrons, therefore, rate of recombination increases and concentration of holes
decreases. Although concentration of electrons also decreases due to recombination but
percentage change is negligible, considering large concentration of electrons in N-type
semiconductor.7. Concentration of free electrons fall below intrinsic level for P-type semiconductor in the
same manner as explained above
8. Doping make the current mainly dependent upon only one type of majority charge carrier
(either hole or electron).
9. For N-type semiconductor, concentration of electrons much exceed the holes, therefore,
electrons are called majority carriers and holes as minority carriers. Similarly, the holes
are said to be majority carriers and electrons are called as minority carriers in P-type
semiconductor.
Mass Action Law
Under thermal equilibrium, the product of concentration of free electrons (n) and
concentration of holes (n,) is a constant, independent of amount of donor and acceptor
doping level. This is called mass action law. Mathematically, we have-
nn, =n
where n = intrinsic concentration.
1. For N-type Semiconductor:
Suppose N, is the concentration of donor atoms in intrinsic semiconductor. At room
temperature almost every doncr atom donates one electron and therefore concentration
of free electrons due to donor atoms is N,. As we know,
ne=N, and aan,
According to mass action law,
2 2
PP, =A) => Nom =F
Therefore, concentration of minority charge carrier or holes,
Ls
For P-type Semiconductor:
Suppose N, is the concentration of acceptor atoms in intrinsic semiconductor. At room
temperature almost every acceptor ator donate one hole and therefore concentration
of holes due to acceptor atoms is N,.
me, and noon,
According to mass action law,
nn, =) => Nn, = oF
Therefore, concentration of minority charge carrier or electrons,
2.Mobility
Drift velocity (v) x applied electric field (E)
wE > we
The proportionality constant is called mobility (yu) and has a unit of cm’/V-sec. Also ¢ is
mean free time and m is mass of electron (81 x 10 kg).
Mobility of electron (u) 3800 cm?/V-cm 1300 cm?/V-cm
Mobility of hole (y,) 1800 cm?/V-cm 500 cm?/V-cm
Mobility of conduction electrons is more than valence electrons (holes) since conduction
electrons are more easily affected from electric field than valence electrons. Valence band
is inner band of atoms where influence of applied electric field is least.
1. Dependence of Mobility over Temperature :
pot" where ned
ACT = 0 K, p= 0 for all charge cari
2. Dependence of Mobility over Electric Field Intensity :
p= constant, for £ < 10? V/cm
1 . o
wee + for 10" >n, and om =Ny
o=Nen,
An intrinsic sample of germanium crystal has a hole density of 10° per cm?
at the room temperature. When doped with antimony so as to contain 10°
impurity atoms/em?, the hole density decreased to 10" per cm? at the same
temperature. Calculate the majority carrier density.
= 0, >, =n, = 10" fem
After doping concentration of hole n, = 10"/cm?
An, = OF
ind the resistivity of intrinsic silicon. intrinsic carrier concentration (n) =
1.5 x 10" / m?; Hole mobility (p,) = 0.048 m? / V-sec; Electron mobility (p.) =
0.435 m?/V-sec.
Sol, Intrinsic Semiconductor
Given, A= nan, = 1.5 *10%/m?
}, = 0.135 m?/v-sec
1.048 m?/V-sec
o= nen, + neh,
ne H+ H)
= 1.5 x 10 ¥ 1.6 = 10°? x 0183
Conductivity,
14Sol.
Sol.
= 4.392 x 10 mho/m
1
Resistivity, =t
istivity, pa e
p=22770-m
‘When intrinsic silicon is doped with a pentavalent impurity of one impurity
atom for each 60 million Si atoms, calculate the resistivity of the doped Si.
No. of Si atoms (N) = 4.5 * 10" / m?;
Electron mobility (y,) = 0135 m*/V-sec.
Doped Semiconductor =
x4.5x 10%
7.8 x10 1.6% 10
.0617 0 -m.
Find the conductivity of Si with acceptor impurity of 1 part in 5 x 10",
Given at 300 K, p, = 500 em*/V-s ; No. of Si atoms = 5 x 102 / em’,
P-type Semiconductor :
A
5x10"
N, = 10% / cm?
Conductivity,
nen, = x5 x 107
o=Neu,
= 10" x 1.6 x 10 x 500
6 = 0.08 Mho/em
15.For a Germanium single crystal of N-type, the mobility of electrons in 3600
cm?/V-sec and conductivity is 0.6 mho/em. Calculate the value of the carrier
density neglecting the contribution due to holes.
°
Sol. In N-type Semiconductor:
n=n tn =n = Ny
o=Neu, =nen,
« os
a= -__96 __
ene 1.6 10°" x 3600
04 x10" J cm?
‘The resistivity of doped material is 0.039 ohm-cm. Calculate electron density
and hole density. Given: n, = 2.5 * 10%/em? , p, = 3600 cm?/V-sec, p, = 1700
cm?/V-sec.
Sol. ~ nn, =n? = (25x10?
6.25 x 10°
%
ol)
eH, + ely
‘i
0.039 x 1.6 = 10-"
36n, +171, = 1.603 x 10"
1, (3600) + n,,(1700) =
26
2 (Se
™
T7rg - 1.603 10"n, 42.2510" =0
n, = 180310" Joa.603 10)? - 4(17y(2.25) «1
x 2017)
By taking +ve' sign-
n, = 9.43 x 10 holes / cm?
16.Sol.
Am, 9:43x 10"
= n, = 6.63x 10° electrons / cm?
By taking '-ve' sign, we can get another possible answer - (using binomial.
approximation)
1.603 x 10% - 1,603 x 10 [ 1- 2.97 x 1077 ]
x7)
fn, = 1403 10° holes /cm*
2 «10%
and n, = 5 = £:28%10
m 1403x 10"
n, = 4.45% 10" electrons / cm?
A uniform silver wire has resistivity = 1.54 * 10-' Q-m room temperature,
Electric field E = 1.2 V/m is applied along the wire. Find average drift velocity
and mobility of electrons. Electron density = 6 * 10*/m?.
1 1
pre 18410" 6x10" x ex 10
= 6.7610" mi? JV ~ sec
Also, drift speed v,=pE => v, = 6.76 x 10? x12
Vg =8.12x10% m/s
1”P-N Junction
‘A P-N junction is the basic building block of many semiconductor devices like diode,
transistor, etc. A clear understanding of the junction behaviour is important to analyse the
working of other semiconductor devices.
<—Electron diffusion
o—Hole
Electron
Hole diffusion >
My
Drift current
Diffusion Current
Electron drift
<—Electron diffusion
Hole diffusion ———>
<— Hole drift
—-
U
Diffusion Current
Immobile Negative ion
immobile Positive ion
Depletion region or
space charge regionTwo important processes occur in the formation of the PN junction: one is diffusion and other
is drift. We know that, the concentration of electrons in an N-type semiconductor is more
than the concentration of holes. Likewise, in a P-type semiconductor, the concentration of
holes is greater than the concentration of electrons. During the formation of the PN junction
and due to the concentration gradients on the P and N sides, holes diffuse from the P side
to the N side (P > N) and electrons diffuse from the N side to the P side (N > P). This charge
transport motion gives rise to diffusion currents across the junction.
When an electron diffuses out of the NP, it leaves behind an N-side ionised donor. The
donor which is ionised (positive charge) is immobile because it is bonded to the surrounding
atoms. As the electrons continue to diffuse away from the N — P, a positively charged layer
‘on the N side of the junction forms.
Likewise, when a hole diffuses from PN due to a concentration gradient, it leaves an
immobile ionised acceptor(negative charge). As the holes continue to diffuse, a negatively
charged layer (or negatively charged region) on the P-side of the junction is formed. The
spatially charged region on either side of the junction is called the depletion region because
the electrons and holes involved in the initial motion across the junction deplete the region
of its majority carriers. The thickness of the depletion zone is one tenth of a micrometer.
In this region, an electric field (E) directed from positive to negative charges develops. Due
to this field, an electron from the P-side of the junction moves towards N-side, and a hole
from the N-side of the junction moves towards P side. The movement of charge carriers due
to the electric field is called drift. Thus, a drift current, opposite to the diffusion current,
begins.
Initially, the diffusion current is large and the drift current is small. As diffusion continues,
the spatially charged regions on either side of the junction expand, thereby increasing the
strength of the electric field and thus the drift current. This process continued upto the
moment till the diffusion current equals the drift current. Thus, a P-N junction is formed. In
a P-N equilibrium junction, there is no net effective current.
The loss of electrons from the N region and the gain of electrons by the P region cause a
potential difference at the junction of the two regions. Since this potential tries to prevent
the movement of electrons from the N region to the P region, it is often called the barrier
potential (V,) or the contact potential or the cut-in potential.
Can we take a P-type semiconductor slab and physically connect it to another
N-type semiconductor to get a P-N junction?
Sol, No we cannot. Any plate, no matter how flat, will have a roughness much
greater than the distance between the crystals (-2 to 3A) and therefore cannot
be in continuous atomic-level contact. The junction will act as a discontinuity
for moving charge carriers.
19.P-N Junction Diode
Metallic
t
Certce Depletion Region
P-N junction diode Symbol of P-N junction diode
AP-N junction diode is basically a two terminal device with metallic contacts provided at
the ends for the application of an external voltage.
The direction of the arrow shows the original direction of current (under forward bias). The
equilibrium barrier potential can be changed by applying an external voltage V across the
diodes.
4. P-N Junction Diode Under Forward Bias :
Voltmeter (V)
ah
Milli ammeter
(ma)
Le ‘Switch
When positive terminal of external biasing battery is connected to P-side of diode and
negative terminal to the N-side of diode, the diode or P-N junction is said to be the forward
biased.
20.Negative terminal of battery repels electrons of N-side towards the junction, therefore they
move into depletion region and merge with the positive ions and reconvert positive ions into
neutral donor atoms. Similarly, holes are repelled by positive terminal of battery and they
merge with negative ions and neutralize them. With decrease in concentration of positive
and negative ions, depletion width decreases and finally it completely disappears when
applied forward voltage is equal to cut-in potential.
Now majority carriers can cross the junction and they constitute a large current which is
called forward current. It is directed from P to N-region. The junction offers low resistance
in the forward biased condition.
\(ma)
Vo v(v)
In forward bias, the current is almost negligible, till the applied voltage crosses the cut-
in voltage (~0.2V for Ge diode and ~07V for Si diode). After this voltage, the diode current
increases significantly (exponentially), even for avery small increase in the diode bias voltage.
2. P-N Junction Diode Under Reverse Bias:Voltmeter (V)
ahr
Micro ammeter
(pA)
Reverse biasing a P-N junction means connecting negative terminal of external DC battery to.
P-side and positive terminal to N-side of diode. Negative terminal of battery attracts holes
from P-side, therefore, holes move away from the junction. As holes leave acceptor atoms,
these atoms acquire negative charge and become negative immobile ions. Similarly, positive
terminal of battery attracts electrons fram N-side and due to movement of electrons away
from the junction, more donor atoms are uncovered and become positive ions. Since positive
and negative ions increase in number, therefore, thickness of depletion layer and contact
potential increases. The greater the reverse bias, the wider the depletion layer becomes. The
depletion layer stops growing when contact potential becomes equal to potential of biasing
battery.
Since barrier potential increases with increase in reverse bias, therefore, majority carriers
(holes in P-side and electrons in N-side) couldn't cross the junction. As a result, the current
due to majority carriers will be zero. The P-N junction offers very high resistance under
reverse bias.
Breakdown
region
Minority Current (1,)
Holes of N-region and electrons of P-region are called minority carriers. Electric field in the
depletion region helps the minority carriers in crossing the junction as shown in previous
topic. For minority carriers, reverse biasing the P-N junction acts like forward bias. Current
constituted by minority carriers under reverse bias condition is called minority current
(1,). It's direction is opposite to forward current. It depends only upon temperature and is
22,independent of applied reverse voltage. For a fixed temperature, minority current (|) reaches
its maximum value quickly and does not change with increase in reverse bias potential, it
is also called as reverse saturation current. It is of the order microamperes for Ge diode
and nanoamperes for Si diode. This is one of the reason why silicon dominates the field of
semiconductor devices.
Avalanche Broakdown :
Valence (bound)
elecfrens
°——> Two free
-_—>, « —> Electrons
Free
Electron
When reverse voltage increases continuously, then there will a stage where reverse current
increases suddenly to a very high value and diode may be damaged due to heating. This is
known as breakdown of diode.
Because of reverse voltage. the thermally generated free electrons of P-side (minority
carriers) pushed towards N-side. As electrons move through depletion layer, they acquire
energy from electric field present inside depletion layer and accelerate. These high speed
free electrons strike the atoms and dislodge the valence electrons. We can see a case in
above figure, a free electron strikes an atom and imports its energy to valence electron and
dislodge it. As a result, two free electrons are available. These two electrons gain energy
and further dislodge two valence electrons. It is like a chain reaction in atom bomb and an
all-out avalanche occurs and diode current increases tremendously. The voltage at which
junction breaks down is called reverse break over voltage (V,
o
ee
V-I Characteristics :
sal diode
V-I curve for an ideal diode | V-I curve for a pra
23.An ideal diode offers zero resistance in forward bias (behave as a short circuit) and infinite
resistance in reverse direction (behave as open circuit)
For diodes, we define a quantity called dynamic resistance (r,) as the ratio of small change
in voltage AV to a small change in current Al :
av
“al
In reverse bias, diode resistance is variable, it increases as applied reverse voltage increases.
The V-1 characteristics of a silicon diode is shown in figure. Calculate the
resistance of the diode at
(@) 1, = 15 ma and (Vv, = -10.
1 (ma)
Os 0.7 08 My
pA” °
Sol, @ ~ Curve is almost straight between | = 10 mA to | = 20 mA
Dynamic resistance (when | = 15 mA) is-
0.1v
a -100
10mA
(o) v
=10 Vand | = -1 pA
Therefore, static resistance is-
YIN wo
24.The I-V characteristic of a P-N junction diode is shown in figure. Find the
approximate dynamic resistance of the P-N junction when (a) a forward bias
of 1 volt is applied, (b) a forward bias of 2 volt is applied,
pi (mA)
800
400
15]
10]
112 2 21° Vivolt)
Sol, @ ¥ Curve is almost linear between 1V to 1.2V,
“, Dynamic resistance in this region is-
o2v
= AV 92) L400
AL 5mA
(b) Curve is almost linear between 2V to 24V,
*. Dynamic resistance in this region is-
Roo __oav
Al = 400mA
= 0.250
P-N Junction as a Rectifier
A rectifier is a device which converts an AC into a DC.
1. Half-wave Rectifier :
:
Input ‘Output
across R
25.We can use a P-N junction as a rectifier because it permits current in one direction only.
Above figure shows an AC source connected to a load resistance through a diode. The
potential at B varies with time as V = V, sin(wt + 4). During the positive half cycle, V > 0 and
Vp > Vy In this case, the junction is forward-biased and a current i is established in the load
resistance R in the direction C to A.
During this half cycle,
Vo sin(ot +4)
Be Ryunction
And the potential difference across it is-
RV, sin(ot +
‘a= RoR
+ Rivnction
where Rucioy = fesistance offered by diode.
In forward bias, Rivrceon << R $0 that
uneton
* sin(ot +4)
During the next half cycle, V < 0 and the potential at the point B becomes smaller than that
of A. The junction is thus reverse-biased and offers a large resistance during this half cycle
and there is only a negligible current in the circuit. The current in the resistance is thus
unidirectional. This is called half-wave rectification because there is practically no current
during alternate half cycles
2. Full-wave Rectifier :
A full wave rectification can be achieved by using two diodes as shown in figure below.
F
VaeVe-Ve.
Transformer
26.The AC potential difference is obt:
connected in the circuit. in one-half cycle, V, > V, > V, so that the junction D, conducts but
D, does not. The current is fram A to D, to E to C. In the next half cycle, V, > V, > V, so that
ed across the secondary coil of a transformer and is
D, conducts whereas D, does not. The current is from B to D, to E to C. in both the half-
cycles, the current in the load resistance is from E to C.
Filters
ac | Full
* input |_ Wave
‘o__ Rectifier |
Filtered o/p
across R
The rectifier voltage has a pulse in the form of a half-sinusoidal shape. Although it is one-
way, it has no fixed value. To obtain a stable DC output from the pulse voltage, a capacitor
is usually connected to the output terminals (in parallel with the load R). We can also use
an inductor in series with R for the same purpose. Since these additional-circuits seem to
filter the AC ripple and supply pure DC voltage, they are called filters.
As the voltage across the capacitor increases, it charges. If there is no external load, it is
still charged at the peak voltage of the rectified output. When there is a load, it discharges
on the load and the voltage across it starts to drop. During the next half cycle of the rectified
output, it is again charged to the peak value. The rate of the fall of the voltage across the
capacitor in proportional to == or inverse of time constant
A good filter uses large value of C. The output voltage of C.
The output voltage obtained using a capacitor input filter is closer to the peak voltage of the
rectified voltage. Such type of filter is most widely used in power suppliesA2V battery may be connected across the points A and B as shown in figure.
Assume that the resistance of each diode is zero in forward bias and infinity in
reverse bias. Find the current supplied by the battery if the positive terminal
of the battery is connected to (a) the point A (b) the point B.
Sol, @) When the positive terminal of the battery is connected to the point A, the
diode D, is forward-biased and D, is reverse-biased. The resistance of the
diode D, is zero, and it can be replaced by a resistance-less wire. Similarly,
the resistance of the diode D, is infinity, and it can be replaced by a broken
wire. The equivalent circuit is shown in figure (a). The current supplied by the
battery is 2V/109 = 0.2 A.
100 200
AWWW WN
I ]
@ (b)
(b) When the positive terminal of the battery is connected to the point B, the
diode D, is forward-biased and D, is reverse biased. The equivalent circuit is
shown in figure (b). The current through the battery is 2W/20 2 = 014.Zener diode
It is a special purpose semiconductor diode, designed to operate under reverse bias in the
breakdown region and used as a voltage regulator.
ve
v
Operating|
Region
Symbol 1-V characteristics of Zener diode
Zener diode is fabricated by heavily doping both P- and N-sides of the junction. Due to
this, depletion region formed is very thin (< 10-*m) and the electric field of the junction is
extremely high (~5 = 10* V/m) even for a small reverse bias voltage of about 5 V. When the
applied reverse bias voltage V reaches the breakdown voltage V,, there is a large change in
current. Its Not like that a small change in the reverse bias voltage can cause a big variation
in the current following the breakdown voltage V,. In other words, even though the current
through the Zener diode changes widely, the Zener voltage remains constant.
Zener Breakdown:
The movement of electrons (minority carriers) from PN and holes from N-»P is known to
be the cause of reverse current. The electric field at the junction becomes considerable as
the reverse bias voltage is increased. When the reverse bias voltage V=V, is set, the electric
field strength is high enough to remove valence electrons from the P-side host atoms and
accelerate them to the N-side. The strong current detected at the breakdown is due to
these electrons. Internal field emission, also known as field ionisation, is the emission of
electrons from host atoms as a result of a strong electric field. Field ionisation requires an
electric field on the order of 10° V/m. This is referred to as a Zener breakdown,
Zener Diode as a Voltage Regulator :
Unregulated i ai.
voltage ae lz
Kw p, Regulateo
* Voltage (V2)
o-
Zener diode as a DC voltage regulator
23.When the AC input voltage of a rectifier varies, so does the rectified output. A Zener diode
is used to obtain a steady DC voltage from a rectifier's DC unregulated output.
The Zener diode is reverse biased by connecting the unregulated DC voltage (filtered output
of a rectifier) to it through a series resistance R,. As the input voltage rises, the current
flowing through the R, and Zener diode rises as well. This raises the voltage drop across
R, while leaving the voltage across the Zener diode same. This is because, even while the
current through the Zener diode changes in the breakdown zone, the Zener voltage remains
constant.
Similarly, as the input voltage drops, so does the current through the R, and Zener diode.
Thus without any change in the voltage across the Zener diode, the voltage drop across R,
diminishes. As a result, each change in the input voltage causes a change in the voltage drop
across R, without a change in the voltage across the Zener diode. Hence we can say that as
a voltage regulator, the Zener diode is used. The Zener diode should be chosen based on the
needed output voltage and the series resistance R,.
Also, for a good load regulation, |, should be much larger than |, (in general, at least 5 times).
In a Zener regulated power supply a Zener diode with V, = 6.0V is used for
regulation. The load current is to be 4.0 mA and the unregulated input is 10.0
V. What should be the value of series resistor R,?
Sol, For a good load regulation, choose |, = 51, = 20mA then, |, = |, + |, = 24 mA
Vv, =10- Vv, =4V
a%ec 4
1, 24mA
Ry = 1672
The nearest value of carbon resistor is 150 Q. So, a series resistor of 150 © is,
appropriate.
oO. Determine the range of values of V, that will maintain the Zener
state.
R
Me >
Pr 2200
Mw 2ovev. i S12k2 Ye
[
Tzn= OMASol. since, = {poy o 1e.67ma
To maintain the zener diode ON
kook
Yaa Meth R
= 20 + 16.67 * 107 x 220 = 23.67
kth thm
= (16.67 + 60) MA
Vy +R
10 + 220 x 76.67 «107?
10 + 16.87 = 36.87 V
\,
© inZener diode circuit if R, is varied from 1 k® to 100 ko. Derive output voltage
"Nyasa function of the
Vato
Sol, Given, R; is varied from 1h0 to 100 kA.
Since v, = XL
ROR
For R, < 10 k0, V, <5¥, (i. Vy < ¥,)
Ideal Zener diode behaves like open circuit in this condition and output volt-
age is related to load resistance by equation (i)
From the above equation the value of R, that will turn the Zener diode ON is
10kK0)(5)
Here V, = V,= 5V
After turn on, Zener diode maintains the output voltage equal to V,, there-
fore, V, will be independent of R, and output voltage will be constant and
equal to V,
> V,=V,=5VSh
V.=100V a ve40V = 10KQ.
A voltage regulator circuit is shown in above figure, calculate:
{a) The output voltage.
(b) Voltage drop across series resistance.
(c) The current through Zener diode.
Sol, (@) Zener diode has a property that it maintains voltage across it constant
* qual to V,), so output voltage = V, = 40V
(b) Voltage drop across series resistance R’ = V, - V, = 100 - 40 = 60V
60
(©) So current, |= = 6mA
10 x 10?
Load current | = —*°_ = ama
70x 10
Applying KCL at point (1); |,
R.=500Q
Find the range of input voltage V, in figure, for which Zener diode maintain
SOV across output. Given that Zener current rating is 50 mA.
32.Sol.
Sol,
For minimum input voltage, |, = 0
From KCL at node (1), |, = |, + |,
So for minimum input voltage |,
y= th = 2 |+—
ve
1
v
Light emitting diode and its symbol
LED works in a forward bias condition. Metal contacts are made both on P- and N-side for
external connection to battery. The contact surface to P-side is much smaller, to permit the
emergence of maximum light. LED is a direct band gap type diode.
When electron is excited from valence band to conduction band, the electrons and hole
pairs are created. Electrons stay in conduction band for a very short period called life time
(= 10" sec) and then return back. In transition from higher energy state (conduction
band, E,) to lower energy state (valence band, E,), these electrons release energy.
Energy released, &, = E, - E,
and associated frequency of radiation, f
where h = plank’s constant.
For Si and Ge diode, emitted radiation falls in the infrared region. LEDs may be made from
semiconducting compounds like gallium arsenide or indium phosphide
Application
(LED is designed so as to produce coherent light with a very narrow band width. We
call this LASER diode and find application in optical communication system and in CD
player.
(ii) As an opto-isolator (combination of LED and photodiode in same package).
(iii) In display devices.
3. Solar Cell:
It converts solar energy into electrical energy. Although efficiency of conversion is very poor
(10% - 40%).Outer ring .
contact) Sun light
Side view Top view
Solar cell consists of a P-N junction with metallic contact at bottom and metallic
outer ring at top along with glass. Every effort is made to ensure that the surface area
perpendicular to the sun light ray is maximum. Thickness of P-type material is kept smaller
so that light photons reach at P-N junction easily. Se, Si, GaAs, InAs, CdS are widely used
materials.
Operation of solar cell is similar to a photo diode. Light photons fall on the junction and
impart their energy to valence electrons and dislodge them. Consequently, a large number
of free electrons and holes are created on each side of junction. Holes generated in N-side
and electrons generated in P-side material move towards P and N region, respectively. The
depletion layer does not oppose the flow of minority carriers. Therefore, a minority current
flows which in turn depends upon light intensity.
If terminals are shorted, a current flows, which is known as short circuit current (I,.).
The short circuit current without any sun light falling on the junction is called dark
current.
Under open circuit condition, a voltage is obtained which is called photo voltaic e.mé (V,.)
and its magnitude is around 0.4 V.
For getting higher voltage, a string of series connected solar cells is used. For increasing
current rating, string of parallel connected solar cells is used.
[-V Characteristic:
36.Junction Transistors
ter___base__ collector
emitter_base collector
eeceeth nie ee
he h
n|o]a le le
ehee] © hee
T eeece|" ¢le'ece
a P a
Ta) I
emitter base __ collector
emitter_base collector hh hele e[h hob
e
p |o]l p heh h ent
4 he he h
I hh hfe hth enh
Bp ol Pp
1b)
A junction transistor is formed by sandwiching a thin layer of a p-type semiconductor
between two layers of n-type semiconductors or by sandwiching a thin layer of an n-type
semiconductor between two layers of p-type semiconductors. In figure 1(a), we show a
transistor in which a thin layer of a p-type semiconductor is sandwiched between two
n-type semiconductors. The resulting structure is called an n-p-n transistor. in figure
1(b), we show a p-n-p transistor, where an n-type thin layer is sandwiched between two
rype layers. in actual design, the middle layer is very thin (= 1 yim) as compared to the
widths of the two layers at the sides. The middle layer is called the base and is very lightly
doped with impurity. One of the outer layer is heavily doped and is called emitter. The
other outer layer is moderately doped and is called collector. Usually, the emitter-base
contact area is smaller than the collector-base contact area. Terminals come out from
the emitter, the base and the collector for external connections. Thus, a transistor is a
three-terminal device
collector collector
base base
emitter emitter
n-p-n p-n-p
2(a) 2(b)
3%.Figure (2) shows the symbols used for a junction transistor. in normal operation of a
transistor, the emitter-base junction is always forward-biased whereas the collector-base
Junction is reverse-biased. The arrow on the emitter line shows the direction of the current
through the emitter-base junction. in an n-p-n transistor, there are a large number of
conduction electrons in the emitter and a large number of holes in the base. If the junction
forward-biased, the electrons will diffuse from the emitter to the base and holes will
diffuse from the base to the emitter. The direction of electric current at this junction is,
therefore, from the base to the emitter. This is indicated by the outward arrow on the
emitter line in figure 2(a). Similarly, for a p-n-p transistor the current is from the emitter
to the base when this junction is forward biased which is indicated by the inward arrow in
figure 2(b)
Common emitter ‘Common base Common collector
3(a) 3(b) 3(c)
Biasing
Suitable potential differences should be applied across the two junctions to operate the
transistor. This is called biasing the transistor. A transistor can be operated in three different
modes: common-emitter (or grounded-emitter), common-collector (or grounded-collector)
and common-base (or grounded-base). In common-emitter mode, the emitter is kept at
zero potential and the other two terminals are given appropriate potentials (figure 3(a)).
Similarly, in common-base mode, the base is kept at zero potential (figure 3(b)) whereas in
common-collector mode, the collector is kept at zero potential (figure 3(c))..
Working of a Transistor
Let us consider an n-p-n transistor connected to the proper biasing batteries as shown in
jure below. In part 4(a) of the figure, a physical picture of the transistor is used whereas
in part 3(b), its symbol is used. Let us look at the current due to electrons. The emitter-
base junction is forward-biased, so electrons are injected by the emitter into the base. The
thickness of the base region is so small that most of the electrons diffusing into the base
region cross over into the collector region. The reverse bias at the base-collector junction
helps this process, because, as the electrons appear near this junction, they are attractedby the collector. These electrons go through the batteries V,.. and V,, and are then back to
the emitter.
Vee,
Vee ME Vee
(a) a(b)
The electrons going from the battery V,, to the emitter constitute the electric current |, in
the opposite direction. This is known as emitter current. Similarly, the electrons going from
the collector to the battery V., constitute the collector current I,
We have considered only the current due to the electrons. Similar is the story of the holes
which move in the opposite direction but result in current in the same direction. Currents
|, and I, refer to the net currents. However, since the base is only lightly doped, the hole
concentration is very low and the current in an n-p-n transistor is mostly due to the
electrons. As almost all the electrons injected into the emitter go through the collector, the
collector current |, is almost equal to the emitter current. In fact. I, is slightly smaller than I,
because some of the electrons coming to the base from the emitter may find a path directly
from the base to the battery V,,. This constitutes a base current |,. The physical design of
the transistor ensures that such events are small and hence I, is small. Typically, |, may be
1% to 5% of I,
Using Kirchhoft’s law, we can write,
elt a
cand f parameters:
a and B parameters of a transistor are defined as
& and po 2)
le \
Using equation (1)
ebay
i
or to 444
a
38,or (3)
a
As |, is about 1-5% of I,, «t is about 0.95 to 0.99 and f is about 20 to 100.
Transistor Used in an Amplifier Circuit
Figure (5) shows an amplifier circuit using an n-p-n transistor in common-emitter mode.
The battery E, provides the biasing voltage V,, for the base-emitter junction. A potential
difference V., is maintained between the collector and the emitter by the battery E.. The
base-emitter junction is forward biased and so the electrons of the emitter flow towards
the base. As the base region is very thin - of the order of a micrometre - and the collector
is also maintained at a positive potential, most of the electrons cross the base region and
move into the collector. As discussed earlier, the current |, is about 0.95 |, to 0.99 |,.
“
L_.
Input
ve
Output
Figure 5
The holes in the base region may diffuse into the emitter due to the forward biasing of
the base-emitter junction. Also, the electrons coming from the emitter may recombine
with some of the holes in the base. If the holes are lost in this way, the base will become
negatively charged and will obstruct the incoming electrons from the emitter. If the base
current |, is increased by a small amount, the effect of hole-diffusion and hole-electron
recombination may be neutralised, and the collector current will be increased. Thus, a small
change in the current |, in the base circuit controls the larger current |, in the collector
circuit. This is the basis of amplification with the help of a transistor.
The input signal, to be amplified, is connected in series with the biasing battery E, in the
base circuit. A load resistor having a large resistance R, is connected in the collector circuit
and the output voltage is taken across this resistor. As the potential difference V,, changes
with time due to the input signal, the base current |, changes. This results in a change Al, in
the collector current. The current gain, defined as Al, /Al,, is typically of the order of 50. The
change in the voltage across R, is, accordingly,
AV =RAl,
Thus, an amplified output is obtained across R,.
40.Voltage gain, Current gain and Power gain
When a signal voltage v, is added in the base circuit, the voltage across the load resistance
Po; : =
changes by v,. The ratio —2 is called the voltage gain of the amplifier.
»
Suppose the input signal has a voltage v, at an instant. This produces a change in the
base current |,. As the base-emitter junction is forward biased, it offers a small dynamic
resistance R,,. The change in the current in the base circuit is
4
Al, = =
Roe
The resistance R,, is also called the input resistance of the circuit.
The collector current I, is related to |, as
Thus, the change in current |, due to the signal voltage is,
¥
Me = Bly
Ree
The output voltage, i.e., the change in the voltage across the load resistance is
v9 = AV =R,Aly = ae
oe
The voltage gain
As Bis of the order of 50 and R, may be much larger than R,,, the voltage gain is high.
‘As mentioned earlier, the current gain is defined as the change in the collector current
divided by the change in the base current when the signal is added in the base circuit.
Thus, the current gain is
ra B
Power gain = voltage gain x current gain
= BR
Ree
Transfer Conductance
To have a large amplification, a small change in Vee should result in a large change in
the collector current |,. This property is measured by a quantity transfer conductance g,,
defined as
a.ale
DVar
It is also known as transconductance.
Bn =
Transistor Used in an Oscillator Circuit
Amplifier ‘Output
SS
LC Network
Figure 6
The function of an oscillator circuit is to produce an alternating voltage of desired frequency
when only DC batteries are available. Figure (6) shows a schematic representation of an
oscillator circuit. The basic parts in this circuit are (a) an amplifier and (b) an LC network.
The amplifier section is just a transistor used in common-emitter mode. The LC network
consists of an inductor and a capacitance. This network resonates at a frequency
1fa
Vp =f
2n Vic
Batteries are used to bias the transistor and no external input signal is fed to the amplifying
section. A part of the output signal is fed back to the input section after going through the
Le network. This signal is amplified by the transistor and a part is again fed back to its input
section. Thus, it is a self-sustaining device. The component with the proper frequency vg
gets resonantly amplified and the output acts as a source of alternating voltage of that
frequency. The frequency can be varied by varying L or C.
Transistor Characteristics
Let us consider an n-p-n transistor in common-emitter configuration as in figure (6). We
can view this circuit as made of an input section and an output section. The input section
contains the base-emitter junction and the voltage source whereas the output section
contains the base-collector junction and the voltage source. The current |, may then be
called the input current and the current |, the output current. The voltage applied to the
base emitter junction, i.e., in the input section is V,, and that applied to the base-collector
junction, ie., in the output section, is V,_. When the input current |, is plotted against the
voltage V,, between the base and the emitter, we get the input characteristics. Similarly, when
the output current |, is plotted against the voltage V,., we get the output characteristics.
42.ema)
Vee=Oy ryecsav
0.2.
0.1
06 Vee(V)
7a)
These characteristics are shown in figure (7). The input characteristic shown in figure 7(a)
are like those of a forward-biased p-n junction. If the biasing voltage is small as compared
to the height of the potential barrier at the junction, the current |, is very small. Once the
voltage is more than the barrier height, the current rapidly increases. However, since most
of the electrons diffused across the junction go to the collector, the net base current is very
small (in microamperes) even at large values of Vi.
The output characteristics are shown in figure 7(b). For small values of the collector voltage,
the collector-base junction is reverse-biased because the base is at amore positive potential.
The current |, is then small. As the electrons are forced from the emitter side, the current
I, is still quite large as compared to a signal reverse biased p-n junction. As the voltage V,
is increased, the current rapidly increases and becomes roughly constant once the junction
is forward-biased. For higher base currents, the collector current is also high and increases
more rapidly, even in forward bias.
‘A change of 8.0 mA in the emitter current brings a change of 7.9 mA in the
collector current. How much change in the base current is required to havo
the came change 7.9 mA in the collector current? Find the values of « and f.
Sol, We have,
Ie ly tle
or Al, = Al, + Al,
From the question, when Al, = 8.0 mA, Al, = 7.9 mA.
Thus,
Al, = 8.0 mA - 7.9 mA = 0.1 mA.
So, a change of 0.1 mA in the base current is required to have a change of 7.9
mA in the collector current.
43.Sol.
Check if these values of a and f satisfy the equation.
p-_%
A transistor is used in common-emitter mode in an amplifier circuit. When
a signal of 20 mV is added to the base-emitter voltage, the hase current
changes by 20 uA and the collector current changes by 2 mA. The load
resistance is 5 kl. Calculate (a) the factor (i, (b) the input resistance R,., (c)
the transconductance and (d) the voltage gain.
20mv
(b) The input resistance R,. = =1
Al 20pA
Al, 2mA
(©) Transconductance = 2 = = 01 mho.
AVye 20mV
(d) The change in output voltage is R,Al, = (5 kM) (2 mA) = 10V.
The applied signal voltage = 20 mV.
10V
Thus, the voltage gain is = = 500.
20mv
4a,Logic Gates
Introduction :
A logic gate is a digital circuit which is based on certain logical relationship between the
input and the output voltages of the circuit.
The logic gates are built using the semiconductor diodes and transistors.
Each logic gate is represented by a characteristic symbol
The operation of a logic gate is indicated in a table, known as truth table. This table contains
all possible combination of inputs and the corresponding outputs.
A logic gate is also represented by Boolean algebraic expression. Boolean algebra is a
method of writing equations showing how an output depends upon the combination of
inputs. Boolean algebra was invented by George Boolean.
Basic Logic Gates :
(1) OR gate (2) AND gate, and (3) NOT gate
(1) The OR gate :- The output of an OR gate attains the state 1 if one or more inputs attain
the state 1.
7 Y=A+B
e =
Logic symbol of OR gate:
The Boolean expression for OR gate is Y= A +B, read as Y equal A OR B
Truth table of a two input OR gate
Input Output
Y
as00l>
8
0 °
1 1
0 1
1 1
(2) The AND gat
are in state 1.
Logic symbol of AND gate:
The output of an AND gate attains the state 1 if and only if all the inputs
The Boolean expression of AND gate is Y = A. It is read as Y equal A AND B.
Truth table of a two input AND gate:Input Output
A B Y
0 0 0
0 1 0
1 ° °
1 A. 1
(3) The NOT gate : The output of a NOT gate attains the state 1 if and only if the input does
Not attain the state 1.
—
Logic symbol of NOT gate:
The Boolean expression is Y = A, read as Y equals NOT A.
Truth table of NOT gate:
Input Output
A 8
0 1
1 °
Combination of Gates :
‘The three basic gates (OR, AND and NOT) when connected in various combinations give us
logic gates such as NAND anc NOR gates, which are the universal building blocks of digital
circuits. Repeated use of NAND gates (or NOR gates) give other gates. Therefore, any digital
system can be achieved entirely from NAND or NOR gates.
Tho NAND gate:
Logic symbol of NAND gate’
The Boolean expression of NAND gate is Y = AB
Truth table of a NAND gate:Input Output
as00|>
sono0lo
e422
‘The NOR gate :
Logic symbol of NOR gate:
The Boolean expression of NOR gate is Y=A+B
Truth table of a NOR gate:
Input Output
A B Y
° ° 1
o 1 0
1 ° °
1 1 0
Xor and Xnor Gate:
Exclusive - OR gate (XOR gate) : The output of a two-input XOR gate attains the state 1 if
cone and only one input attains the state 1
Logic symbol of XOR gate:
The Boolean expression of XOR gate is Y- AB+AB or Y-AOB
Truth table of a XOR gate:
a7.Input Output
A
0
0
1
1
-o-+0]o
onsol>
Exclusive - NOR gate (XNOR gate) : The output is in state 1 when its both input are the same
that is, both 0 or both 1.
& Y
8
Logic symbol of XNOR gate:
The Boolean expression of XNOR gate is Y= AB+AB or Y=A@B
Truth table of a XNOR gate:
Input Output
A B ¥:
0 ° 1
0 1 °
1 oO °
1 1 1
Laws of Boolean Algebra
Basic, OR, AND, and NOT operations are given below
or AND NoT
At+O=A AO=0 ATA
Atle ATEA A. A=0
AtA=A A A=A ALA
Boolean algebra obeys commutative, associative and distributive laws as given below.
Commutative laws :
BtA;
AB = BA
48.‘Associative laws :
A+(B+C)= (A+ B)+C;
A.(B. 0) = (A. B).C
Distributive laws :
A(B+C)=ABHAC
‘Some other useful identities
() A+aBea
(ii) A (A+B)=A
(ii) A+AB=A4B
(iv) A(A+8)=A8
WW) A+BC=(A4+8)(A+C)
De Morgan's theorem
8 given in figure below.
Sol, Note the following :
Att sty
For t, to ty:
Fort, to t;
Fort, to ty
Fort, to ty
Fort, to t,;
Fort >t,
tty
Justify the output waveform (¥) of the OR gate for the following inputs A and
Hence Y= 0
Hence Y=1
Hence Y=1
Hence ¥=1
Hence ¥=0
Hence ¥=1
Hence ¥=1
43,Sol.
‘Take A and B input waveforms similar to that in previous example. Sketch the
‘output waveform obtained from AND gate.
© Fortsty
© [Link]
© Fort,toty
* Fort,to ty
* Fort,tot,;
© Fort, to ty
© Fort>t,
Based on the above, the output waveform for AND gate can be drawn as
given below.
Hence Y= 0
Hence Y= 0
Hence Y
Hence Y= 0
Hence Y= 0
Hence ¥=0
Hence Y=0
50.Sol.
Sol.
‘Sketch the output ¥ from a NAND gate having inputs A and B given below:
* Fortty Hence Y=1
c
(Output)
Construct the truth table for the function X of A and B represented by figure
betow.
Here an AND gate and an OR gate are used. Let the output of the OR gate be ¥.
Clearly, Y= A+ B. The AND gate receives A and A+ 8 as input. The output of this
gate is X. So X = A(A + B). The following table evaluates X for all combinations
of A and B. The last three columns give the truth table.A Y=AtB X= A(A +B) A x
Q 9 9 o °
0 1 ° ° °
1