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Types and Applications of Semiconductors

The document discusses types of semiconductors, including intrinsic and extrinsic types, and their conductivity properties. It explains the Fermi Level's significance in determining electrical behavior and details the functioning of PN junction diodes, including biasing methods and breakdown processes. Additionally, it highlights the characteristics and applications of Zener diodes in voltage regulation.

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8 views4 pages

Types and Applications of Semiconductors

The document discusses types of semiconductors, including intrinsic and extrinsic types, and their conductivity properties. It explains the Fermi Level's significance in determining electrical behavior and details the functioning of PN junction diodes, including biasing methods and breakdown processes. Additionally, it highlights the characteristics and applications of Zener diodes in voltage regulation.

Uploaded by

rozmeensheikh5
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Types of Semiconductors

A semiconductor is a material with conductivity between that of conductors and insulators. Silicon is

the most common example.

1. Intrinsic Semiconductor:

- Pure form of semiconductor (no impurities).

- Equal number of electrons and holes.

- Conductivity is low and increases with temperature.

- Examples: Pure Silicon (Si), Germanium (Ge).

2. Extrinsic Semiconductor:

- Doped with impurities to improve conductivity.

- Types:

a) n-type:

- Doped with pentavalent atoms (P, As).

- Electrons are majority carriers.

b) p-type:

- Doped with trivalent atoms (B, Al).

- Holes are majority carriers.

Fermi Level
The Fermi Level is the energy level where the probability of finding an electron is 50% at absolute

zero (0 K). It indicates the electrical behavior of a material.

- In Intrinsic Semiconductors: Lies midway between valence and conduction bands.

- In n-type: Closer to conduction band.

- In p-type: Closer to valence band.

- In Conductors: Lies within conduction band.


- In Insulators: Lies far from both bands.

PN Junction Diode
A PN junction diode is formed by joining a p-type and n-type semiconductor. It allows current to flow

in one direction only.

- P-side: Majority carriers are holes.

- N-side: Majority carriers are electrons.

Biasing:

1. Forward Bias:

- P connected to +, N to -.

- Depletion region narrows.

- Current flows easily.

2. Reverse Bias:

- P connected to -, N to +.

- Depletion region widens.

- Only a small leakage current flows.

Applications:

- Used in rectifiers, clipping circuits, voltage regulation, etc.

Breakdown Process
Breakdown occurs when a diode in reverse bias conducts a large current at high voltage.

Types:

1. Zener Breakdown:
- Occurs at low voltage (<5V).

- Due to strong electric field pulling electrons (quantum tunneling).

- Safe if current is limited.

2. Avalanche Breakdown:

- Occurs at high voltage (>5V).

- Electrons gain energy and collide with atoms, releasing more electrons.

- Leads to chain reaction (avalanche effect).

Note: Diode must be protected with a resistor to prevent damage.

Zener Diode
A Zener diode is designed to operate in the reverse breakdown region safely.

- Forward Bias: Works like a normal diode.

- Reverse Bias: Conducts at a specific breakdown voltage (Vz).

Characteristics:

- Heavily doped PN junction.

- Maintains constant voltage (Vz) after breakdown.

- Commonly used in voltage regulation and overvoltage protection circuits.

Example Circuit:

Vin -> Resistor ->|<- Zener Diode -> GND

Vout = Vz
Band Diagrams

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