Basic Electrical and Electronics Engineering (BEE)
Questions and Answers
1. Define depletion layer and describe the process of formation of depletion layer.
Depletion layer is the region in a p-n junction where mobile charge carriers (electrons and holes) are
depleted, forming a potential barrier that prevents further carrier movement.
Formation:
- Electrons from the n-region diffuse into the p-region and recombine with holes.
- This leaves behind immobile ions, creating an electric field that opposes further diffusion.
2. Define barrier potential. Give its value for silicon and germanium diodes.
Barrier potential is the potential difference across the depletion region that prevents further carrier
diffusion.
Silicon diode: 0.7V
Germanium diode: 0.3V
3. Describe the operation of an unbiased p-n junction with a neat diagram.
In an unbiased p-n junction, diffusion and drift currents balance each other, forming a depletion
region.
4. Draw the symbol of:
1) p-n junction diode
2) Zener diode
3) LED (Light Emitting Diode)
The symbols are standard circuit representations of these components.
5. Draw and explain the experimental setup for operation of p-n junction diode in:
1) Forward biased
2) Reverse biased
Forward bias: P-side to positive, N-side to negative, reducing depletion width and allowing current
flow.
Reverse bias: P-side to negative, N-side to positive, increasing depletion width and blocking current
flow.
6. Draw and explain V-I characteristics of Zener diode in reverse biased.
Zener diode does not conduct in reverse bias until it reaches breakdown voltage, where current
increases sharply while voltage remains constant.
7. Describe Zener breakdown mechanism.
At high reverse voltage, a strong electric field causes electron-hole pair generation, leading to high
conduction.
8. List the applications of:
1) Zener diode
2) LED
Zener diode: Voltage regulation, overvoltage protection, waveform clipping.
LED: Indicator lights, displays, optical communication.
9. Draw construction of LED and explain its working principle.
LED is a p-n junction device that emits light when forward biased due to electron-hole
recombination.
10. Compare p-n junction diode and LED depending on the following parameters:
1) Symbol
2) Material used
3) Forward voltage drop
4) Applications
p-n junction diode: Used for rectification, operates at 0.7V (Si) or 0.3V (Ge).
LED: Used for light emission, operates at 1.8V-3.5V, made of GaAs, GaP.
11. Differentiate between p-n junction diode and Zener diode.
p-n junction diode allows current in one direction, Zener diode allows reverse current after
breakdown voltage.
12. Draw the basic block diagram of a regulated DC power supply. Explain the function of
each block.
Blocks: Transformer -> Rectifier -> Filter -> Regulator -> Load.
Each block converts AC to stable DC output.
13. Define rectifier and list the types of rectifiers.
A rectifier converts AC to DC.
Types: Half-wave, Full-wave, Bridge rectifier.
14. Draw the circuit diagram and explain working with input-output waveforms of first:
1) Half-wave rectifier
2) Full-wave rectifier (center tapped)
3) Full-wave rectifier (bridge)
Half-wave: Uses one diode, conducts during one half-cycle.
Full-wave center-tapped: Uses two diodes, conducts in both cycles.
Bridge: Uses four diodes, provides better efficiency.
15. Define:
1) Ripple factor
2) Efficiency
Ripple factor: Measures AC component in DC output.
Efficiency: Ratio of DC power output to AC power input.
Half-wave: 40.6%, Full-wave: 81.2%, Bridge: 81.2%.