Semiconductor Diodes
IV Characteristics with Variable Power Supply
Explore the current-voltage (IV) characteristics of a semiconductor diode. Adjust the voltage and observe how the current changes, demonstrating the diode's nonlinear behavior.
Voltage (V)
Current (I)
Voltage: 0.0 V
Current: 0.0 mA
Observation:
At 0V, the diode conducts minimal current. Adjust the voltage to see how the current changes.
The Science Behind Diode IV Characteristics
Key Concepts:
Semiconductor diodes exhibit nonlinear IV characteristics:
- Forward Bias: Current increases exponentially after crossing the threshold voltage (~0.7V for Si)
- Reverse Bias: Minimal current flows until breakdown voltage is reached
- Threshold Voltage: Minimum voltage needed for significant forward current
- Breakdown Voltage: Reverse voltage where current increases sharply
Diode Equation:
The Shockley diode equation describes the IV relationship: I = I₀(e^(V/nVₜ) - 1)
Where I₀ is reverse saturation current, Vₜ is thermal voltage, and n is ideality factor.
