Calculating Q points for diodes

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion focuses on calculating the Q points for diodes D1 and D2 using the empirical junction diode equation. The parameters provided include a thermal voltage (VT) of 26 mV, saturation current (IS) of 3.5 x 10-14 A, and resistances R1, R2, and R3. The correct Q-point values for diode D1 are 4.18 mA for ID and 0.66 V for VD, while the initial calculations yielded incorrect values of 41.39 mA and 0.72 V. The discussion emphasizes the importance of using node voltage analysis and Thevenin's theorem to solve the equations accurately.

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  • Familiarity with node voltage analysis techniques
  • Knowledge of Thevenin's theorem for circuit simplification
  • Basic concepts of series and parallel resistor combinations
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whatphysics
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Homework Statement


In Figure Q22, the empirical junction diode equation is : (eqn is in the picture attached)
for both diodes D1 and D2, where VT = 26 mV at room temperature, n = 1, IS = 3.5 x 10-14 A, R1 = 600 Ω, R2 = 300 Ω, R3 = 200 Ω, VS = 9 V. Calculate the Q-points ID = _____ mA and VD = _____ V of diode D1.

Homework Equations


Shockley Diode Equation?

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to take Id=Vs-Vd/R3 and Vd=0.026ln(Id/Is)
I would try to sub in value of Vd=0.7V into Id eqn to get Id value and then beginning the iteration process and continue this until I get a non changing Id and Vd values to 3 d.p. However, I didn't get the right answers.
Was I wrong to take R3 only for the Id equation?

The right answers are 4.18mA and 0.66V
The answers I got are way off 41.39mA and 0.72V.

Any help is greatly appreciated, thank you!
 

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whatphysics said:
I tried to take Id=Vs-Vd/R3

That's not correct. There will be a voltage drop across R1.
 
CWatters said:
That's not correct. There will be a voltage drop across R1.
So should it be Id=Vs-Vd/(R3+R1) since R3 and R1 are in series?
 
whatphysics said:
since R3 and R1 are in series?
They are not.

Use node voltage analysis. You will get an equation of a straight line in terms of Vd and Id, and an exponential (or logarithmic) equation in terms of Vd and Id. You need to solve these two equations to find Vd and Id.

How do you solve this transcendental equation?
 
Last edited:
Hint: Thevenin to reduce the source and resistor network first. Then it's a classic load-line situation.
 
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whatphysics said:
So should it be Id=Vs-Vd/(R3+R1) since R3 and R1 are in series?

Unfortunately it's more complicated than that because of R2.

See the replies above for the way forward.
 

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