Depletion Region shrinks with increased temperature

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SUMMARY

The depletion region in a PN junction decreases with increasing temperature due to the temperature dependence of the Fermi energy levels in the p-type and n-type semiconductors. As temperature rises, the increased thermal energy allows more charge carriers to be generated, effectively reducing the width of the depletion region. Consequently, this reduction in depletion width leads to an increase in junction capacitance when the junction is reverse biased. The relationship between temperature and junction capacitance is significant for applications in semiconductor devices.

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  • Understanding of PN junction theory
  • Knowledge of semiconductor physics
  • Familiarity with Fermi energy concepts
  • Basic principles of junction capacitance
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  • Explore the relationship between temperature and Fermi energy in semiconductors
  • Research the effects of temperature on junction capacitance in semiconductor devices
  • Learn about reverse biasing in PN junctions
  • Investigate the implications of depletion region variations in electronic applications
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Electrical engineers, semiconductor physicists, and anyone involved in the design and analysis of semiconductor devices will benefit from this discussion.

jaxper
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Hi,

Quick question. In a PN junction, the depletion region will shrink with an increase in temperature. Why is that? Is the Fermi energy of the p and n semiconductors a function of temperature?

Thanks!

Jax
 
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junction capacitance with inc. temp

Hello,
Based on mmwave's answer that PN junction depletion width decreases with temperature (I assume junction is reverse biased), then will junction capacitance therefore increase with temperature? If so, is there any appreciable change in capacitance with temperature?
Thx
 

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