Why Does Reverse Saturation Current Spike at Breakdown Voltage?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of reverse saturation current in a PN junction diode, particularly focusing on the phenomenon observed at breakdown voltage. Participants explore the characteristics of PN junctions and their ampere-volt characteristics in the context of reverse biasing.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants raise questions about the nature of the sudden increase in reverse saturation current at breakdown voltage and seek clarification on the characteristics of PN junctions. There is also inquiry into the effects of reverse biasing on the depletion region.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants expressing uncertainty and seeking further clarification on the concepts involved. Some guidance has been offered regarding the characteristics of diodes, but there is no explicit consensus or resolution yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the question is not part of formal schoolwork but is related to exam preparation. There is a mention of past paper questions, indicating a desire to understand the topic more deeply.

aliz_khanz
Messages
26
Reaction score
0
why there is sudden increase in the small reverse saturation current at the breakdown voltage?...
 
Physics news on Phys.org


aliz_khanz said:
why there is sudden increase in the small reverse saturation current at the breakdown voltage?...

Of what? Of a diode? What kind of diode? What is the context of your question? Is this schoolwork?
 


i am sorry i didnt type the full question. I thought it didnt have anything to do with this. This is not a schoolwork. I was going through this topic for my exam and saw this question in past papers as well but I am unable to find its answer .

Q. Describe a PN junction ? Discuss its ampere volt characteristics.Why there is sudden increase in the small reverse saturation current at the breakdown voltage?.
 


aliz_khanz said:
i am sorry i didnt type the full question. I thought it didnt have anything to do with this. This is not a schoolwork. I was going through this topic for my exam and saw this question in past papers as well but I am unable to find its answer .

Q. Describe a PN junction ? Discuss its ampere volt characteristics.Why there is sudden increase in the small reverse saturation current at the breakdown voltage?.

What are your thoughts? Can you answer the first part of the question? And what happens at reverse breakdown... What is breaking down? Is anything avalanching yet...?
 


yes sir , . as my petite idea is concerned a pn junction is combination of the n type material and p type material .No need to say about the abundance of electrons in the n type and holes in the p type .

breakdown voltage occurs in reverse biasing.i am not sure if we are to reduce or increase the deplition region at the junction. And if so , then how ? voltage?
 


aliz_khanz said:
yes sir , . as my petite idea is concerned a pn junction is combination of the n type material and p type material .No need to say about the abundance of electrons in the n type and holes in the p type .

breakdown voltage occurs in reverse biasing.


i am not sure if we are to reduce or increase the deplition region at the junction. And if so , then how ? voltage?

This intro page for diodes should help you out. Let us know if you have specific questions about the article after you read it:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diode

.
 


I Am still not convinced after reading all that. anyone to answer please?
 

Similar threads

Back EMF vs Reverse Currents: What's the Difference?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
How can a transistor behave as a switch in the saturated region?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Why is Reverse Saturation Current Included in the Forward Bias Diode Equation?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
A.C. generator -> why does the current reverse?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Concept about photoelectric effect
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Why is current constant through a resistor?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K
Correct graph of current vs voltage (photoelectric emission)
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Reverse saturation current and leakage current in a BJT
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
6K
How does the presence of a dielectric change the max V of a capacitor?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
How does a transistor act as an amplifier?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K