N-type and P-type Semiconductors are two different types of semiconductors used in  digital devices . N-type and P-type Semiconductors possess completely different characteristics as a result of their difference in doping ratio or atom structure. The two types of semiconductor also have their own electron donor(n type) and acceptor(p type) zones. This article will highlight these differences to give you a better understanding of Semiconductor.

What are Semiconductors?

Semiconductor is a material with an electrical conductivity that is intermediate between the conductivity of a conductor and an insulator. Examples of semiconductors include silicon, germanium, doped silicon, doped germanium, gallium arsenide, gallium antimonide and indium phosphide. Semiconductors are commonly used in digital devices such as in charging circuits , amplifiers , and solar cells.

Functions of Semiconductors:

Semiconductors are used in our modern day electronic devices for the following purposes:

As a conductor for current passing in taylors and other conductive elements – as switch : A semiconductor switch is an electronic device whose operation depends on a change in electrical charge( ohm’s law ). A semiconductor switch actuated by the application of a voltage may be used to connect or disconnect two electrical circuits. The conducting action of the current can occur through an insulator (e.g. plastics or rubber) or through a metal at temperatures below about 700 C. – as a diode or diode : a semiconductor Diode is an electronic component used in electronics, which allows electric current to flow in only one direction. It has two terminals (anode and cathode) and one non conducting channel through which it conducts electricity. A semiconductor Diode allows electric current to flow in one direction only. It won’t conduct if the voltage applied across it is higher than the forward bias voltage of the diode,  and will conduct if the applied voltage is less than the reverse breakdown voltage of the diode.

Example:

In p-n junction transistors , P-type family members are used as the base while N-type elements serve as the collector or emitter circuit element.

Types of Semiconductors:

1) N-type: N-type semiconductors are used in charge transporting applications where the semiconductor is more prone to carrying positive currents. N-type semiconductors have an excess of electrons on the negative side of their band gap than on the positive side.

2) P-type:

P-type semiconductors are used in passive applications where they can absorb electric charges by transferring them to the conduction band. In short, no current flows in these devices however, there is input and output current due to voltage drop inside them. 

5 Key Differences between N-type and P-type Semiconductors:

1) The charge carriers in n-type semiconductor are holes while those in p-type semiconductor are electrons.

2) With n-type semiconductor, the conductivity is controlled by free electrons, which run through the substance like a fluid, while conduction in p-type is controlled by “holes” or positive charge carriers.

3) N-type semiconductors are good conductors of heat as they have a lot of free electrons and hence they can carry away more heat than p- type.

4) In an N-type semiconductor , the number of holes increases due to ionization of impurities while there is no change in p type.

5) The doping of semiconductors is different in n-type and p-type semiconductors.

Conclusion:

P-type and N-type semiconductors are two basic types of semiconductors used in electronics. They have the same composition which is different from the other type of semiconductor. P type has higher resistance while n-type has lower resistance. The performance of P-type and N-type is determined by their doping ratio and make them suitable for a particular application.