I- V characteristics in Forward Bias and Reverse Bias

If = forward bias current

 Vf = forward bias voltage

 VR= reverse bias voltage

The PN junction diode is made by combining p and n-type semiconductors with a blocking force between the two semiconductors. The forward current value depends on the amount of forward voltage having a direct relationship between the two. This relation is called IV Characteristics of PN Junction.

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Biassing conditions for the p-n junction diode

In a p-n junction diode, there are two active regions:

P-type

N-type

The voltage applied determines one of three biassing conditions for p-n junction diodes:

• Forward bias: The p-n junction is said to be forward-biassed when the p-type is connected to the battery’s positive terminal and the n-type to the negative terminal.

• Reverse bias: The p-n junction is reverse-biassed when the p-type is linked to the battery’s negative terminal, and the n-type is attached to the positive side.

• Zero bias: The p-n junction diode is not exposed to any external voltage.

V-I characteristics of p-n junction diode

A curve between the voltage and current through the circuit defines the V-I properties of P-N junction diodes. The x-axis represents voltage, while the y-axis represents current. Suppose the V-I characteristics of the p-n junction diode are plotted on a graph; we can see that the diode works in three different zones, which are:

1. Zero bias: 

No external voltage is delivered to the p-n junction in a zero bias condition,

As a result, the potential barrier at the junction prevents current flow.

As a result, when V = 0, the circuit current is zero.

2. Forward Bias: 

The p-type of the p-n junction forward bias is connected to the positive terminal of the external voltage, while the n-type is connected to the negative terminal.

As a result, the potential barrier is minimised.

The forward V-I characteristic of the P-N junction diode shows that the current grows exceptionally slowly at the beginning. The curve is nonlinear because the external voltage delivered to the p-n junction is used to overcome the potential barrier in this region.

The potential barrier is removed once the external voltage surpasses the possible barrier voltage and the p-n junction functions like an ordinary conductor. As a result, the curve AB climbs significantly as the external voltage rises, which is nearly linear.

3. Reverse bias: 

The p-type of the p-n junction is attached to the negative terminal of the external voltage, while the n-type is connected to the positive terminal.

As a result, the potential barrier at the intersection is enhanced.

The junction resistance rises to an extremely high level and virtually no current flows through the circuit.

In practice, however, a very modest current of the order of micro-amperes travels across the circuit. Because of the minority carriers in the junction, this is known as reverse saturation current.

Forward current in PN junction

When battery voltage is applied on the forward bias junction, a constant current will flow via this junction.

 IS is the saturation current flow (10-9 to 10-18 A)

 VT is the volt-equivalent temperature ( 26 mV at room temperature)

 n is the emission collision

 In fact, this expression is accurate. 

Reverse current in pn junction

When a pn junction is conjoint in a battery in that its n-type region is connected to the positive power of the battery and p-type region is connected to the negative power of the battery, then the pn junction is said to be in reverse biassed condition. Ideally, no current flows through the junction. But in reality, there will be a small reverse bias current which is expressed as iD.

iD drops down to a zero value or least value. iD can be written as i0.

 IS is the saturation current flow (10-9 to 10-18 A)

 VT is the volt-equivalent temperature ( 26 mV at room temperature)

 n is the emission colligation 

 In fact, this expression is approximate.

Conclusion :

The diode’s capacity to work as two separate but equally effective devices makes it a very versatile component. The different types of biassing effects provide you with complete choice over which function the diode will perform in your circuit design. The use of forward bias and reverse bias gives the circuit designer complete control of the diode operation.

Study material notes on 1- V characteristics in forward bias and reverse bias, we can get at a fact – a PN junction diode conducts current only in one direction – i.e. during forward bias. During forward bias, the diode conducts current with an increase in voltage. During reverse bias, the diode does not conduct with an increase in voltage.