Schottky Diode Construction
We know that unlike a normal P-N junction diode ,a Schottky diode is equipped with a metallic contact. On further analysis the construction of the diode is like:
- Schottky diodes are constructed using semiconductor materials. Silicon (Si) is a common choice, although other materials can also be used.
- The differentiating feature in Schottky diode is the metal-to-semiconductor junction. A metal contact (made of metals like Pt, W, Al) is directly connected to the semiconductor material (usually n-type silicon).
- The region beneath the metal contact is n-type semiconductor. It has a higher concentration of electrons (i.e, electrons are the majority charge carriers).
- Schottky diodes have a depletion region near the junction. Since we do not have a p-type region, this depletion region is much thinner than a normal diode.
- The interaction of electrons from the n-type semiconductor with metal atoms is the major driving factor for formation of this region.
Schottky Diode
The Schottky diode is popularly known as a hot-carrier diode, low-voltage diode, or Schottky barrier diode. It is a type of diode formed by the junction of a semiconductor with a metal. We know that in a PN junction diode, p-type and n-type semiconductors are joined collectively to form a PN junction. To the contrary, a Schottky diode replaces the p-type semiconductor with metals like aluminium.
Schottky diode has multiple characteristics which makes it a better choice over other diodes in the electronic industry. It displays characteristics like fast switching action and a low forward voltage drop. The symbolic representation of this diode, the construction of this diode, the energy band of the diode and what the V-I characteristic graph of this diode looks like.
Table of Content
- What is Schottky Diode?
- Schottky Diode Construction
- Working Of Schottky Diode
- V-I Characteristic of Schottky Diode
- Schottky Barrier
- Schottky Clamped Transistor
- Schottky Diodes in Logic Gates
- Characteristics of Schottky Diode
- Difference between Schottky and P-N junction Diode
- Applications of Schottky Diode
- Advantages of Schottky Diode
- Disadvantages of Schottky Diode