The chapter covers the following topics: fundamental semiconductor theory, atomic theory, N-type and P-type semiconductors, depletion layer, forward bias, reverse vias, reverse breakdown, I-V characteristic curve of PN junctions, introduction to diodes, ideal diodes and real diodes.

Chapter Contents:

• 1.1 Fundamental semiconductor theory
• 1.1.1 Basic atomic theory
• 1.1.2 N-type and P-type semiconductors
• 1.1.3 Depletion layer
• 1.2 Bias
• 1.2.1 Forward and reverse bias
• 1.2.2 Reverse breakdown
• 1.2.3 I-V characteristic curve of a PN junction
• 1.3 Diodes
• 1.3.1 Introduction to diodes
• 1.3.2 Ideal diodes
• 1.3.3 Real (practical) diodes
• Summary
• Self-test

Inspec keywords: semiconductor diodes; p-n junctions; electric breakdown; wide band gap semiconductors

Other keywords: PN junctions; depletion layer; forward bias; ideal diodes; P-type semiconductors; N-type semiconductors; I-V characteristic curve; atomic theory; basic semiconductor theory; reverse breakdown; fundamental semiconductor theory; reverse vias; real diodes

Subjects: Dielectric breakdown and discharges; General electrical engineering topics; Junction and barrier diodes; Semiconductor theory, materials and properties; Semiconductor junctions