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Diode I-v Characteristic

Mediumphysics

In forward region, diode current increases roughly?

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About This Question

Subject
physics
Chapter
semiconductor devices
Topic
diode i-v characteristic
Difficulty
Medium
Year
2025
Tags
DiodeCharacteristicExponential

Solution

Correct Answer:

Exponentially with voltage

  1. Shockley Diode Equation: The current through an ideal PN junction is given by .
  2. Variables:
    • : Applied forward voltage.
    • : Reverse saturation current.
    • : Thermal voltage ( mV at RT).
  3. Forward Bias Behavior: When is positive and greater than a few , the exponential term dominates ().
  4. Result: The current follows an exponential growth pattern with respect to the applied voltage after crossing the 'knee' or 'cut-in' voltage.
  5. Linear Check: Resistors follow Ohm's Law (linear); diodes are non-ohmic.

This medium difficulty physics question is from the chapter semiconductor devices, covering the topic of diode i-v characteristic. It appeared in the 2025 exam.

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