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Chapter 1: Problem 41

Describe in your own words how diffusion and transition capacitances differ.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Diffusion capacitance occurs under forward bias due to variations in charge density caused by the movement of majority carriers, while transition capacitance occurs under reverse bias when the width of the depletion region increases, enabling it to store more charge.

Step by step solution

01

Explain Diffusion Capacitance

Diffusion capacitance is a property of a p-n junction diode under forward bias condition. It is also known as charge-storage capacitance. It arises due to the variation of the charge-storage time of minority carriers (which move by the process of diffusion). This diffusion process affects the charge and hence the electric field, thus leading to a capacitance effect. The majority carriers move across the junction to combine with the minority carriers of the opposite side and this causes variations in charge density, which results in diffusion capacitance.
02

Explain Transition Capacitance

Transition capacitance, also known as junction capacitance, is associated with a reverse-biased p-n junction. When a p-n junction diode is reverse-biased, the depletion region width increases. This wide depletion region can store charge, which results in a form of capacitance – known as the transition or junction capacitance. The amount of charge depends on the applied reverse voltage. Therefore, the transition capacitance varies with the applied reverse bias voltage.
03

Distinguish Between Diffusion and Transition Capacitances

Diffusion capacitance and transition capacitance are properties of a p-n junction diode, but they occur under different biasing conditions. Diffusion capacitance happens under forward bias when majority carriers move through the junction, resulting in variations in charge density. On the other hand, transition capacitance happens under reverse bias, when the depletion region's width increases, enabling it to store more charge. Thus, while diffusion capacitance is related to the charge storage of minority carriers, transition capacitance is related to the charge stored in the depletion region.

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