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Chapter 16: Problem 42

What are the essential differences between a semiconductor junction diode and a tunnel diode?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The essential differences between a semiconductor junction diode and a tunnel diode include their construction, operation frequency range, resistance characteristics and the fact that tunnel diodes can amplify signals while junction diodes cannot.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Semiconductor Junction Diode

A semiconductor junction diode is a device made up of P-type and N-type semiconductors placed in contact with each other. It has a high resistance to current flow in one direction (reverse bias), and low resistance in the other direction (forward bias). The key feature of a junction diode is that it allows current to flow more easily in one direction than in the other.
02

Understanding Tunnel Diode

A tunnel diode, on the other hand, is a type of semiconductor that is capable of very fast operation, well into the microwave frequency region, by using quantum mechanical effect called tunneling. It has negative resistance in part of its operating range, and it can amplify signals. Unlike junction diodes, tunnel diodes can operate in forward bias, reverse bias, or zero bias conditions.
03

Comparing the Two

When comparing semiconductor junction diodes and tunnel diodes: 1) Tunnel diodes have a more complex construction and operation mechanism than semiconductor diodes. 2) Tunnel diodes can operate well into microwave frequency range while junction diodes cannot. 3) Tunnel diodes have negative resistance in part of its operating range and can amplify signals, which is not possible for junction diodes. 4) Junction diodes are unidirectional devices while tunnel diodes can operate in both directions.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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