What is a tunnel diode is arranged and where applicable

Hello dear subscribers and visitors to my channel! We continue to get acquainted with the amazing world of electronics, and today our focus is truly unique element with unique properties - a tunnel diode. In this article I will discuss about the structure and principles of its work, and in what area has found application tunneling diode. So, let's begin.

What is a tunnel diode

definition

Thus, the tunnel diode - a semiconductor diode, created on the basis of a degenerate semiconductor, the CVC (current-voltage characteristic) which there is a region with negative differential resistance by applying a voltage in the forward direction, which is explained tunnel effect.

Who and when created

This element was first proposed in 1957 by researchers from Japan
R. Esaki and made of either germanium or gallium arsenide with a large quantity of additives with a minimum specific resistance.

More successful has been recognized as an arrangement with gallium arsenide, where applied: Donors - tin, sulfur, tellurium, lead, selenium and also scavengers - cadmium and zinc.

For experimental observation of electron tunneling diodes in 1973, R. Esaki was awarded the Nobel Prize.

The principle of operation and characteristics of the tunnel diode

For tunnel diodes with extremely small resistance, relating to so-called group degenerate, characterized by the following features:

Compared to conventional diode device, a pn junction of several tens of times thinner than in tunnel diodes.

But on the contrary a potential barrier higher than twice as compared with conventional semiconductor elements.

Besides on products present value of the field intensity of 106 V / cm even after a power failure.

In this unique characteristics manifested in its IV characteristics with a forward bias in the semiconductor.

If you look closely at the above shown diagram, you'll see that on a plot "BUT" current increases with voltage, but has been on the site "IN" observed manifestation semiconductor negative resistance (tunnel effect). This leads to the fact that when a voltage increase current conversely decreases. But already on the site "FROM" we see again a direct link between the increase of current from the voltage on the cell growth.

So tunneling diodes operate in the field of "IN"Voltage rise off him, and decrease - includes.

The main parameters of the product

If you want to choose a tunnel diode, it is necessary to pay attention to the following parameters:

1. Current peak - is the maximum current of the forward direction;

2. The peak voltage which is characteristic of the peak current;

3. Minimum current (or as it is called - depressions current) and voltage corresponding to this current;

4. The maximum voltage differential;

5. Capacity - between the terminals of the semiconductor in a particular characteristic volt bias.

where to apply

Tunnel diodes are used in areas such as:

1. In the role of a high-speed switch.

2. In the role of an amplifier where voltage triggers the growth of a significant change in current than other semiconductors.

3. For reception and amplification of electromagnetic oscillations.

4. In various electronic switches working at higher frequencies up 30-100 GHz.

Pros and cons of the device

The advantages of this element can include the following points:

- Special CVC;

- high performance coupled with minimal inertia;

- improved resistance to ionizing radiation;

- minimum energy consumption from the power source (30 millivolts).

The disadvantages include the following aspects:

- The product is subject to significant "aging", which leads to a substantial change with the lapse of the stated time.

- Tunneling Diode - extremely sensitive element, so it can not be: overheat (e.g., soldering), prozvanivat and need only carry in special containers.

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That's all I wanted to tell you about this wonderful element as a tunnel diode. If you liked the article and was wondering if you have a thumbs up and thank you for reading till the end!