Schottky Diode

Introduction

A diode is a component of an electric circuit and it allows the current to flow in only one direction. It is seen that the Schottky Diode is made of the use of a metal-semiconductor junction whereas the other diodes are made using a p-n junction. There are different advantages of this factor of the system and it helps in first switching applications.

Definition of Schottky diode

Schottky diode is also known as semiconductor junction diode. This type of diode is known as a low voltage diode, hot-carrier diode, or Schottky barrier diode. It is nothing but a types of metal and it is formed by a semiconductor’s junction with a metal (Georgiadou et al. 2020). This type of diode offers fast switching action and it also has a low forward voltage drop. It is seen that in the PN junction diode, type-p and type-n works together for the formation of this diode. In this term Schottky diode, the metals like aluminium and platinum are applied instead of P-type semiconductors.

Construction of Schottky diode

The construction of the Schottky diode likes to be the same as the construction process of the PN Junction diode. The only difference between the construction is that the P-type semiconductor is replaced here using metals like platinum or aluminium.

In this type of diode, the junction is made through N-type semiconductor material and the joining of metal. This is the cause for naming it a metal-semiconductor junction.

Figure 1: Construction of Schottky diode

This diode is designed especially with the replacement of a p-type semiconductor for the cause of fast switching. This is the construction process of this type of diode.

Uses of Schottky diode

Schottky diode is mainly used for the application of Digital audio mixer. It is designed in a way so that it can be used in high-frequency radio transmission applications. This type of diode is also used for switching mode power supply and it is called the most important application of this diode (Mathew & Rout, 2021).

Schottky diode systems are also useful in digital communication systems. Another use of this diode system is in the place of rectifier circuits also. That is why it is seen that the diode and its application happened for high-frequency application.

Figure 2: Symbol of Schottky diode

Characteristics of Schottky diode

Schottky diode has its different characteristics and it says that this diode forwards lowered drop of voltage while it is compared to the other diodes. The diode increases its forward drop with the enhancement of the doping concentration of N-type semiconductors (Mathew & Rout, 2021).

Forward voltage dropping in the barrier of this kind of diode constitutes a semiconductor like that of the Silicon. The type of diode system acts as a unipolar device and it shows the flow of current to the N-type conductors.

Difference between Schottky diode and normal diode

The main difference between these two types of the diode is that a typical diode combines both n-type and p-type semiconductors for the formation of a p-n junction. On the other hand, the Schottky diode metal helps to replace the p-type semiconductor (Electronics-tutorials, 2022).

The metal can swift from platinum to gold, molybdenum, and tungsten. It is seen that in the time of combining metal with an n-type semiconductor, an m-s junction is formed. This is the main difference between the normal diode and Schottky diode.

Difference between Zener and Schottky diode

Zener and Schottky diodes are two different types of diodes. There is the main difference between these two diodes and it says that the Schottky diode is made of a metal-semiconductor junction (Pediaa, 2022). On the other hand, the Zener diode is made of a p-n junction of two highly-doped semiconductors.

Figure 3: Difference between Zener and Schottky diode

The difference between these two factors also says that Schottky is used for making switches faster for application. On the other hand, Zener provides a stable reference voltage. The main factor of these two diodes is that both of them are used for power supplies for the providence of reference voltage.

Advantages of Schottky diode

The system of the Schottky diode electric circuit has different advantages. It says that the diode system has a fast recovery time. This is the system this is useful for high-speed switching applications (Autodesk, 2022). The diode produces less noise than that of the typical diode systems. Schottky diode gives better performance than any kind of normal diode system. This diode system has the ability to provide multiple power supplies and it is a great advantage of this system. The diode has the capacity to be used in high-power applications.

Conclusion

Schottky Diode is a special type of diode made of a metallic semiconductor junction. This diode seems to be small compared to other diodes. The system offers fast switching action in its place and it has the capacity in dropping low forward voltage. The metallic semiconductors use metals like platinum or aluminium. The system is considered much similar to the PN junction diode. These are the concepts of the Schottky Diode system.

FAQs

Q1. What is the definition of a Diode?

Ans. Diode is a component in electric circuits and it allows the flow of current in this circuit. It is seen that the current flows in only one direction. This diode is made by putting a p-type and an n-type semiconductor in contact.

Q2. What is a Schottky Diode?

Ans. This is a special type of diode and the construction of this diode is happened by using a metal-semiconductor junction in lieu of a p-n junction. It has different characteristics in electric circuits and it has different uses.

Q3. What is a Zener Diode?

Ans. Zener Diode is a heavily doped diode compared to other diodes. That is the reason that Zener Diode can undergo breakdown without becoming damaged.