- Backward diode
In
semiconductor device s, a backward diode is a variation on azener diode ortunnel diode having a better conduction for small reverse biases (for example –0.1 to –0.6 V) than for forward bias voltages.The reverse current in such a diode is by tunneling, also known as the zener effect. [cite book | title = A First Course in Electronics | author = Anwar A. Khan and Kanchan K. Dey | publisher = Prentice Hall of India | year = 2006 | isbn = 8120327764 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=MgAXj7xKnNgC&pg=PA111&dq=backward-diode+tunnel+zener&lr=&as_brr=3&ei=MrebR_j3IInUsgOjgqWiCg&sig=wr0axvXDkxMUNsyKP9XEk3OkE5M#PPA111,M1 ] cite book | title = Electronics Theory and Applications | author = S.L. Kakani | publisher = New Age Intl. Ltd | year = 2004 | isbn = 8122415369 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=XrSI2C9NlDIC&pg=PA50&dq=backward-diode+tunnel+zener-effect&lr=&as_brr=3&ei=JcCbR5b_K5rUswPL9PWqCg&sig=KqttpNGPIenUehLSAGqIXDo2aik ] [cite book | title = Semiconductor Physics: An Introduction | author = Karlheinz Seeger | publisher = Springer | year = 2004 | isbn = 3540219579 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=il4nyDF0IJIC&pg=PA284&dq=backward-diode+tunneling&lr=&as_brr=3&ei=WcGbR72DL4qKsgOy6vCiCg&sig=dP6h5WEmFU7IMPE1N9d9J1ywOjE#PPA283,M1 ]
Current–voltage characteristics of backward diode
The forward I–V characteristic is the same as that of an ordinary P–N diode. The breakdown starts when reverse voltage is applied. In the case of zener breakdown, it starts at a particular voltage. In this diode the voltage remains relatively constant (independent of current) when it is connected in reverse bias.
Applications of backward diodes
Detector
Since it has low capacitance and no charge storage effect, and a strongly nonlinear small-signal characteristic, the backward diode can be used as a detector up to 40GHz.
Rectifier
A backward diode can be used for rectifying weak signals with peak amplitudes of 0.1 to 0.7 V.
witch
Backward diode can be used in high speed switching applications.
References
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