By completing the PN-Junction Lab in ABACUS - Assembly of Basic Applications for Coordinated Understanding of Semiconductors, you will be able to:
a) conduct drift-diffusion modeling,
b) describe the physical and mathematical operation of PN-Junctions, and
c) build and validate a simple PN Junction simulation tool.
The specific objectives of the PN-Junction Lab are:
Recommended Reading
If you have not had experience with pn-junction physics and modeling, here is a list of resources that will help you have the required knowledge to get the most of these materials:
1. Rober F. Pierret, Semiconductor Device Fundamentals (Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 2000). (theory of pn-diodes)
2. Michael Shur, Physics of Semiconductor Devices (Prentice Hall, 1990). (theory of pn-diodes)
3. Dragica Vasileska, Stephen M. Goodnick and G. Klimeck: Computational Electronics: Semiclassical and Quantum Device Modeling and Simulation, (CRC Press, 2010). (modeling of pn-diodes)
Demo
PN Junction Lab: First-Time User Guide
PN Junction Lab Demonstration: Asymmetric PN Junctions
Theoretical descriptions
* Tutorial_PADRE_Simulation_Tools.pdf (tutorial)
* Physical and Analytical Description of the Operation of a PN Diode (physical, analytical model)
* PN junction in forward bias (simulation)
* Numerical solution of the Drift-Diffusion Equations for a diode (computational model)
* Drift-Diffusion Modeling and Numerical Implementation Details (implementation details and source code dissemination)
Tool Verification
Verification of the pn-junction tool is done by comparison of the simulation results for the electric field in equilibrium with the depletion charge approximation results. This verification process can be done while running the tool only, as it superimposes the depletion charge approximation results.
Verification of the Validity of the PN Junction Tool
Worked Examples
The following Worked Examples for a PN Diode are described in detail:
Example 1: Equilibrium PN-Junction
Example 2: PN-Junction Under Bias
Example 3: Non-Symmetric Junction
Example 4: Series Resistance
Exercises and Homework Assignments
1. Basic operation of a PN diode - Theoretical exercise
2. Homework for PN Junctions: Depletion Approximation (ECE 305)
3. PN Junction Lab Exercise: Non-Idealities in a PN Diode
4. PN Diode Exercise: Series Resistance
6. PN Diode Exercise: Graded Junction
7. PN diode - Advanced theoretical exercises
8. Schottky diode - Theoretical exercises
Solutions to Exercises
Solutions to exercises are provided to Instructors ONLY!
Take a Test
This test will assess your conceptual understanding of the physical, mathematical and computational knowledge related to operation and modeling of PN Junctions operation.
ABACUS: Test for PN Junction Lab
Solve the Challenge
In this final challenge you will integrate all what you have learned about PN Junction.