Chapter 12: Problem 9
A uniformly doped silicon npn bipolar transistor at \(T=300 \mathrm{~K}\) is biased in the forward-active mode. The doping concentrations are \(N_{E}=8 \times 10^{17} \mathrm{~cm}^{-3}\), \(N_{E}=2 \times 10^{16} \mathrm{~cm}^{-3}\), and \(N_{c}=10^{15} \mathrm{~cm}^{-3} \cdot(a)\) Determine the thermal- equilibrium values \(p_{E 0}, n_{B 0}\), and \(p_{c 0} \cdot(b)\) For \(V_{B E}=0.640 \mathrm{~V}\), calculate the values of \(n_{B}\) at \(x=0\) and \(p_{E}\) at \(x^{\prime}=0 .(c)\) Sketch the minority carrier concentrations through the device and label each curve.
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understand the Parameters
Determine Thermal-Equilibrium Values
Calculate Values under Forward Bias
Sketch the Minority Carrier Concentrations
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Doping Concentrations
- **Emitter ({E})**: Typically has the highest doping concentration, like the given value of \(N_{E} = 8 \times 10^{17} \text{ cm}^{-3}\). This high concentration helps the emitter to efficiently inject a large number of charge carriers (electrons, in this case) into the base.
- **Base ({B})**: The base is doped at a moderate level, such as \(N_{B} = 2 \times 10^{16} \text{ cm}^{-3}\). This ensures enough minority carriers are available to cross into the collector while keeping base current minimal.
- **Collector ({C})**: This region is lightly doped, represented by \(N_{C} = 10^{15} \text{ cm}^{-3}\). The light doping allows the charge carriers to leave the base region easily and ensures that the collector can sustain a high voltage without breaking down.
Thermal-Equilibrium Values
For semiconductors, thermal-equilibrium can be analyzed using the intrinsic carrier concentration \(n_i\). The intrinsic concentration for silicon at \(300 \text{ K}\) is \(1.5 \times 10^{10} \text{ cm}^{-3}\). Using this value, we calculate the minority carrier concentrations in each region of the transistor by understanding the equilibrium relationship:
- **Emitter Minority Holes \(p_{E0}\)**: Given by \(p_{E0} = \frac{n_i^2}{N_E}\), resulting in a concentration due to the heavy doping in the emitter.
- **Base Minority Electrons \(n_{B0}\)**: Calculated as \(n_{B0} = \frac{n_i^2}{N_B}\), this lets us understand the propensity of electrons to flow into the collector.
- **Collector Minority Holes \(p_{C0}\)**: Determined by \(p_{C0} = \frac{n_i^2}{N_C}\), signifying the low concentration due to light doping.
Minority Carrier Concentrations
**Understanding Key Concepts**:
- **Balance in Forward Bias**: Upon applying a bias, carrier concentration changes exponentially at junctions. In this exercise, for a forward-biased junction \(V_{BE} = 0.640 \text{ V}\), the electron concentration at the base-emitter junction and the hole concentration at the emitter-base junction are recalculated.
- **Calculation Using Bias**: For instance, \(n_{B}\) (electrons in the base) is influenced by \((V_{BE}/V_T)\), where \(V_T\) is the thermal voltage, calculated as about \(0.0259 \text{ V}\) at \(300 \text{ K}\).
Forward-Active Mode
**Significance and Behavior**:
- **Signal Amplification**: Forward-active mode is crucial for amplification as it permits electrons to move easily from the emitter to the collector through the base, allowing the transistor to control larger currents with a smaller input current.
- **Minority Carriers and Efficiency**: In this mode, the base's charge carrier distribution adapts to enhance the flow of electrons from emitter to collector, leading to high efficiency.