Semiconductors » Diode » Schottky diode

Schottky diode

A Schottky diode is a semiconductor diode with low forward voltage (Vf) drop and a very fast switching action. When current flows in forward direction, a standard silicon diode will have a voltage drop around 0.6V and 0.7V, while Schottky diode will have a voltage drop between 0.15V and 0.45V. This lower voltage drop provides better system efficiency and faster switching speed. It also reduces the power losses normally incurred in the rectifier and other diodes used within the power supply

Schottky diodes are constructed by joining n-type semiconductor and a metal instead of two semiconductors as in normal silicon diodes. The semiconductor-metal junction is called Schotty barrier. The N-type semiconductor acts as the cathode and the metal side acts as the anode of the Schottky diode.

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