Step 4: Schottky Diodes
Unlike a PN-junction diode, a Schottky Diode has a metal–semiconductor (M–S) junction is a type of junction in which a metal comes in close contact with a semiconductor material. They are semiconductor diodes with a low forward voltage drop and a very fast switching action.
For the junction, molybdenum, platinum, chromium or tungsten are used; and a semiconductive an N-type silicon. The metal side acts as the anode and N-type semiconductor acts as the cathode. This is called the Schottky barrier. There are advantages in speed because Schottky diodes do not rely on holes or electrons recombining when they enter the opposite type of region as in the case of a conventional diode. These kinds of diodes, by design, have a very precise breakdown voltage, and are able to respond, or switch, rapidly due to having a partially metal junction.
When current flows through a diode there is a very small voltage drop across the terminals. This lower voltage drop is conducive of faster switching speed and better system efficiency. It reduces the power losses normally incurred in the rectifier and other diodes used within the power supply. With standard silicon diodes offering the main alternative, their turn on voltage is around 0.6 to 0.7 volts. With Schottky diode rectifiers having a turn on voltage of around 0.2 to 0.3 volts, there is a significant power saving to be gained.
For the junction, molybdenum, platinum, chromium or tungsten are used; and a semiconductive an N-type silicon. The metal side acts as the anode and N-type semiconductor acts as the cathode. This is called the Schottky barrier. There are advantages in speed because Schottky diodes do not rely on holes or electrons recombining when they enter the opposite type of region as in the case of a conventional diode. These kinds of diodes, by design, have a very precise breakdown voltage, and are able to respond, or switch, rapidly due to having a partially metal junction.
When current flows through a diode there is a very small voltage drop across the terminals. This lower voltage drop is conducive of faster switching speed and better system efficiency. It reduces the power losses normally incurred in the rectifier and other diodes used within the power supply. With standard silicon diodes offering the main alternative, their turn on voltage is around 0.6 to 0.7 volts. With Schottky diode rectifiers having a turn on voltage of around 0.2 to 0.3 volts, there is a significant power saving to be gained.
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vov35
says:
Mar 21, 2012. 12:41 PMReply
You make it sound as if schottky diodes are better in every way. Do they have any drawbacks? (if they do, this content should probably be added)
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iceng
in reply to Mar 31, 2012. 9:28 PMReplySchottky diodes are not high voltage diodes.
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