A p - n junction diode has the characteristic i = i₀ ! (e^ eV/kT - 1 ) where i₀ = 20 A . The diode is operated at T = 300 K . Determine the current through the diode when a forward bias voltage of 300 mV is applied across it.

Step-by-step solution

Given: Reverse saturation current, i₀ = 20 A = 20 10⁻⁶ A Forward bias voltage, V = 300 mV = 0.3 V Temperature, T = 300 K Boltzmann constant, k = 1.38 10⁻²³ J/K Elementary charge, e = 1.6 10⁻¹⁹ C First, calculate the exponent eV kT : eV kT = 1.6 10⁻¹⁹ 0.3 1.38 10⁻²³ 300 eV kT = 0.48 10⁻¹⁹ 4.14 10⁻²¹ = 48 4.14 11.6 The current through the diode is given by: i = i₀ ( e^ eV kT - 1 ) Since e^ 11.6 1 , we can neglect the -1 term: i i₀ e^ eV kT Using e^ 11.6 1.09 10^5 : i 20 10⁻⁶ 1.09 10^5 i 2.18 A The closest value among