Abstract
So far we have discussed silicon samples which were either p-type or n-type. In this chapter we consider a silicon crystal which is p-type on one side and n-type on the other. The boundary between the p-region and the n-region is called a pn junction The behavior of a pn junction is basic to the operation of transistors and integrated circuits. Nearly all silicon circuits have pn junctions in them. Consequently, it is essential to fully understand the junction behavior before proceeding to bipolar transistors (chapter 3), Field-Effect transistors and CMOS structures (chapter 6). We begin this chapter with a description of a simple pn junction without any external bias voltage applied to it. We also describe basic processing steps that are used to fabricate typical pn junctions in the planar technology. We then discuss the current-voltage characteristics of the junction under forward and reverse bias conditions and their relation to the vertical and horizontal geometries.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsPreview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
P.E. Gray, D. DeWitt, A.R. Boothroyd and J.F. Gibbons, Semiconductor Electronics Education Committee/Volume 2, John Wiley (1964).
S.K. Ghandhi, VLSI Fabrication Principles, John Wiley (1983).
R.A. Colclaser, Microelectronics Process and Device Design, p.333, John Wiley (1980).
C. Kittel, Introduction to Solid State Physics, John Wiley, (1968).
A.S. Grove, Physics and Technology of Semiconductor Devices, John Wiley (1967).
A.B. Phillips, Transistor Engineering, McGraw-Hill (1962).
S.M. Sze and G. Gibbons, “Effect of Junction Curvature on Breakdown Voltages in Semiconductors,” Solid-State Electron., Vol. 9, pp.831–840 (1966).
J.L. Moll, Physics of Semiconductors, McGraw-Hill (1964).
R.S. Muller and T.I. Kamins, Device Electronics for Integrated Circuits, pp. 134–137, John Wiley (1977).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1986 Kluwer Academic Publishers
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
El-Kareh, B., Bombard, R.J. (1986). PN Junctions. In: Introduction to VLSI Silicon Devices. The Kluwer International Series in Engineering and Computer Science, vol 10. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-2275-7_2
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-2275-7_2
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-9404-7
Online ISBN: 978-1-4613-2275-7
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive