High Voltage Schottky and p-n Diodes from Coursera

This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5722, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering.

This course is primarily aimed at first year graduate students interested in engineering or science, along with professionals with an interest in power electronics and semiconductor devices .

It is the second course in the "Semiconductor Power Device" specialization that focusses on diodes, MOSFETs, IGBT but also covers legacy devices (BJTs, Thyristors and TRIACS) as well as state-of-the-art devices such as silicon carbide (SiC) Schottky diodes and MOSFETs as well as Gallium Nitride (GaN) HEMTs. The specialization provides an overview of devices, the physics background needed to understand the device operation, the construction of a device circuit model from a physical device model and a description of the device fabrication technology including packaging.

This second course provides a more detailed description of high-voltage Schottky and p-n diodes, starting with the semiconductor physics background needed to analyze both types of diodes. The main properties of crystalline semiconductors are presented that lead to the calculation of carrier densities and carrier currents, resulting in the drift-diffusion model for the semiconductors of interest. Next are a close look at Schottky diodes followed by p-n diodes, with a focus on the key figures of merit including the on-resistance, breakdown voltage and diode capacitance. For each diode, the analysis is then linked to the corresponding SPICE model. Finally, the power diode losses - both on-state losses and switching losses - are examined in a convertor circuit, including a comparison of silicon p-n diodes and 4H-SiC Schottky diodes.

Learning objectives:

• Provide students with a detailed understanding of High-Voltage Schottky and p-n diodes.

• Students will be able to calculate key diode parameters based on their physical structure.

• Students will be able to construct SPICE models for Schottky and p-n diodes.

What's inside

Syllabus

Semiconductor physics background

In this module, you will learn about semiconductors: the material used to make power semiconductor devices. Specifically you will learn: a) types of semiconductors that are of interest and their crystal structure, b) band structure of relevant semiconductors, c) How to calculate the majority and minority carrier density in a semiconductor, d) How to deal with electron and hole drift and diffusion, and e) How to deal with carrier generation and recombination. This module closes with the drift-diffusion model, the cornerstone of any semiconductor device analysis.

Schottky diodes

In this module, you will learn about the simplest semiconductor device, a Schottky diode, which consists of a metal-semiconductor junction. You will apply the drift-diffusion model, solving Gauss' law leading to the depletion layer width, the maximum electric field and capacitance versus voltage relation. Next is the derivation of the Schottky diode current. The analysis of diode breakdown at high voltage is included as well, as is the construction of a SPICE model including parasitic elements.

p-n Diodes

In this module, you will learn how to analyze a p-n diode and how it differs from a Schottky diode. Specific items of interest are: a) The capacitance versus voltage relation, b) The diode current, including minority carrier injection under forward bias, c) The minority carrier charge and its effect on switching losses, and d) The construction of a p-n diode SPICE model including parasitic circuit elements.

Power diode losses

In this module, you will learn about the trade-off between diode losses and breakdown voltage including: a) The diode resistance and its relation to the breakdown voltage, b) The switching losses and relation to diode capacitance and minority charge storage, and c) A detailed comparison of SiC Schottky and silicon p-n diodes.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines power electronics and semiconductor devices, topics that are highly relevant to industry

Taught by Bart Van Zeghbroeck, an instructor recognized for their work in this field

Primarily intended for first-year graduate students in engineering or science, professionals, and those interested in power electronics and semiconductor devices

Develops detailed understanding of high-voltage Schottky and p-n diodes, useful for professional growth and development

Covers both legacy devices and state-of-the-art devices, providing a comprehensive study of the field

Delves into semiconductor physics, device operation, and device fabrication technology, offering a strong foundation for beginners

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in High Voltage Schottky and p-n Diodes with these activities:

Review semiconductor physics

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Provides a solid grounding in the fundamentals of semiconductor physics to prepare for the course material.

Browse courses on Semiconductors

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Read chapters 1-3 of a semiconductor physics textbook
Solve practice problems on carrier densities and drift-diffusion

Analyze Schottky diode I-V curves

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Reinforces understanding of Schottky diode behavior and provides practice in analyzing I-V curves.

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Obtain I-V data from a Schottky diode
Plot the I-V curve and identify key features
Use the drift-diffusion model to explain the observed behavior

Explore the latest advances in silicon carbide power diodes

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Provides exposure to cutting-edge research and helps students stay up-to-date with industry trends.

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Search for recent journal articles on silicon carbide power diodes
Identify key findings and implications for future developments

Three other activities

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Develop a SPICE model for a p-n diode

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Enhances understanding of p-n diode operation and provides hands-on experience in SPICE modeling.

Browse courses on P-N Diodes

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Review the SPICE model for a p-n diode
Extract parameters from a p-n diode datasheet
Simulate the p-n diode in SPICE and compare to experimental data

Design a power converter circuit using high-voltage Schottky diodes

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Applies course concepts to a practical engineering problem, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

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Identify the power converter requirements
Select appropriate high-voltage Schottky diodes
Design the converter circuit and simulate its performance
Optimize the circuit for efficiency and cost

Participate in a power electronics design competition

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Provides a challenging and motivating environment to apply course knowledge and develop teamwork skills.

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Form a team and identify a competition
Research and brainstorm ideas
Design and build the power electronics circuit
Test and evaluate the circuit
Present the design and results at the competition

Career center

Learners who complete High Voltage Schottky and p-n Diodes will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Semiconductor Device Engineer

Semiconductor device engineers use the principles of engineering to design, produce, and test semiconductor devices. This course will be very helpful to you as a semiconductor device engineer because it will teach you about the physics of semiconductor devices. The course covers topics such as semiconductor physics, Schottky diodes, p-n diodes, and power diode losses.

See salaries and explore the career path for Semiconductor Device Engineer

Power Electronics Engineer

Power electronics engineers design, develop, and test power electronic systems. This course can help you to become a power electronics engineer because it will teach you about the basics of power electronics. The course covers topics such as semiconductor physics, power diode losses, and the construction of SPICE models for Schottky and p-n diodes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Power Electronics Engineer

Materials Scientist

Materials scientists research and develop new materials. This course may be helpful for you as a materials scientist because it will teach you about the physics of semiconductor materials. The course covers topics such as semiconductor physics, Schottky diodes, and p-n diodes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers design, develop, and test electrical systems. This course may be helpful for you as an electrical engineer because it will teach you about the basics of electrical engineering. The course covers topics such as semiconductor physics, Schottky diodes, and p-n diodes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. This course may be helpful for you as an economist because it will teach you about the economic principles behind semiconductor devices. The course covers topics such as semiconductor physics, Schottky diodes, and p-n diodes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

Statistician

Statisticians collect and analyze data to provide information about the world around us. This course may be helpful for you as a statistician because it will teach you about the statistical principles behind semiconductor devices. The course covers topics such as semiconductor physics, Schottky diodes, and p-n diodes.

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Computer Engineer

Computer engineers design and develop computer systems. This course may be helpful for you as a computer engineer because it will teach you about the electrical engineering principles behind computer systems. The course covers topics such as semiconductor physics, Schottky diodes, and p-n diodes.

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Historian

Historians study the past and its impact on the present. This course may be helpful for you as a historian because it will teach you about the historical principles behind semiconductor devices. The course covers topics such as semiconductor physics, Schottky diodes, and p-n diodes.

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Sociologist

Sociologists study human society and social behavior. This course may be helpful for you as a sociologist because it will teach you about the social principles behind semiconductor devices. The course covers topics such as semiconductor physics, Schottky diodes, and p-n diodes.

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Political Scientist

Political scientists study the theory and practice of government and politics. This course may be helpful for you as a political scientist because it will teach you about the political principles behind semiconductor devices. The course covers topics such as semiconductor physics, Schottky diodes, and p-n diodes.

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Anthropologist

Anthropologists study the behavior, origin, and development of humans. This course may be helpful for you as an anthropologist because it will teach you about the anthropological principles behind semiconductor devices. The course covers topics such as semiconductor physics, Schottky diodes, and p-n diodes.

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Physicist

Physicists research and develop new theories and technologies. This course may be helpful for you as a physicist because it will teach you about the physics of semiconductor devices. The course covers topics such as semiconductor physics, Schottky diodes, and p-n diodes.

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Mathematician

Mathematicians develop and apply mathematical theories and techniques. This course may be helpful for you as a mathematician because it will teach you about the mathematical principles behind semiconductor devices. The course covers topics such as semiconductor physics, Schottky diodes, and p-n diodes.

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Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers design and develop mechanical systems. This course may be helpful for you as a mechanical engineer because it will teach you about the mechanical properties of semiconductor devices. The course covers topics such as semiconductor physics, Schottky diodes, and p-n diodes.

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Chemical Engineer

Chemical engineers design and operate chemical plants. This course may be useful for you as a chemical engineer because it will teach you about the chemical processes involved in the production of semiconductor devices. The course covers topics such as semiconductor physics, Schottky diodes, and p-n diodes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer