Advertisements
Advertisements
Question
Answer the following question.
Why photodiodes are required to operate in reverse bias? Explain.
Advertisements
Solution
The photodiode is reverse biased for operating in the photoconductive mode. As the photodiode is in reverse bias, the width of the depletion layer increases. This reduces the junction capacitance and thereby the response time. In effect, the reverse bias causes faster response times for the photodiode. The photocurrent is linearly proportional to the illuminance.
RELATED QUESTIONS
With the help of neat labelled circuit diagram explain the working of half wave rectifier using semiconductor diode. Draw the input and output waveforms.
Show on a graph, the variation of resistivity with temperature for a typical semiconductor.
Find the values of rp, µ and gm of a triode operating at plate voltage 200 V and grid voltage −6. The plate characteristics are shown in the figure.

The gain factor of an amplifier in increased from 10 to 12 as the load resistance is changed from 4 kΩ to 8 kΩ. Calculate (a) the amplification factor and (b) the plate resistance.
On increasing the reverse biases voltage to a large value in a P – N junction diode-current
In the depletion region of a diode ______.
- there are no mobile charges.
- equal number of holes and electrons exist, making the region neutral.
- recombination of holes and electrons has taken place.
- immobile charged ions exist.
![]() (a) |
![]() (b) |
- Name the type of a diode whose characteristics are shown in figure (A) and figure (B).
- What does the point P in figure (A) represent?
- What does the points P and Q in figure (B) represent?
In the circuit shown in figure, when the input voltage of the base resistance is 10 V, Vbe is zero and Vce is also zero. Find the values of Ib, Ic and β.

What is meant by forward biasing of a semiconductor diode?
A full wave rectifier circuit diodes (D1) and (D2) is shown in the figure. If input supply voltage Vin = 220 sin (100 πt) volt, then at t = 15 ms.



