Question

A reverse bias pn junction diode has:

• A. The current in the reverse biased condition is generally very small
• B. The current in the reverse biased condition is small but the forward biased current is independent of the bias voltage
• C. The reverse biased current is strongly dependent on the applied bias voltage
• D. The forward biased current is very small in comparison to reverse biased current

Answer 1

The correct option is B The current in the reverse biased condition is small but the forward biased current is independent of the bias voltage

A reverse biased pn junction conducts almost no current. The applied reverse bias attracts majority carriers away from the junction. This increases the thickness of the non-conducting depletion region. Reverse biased pn junctions show a temperature-dependent reverse leakage current. This is less than a µA in small silicon diodes.