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Question

How do you test a Schottky diode?


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Solution

Schottky diode:

  1. A Schottky diode is a metal-semiconductor diode that has lower voltage drops than usual PN-junction diodes, it is also termed a barrier diode. It responds to a fast switching speed, it has a faster electrical response time due to lower voltage dissipation
  2. A p-type semiconductor and an n-type semiconductor are utilized to create the p-n junction in a typical p-n junction diode. A junction forms between the P-type and N-type semiconductors when a p-type semiconductor is connected to an n-type semiconductor. P-N junction is the name of this intersection.
  3. There is a junction created between the metal and the N-type semiconductor when platinum or aluminum are linked. Metal-semiconductor junctions, or M-S junctions, are what this junction is made of. A Schottky barrier is a depletion layer or barrier that is produced when a metal-semiconductor junction is created between a metal and an n-type semiconductor.
  4. Much more quickly than a p-n junction diode, a Schottky diode can turn on and off. Also, compared to a p-n junction diode, a Schottky diode generates less unwanted noise. The Schottky diode is highly beneficial in high-speed switching power circuits due to these two properties.

The Schottky diode begins to conduct current forward when an adequate voltage is provided. A slight voltage loss across the Schottky diode's terminals results from this current flow. Voltage drop is the term for this voltage loss.
A Schottky diode has a voltage drop of 0.2to0.3volts compared to a silicon diode 0.6to0.7volts. The amount of voltage required to switch on a diode is referred to as voltage loss or voltage drop.
In silicon diodes, 0.6to0.7volts are lost when the diode is turned on, compared to 0.2to0.3volts in Schottky diodes. The Schottky diode uses less voltage to switch on as a result.

The Schottky diode operates at the same voltage as a germanium diode. However, germanium diodes are not frequently employed since they have a much slower switching speed than Schottky diodes.

To test a Schottky diode:

  1. Connect the anode of the Schottky diode to the red positive test ends and the cathode of the diode to the black common test ends.
  2. A “buzz” or “beep” will be produced by the multimeter.
  3. If the Schottky diode is not working properly, then no sound will be produced.
  4. Now, interchange the leads of the multimeter. If the meter does not make any noise, then the diode works well.
  5. An expected voltage drop of a Schottky diode is 0.15V to 0.45V as compared to the standard silicon diode's 0.6V to 1.7V
  6. If the Schottky diode is connected to a circuit, turn it off before testing to avoid current flowing through your multimeter, to avoid malfunction or permanent damage.

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