The reverse saturation current in a PN Junction diode is only due to:

Correct answer: C. Minority carriers

  • A. Majority carriers
  • B. Acceptor ions
  • C. Minority carriers
  • D. Donor ions

Explanation

The reverse saturation current in a PN junction diode is largely due to the movement of minority carriers. In a reverse-biased PN junction, the electric field in the depletion region allows minority carriers (electrons in the P-region and holes in the N-region) to cross the junction, leading to a small but steady reverse current known as the reverse saturation current. Majority carriers contribute to the forward current when the diode is forward-biased. Acceptor and donor ions are involved in establishing the potential barrier and the depletion region but do not contribute directly to the reverse saturation current.

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A p-n junction forms when p-type and n-type semiconductor regions meet, creating a depletion layer, barrier potential and rectifying action. The work covers forward and reverse bias, junction current, diode characteristics, and how a diode converts alternating current into pulsating direct current through half-wave and full-wave rectification.

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