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1 year ago in Electronics , Physics By Shilpa

How does temperature affect the rectifying factor in electronic devices?

In my experimental work on semiconductor device physics, I've observed that the rectifying factor the ratio of forward to reverse current isn't stable across temperature ranges. This is crucial for designing reliable circuits for real-world applications where thermal management is a factor. I'm hoping for a practical, physics-based explanation that bridges theory with the inconsistencies I'm measuring on the bench.

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By Alison Answered 3 months ago

Excellent, practical question. From my work in device testing, I've seen that temperature is a primary source of deviation from ideal diode equations. The core mechanism is its effect on intrinsic carrier concentration; as temperature rises, significantly more electron-hole pairs are generated. This increases the reverse saturation current exponentially, which directly degrades the rectifying factor. Simultaneously, the built-in potential barrier decreases slightly. I would recommend always characterizing your devices across your intended operational temperature range, as datasheet values are typically given at 25°C and real-world performance will diverge.

   

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