Difference between Schottky and PN Diode

Nov 30 -0001

Compare, distinguish and explain what is the difference between Schottky and PN Diode. Comparison and Differences.

Difference between Schottky and PN Diode

1. In the Schottky diode, the forward current is due to thermionic emission (majority carrier transport). In the PN diode, the forward current is due to diffusion currents (minority carrier transport).

2. In Schottky, reverse current only due to majority carriers that overcome the barrier (less temperature dependent). In PN diode, reverse current due to minority carriers diffusing to the depletion layer and drifting to the other side (strong temperature dependence).

3. In Schottky, cut-in voltage is small (about 0.3V). In PN, cut-in voltage is large (about 0.7V).

4. In Schottky diode their os high switching speed, because of majority carrier transport and so no recombination time needed. In PN diode, switching speed limited by the recombination time of the injected minority carriers.

5. Ideality factor about is about 1 in Schottky because no recombination takes place in the depletion layer. Ideality factor is about 1.2 to 2.0 in the PN diode, which is due to recombination in the depletion layer.

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