Shockley diode equation

E53320

The Shockley diode equation is a fundamental formula in semiconductor physics that describes the current–voltage relationship of an ideal p–n junction diode.


Statements (50)
Predicate Object
instanceOf current–voltage relationship model
diode equation
semiconductor physics formula
appliesTo forward-biased diode
ideal p–n junction diode
reverse-biased diode (before breakdown)
approximation I ≈ I_s e^{V/(n V_T)} for forward bias where V ≫ n V_T
assumes abrupt p–n junction
low-level injection
negligible recombination in depletion region
negligible series resistance
steady-state conditions
temperature uniformity
uniform doping
category nonlinear device equation
defines diode current I as a function of applied voltage V
dependsOn absolute temperature T through V_T
material properties through I_s
describes current–voltage characteristic of an ideal p–n junction diode
field electronics
semiconductor device physics
hasComponentConcept Boltzmann constant k
elementary charge q
thermal voltage V_T = kT/q
hasMathematicalForm I = I_s (e^{V/(n V_T)} - 1)
hasSymbol I
I_s
V
V_T
n
hasTypicalRange ideality factor n between 1 and 2
namedAfter William Bradford Shockley
parameter ideality factor n
saturation current I_s
thermal voltage V_T
relatedTo diffusion current
drift current
p–n junction theory
relates diode current
diode voltage
shows exponential increase of current with forward voltage
usedIn SPICE diode models (as a core relation)
analysis of LEDs
analysis of photodiodes
analysis of solar cells
circuit simulation
design of clippers and clampers
design of rectifiers
semiconductor device modeling
validWhen diode is not in breakdown region

Referenced by (1)
Subject (surface form when different) Predicate
William Shockley
knownFor

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