Electronic Devices and Circuits, 2nd Edition

Chapter 2

Semiconductor Diodes and Rectifiers

2.1 Introduction

For proper understanding of the semiconductor or electronic devices in their various applications in electronic circuits used in electronic gadgets and systems (appliances), knowledge of the characteristics of the electron and its associated structures of atoms, energy levels and material properties is essential. So, the electronics subject will be developed step by step starting from the knowledge of electron behaviour in semiconductor devices, under the influence of electric and magnetic fields.

All matter is composed of molecules, which are the smallest particles preserving the individual characteristics of the substance. Molecules are composed of atoms and atoms are made of ...