Power Semiconductor Devices-Diode

Topics to be covered

1. Classification of power semiconductor devices
2. Rating of power semiconductor devices
3. Device symbol and characteristics
4. Control characteristics of few power semiconductor devices
5. Desirable characteristics of power semiconductor devices
6. DETAILS OF POWER DIODES

Classification of Power Electronic Devices
Broad classifications of Power Electronic devices are as follows:
(A)Based on family

1. DIODES: PN Junction Diodes, Schottky dodes
2. TRANSISTOR: Power BJT (Bipolar Junction Transistor), MD (Monolithic Darlington), Power MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor), IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor)
3. THYRISTORS: SCR (Silicon Controller Rectifier), GTO (Gate Turn Off Thyristor), MCT (MOS-Controlled Thyristor) etc.

(B)Based on controllability

1. Uncontrolled Devices such as diodes: on and off sates controlled by the power circuit.
2. Pulse Driven Devices such as SCR and TRIAC:latched on by a control signal but must be turned off by the power circuit.
3. Controllable Devices: Two types which are turned on and off by control signals. Current-Driven Devices: BJT, MD, GTO
   

Voltage-Driven Devices: MOSFET, IGBT, MCT.

All devices are operated in the switching mode which has the advantages of high efficiency and high power capability.
(C) Based on material used
Classification of state-of-the-art power semiconductors

Device Symbols and Characteristics

next Control Characteristics Devices