HW4 Due: Tuesday February 3rd

in the class
Q1: Depending on the material and structure of a diode, the real I-V characteristic can be
different from the theoretical equation. Usually a constant, called ideality factor (n), is applied to
correct the I-V equation. In this case the equation is expressed as:
ID= Is[exp(VD/nVT) -1]
with n having a value between 1 and 2.
Using Matlab or Excel plot the I-V characteristic of a diode with Is=10 nA, ideality factor n=2,
and VT=25 mV (voltage range: +1 V VD -10 V with steps of 0.05 V). Then plot the I-V curve
for 0.8 V VD 0 V.
(Plots must be labeled properly with the units for the axes)
1. If the diode is applied in the following circuit (VDD=0.8 V and R=10 ), draw the load line on the
second plot and find ID and VD.
2. Solve the same circuit with 0.7 V constant voltage model and compare the I D and VD with the
values obtained from the curve.

1
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
-9.5 -8.5 -7.5 -6.5 -5.5 -4.5 -3.5 -2.5 -1.5 -0.5 0.5
-10
-9
-8
-7
-6
-5
-4
-3
-2
-1
0
1

VD

ID

ID

0.08
0.07
0.06
0.05
0.04
0.03
0.02
0.01
0
0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

1.

ID = .0096875A
VD =.70312V
2. ID= (VDD-VD)/R = (.8-.7)/(10) = .01A
VD = .7V
The values are very close.