7.1.2. Effect of Reverse Bias on Minority Carrier Profile

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is reverse bias in a semiconductor?

   Hint

   Think of it as a way to push current away from a junction.

2. 2.

   Define minority carriers in the context of BJTs.

   Hint

   They're not the primary carriers.

3. 3.

   What happens to minority carrier density when reverse bias is applied?

   • Decreases toward zero
   • Increases uniformly
   • Remains the same
   • Increases only at x=0

   Hint

   Consider the behavior of carriers in an opposing voltage.

4. 4.

   True or False: A BJT with isolated junctions behaves like two back-to-back diodes.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about the necessary conditions for transistor operation.

5. 5.

   A transistor is operating at a reverse bias. Describe the step-by-step process of how a small change in the reverse bias affects the collector current.

   Hint

   Look at how current varies as you adjust bias.

6. 6.

   Under various reverse bias values, derive the relationship of junction proximity to collector current and the resulting implication on transistor function.

   Hint

   Think about what happens to the spatial profile of carriers.