Question 1

Schottky diodes are also known as hot-carrier diodes.

Accepted Answer

Schottky diodes are indeed referred to as hot-carrier diodes due to their operation mechanism, which involves the movement of high-energy ("hot") carriers across the junction.

Question 2

The Schottky diode is constructed by joining two pieces of semiconductor material together.

Accepted Answer

The Schottky diode is constructed by joining a metal to a semiconductor material, not by joining two pieces of semiconductor material together.

Question 3

Zener diodes are sometimes referred to as avalanche diodes.

Accepted Answer

Zener diodes can operate in the avalanche breakdown region, which is why they are sometimes referred to as avalanche diodes. However, they are specifically designed to exploit the Zener breakdown effect.

Question 4

The ____ is constructed by joining two metal conductors on either side of an n-type gallium arsenide&#160; semiconductor material.&#10;A) IMPATT diode&#10;B) Gunn diode&#10;C) Zener diode&#10;D) tunnel diode

Accepted Answer

The Gunn diode is constructed by joining two metal conductors on either side of an n-type gallium arsenide semiconductor material. This structure is unique to the Gunn diode, which operates based on the Gunn effect, distinct from the mechanisms of the other diodes listed.

Question 5

Shockley diodes are actually classified as a ____ because they operate in only two states, on or off.&#10;A) thyristor&#10;B) thermistor&#10;C) rheostat&#10;D) varistat

Accepted Answer

Shockley diodes are classified as a type of thyristor because they operate in a bistable mode, meaning they can be in one of two states: fully on or fully off, similar to other thyristors.

Question 6

The varactor diode is operated reverse biased.

Accepted Answer

A varactor diode is designed to operate in reverse bias, as its capacitance varies with the reverse voltage applied across its terminals.

Question 7

Tunnel diodes are often referred to as ____ diodes.&#10;A) Zener&#10;B) IMPATT&#10;C) Esaki&#10;D) Gunn

Accepted Answer

Tunnel diodes are also known as Esaki diodes, named after Leo Esaki, who discovered the tunneling effect used in these diodes.

Question 8

The ____ is a special diode used in microwave oscillators that operate between 10 and 100 Ghz.&#10;A) PIN diode&#10;B) IMPATT diode&#10;C) Gunn diode&#10;D) Zener diode

Accepted Answer

IMPATT diodes are used in microwave oscillators that operate between 10 and 100 GHz.

Question 9

____ are special diodes that have a low reverse voltage breakdown rating.&#10;A) Gunn diodes&#10;B) Tunnel diodes&#10;C) Gunn diodes&#10;D) Zener diodes

Accepted Answer

Zener diodes are designed to operate in the reverse breakdown region, which allows them to maintain a stable voltage across their terminals even when the reverse current varies. This characteristic makes them useful for voltage regulation purposes.

Question 10

Zener diodes can be tested in the same manner as rectifier diodes provided the ohmmeter voltage is&#160; more than the reverse voltage value of the zener.

Accepted Answer

Zener diodes can indeed be tested similarly to rectifier diodes using an ohmmeter, but the statement about the ohmmeter voltage needing to be more than the reverse voltage value of the Zener is incorrect. The key characteristic of Zener diodes is their ability to conduct in reverse once a certain voltage (Zener voltage) is reached, but for testing purposes with an ohmmeter, the concern is not about exceeding this voltage but rather about identifying the diode's forward and reverse bias conductivity. Exceeding the Zener voltage with an ohmmeter could potentially damage the diode.

Deck 9: Special Diodes