Semiconductors, ESD/EMI,

and On-board Computers

Diode Semiconductors
Semiconductors are electronic devices,
usually made from silicon sand or
germanium.
Simple semiconductors like diodes,
LEDs (light emitting diodes), and Zener
diodes are usually just improved
switches.
Regular diodes operate much like one-
way valves for current.
That is, they switch ON if the polarity
of the circuit is correct, and OFF if the
Polarity is reversed.
A diode could be called a “smart”
switch.
When it detects the correct polarity, it
turns ON; and when it detects a
reverse polarty, it turns OFF.
It also monitors pressure- if the
pressure (voltage) is not high enough it
will not turn ON.
Diode Operation is Similar
to a Poppet Valve.
Regular Silicon Diodes
Electricity and magnetism are much
alike.
This is true in the case of opposites
attracting and likes repelling.
In the case of magnets, opposite poles
attract and like poles repel.
In electricity, the same thing happens –
like charges repel and opposite charges
attract.
Regular Silicon Diodes
Inside the diode are some small
positive and negative areas.
Both of these areas conduct current,
but at the PN junction, they are
separated by a thin boundary layer.
Regular Silicon Diodes
When a diode is placed in a circuit
( with a lamp or some other load also in
the circuit) in the correct (forward Bias)
direction,the positive side of the circuit
is applied to the positive side of the
diode.
Also, the negative side of the circuit is
applied to the negative side of the
diode.
Regular Silicon Diodes
Remember, like electrical charges repel
eacher other.
The supply Voltage charges are much
stronger than the diode P and N
materials.
The P conductive material is repelled
toward the N and the N toward the P.
This causes the PN junction to become a
conductor, just like turning ON a switch.
How does the diode “know” to switch
OFF if the polarity is reversed?
The similarity is in how magnets operate.
Diode Bias - Forward Bias
This shows the battery negative
terminal connected to the N-type
material and the battery positive
terminal connected to the P-type
material – is known as a forward bias
connection.
This is the condition necessary for
current flow through a diode.
Diodes conduct when 0.6 to 0.7 volts
are applied.
Forward Biased Diode
Diode Bias - Reverse Bias
When battery connection are reversed,
the positive battery potential
effectively creates a very high
electrical resistance at the PN junction
of the diode.
This is called reverse bias and causes
the diode to block current flow.
Reverse Biased Diode
Note
Peak Inverse Voltage is the highest
reverse bias voltage that can be
applied to a diode junction before
damage occurs.
 The diode will always short before
going open if reverse bias voltage is
exceeded.
Diodes Protect Circuits
The clamping diode, protects the
circuit from surge currents developed
when the current flowing through an
electromagnetic device is abruptly
interrupted.
Any coil, such as a solenoid or a rely,
when energized, will set up a
magnetic field, similar to that of an
ignition coil.
When the electrons are passing
through the coil, they don’t want to
Diodes Protect Circuits
The coil tries to keep them going even if the
circuit is opened.
As the electrons pile up against the open in
the circuit, they will try to jump the open.
If this happens, a spark occurs and the
resulting damage can take its toll on related
components.
The diode across the coil allows the electron
pile-up to back up, bypassing the coil.
This is like a pressure-relief valve in a
pressure cooker
Clamping Diode Protects
Against Surge Current
Zener Diodes
Zener diodes are the voltage
regulators of the diode family.
Zener diodes are available in many
voltage sizes, depending on the
voltage level to be regulated.
The rage is from 2 to 200 volts.
Zener Diodes
Zener diodes are placed in a circuit
“backwards” from regular diodes (the symbol
pointing the wrong way).
When the Zener voltage is reached, the Zener
diode begins to conduct, but maintains the
voltage drop across itself.
This voltage drop is regulated at whatever the
Zener diode is rated for.
Zener diodes act like regular diodes when
forward biased.
If diode breakdown voltage is exceeded,
permanent damage to the Zener does not
occur
Zener Diodes Act as
Voltage Regulators
The Negatively mounted diodes in CS
charging systems are Zener Diodes.
Transistors/Semiconductor
s
The most
commonly used
transistors are
bipolar.
Because of the
advantages of
digital electronics
and computer-
controlled devices,
transistors are
used more and
more in place of
relays and
Transistors/Semiconductor
s
Transistor are used because computer
circuits do not have “fingers.”
This may seem like a odd statement,
but computers must be able to turn ON
and OFF many circuits.
The only way this can be done is with a
small electrical signal (voltage).
Transistors perform the functions of a
switch without the need for a “finger”.
Transistor and Hydraulic
Switch Equivalent.
Transistor Current Flow
Transistor current
flow is very much
like a water faucet
The more the faucet
is turned ON, the
more water will flow
out of the spigot
(collector/emitter
path).
Transistor Current Flow
NPN and PNP Transistors
For the NPN transistor, the arrow on the
emitter is not pointing in (NPN).
Looking at the PNP transistor, the arrow on
the emitter is pointing in permanently (PNP).
With an NPN transistor, the middle letter is
“P,” and a positive voltage must be applied to
the base to turn the collector/emitter circuit
ON.
With a PNP transistor, the middle letter is an
“N,” and a negative (ground path) must be
completed from the base to turn the
emitter/collector circuit ON.
NPN and PNP Transistors
Transistors have many advantages
over the relays and switches they
replace.
Transistors are smaller, lighter, faster,
and can be controlled with much lower
current than traditional relays.
In addition to these advantage,
transistors have another advantage
that is even more useful: transistors
can be variable!
NPN and PNP Transistors
Transistor vs. Relay
Operation
With the relay, note the large current
path of the controlled circuit.
Also note the path of the “controlling”
circuit, through the coil of the relay to
ground.
The main purpose for using a relay is to
have a switch that can remotely control
a larger (higher current) circuit.
Transistor vs. Relay
Operation
Notice that a small switch can be
placed on either the positive or
ground side of the relay’s coil circuit.
The difference in where the switch for
the coil circuit is placed explains the
difference between NPN and PNP
transistor.
The main difference is in where the
coil control is switched – on the
positive side or the ground side.
Transistor vs. Relay
Operation
Examine the NPN transistor circuit, as
compared with a similar relay circuit.
The relay circuit is turned ON and OFF
by closing and opening the switch in
the positive side of the coil circuit.
This turns the lamp ON and OFF in the
larger controlled circuit.
Transistor vs. Relay
Operation
With a transistor, the same thing
happens when the switch in the base
circuit is opened and closed.
The lamp turns ON and OFF as if it is
being controlled by a relay.
The most ever done with electricity is
to turn it ON or OFF.
Switching Operation
Transistor Circuit
Transistor Circuit