Forward current characteristics of Schottky diode during operation

What is the current of Schottky diode during operation? It is divided into forward current and reverse current.

1、 When the applied forward voltage is small, the Schottky diode exhibits high resistance and almost zero forward current. The OA section of the curve is called the non-conductive region or dead zone. The dead zone voltage of a typical silicon transistor is about 0.5 volts, and the dead zone voltage of germanium is about 0.2 volts, which is also known as the threshold voltage or threshold voltage.

2、 When the applied forward voltage exceeds the dead zone voltage, the electric field inside the PN junction is almost cancelled out, and the resistance of the Schottky diode is very small. The forward current begins to increase and enters the forward conduction region, but at this time, the voltage and current are not proportional as in segment AB. With the increase of applied voltage, the forward current rapidly increases, such as the steep characteristic curve of the BC segment, and the volt ampere relationship is approximately linear, in a fully conductive state.

3、 The forward voltage across the two ends of a Schottky diode after conduction is called the forward voltage drop (or diode voltage drop), and it is almost constant. The voltage drop of a silicon diode is about 0.7V, and the voltage drop of a germanium diode is about 0.3V.

Have you learned the forward current of Schottky diodes? A correct and professional understanding of the current parameters during the operation of Schottky diodes is beneficial for better utilization of their performance.