Question 5.220: Draw the V-I characteristics of the P-N junction diode?...

When V is positive the junction is forward biased, and when V is negative, the junction is reverse biased. When V is negative and less than VTH, the current is minimal. But when V exceeds VTH, the current suddenly becomes very high. The voltage VTH is known as the threshold or cut-in voltage. For Silicon diode VTH = 0.6 V., At a reverse voltage corresponding to point P, there is an abrupt increment in the reverse current. This portion of the characteristics is known as the breakdown region, as shown in Figure 5.73.