Electronic Components

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Semiconductor Noun

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[sem-ee-kuhn-duhk-ter]

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Semiconductor

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A material with electrical conductivity between a conductor and an insulator, whose conductivity can be altered by temperature or impurities.

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Example: This image shows a simple circuit where the light bulb is only half-lit, illustrating how a semiconductor material only partially conducts electricity.

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Doping Noun

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[doh-ping]

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Doping

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The process of intentionally introducing impurities, called dopants, into a pure semiconductor crystal to enhance its electrical conductivity.

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Example: Adding an impurity atom (Phosphorus) to a pure material (Silicon) introduces an extra electron, changing the material's electrical properties for use in electronic components.

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n-type Semiconductor Noun

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[en-tahyp sem-ee-kuhn-duhk-ter]

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n-type Semiconductor

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A semiconductor doped with electron donor atoms, resulting in an excess of free electrons that act as negative charge carriers.

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Example: This diagram shows a silicon (Si) crystal doped with a phosphorus (P) atom, which has an extra, free-moving electron (e-), making the material an n-type semiconductor.

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p-type Semiconductor Noun

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[pee-tahyp sem-ee-kuhn-duhk-ter]

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p-type Semiconductor

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A semiconductor doped with electron acceptor atoms, creating an excess of 'holes' that act as positive charge carriers.

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Example: Doping a silicon crystal with a boron atom, which has fewer valence electrons, creates a 'void' or 'hole.' This missing electron acts as a positive charge carrier.

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Hole Noun

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[hohl]

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Hole

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The absence of an electron in a covalent bond within a semiconductor, which behaves as a mobile positive charge carrier.

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Example: In a semiconductor, a 'hole' is the absence of an electron. As an electron moves to fill a hole, it leaves a new hole behind, causing the hole to appear to move.

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Diode Noun

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[dahy-ohd]

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Diode

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A two-terminal electronic component, typically made from a pn-junction, that conducts electrical current primarily in only one direction.

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Example: This image shows a diode's circuit symbol and physical look. The labels point to the anode (+) and cathode (-), its two electrical terminals.

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pn-junction Noun

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[pee-en juhngk-shuhn]

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pn-junction

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The boundary or interface between a layer of p-type semiconductor and a layer of n-type semiconductor within a single crystal.

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Example: This diagram shows a pn-junction, where a P-type and an N-type semiconductor meet, creating a 'depletion region' with no free electrons or holes.

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Depletion Layer Noun

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[dih-plee-shuhn ley-er]

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Depletion Layer

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The region around a pn-junction that is depleted of mobile charge carriers, such as electrons and holes, creating high resistance.

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Example: This diagram shows where a p-region (with positive 'holes') meets an n-region (with negative 'electrons'), forming a central 'Depletion Region' that lacks free charges.

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Forward Bias Noun

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[fawr-werd bahy-uhs]

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Forward Bias

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The condition where an external voltage is applied across a diode in the direction that allows significant current to flow.

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Example: This circuit diagram shows a diode in forward bias. The positive terminal of the voltage supply connects to the anode, allowing current to flow and turn the light bulb on.

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Reverse Bias Noun

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[ri-vurs bahy-uhs]

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Reverse Bias

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The condition where an external voltage is applied across a diode in the direction that allows almost no current to flow.

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Example: When a diode is in reverse bias, it blocks the flow of electricity from the voltage supply, as shown by the light bulb which is off.