Characterization of diodes for integrated circuits

Abstract

A Study is made to find the relationship between fabrication parameters and electrical parameters of diodes in integrated circuits. In this paper, the most commonly used types, i.e., basecollector shorted, base-emitter shorted, and emitter-collector shorted are compared with each other both analytically and experimentally in the aspect of forward characteristics and switching time. It is found that the base-emitter shorted connection has the lowest voltage drop at low current levels. At high current levels the situation is reversed due to the large bulk resistance of the collector region It is also predicted and observed that the switching time decreases by increasing the ratio between the reverse and the forward current. The shorted base-collector connection has the shortest switching time, while the longest switching time is observed in the case of the shorted emitter-collector connection. Good agreements have been found between theory and experiment. this analysis of electrical characteristics can be applied to the design and fabrication of diodes in integrated circuits.