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| | Semiconductor Devices |
 | | The term diode and rectifier will be used interchangeably; however, the term diode usually implies a small signal device with current typically in the milliamp range; and a rectifier, a power device, conducting from1 to 1000 amps or even higher. |
 | | However, for a real diode, other factors are also important: in particular, edge effects around the border of the junction cause the actual reverse current to increase slightly with reverse voltage, and the finite conductivity of the doped semiconductor ultimately restricts the forward current to a linear increase with increasing applied voltage. |
 | | Notice the reverse characteristics are the same as discussed previously for the rectifier or diode, having a breakover voltage with its attending avalanche current; and a leakage current for voltages less than the breakover voltage. |
| www.mtmi.vu.lt /pfk/funkc_dariniai/diod/p-n_devices.htm (2760 words) |
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