Solid‐State Devices and Power Electronics
Patrick O.J. Kaltjob · 2021
Solid-State Devices and Power ElectronicsElectronics circuitry (e.g.power converters) is used to drive electromechanical motion actuating devices such as motors and solenoid valves.These devices are usually made of silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), and cadmium sulfide, and their ON/OFF switching defines the operation of any converter. E.1 Power DiodesWith a power diode, when the supply voltage, V diode , exceeds the forward biased voltage V fb (around 0.7 V for silicon and 0.3 V for germanium), the diode is called "forward biased," similar to a closed switch.Conversely, when V rb < V diode < V fb (V rb being the reverse breakdown voltage of the diode), the diode behaves as an open switch and is called "reverse biased."These diodes are suitable for signal rectification and peak.