The Mechanics and Potential Applications of Semiconductor Rectifiers
Janos de Warga At time of writing - Manager, Semiconductor Components, Canadian General Electric Company Ltd., Peterborough, Ontario Now- Vice-President and General Manager, Power Semiconductors lnc., Devon, Conn
After a short introduction to the history of the semiconductor theory, the paper describes the principles of electron and hole flow in the semiconducting materials, the operation of the PN junction, and the rectification process in multi-layer devices (diodes and SCR's). The various methods of purification and zone-refining of the silicon are illustrated prior to the discussion on the most commonly used junction-forming processes (alloying, diffusing, etc.). Modern device fabrication and packaging operations are illustrated. Factory testing, evaluation, electrical parameters and guaranteed rating characteristics are listed.
