MEMS and sensors

How does the forward voltage of a silicon PN junction at constant current depend on temperature?

  1. AIt decreases by about 2 mV per °C as temperature rises
  2. BIt increases as temperature rises
  3. CIt is constant regardless of temperature
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Answer: A. It decreases by about 2 mV per °C as temperature rises

At constant current, the forward voltage of a silicon PN junction decreases by about 2 mV for every 1 °C rise in temperature. This property is used in temperature sensors built into LSIs. A bandgap reference combines voltages so that their temperature changes cancel.

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