Power semiconductors

What is the parasitic diode that forms structurally inside a power MOSFET called?

  1. ALight-emitting diode
  2. BBody diode (built-in diode)
  3. CPhotodiode
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Answer: B. Body diode (built-in diode)

In a power MOSFET, a PN junction forms between the p-type body region and the n-type drift layer, creating a parasitic diode that conducts from source to drain. This is called the body diode, and in inverter circuits it is sometimes used as the freewheeling diode.

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More Power semiconductors questions

  1. What is the general term for semiconductors with a larger band gap than silicon, such as SiC and GaN?
  2. What is the main role of a gate driver for power semiconductors?
  3. Why are power devices required to be 'normally off', with no current flowing at 0 V gate voltage?
  4. What is the main advantage of using SiC Schottky barrier diodes as freewheeling diodes in inverters and similar circuits?
  5. Which is a characteristic of a thyristor?