Extra exam question E6B02
Subelement E6, CIRCUIT COMPONENTS· Group E6B
Which characteristic of a Schottky diode makes it a better choice than a silicon junction diode for use as a power supply rectifier?
- A.Much higher reverse voltage breakdown
- B.More constant reverse avalanche voltage
- C.Longer carrier retention time
- D.Lower forward voltage drop (correct answer)
WhyA Schottky diode's lower forward voltage drop makes it a better choice than a silicon junction diode for use as a power supply rectifier. A Schottky diode's lower forward voltage drop compared to an ordinary silicon PN junction diode means less power is wasted as heat in the rectifier itself, a real efficiency advantage in a power supply, answer D. It doesn't have a much higher reverse breakdown voltage or longer carrier retention time than a silicon junction diode, if anything a Schottky's reverse characteristics and fast switching (short carrier retention) are its other notable traits, and "more constant reverse avalanche voltage" isn't a standard advantage claimed for Schottky diodes.
Published 2026-08-28 · Last updated 2026-08-28 · Question text is verbatim from the 2024-2028 NCVEC Element 4 pool (public domain); the explanation above is original writing, see our methodology.
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