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Semiconductor Devices
The Diode block represents one of the following types of diodes:
The piecewise linear diode model is the same model found in the Simscape Diode block, with the addition of a fixed junction capacitance. If the diode forward voltage exceeds the value specified in the Forward voltage parameter, the diode behaves as a linear resistor with the resistance specified in the On resistance parameter. Otherwise, the diode behaves as a linear resistor with the small conductance specified in the Off conductance parameter. Zero voltage across the diode results in zero current flowing.
The piecewise linear zener diode model behaves like the piecewise linear diode model for bias voltages above –Vz, where Vz is the Reverse breakdown voltage Vz parameter value. For voltages less than –Vz, the diode behaves as a linear resistor with the low Zener resistance specified in the Zener resistance Rz parameter. This diode model also includes a fixed junction capacitance.
Note The Reverse breakdown voltage Vz parameter is defined as a positive number. The p-n voltage at breakdown is –Vz, which is negative. |
The exponential diode model provides the following relationship between the diode current I and the diode voltage V:

where:
q is the elementary charge on an electron (1.602176e–19 Coulombs).
k is the Boltzmann constant (1.3806503e–23 J/K).
BV is the Reverse breakdown voltage BV parameter value.
N is the emission coefficient.
IS is the saturation current.
Tm1 is the temperature at which the diode parameters are specified, as defined by the Measurement temperature parameter value.
When (qV / NkTm1)
> 80, the block replaces
with (qV / NkTm1 –
79)e80, which matches
the gradient of the diode current at (qV / NkTm1)
= 80 and extrapolates linearly. When (qV / NkTm1)
< –79, the block replaces
with (qV / NkTm1 +
80)e–79, which
also matches the gradient and extrapolates linearly. Typical electrical
circuits do not reach these extreme values. The block provides this
linear extrapolation to help convergence when solving for the constraints
during simulation.
When you select Use parameters IS and N for the Parameterization parameter, you specify the diode in terms of the Saturation current IS and Emission coefficient N parameters. When you select Use I-V curve data points for the Parameterization parameter, you specify two voltage and current measurement points on the diode I-V curve and the block derives the IS and N values. The block then calculates IS and N as follows:
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where:
Vt = kTm1 / q.
V1 and V2 are the values in the Voltages [V1 V2] vector.
I1 and I2 are the values in the Currents [I1 I2] vector.
When you select Use an I-V data point and IS for the Parameterization parameter, then the block calculates N as follows:
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When you select Use an I-V data point and N for the Parameterization parameter, then the block calculates IS as follows:
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The exponential diode model provides the option to include a junction capacitance:
When you select Include fixed or zero junction capacitance for the Junction capacitance parameter, the capacitance is fixed.
When you select Use parameters CJO, VJ, M & FC for the Junction capacitance parameter, the block uses the coefficients CJO, VJ, M, and FC to calculate a junction capacitance that depends on the junction voltage.
When you select Use C-V curve data points for the Junction capacitance parameter, the block uses three capacitance values on the C-V capacitance curve to estimate CJO, VJ, and M and uses these values with the specified value of FC to calculate a junction capacitance that depends on the junction voltage. The block calculates CJO, VJ, and M as follows:
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![]()
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where:
VR1, VR2, and VR3 are the values in the Reverse bias voltages [VR1 VR2 VR3] vector.
C1, C2, and C3 are the values in the Corresponding capacitances [C1 C2 C3] vector.
It is not possible to estimate FC reliably from tabulated data, so you must specify its value using the Capacitance coefficient FC parameter. In the absence of suitable data for this parameter, use a typical value of 0.5.
The reverse bias voltages (defined as positive values) should satisfy VR3 > VR2 > VR1. This means that the capacitances should satisfy C1 > C2 > C3 as reverse bias widens the depletion region and hence reduces capacitance. Violating these inequalities results in an error. Voltages VR2 and VR3 should be well away from the Junction potential VJ. Voltage VR1 should be less than the Junction potential VJ, with a typical value for VR1 being 0.1 V.
The voltage-dependent junction is defined in terms of the capacitor charge storage Qj as:
For V < FC·VJ:
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For V ≥ FC·VJ:
![]()
where:
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These equations are the same as used in [2], except that the temperature dependence of VJ and FC is not modeled. This model does not include the diffusion capacitance term that affects performance for high frequency switching applications.
The default behavior for the Diode is that dependence on temperature is not modeled, and the device is simulated at the temperature for which you provide block parameters. The Exponential diode model contains several options for modeling the dependence of the diode current-voltage relationship on the temperature during simulation. Temperature dependence of the junction capacitance is not modeled, this being a much smaller effect.
When including temperature dependence, the diode defining equation remains the same. The measurement temperature value, Tm1, is replaced with the simulation temperature, Ts. The saturation current, IS, becomes a function of temperature according to the following equation:

where:
Tm1 is the temperature at which the diode parameters are specified, as defined by the Measurement temperature parameter value.
Ts is the simulation temperature.
ISTm1 is the saturation current at measurement temperature.
ISTs is the saturation current at simulation temperature. This is the saturation current value used in the standard diode equation when temperature dependence is modeled.
EG is the energy gap for the semiconductor type measured in Joules. The value for silicon is usually taken to be 1.11 eV, where 1 eV is 1.602e-19 Joules.
XTI is the saturation current temperature exponent. This is usually set to 3.0 for pn-junction diodes, and 2.0 for Schottky barrier diodes.
N is the emission coefficient.
k is the Boltzmann constant (1.3806503e–23 J/K).
Appropriate values for XTI and EG depend on the type of diode and the semiconductor material used. Default values for particular material types and diode types capture approximate behavior with temperature. The block provides default values for common types of diode.
In practice, the values of XTI and EG need tuning to model the exact behavior of a particular diode. Some manufacturers quote these tuned values in a SPICE Netlist, and you can read off the appropriate values. Otherwise you can determine improved estimates for EG by using a datasheet-defined current-voltage data point at a higher temperature. The block provides a parameterization option for this. It also gives the option of specifying the saturation current at a higher temperature ISTm2 directly.
You can also tune the values of XTI and EG yourself, to match lab data for your particular device. You can use Simulink® Design Optimization™ software to help tune the values for XTI and EG.
Caution Device temperature behavior is also dependent on the emission coefficient. An inappropriate value for the emission coefficient can give incorrect temperature dependence, because saturation current is a function of the ratio of EG to N. |
If defining a finite reverse breakdown voltage BV, then the value of the reverse breakdown voltage is modulated by the reverse breakdown temperature coefficient TCV (specified using the Reverse breakdown voltage temperature coefficient, dBV/dT parameter):
BVTs = BVTm1 – TCV· (Ts – Tm1)
The Exponential diode model has the following limitations:
When you select Use I-V curve data points for the Parameterization parameter, choose a pair of voltages near the diode turn-on voltage. Typically, this is in the range from 0.05 to 1 Volt. Using values outside of this region may lead to numerical issues and poor estimates for IS and N.
The block does not account for temperature-dependent effects on the junction capacitance.
You may need to use nonzero ohmic resistance and junction capacitance values to prevent numerical simulation issues, but the simulation may run faster with these values set to zero.

Select one of the following diode models:
Piecewise Linear (Foundation Library) — Use a piecewise linear model for the diode, as described in Piecewise Linear. This is the default method.
Piecewise Linear Zener — Use a piecewise linear model with reverse breakdown characteristics for the diode, as described in Piecewise Linear Zener.
Exponential — Use a standard exponential model for the diode, as described in Exponential.
Minimum voltage that needs to be applied for the diode to become forward-biased. This parameter is only visible when you select Piecewise Linear (Foundation Library) or Piecewise Linear Zener for the Diode model parameter. The default value is 0.6 V.
The resistance of the diode when it is forward biased. This parameter is only visible when you select Piecewise Linear (Foundation Library) or Piecewise Linear Zener for the Diode model parameter. The default value is 0.3 Ω.
The conductance of the diode when it is reverse biased. This parameter is only visible when you select Piecewise Linear (Foundation Library) or Piecewise Linear Zener for the Diode model parameter. The default value is 1e-08 1/Ω.
Select one of the following methods for model parameterization:
Use two I-V curve data points — Specify measured data at two points on the diode I-V curve. This is the default method.
Use parameters IS and N — Specify saturation current and emission coefficient.
Use an I-V data point and IS — Specify measured data at a single point on the diode I-V curve in combination with the saturation current.
Use an I-V data point and N — Specify measured data at a single point on the diode I-V curve in combination with the emission coefficient.
This parameter is only visible when you select Exponential for the Diode model parameter.
A vector of the current values at the two points on the diode I-V curve that the block uses to calculate IS and N. This parameter is only visible when you select Exponential for the Diode model parameter and Use two I-V curve data points for the Parameterization parameter. The default value is [ 0.0137 0.545 ] A.
A vector of the voltage values at the two points on the diode I-V curve that the block uses to calculate IS and N. This parameter is only visible when you select Exponential for the Diode model parameter and Use two I-V curve data points for the Parameterization parameter. The default value is [ 0.6 0.7 ] V.
A current value at the point on the diode I-V curve that the block uses for calculations. This parameter is only visible when you select Exponential for the Diode model parameter and either Use an I-V data point and IS or Use an I-V data point and N for the Parameterization parameter. Depending on the Parameterization value, the block uses this parameter to calculate either N or IS. The default value is 0.07 A.
A voltage value at the point on the diode I-V curve that the block uses for calculations. This parameter is only visible when you select Exponential for the Diode model parameter and either Use an I-V data point and IS or Use an I-V data point and N for the Parameterization parameter. Depending on the Parameterization value, the block uses this parameter to calculate either N or IS. The default value is 0.7 V.
The magnitude of the current that the ideal diode equation approaches asymptotically for very large reverse bias levels. This parameter is only visible when you select Exponential for the Diode model parameter and either Use parameters IS and N or Use an I-V data point and IS for the Parameterization parameter. The default value is 1e-14 A.
The temperature Tm1 at which IS or the I-V curve was measured. This parameter is only visible when you select Exponential for the Diode model parameter. The default value is 25 °C.
The diode emission coefficient or ideality factor. This parameter is only visible when you select Exponential for the Diode model parameter and either Use parameters IS and N or Use an I-V data point and N for the Parameterization parameter. The default value is 1.

The resistance of the diode when the voltage is less than the Reverse breakdown voltage Vz value. This parameter is only visible when you select Piecewise Linear Zener for the Diode model parameter. The default value is 0.3 Ω.
The reverse voltage below which the diode resistance changes to the Zener resistance Rz value. This parameter is only visible when you select Piecewise Linear Zener for the Diode model parameter. The default value is 50 V.
The reverse voltage below which to model the rapid increase in conductance that occurs at diode breakdown. This parameter is only visible when you select Exponential for the Diode model parameter. The default value is Inf V, which effectively omits reverse breakdown from the model.

The series diode connection resistance. This parameter is only visible when you select Exponential for the Diode model parameter. The default value is 0.01 Ω.

When you select Piecewise Linear (Foundation Library) or Piecewise Linear Zener for the Diode model parameter, the Junction capacitance parameter is the fixed junction capacitance value. The default value is 5 pF.
When you select Exponential for the Diode model parameter, the Junction capacitance parameter lets you select one of the following options for modeling the junction capacitance:
Include fixed or zero junction capacitance — Model the junction capacitance as a fixed value.
Use C-V curve data points — Specify measured data at three points on the diode C-V curve.
Use parameters CJ0, VJ, M & FC — Specify zero-bias junction capacitance, junction potential, grading coefficient, and forward-bias depletion capacitance coefficient.
The value of the capacitance placed in parallel with the exponential diode term. This parameter is only visible when you select Exponential for the Diode model parameter and Include fixed or zero junction capacitance or Use parameters CJ0, VJ, M & FC for the Junction capacitance parameter. The default value is 5 pF.
A vector of the reverse bias voltage values at the three points on the diode C-V curve that the block uses to calculate CJ0, VJ, and M. This parameter is only visible when you select Use C-V curve data points for the Junction capacitance parameter. The default value is [ 0.1 10 100 ] V.
A vector of the capacitance values at the three points on the diode C-V curve that the block uses to calculate CJ0, VJ, and M. This parameter is only visible when you select Use C-V curve data points for the Junction capacitance parameter. The default value is [ 3.5 1 0.4 ] pF.
The junction potential. This parameter is only visible when you select Exponential for the Diode model parameter and Use parameters CJ0, VJ, M & FC for the Junction capacitance parameter. The default value is 1 V.
The grading coefficient. This parameter is only visible when you select Exponential for the Diode model parameter and Use parameters CJ0, VJ, M & FC for the Junction capacitance parameter. The default value is 0.5.
Fitting coefficient that quantifies the decrease of the depletion capacitance with applied voltage. This parameter is only visible when you select Exponential for the Diode model parameter and Use C-V curve data points or Use parameters CJ0, VJ, M & FC for the Junction capacitance parameter. The default value is 0.5.
This tab is applicable for Exponential diode models only.

Select one of the following methods for temperature dependence parameterization:
None — Simulate at parameter measurement temperature — Temperature dependence is not modeled, or the model is simulated at the measurement temperature Tm1 (as specified by the Measurement temperature parameter on the Main tab). This is the default method.
Use an I-V data point at second measurement temperature — If you select this option, you specify a second measurement temperature Tm2, and the current and voltage values at this temperature. The model uses these values, along with the parameter values at the first measurement temperature Tm1, to calculate the energy gap value.
Specify saturation current at second measurement temperature — If you select this option, you specify a second measurement temperature Tm2, and saturation current value at this temperature. The model uses these values, along with the parameter values at the first measurement temperature Tm1, to calculate the energy gap value.
Specify the energy gap, EG — Specify the energy gap value directly.
Specify the diode current I1 value when the voltage is V1 at the second measurement temperature. This parameter is only visible when you select Use an I-V data point at second measurement temperature for the Parameterization parameter. The default value is 0.245 A.
Specify the diode voltage V1 value when the current is I1 at the second measurement temperature. This parameter is only visible when you select Use an I-V data point at second measurement temperature for the Parameterization parameter. The default value is 0.5 V.
Specify the saturation current IS value at the second measurement temperature. This parameter is only visible when you select Specify saturation current at second measurement temperature for the Parameterization parameter. The default value is 1.25e-7 A.
Specify the value for the second measurement temperature. This parameter is only visible when you select either Use an I-V data point at second measurement temperature or Specify saturation current at second measurement temperature for the Parameterization parameter. The default value is 125 C.
This parameter is only visible when you select Specify the energy gap, EG for the Parameterization parameter. It lets you select a value for the energy gap from a list of predetermined options, or specify a custom value:
Use nominal value for silicon (EG=1.11eV) — This is the default.
Use nominal value for 4H-SiC silicon carbide (EG=3.23eV)
Use nominal value for 6H-SiC silicon carbide (EG=3.00eV)
Use nominal value for germanium (EG=0.67eV)
Use nominal value for gallium arsenide (EG=1.43eV)
Use nominal value for selenium (EG=1.74eV)
Use nominal value for Schottky barrier diodes (EG=0.69eV)
Specify a custom value — If you select this option, the Energy gap, EG parameter appears in the dialog box, to let you specify a custom value for EG.
Specify a custom value for the energy gap, EG. This parameter is only visible when you select Specify a custom value for the Energy gap parameterization parameter. The default value is 1.11 eV.
Select one of the following options to specify the saturation current temperature exponent value:
Use nominal value for pn-junction diode (XTI=3) — This is the default.
Use nominal value for Schottky barrier diode (XTI=2)
Specify a custom value — If you select this option, the Saturation current temperature exponent, XTI parameter appears in the dialog box, to let you specify a custom value for XTI.
Specify a custom value for the saturation current temperature exponent, XTI. This parameter is only visible when you select Specify a custom value for the Saturation current temperature exponent parameterization parameter. The default value is 3.
This coefficient modulates the reverse breakdown voltage BV. If you define the reverse breakdown voltage BV as a positive quantity, a positive value for TCV implies that the magnitude of the reverse breakdown voltage decreases with temperature. The default value is 0 V/K.
Specify the value for the temperature Ts, at which the device is to be simulated. The default value is 25 C.
The block has the following ports:
Electrical conserving port associated with the diode positive terminal.
Electrical conserving port associated with the diode negative terminal.
[1] MH. Ahmed and P.J. Spreadbury. Analogue and digital electronics for engineers. 2nd Edition, Cambridge University Press, 1984.
[2] G. Massobrio and P. Antognetti. Semiconductor Device Modeling with SPICE. 2nd Edition, McGraw-Hill, 1993.
Simscape Diode, SPICE Diode

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