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ENGINEERING, TE 2024 HSC 23a

Outline a use of semiconductors in the telecommunications industry. Include an example in your response.   (3 marks)

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  • Semiconductor amplifiers play a key role in wireless communications by enhancing signal processing.
  • In mobile phones, they boost and strengthen signals to ensure clear and reliable transmission.
  • When used in integrated circuits (ICs), these semiconductors handle signal modulation and demodulation, which is essential for efficient wireless communication.

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  • Semiconductor amplifiers play a key role in wireless communications by enhancing signal processing.
  • In mobile phones, they boost and strengthen signals to ensure clear and reliable transmission.
  • When used in integrated circuits (ICs), these semiconductors handle signal modulation and demodulation, which is essential for efficient wireless communication.

ENGINEERING, TE 2017 HSC 23b

The digital TV receiver uses zener diodes.

Compare the operation of zener diodes with common diodes used in electrical circuits.   (3 marks)

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Common diodes

  • Allows current to flow in a forward direction.
  • If exposed to a sufficiently large voltage, common diodes break down.
  • Produced by doping silicon.
  • When subjected to a reverse voltage, common diodes can leak current.
  • Used for rectification. 

Zener diodes

  • Semiconductor device that allows current to flow in either a forward or reverse direction.
  • Produced by doping silicon using a different method to that of common diodes.
  • Used for voltage regulation.
  • When breakdown voltage is exceeded they provide a stable reference voltage over a large range of currents when connected in reverse in a circuit.
  • Reverse currents don’t damage zener diodes.
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Common diodes

  • Allows current to flow in a forward direction.
  • If exposed to a sufficiently large voltage, common diodes break down.
  • Produced by doping silicon.
  • When subjected to a reverse voltage, common diodes can leak current.
  • Used for rectification. 

Zener diodes

  • Semiconductor device that allows current to flow in either a forward or reverse direction.
  • Produced by doping silicon using a different method to that of common diodes.
  • Used for voltage regulation.
  • When breakdown voltage is exceeded they provide a stable reference voltage over a large range of currents when connected in reverse in a circuit.
  • Reverse currents don’t damage zener diodes.

♦♦♦ Mean mark 29%.