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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.

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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%.