Built-In Potential Calculator
Compute the pn-junction built-in potential at 300 K as Vbi = (kT/q)·ln(NA·ND/ni²) where kT/q = 0.02585 V, NA and ND are acceptor and donor concentrations and ni is intrinsic concentration in cm⁻³.
Description
Calculate positive 300 K pn-junction built-in potential from acceptor, donor, and intrinsic carrier concentrations.
Compute the pn-junction built-in potential at 300 K as Vbi = (kT/q)·ln(NA·ND/ni²) where kT/q = 0.02585 V, NA and ND are acceptor and donor concentrations and ni is intrinsic concentration in cm⁻³.
When to use Built-In Potential Calculator
- Calculate positive 300 K pn-junction built-in potential from acceptor, donor, and intrinsic carrier concentrations.
- Compare fabrication or device scenarios while holding coefficients and unit conventions constant.
- Check a hand calculation before moving to a higher-fidelity process, circuit, or TCAD model.
How the calculation works
A positive pn-junction barrier requires NA·ND greater than ni²; lower products are rejected rather than reported as a negative built-in potential.
Vbi = 0.02585·ln(NA·ND/ni²) Interpreting the result
A positive pn-junction barrier requires NA·ND greater than ni²; lower products are rejected rather than reported as a negative built-in potential.
Assumptions and limitations
- The nondegenerate equilibrium expression assumes complete ionization, uniform neutral regions, and a consistent 300 K intrinsic concentration.
- Use parameters measured for the same material, geometry, temperature, and operating regime whenever the result informs engineering work.