An improved forward I-V method for nonideal Schottky diodes with high series resistance

Two methods are described to obtain the value of the series resistance (R) of a Schottky diode from its forward I-V characteristic. The value of R is then used to plot the curve ln(I) versus V sub D (= V - IR) which becomes a straight line even if ln(I) versus V does not. The ideality factor n and the Schottky-barrier height of the diode then follow from the standard procedure. The main advantages of the methods are: (1) a linear regression can be used to calculate the value of R; (2) many data points are used over the whole data range, which raises the accuracy of the results, and (3) the validity of constant R assumption can be checked by the linearity of the ln (I) versus V sub D curve. The methods are illustrated on the experimental data of a real diode.