Schottky Diode Current Calculator

Calculator Inputs

Saturation Current Mode

Applied Voltage V (volts)

Temperature

Ideality Factor n

Series Resistance Rs (Ω)

Direct Saturation Current Is (A)

Richardson Constant A** (A/cm²·K²)

Device Area (cm²)

Barrier Height φB (eV)

The solver uses the Schottky thermionic-emission equation with optional series resistance. Forward and reverse bias values are supported.

Example Data Table

Case	Voltage (V)	Temperature (K)	n	Rs (Ω)	Is (A)	Estimated Current (A)
Low forward bias	0.15	300	1.05	0.80	2.0e-6	6.2e-4
Moderate forward bias	0.25	300	1.05	0.80	2.0e-6	1.9e-2
Elevated temperature	0.25	350	1.08	1.10	4.5e-6	3.1e-2
Reverse bias	-0.20	300	1.05	0.80	2.0e-6	-2.0e-6

Formula Used

Schottky current equation with series resistance

I = Is × [exp((V − I × Rs) / (n × Vt)) − 1]

Thermal voltage

Vt = kT / q

Richardson-based saturation current

Is = A** × Area × T² × exp(−qφB / kT)

Here, I is diode current, Is is saturation current, V is applied voltage, Rs is series resistance, n is ideality factor, Vt is thermal voltage, T is absolute temperature, q is electron charge, and k is Boltzmann’s constant.

Because current appears on both sides when series resistance exists, the calculator solves the equation numerically using Newton’s method.

How to Use This Calculator

Choose whether you want to enter saturation current directly or derive it from material parameters.
Enter the applied diode voltage. Use positive values for forward bias and negative values for reverse bias.
Enter temperature in kelvin or Celsius. The calculator converts Celsius to kelvin automatically.
Provide the ideality factor and series resistance for your device model.
If using direct mode, enter saturation current Is in amperes.
If using Richardson mode, enter the Richardson constant, device area, and barrier height.
Click Calculate Current to display the result above the form.
Use the CSV or PDF buttons to export the displayed calculation summary.

FAQs

1) What does this calculator estimate?

It estimates Schottky diode current from voltage, temperature, ideality factor, and series resistance. It can also derive saturation current from barrier height, area, and Richardson constant.

2) Why is Schottky current different from a PN diode current?

Schottky devices mainly conduct through majority carriers and usually have lower forward voltage drop. They switch quickly, but often show higher reverse leakage than ordinary PN junction diodes.

3) Why does the calculator use a numerical solver?

When series resistance is included, current appears inside and outside the exponential term. That makes the equation implicit, so a direct closed-form solution is not generally available.

4) What is the ideality factor?

The ideality factor measures how closely the diode follows the ideal thermionic-emission model. Values near 1 are common, while larger values suggest extra recombination or nonideal transport effects.

5) What does barrier height affect?

Barrier height strongly influences saturation current. A higher barrier lowers saturation current and reverse leakage. A lower barrier raises conduction and leakage, especially at elevated temperatures.

6) Can I use negative voltage values?

Yes. Negative voltage represents reverse bias. The result will usually approach the negative saturation current, although model assumptions may become less accurate for breakdown conditions.

7) What units should I use?

Use volts for applied voltage, kelvin or Celsius for temperature, ohms for series resistance, amperes for current, square centimeters for area, and electron-volts for barrier height.

8) Is this suitable for real hardware verification?

It is useful for design estimates, comparison studies, and classroom analysis. Final hardware verification should still rely on measured device curves, datasheets, and temperature-dependent characterization.