Abstract :
A comparison is made between the avalanche multiplication functions of n+-p and p+-n junctions, taking into account the carrier generation in the space-charge region. Results for one-sided and for Gauss-diffused p+-n and n+-p junctions are given. The avalanche multiplication factorMcan be approximated by Miller´s relationship with exponentnbetween 7 and 3 for bulk impurity concentrations between 1013and 1017cm-3for one-sided p+-n junctions, whereas this relationship does not apply for one-sided n+-p junctions; also, p+-n junctions exhibit harder breakdown characteristics than their n+-p counterparts. Gauss-diffused junctions of both p+-n and n+-p types do not observe Miller´s relationship; however, p+-n junctions still maintain harder breakdown characteristics than n+-p junctions.