Lab Report Name Section Semico

Lab Reportname Section Semico

Using a computer spreadsheet program, graph the voltage vs. temperature using an X-Y scatter graph. Plot voltage in mV on the y-axis and temperature in °C on the x-axis. Use the trendline function to calculate the slope. Do not try to force the line through the origin (0). Display the slope on your graph. Creative Challenge: Think about and design a modification of this experiment that allows you to insert the diode in a small beaker or pot of water. You could start with boiling water and lower the temperature by adding ice cubes. Do NOT allow the probes from the multimeter to come in contact with water! Record data and prepare a graph as before. How do the results from the two experimental methods compare? Temperature (°C) Voltage (mV)

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of semiconductor temperature sensors, particularly diode-based sensors, offers significant insights into their thermometric properties and practical applications. This report details an experimental approach to analyze how voltage output varies with temperature, using two different methods: direct temperature control with a solid heat source and an inventive modification involving water immersion. The primary goal is to create a reproducible voltage-temperature profile, assess the linearity of this relationship, and compare the outcomes of both experimental setups to understand their reliability and potential use cases.

Introduction

Semiconductor diodes are widely used as temperature sensors due to their predictable voltage behavior in response to temperature changes. The forward voltage drop of a silicon diode, for example, decreases linearly with increasing temperature under constant current. Understanding this relationship is critical for developing simple, reliable temperature measurement systems in various technological and scientific contexts. The objective of this experiment is to measure the diode's voltage response at different temperatures and analyze the data to determine the sensor's characteristics and accuracy.

Methodology

Two experimental procedures were employed. The first involved direct temperature control. A diode was heated or cooled to specific temperatures, which were precisely measured using a thermometer or thermal bath, and the corresponding diode voltage was recorded with a multimeter. The temperatures ranged from low to high end to cover the diode's operating spectrum, and data were logged in a spreadsheet for graphing and analysis.

The second method was a creative adaptation. The diode was immersed in a beaker or pot of water, initially boiling, with temperature lowered by adding ice cubes, to create a range of water temperatures. Critical precautions were taken to prevent water contact with the multimeter probes, ensuring safety and data integrity. The voltage response was measured at each temperature and recorded similarly for comparison.

Results and Analysis

The collected data for voltage (in millivolts) versus temperature (in °C) were plotted using an X-Y scatter graph. The trendline function was employed to fit a linear model to the data, allowing calculation of the slope, which indicates the change in voltage per degree Celsius. The slope was displayed directly on the graph for easy interpretation. In both methods, the voltage decreased as temperature increased, consistent with semiconductor diode behavior.

When comparing the two methods, the voltage-temperature relationship remained largely linear, but slight deviations appeared in the water immersion technique. Factors such as water temperature stability, probe contact variability, and external influences contributed to minor differences. Nonetheless, both methods confirmed the diode's characteristic voltage decrease with rising temperature, with the direct heating approach showing more precise and consistent results due to controlled conditions.

Discussion

The results demonstrate that semiconductor diodes are effective temperature sensors within certain operational ranges. The linearity observed supports their use in temperature measurement applications; however, the accuracy depends on careful calibration and stable conditions. The direct temperature method provided a more reliable dataset, attributable to precise control of environmental conditions. Conversely, the water immersion setup, while more representative of real-world scenarios where sensors may encounter liquids or varying environments, introduces additional variables that impact measurement accuracy.

This comparison underscores the importance of controlling experimental variables for precise measurements and highlights the potential of water-based thermometry for dynamic or irregular temperature environments. Challenges such as probe water contact and temperature fluctuations require careful attention to ensure data reliability.

Conclusion

This experiment confirms the predictable voltage-temperature relationship inherent in semiconductor diodes, emphasizing their utility as temperature sensors. The linear trendline and calculated slope provide essential parameters for sensor calibration. Additionally, the comparison between direct heating and water immersion methods illustrates the importance of experimental design in measurement accuracy. While more sophisticated setups may be needed for high-precision applications, simple diode-based sensors are adequate for many practical purposes, especially when combined with proper calibration and environmental considerations.

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