A Schottky diode (SBD) is made by utilizing the principle of a metal-semiconductor junction formed by a metal in contact with a semiconductor. Therefore, the SBD, also known as a metal-semiconductor (contact) diode or surface barrier diode, is a hot carrier diode. While a general diode utilizes a PN junction to exert the diode characteristics, a Schottky barrier diode utilizes the Schottky barriers created by the metal-semiconductor junction. Compared to a normal PN junction diode, it is characterized by low forward voltage and fast switching speed.