# Re: How is Thermal voltage derived?

Discussion in 'Electrical Engineering' started by Roy, Jun 11, 2008.

1. ### RoyGuest

From: (Salmon Egg)
The Thermal voltage equation is Vt=kT/q
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_voltage#Role_in_semiconductor_physics:_Th
e_Thermal_Voltage
Does anyone know how to derive the Thermal voltage equation?
Thanks,
Paul
It is actually quite simple in terms of statistical mechanics.
Temperature is defined as the average energy in a degree of freedom.
That is
E=kT
where k, Boltzmann's constant, relates average energy to temperature
temperature. Dividing by q expresses this average energy in
electron-volts.
Calling this a derivation makes it sound much more complicated than it
really is.
Bill
-------------------
So, what you are saying is: Vt=kT/q can be formulated from E=kT applying
statistical mechanics like you just did ?
....what did i say.....

But., It would seem E=kT is derived from Vt=kT/q} not the other way
around.

<=/ statistical mechanics}
good reference.

Roy Q.T. ~ US/NCU ~ E.E. Technician
[have tools, will travel]