This course provides the basic foundation for understanding electronic semiconductor devices and their circuit applications and limitations. It has introductory elements of quantum mechanics as a requirement for understanding the dynamics of the behavior of charge carriers and energy distributions within a semiconductor lattice and across p-n junctions. As such, reasonably strong mathematical and electrical field theory backgrounds are required – as obtained from the prerequisites.
The three fundamental areas of semiconductor devices; semiconductor theory, p-n junction devices and field effect devices, are adequately covered in this course. The learning experience is enhanced with computer-based exercises and assignments. The assignments will include: (1) a take home problem solving questions design to test student understanding of the theory; and (2) a report in the form of an IEEE paper structure on a survey of the state-of-the-art in semiconductor devices and manufacturing. The intent is to expose the student to high level technical publications. Circuit simulation tools will be used throughout this course.
1. Semiconductor Fundamentals
2. PN Junctions
3. Field Effect Devices
One 2-hour final exam 60%
One 1-hour in-course tests 20%
Assignments 20%
After completing this course, students should be able to:
Required Textbook:
“Semiconductor Device Fundamentals”by Robert F. Pierret, 2007
Supplemental Reading :
1. “Electronics devices and Circuit Theory” – by Robert L. Boylestad and Louis Nashelsky, 2008
2. Solid State Electronic Devices – 6th Ed; B.G. Streetman and S.K. Banerjee, 2006
Internet Resources:
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