Semiconductor Fundamentals and Devices
This foundational course explores the principles of semiconductor materials, including their atomic structure, crystal lattices, and quantum mechanical properties that define their electrical behavior. Students will gain a deep understanding of intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors, carrier generation and recombination, drift, and diffusion currents, laying the groundwork for analyzing active and passive electronic components. Practical applications and real-world semiconductor industry contexts will be emphasized throughout. The course then transitions to the fundamental operation of various semiconductor devices. Topics include PN junction diodes, bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), and metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), covering their structure, I-V characteristics, and basic circuit applications. Laboratory exercises and simulations will complement theoretical concepts, providing hands-on experience with device analysis and measurement techniques relevant to the semiconductor manufacturing and testing environments.
Course outline
Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.
Syllabus
### SET 101 Semiconductor Fundamentals and Devices (4 Credits) **Course Description:** This foundational course introduces the fundamental principles of semiconductor materials, device physics, and the operation of essential semiconductor devices. Topics include semiconductor material properties, PN junction diodes, bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), and metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). **Course Objectives:** Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: * Explain the atomic structure and electrical properties of semiconductor materials. * Describe carrier generation, recombination, drift, and diffusion phenomena in semiconductors. * Analyze the current-voltage characteristics and operating principles of PN junction diodes. * Understand the structure, operation, and characteristics of Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs). * Grasp the structure, operation, and characteristics of Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFETs). * Apply fundamental semiconductor device knowledge to basic circuit analysis and troubleshooting. **Course Topics:** 1. Introduction to Semiconductors and Atomic Structure 2. Crystal Lattices and Semiconductor Materials (Si, Ge, GaAs) 3. Energy Bands, Intrinsic and Extrinsic Semiconductors 4. Carrier Concentration, Generation, and Recombination 5. Drift Current and Mobility 6. Diffusion Current and the Einstein Relation 7. PN Junction Theory: Formation and Equilibrium 8. PN Junction Diodes: I-V Characteristics and Applications 9. Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs): Structure and Operation 10. BJT biasing and characteristics 11. Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFETs): Structure and Operation 12. MOSFET biasing and characteristics 13. Basic Semiconductor Device Fabrication Overview 14. Introduction to Semiconductor Device Applications **Grading Breakdown:** * Quizzes: 20% * Homework/Problem Sets: 25% * Midterm Exam: 25% * Final Exam: 30%