DC and AC Circuits for Semiconductors
This course introduces the fundamental principles of direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) circuits, providing a critical foundation for students pursuing a career in semiconductor engineering technology. Topics include Ohm's Law, Kirchhoff's Laws, series and parallel circuits, network theorems, and the analysis of RLC components in both steady-state DC and sinusoidal AC conditions. Emphasis is placed on practical applications and problem-solving techniques relevant to semiconductor device operation and circuit design. Students will gain proficiency in analyzing circuit behavior, calculating voltages, currents, and power, and understanding the frequency response of basic circuits. The course covers concepts like impedance, phasors, resonance, and filters, preparing students to comprehend the electrical characteristics and operating conditions of various semiconductor components. Laboratory exercises, simulations, and real-world examples will reinforce theoretical concepts, developing essential troubleshooting and analytical skills.
Course outline
Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.
Syllabus
### SET 105: DC and AC Circuits for Semiconductors (4 credits) **Course Description:** This course provides a comprehensive introduction to DC and AC circuit theory, analysis, and measurement techniques, with a focus on applications relevant to semiconductor engineering technology. Students will develop foundational knowledge in circuit laws, component behavior, and analytical methods critical for understanding and working with semiconductor devices. **Course Objectives:** Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Apply Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's Laws to analyze DC series, parallel, and combination circuits. 2. Utilize network theorems (Superposition, Thevenin, Norton) to simplify and solve complex DC circuits. 3. Analyze the behavior of capacitors and inductors in DC and AC circuits, including transient responses. 4. Calculate impedance, phase relationships, and power in sinusoidal AC circuits containing resistors, capacitors, and inductors. 5. Perform AC circuit analysis using phasor techniques and understand concepts of resonance and frequency response. 6. Operate basic circuit measurement equipment (multimeter, oscilloscope, function generator) and interpret results. 7. Troubleshoot simple DC and AC circuits using theoretical knowledge and practical measurements. **Topics:** * Basic Electrical Quantities: Charge, Current, Voltage, Resistance, Power, Energy * Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's Laws (KCL, KVL) * Series and Parallel DC Circuits * Voltage Dividers, Current Dividers * Circuit Analysis Techniques: Mesh Analysis, Nodal Analysis * Network Theorems: Superposition, Thevenin's, Norton's, Maximum Power Transfer * Capacitors and Inductors: Basic Properties, Series/Parallel Combinations, Transient Response (RC, RL) * Sinusoidal Alternating Current (AC): Waveforms, Frequency, Period, Peak, RMS Values * Phasors and Complex Numbers for AC Analysis * Reactance and Impedance of R, C, L Components * Series and Parallel AC Circuits * AC Power: Real, Reactive, Apparent Power, Power Factor * Resonance in Series and Parallel RLC Circuits * Introduction to Filters (Passive RC, RL, RLC) **Grading Policy:** * Homework Assignments: 20% * Quizzes: 20% * Midterm Exam: 30% * Final Exam: 30%