ELEC1205 Solid State Devices
Module Overview
To introduce the electronic properties of semiconductors and semiconductor devices
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Understand the nature of semiconducting materials
- Understand the physics that influences the presence of charge carriers in a semiconductor
- Describe the factors that influence the flow of charge in semiconductors
- Describe the operation of semiconductor devices
- Calculate voltage and current changes in semiconductor devices
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Develop understanding of solid state physics
- Develop analytical approaches to understanding semiconductor devices
- Meet this module's contribution to the subject specific intellectual learning outcomes of ELEC1029.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Develop analytical approaches to understanding complex physical systems
- Undertake laboratory experiments
- Complete a formal report on laboratory experiments
- Meet this module's contribution to the transferable and generic learning outcomes of ELEC1029.
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Use knowledge of physics to understand the behavior of semiconductor devices
- Apply appropriate mathematical techniques to solve semiconductor problems
- Understand the operation of semiconductor devices
- Apply appropriate techniques to solve semiconductor device problems
- Apply appropriate laboratory techniques to measure semiconductor properties
- Apply appropriate laboratory techniques to measure semiconductor device characteristics
- Meet this module's contribution to the subject specific practical learning outcomes of ELEC1029
Syllabus
SOLID STATE PHYSICS AND SEMICONDUCTORS - Crystalline and microcrystalline materials, lattices, glasses - Energy levels, bandgaps, electrons and holes - Direct and indirect semiconductors (energy-momentum diagrams) - Carrier concentrations, Fermi Levels and Density of States - Fields and potentials - Drift and diffusion currents PN JUNCTIONS - Band diagrams - Poisson’s equation - The Diode equation - Junction and depletion capacitance SOLAR CELLS AND PHOTODIODES - Absorption and generation - Device structure - Device characteristics BIPOLAR JUNCTION TRANSISTORS - Band diagram - Gain derivation MOSFETS - Device structure and operation - Band diagrams: depletion, inversion, accumulation - The CMOS gate LEDs and LASER DIODES - III-V semiconductors - Device structure
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The tutorial sessions will be used for in-class assignments, feedback sessions and additional tutorials.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Lecture | 36 |
Tutorial | 12 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 12 |
Revision | 36 |
Follow-up work | 8 |
Wider reading or practice | 36 |
Completion of assessment task | 8 |
Total study time | 148 |
Resources & Reading list
Greg Parker (2004). Introductory Semiconductor Device Physics.
Neamen (2003). Semiconductor Physics and Devices.
Streetman, Ben Garland (2000). Solid State Electronic Devices.
Assessment
Assessment Strategy
The tutorial sessions will be used for in-class assignments, feedback sessions and additional tutorials. These technical labs consider Semiconductor Spectroscopy and Solar Cells, addressing the above-listed learning outcomes. They are conducted under the umbrella of ELEC1029 but the marks contribute towards this module. Skills labs are conducted under the umbrella of the zero-credit ELEC1029 module and address its learning outcomes. The marks contribute to a number of ELEC12xx modules, including this one.
Summative
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Assignment (40 minutes) | 10% |
Exam (2 hours) | 75% |
Technical Laboratories | 15% |
Repeat
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Exam | 100% |
Referral
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Exam | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External