EE451 Electronic Properties of Semiconductors
Catalog Data & Credits (Recitation-Lab-Total)
EE451 Electronic Properties of Semiconductors (3-0-3): The course develops an understanding of semiconductor properties and how they determine the performance of semiconductor devices. Hole and electron conduction and charge carrier distribution models are developed. Charge carrier generation and recombination and carrier dynamics leading to drift and diffusion are used to study semiconductor transport phenomena. The p-n junction, bipolar junction transistor, and field-effect transistor are studied in detail.
Pre-requisites
SP212 – Physical Mechanics I
SP222 – Electricity and Magnetism I
EE241 – Electronics 1
Course Objectives
- Describe the basic principles of quantum mechanics and solid-state physics and relate these principles to semiconductor band structure and carrier concentration using appropriate diagrams and equations.
- Describe carrier generation and recombination processes and charge transport in both equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions using appropriate diagrams and equations.
- Describe the band structure, charge distribution, and electric field and potential distribution for semiconductor devices in both equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions using appropriate diagrams and equations.
- Relate internal characteristics of the device such as charge distribution and electric field to externally measurable properties such as current or capacitance.
- Relate device parameters such as material choice, doping levels, and dimensions to device performance, such as current-voltage relationship, including non-ideal effects.
- Design a diode or transistor by determining dimensions, materials, and doping parameters in order to meet a set of desired performance specifications.
- Identify critical issues for semiconductor devices including the environmental and safety issues related to semiconductor manufacturing.
- Describe current trends and future needs in the semiconductor industry and identify the educational preparation necessary to meet those needs.
- Evaluate how a new development in semiconductor technology fits into the arc of semiconductor development and evaluate the worth and impact of that new technology.
