Module overview
To introduce the electronic properties of semiconductors and semiconductor devices
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Develop understanding of solid state physics
- Meet this module's contribution to the subject specific intellectual learning outcomes of ELEC1029.
- Develop analytical approaches to understanding semiconductor devices
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Apply appropriate mathematical techniques to solve semiconductor problems
- Apply appropriate laboratory techniques to measure semiconductor properties
- Use knowledge of physics to understand the behavior of semiconductor devices
- Understand the operation of semiconductor devices
- Apply appropriate techniques to solve semiconductor device problems
- Apply appropriate laboratory techniques to measure semiconductor device characteristics
- Meet this module's contribution to the subject specific practical learning outcomes of ELEC1029
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Understand the nature of semiconducting materials
- Describe the operation of semiconductor devices
- Describe the factors that influence the flow of charge in semiconductors
- Calculate voltage and current changes in semiconductor devices
- Understand the physics that influences the presence of charge carriers in a semiconductor
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Undertake laboratory experiments
- Complete a formal report on laboratory experiments
- Meet this module's contribution to the transferable and generic learning outcomes of ELEC1029.
- Develop analytical approaches to understanding complex physical systems
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 |
---|---|
Follow-up work | 8 |
Revision | 36 |
Tutorial | 12 |
Wider reading or practice | 36 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 12 |
Lecture | 36 |
Completion of assessment task | 8 |
Total study time | 148 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Greg Parker (2004). Introductory Semiconductor Device Physics. IOP.
Neamen (2003). Semiconductor Physics and Devices. McGraw-Hill.
Streetman, Ben Garland (2000). Solid State Electronic Devices. Prentice Hall.
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
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Final Assessment | 75% |
Continuous Assessment | 25% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Set Task | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Set Task | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External