PHY2027 : Semiconductor Devices
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Dr Sarah Olsen
- Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
Aims
To describe the operation of commercially important semiconductor devices (diodes, BJT, MOSFET) and how these are described by the semiconductor physics.
Outline Of Syllabus
Semiconductor Physics
Bond & Band models; Ohm’s law; Einstein Relation; Drift and diffusion current; Current magnitudes; charge transport in solids; Wave-particle duality; DeBroglie wavelength; Heisenberg uncertainty principle; The Quantum mechanics concept;; Tunnelling; E-K bands in solids
p-n junction:
Ideal diode I-V characteristic; Dynamic equilibrium; Built-in voltage; Current flow in p-n junctions; Shockley’s equation; Ideality factor; Generation – Recombination; Small signal equivalent circuit; Characterization of semiconductor devices; Tunnel diode;
Bipolar Transistor:
Simple description of operation, Definitions of gain; Derivation of expressions for base, collector and emitter current; D.C. characteristic, Ebers-Moll equations; Small signal equivalent circuit; Hybrid- model;
MOSFET:
Depletion, accumulation and inversion; Importance of Fermi Energy position; Mode of operation; Pinch-off; Threshold voltage; Enhancement and depletion mode; Analysis of operation; I-V relation; Short channel effects; Transistor delay time; Small signal equivalent circuit.
Teaching Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 1 | 4:30 | 4:30 | Synchronous On-Line Materials |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 18 | 1:00 | 18:00 | Non-Synchronous Activities |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 15 | 1:00 | 15:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 1 | 4:30 | 4:30 | Present in person |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured non-synchronous discussion | 9 | 1:00 | 9:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Office Hour or Discussion Board Activity |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 47 | 1:00 | 47:00 | N/A |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Non-synchronous online materials are used for the delivery of theory and explanation of methods, illustrated with examples, and for giving general feedback on assessed work. Workshops and synchronous online sessions are used to help develop the students’ abilities at applying the theory to solving problems and to identify and resolve specific queries raised by students, and to allow students to receive individual feedback on marked work. Students who cannot attend a present-in-person session will be provided with an alternative activity allowing them to access the learning outcomes of that session. In addition, office hours/discussion board activity will provide an opportunity for more direct contact between individual students and the lecturer: a typical student might spend a total of one or two hours over the course of the module, either individually or as part of a group.
Alternatives will be offered to students unable to be present-in-person due to the prevailing C-19 circumstances.
Student’s should consult their individual timetable for up-to-date delivery information.
Assessment Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 100 | N/A |
Formative Assessments
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | assignment |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
A substantial formal examination is appropriate for the assessment of the material in this module. The formative assessment will help reinforce learning and allow the student to assess their knowledge.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PHY2027's Timetable