We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Fundamentals of Semiconductor Characterization

Many of you may have already completed a semester-long class focused on devices, perhaps even more than one. However, if you took that class a while ago or have only the minimum exposure to semiconductor devices, we have developed this short course to review the fundamentals you will need to be successful in this specialization.

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

Here's a deal for you

Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.

All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

Valid until March 12, 2027

Save 40% Off 3 Months

Access thousands of top-rated learning programs with a Coursera Plus monthly subscription and take 40% off 3 months for a limited time.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Introduction

The goal of this course is to review the fundamentals of semiconductor materials, p-n junction diodes, and MOS capacitors. There are many semiconductor technologies based on different material systems, but the most important is complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor, or CMOS for short. This course will focus on semiconductor materials and devices relevant to CMOS manufacturing, but the concepts can be applied much more broadly. Many of you may have already completed a semester-long class focused on devices, perhaps even more than one. However, if you took that class a while ago or have only the minimum exposure to semiconductor devices, we have developed this short course to review the fundamentals you will need to be successful in this specialization.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores industry standard CMOS fundamentals suitable for anyone new to semiconductor devices and materials

Builds foundational knowledge of semiconductor materials and their electrical properties

Covers essential concepts for understanding semiconductor device fabrication and operation

Introduces fundamental concepts of semiconductor devices, such as p-n junction diodes and MOS capacitors

Lays the groundwork for further exploration in semiconductor physics and device engineering

Provides a concise review of key concepts for those with prior exposure to semiconductor devices

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

Essential semiconductor review for cmos

According to learners, this course serves as an excellent refresher for those with some background in semiconductor physics and is particularly valuable for professionals in CMOS manufacturing. Students praise the instructor's clear explanations and the well-paced lectures, especially highlighting the detailed discussions on MOS capacitors. While many found it a solid foundation, a notable minority warned that the course assumes significant prior knowledge and may be challenging for beginners due to its quick pace and high-level explanations. It is highly recommended for preparing for further specialization.

Strong coverage of MOS capacitors and practical relevance to CMOS.

"I particularly appreciated the detailed discussions on MOS capacitors, which solidified my understanding."

"The MOS capacitor section was particularly strong. I appreciated the focus on CMOS relevance."

"The focus on CMOS is highly practical. It was a perfect preparation for the next courses in the specialization."

Complex concepts are explained clearly and precisely by the instructor.

"The instructor explains complex concepts with clarity and the lectures are well-paced."

"The content was precise and the instructor's delivery was engaging."

"Very clear explanations of complex topics. The instructor is very knowledgeable."

A highly effective review for those with prior semiconductor knowledge.

"This course is an excellent refresher for semiconductor fundamentals."

"Absolutely essential for anyone in semiconductor manufacturing... covered exactly what I needed to brush up on."

"A concise and effective review. For a quick refresh, it's perfect."

Content is theory-heavy; some desired more practical examples.

"The course is okay, but I felt it was too theoretical. More practical applications or simulation examples would have been beneficial."

"It does cover the fundamentals but perhaps not in the most engaging way. I had hoped for more hands-on content."

"I found this course incredibly helpful for understanding device physics and its underlying principles."

Course moves quickly, potentially too fast for newcomers to the field.

"Some parts felt a bit rushed, especially the p-n junction section..."

"The pace is too fast for a beginner and the quizzes are difficult without extensive prior knowledge."

"Good material, but definitely not for absolute beginners. It's more of a quick rehash of concepts."

Designed for review, it's challenging for those without a background.

"For a complete beginner, it might be challenging without additional resources."

"As someone new to the field, I struggled to keep up. The explanations... felt too high-level."

"Disappointed. This course claims to be 'fundamentals' but it's really an advanced topic review. Not suitable for beginners."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Fundamentals of Semiconductor Characterization with these activities:

Review Semiconductor Physics

Show steps

Get up to speed on semiconductor physics to gain a solid foundation for the course materials.

Browse courses on Semiconductor Physics

Show steps

Review the basic principles of semiconductor physics, including bandgaps, carrier concentrations, and doping.
Solve practice problems related to semiconductor physics.

Review Textbook

Show steps

Review textbook materials corresponding to the course topics to build foundational knowledge and understanding.

Show steps

Read assigned textbook chapters
Take notes on key concepts
Complete end of chapter exercises

Watch Online Tutorials

Show steps

Watch online tutorials and videos to supplement course materials and gain additional insights into concepts.

Browse courses on Semiconductors

Show steps

Search for reputable online tutorials
Watch tutorials and take notes
Apply concepts learned to practice problems

Eight other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all 11 activities

Explore P-N Junction Diodes

Show steps

Gain a deeper understanding of P-N junction diodes through guided tutorials.

Show steps

Find tutorials on P-N junction diodes and their characteristics.
Follow the tutorials and take notes on important concepts.
Complete practice exercises to test your understanding.

Join a Study Group

Show steps

Join a study group with peers to discuss concepts, solve problems, and support each other's learning.

Browse courses on Semiconductors

Show steps

Find a study group or form one with classmates
Meet regularly to review material
Work together on practice problems
Share notes and resources

Create a Study Guide

Show steps

Create a comprehensive study guide that summarizes key concepts and provides additional examples to enhance retention and understanding.

Browse courses on Semiconductors

Show steps

Identify key concepts and topics
Summarize key points in your own words
Include diagrams, examples, and practice questions
Review and refine the study guide regularly

Practice MOS Capacitor Problems

Show steps

Sharpen your problem-solving skills by practicing MOS capacitor problems.

Browse courses on MOS Capacitors

Show steps

Find practice problems on MOS capacitors.
Solve the problems and check your answers against solutions.
Identify areas where you need more practice.

Mentor Junior Students

Show steps

Provide guidance and support to junior students taking introductory courses in semiconductor materials and devices to foster their understanding and interest.

Browse courses on Semiconductors

Show steps

Identify opportunities to mentor junior students
Meet with students regularly to discuss concepts and answer questions
Provide feedback on assignments and projects
Share your own experiences and insights

Attend a Semiconductor Workshop

Show steps

Attend a workshop or seminar focused on semiconductor materials and devices to gain hands-on experience and interact with industry experts.

Browse courses on Semiconductors

Show steps

Research and identify relevant workshops
Register and attend the workshop
Participate actively in discussions and hands-on activities
Follow up with instructors or attendees for further learning

Volunteer in a Semiconductor Lab

Show steps

Volunteer in a semiconductor research lab or industry setting to gain practical experience and contribute to ongoing research projects.

Browse courses on Semiconductors

Show steps

Identify semiconductor labs or companies offering volunteer opportunities
Apply for a volunteer position
Commit to a regular volunteering schedule
Assist with research projects or lab tasks

Design a CMOS Circuit

Show steps

Apply your knowledge by designing a simple CMOS circuit, reinforcing the concepts covered in the course.

Show steps

Choose a simple CMOS circuit to design.
Research and understand the design principles.
Create a schematic and layout for your design.
Simulate your design to verify its functionality.

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Semiconductor Characterization will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Semiconductor Engineer

As a critical member of a product design team, a Semiconductor Engineer's work focuses on the design and optimization of semiconductor devices. With the mobile electronics market as one of the largest consumers of semiconductors, demand for professionals who can design and ship new products is very high. This course will build a solid foundation for working with semiconductor materials and devices, which can help you find success as a Semiconductor Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Semiconductor Engineer

Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists play a key role in the development of new technologies by designing and studying the properties of new materials. Many Materials Scientists focus on the properties of semiconductor materials, which are used in everything from solar panels to computer chips. This course can help you build the foundational understanding of semiconductor materials needed for this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

Semiconductor Device Physicist

Semiconductor Device Physicists focus on understanding how semiconductors work. They combine an understanding of physics with materials science to design and optimize semiconductor devices. This course can provide the deep, foundational understanding of semiconductor physics and devices that Semiconductor Device Physicists need for their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Semiconductor Device Physicist

Semiconductor Manufacturing Engineer

Semiconductor Manufacturing Engineers are responsible for the manufacturing of semiconductor devices. They plan and control the manufacturing process, which can be challenging due to the complex, sensitive nature of semiconductor materials and devices. This course can help you develop the understanding of semiconductor materials and devices that is essential for this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Semiconductor Manufacturing Engineer

Semiconductor Sales Engineer

A Semiconductor Sales Engineer's main purpose is to understand the needs of their customers and sell them the right products. To do this, a Semiconductor Sales Engineer must have a strong understanding of semiconductor materials and devices. This course can be very helpful for building this foundational understanding.

See salaries and explore the career path for Semiconductor Sales Engineer

Solar Cell Engineer

Solar Cell Engineers work on the design and development of solar cells, focusing on the materials, optimization, and manufacturing processes used to create devices that efficiently convert sunlight into electricity. This course can help you develop the understanding of semiconductor materials and devices that is essential for this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Cell Engineer

Microelectronics Engineer

Microelectronics Engineers design and build microelectronic systems, which are typically very small and often found in modern electronic devices like smartphones and laptops. Many microelectronic systems make use of semiconductor devices and materials, so this course can help you understand these core technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Microelectronics Engineer

Integrated Circuit Designer

Integrated Circuit Designers use computer-aided design tools to create the layout of integrated circuits, which are essential for advanced electronics and computing. This course may be helpful for learning about the semiconductor devices that are used in integrated circuits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Integrated Circuit Designer

Materials Engineer

Materials Engineers develop, test, and optimize the materials used in products such as electronics, aircraft, and medical devices. Many modern materials are semiconductors, so this course could prove helpful for understanding these materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Engineer

Semiconductor Process Engineer

Semiconductor Process Engineers work on the processing and manufacturing of semiconductor devices. This course can help you understand the semiconductor materials and devices that you will work with as a Semiconductor Process Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Semiconductor Process Engineer

Electronics Engineer

Electronics Engineers design, develop, and test electronic circuits and systems for a variety of applications. Many of the devices and systems that an Electronics Engineer works with rely on semiconductor materials and devices. This course can help you understand the basics of these core technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electronics Engineer

Nanotechnology Engineer

Nanotechnology Engineers work on the development and application of nanoscale materials and devices. Semiconductors are one of the most common types of materials used in nanotechnology. This course can provide a strong foundation for the work done by Nanotechnology Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nanotechnology Engineer

Chemical Engineer

Semiconductors are manufactured using complex chemical processes. Chemical Engineers can help to develop and optimize these processes. This course can help build an understanding of the semiconductor materials and devices that are involved in these processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers work on the design and development of electrical systems and components. They use their understanding of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism to create new technologies. This course may be helpful for understanding how semiconductor materials and devices are used in various electrical systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design and develop mechanical systems and components. Semiconductors are often used in these systems, so this course can help you build a stronger understanding of the materials and devices that you may work with as a Mechanical Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Fundamentals of Semiconductor Characterization.