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Trevor Thornton

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.

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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.

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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.
Read more
Week 1.1: Semiconductor Basics
This week provides a brief overview of the basics of semiconductors. This information may be familiar to some, but it may provide a solid introduction to others.
Week 1.2: P-N Junction Diodes
This week, you will learn about the band diagrams and current voltage characteristics of p-n junction diodes.
Week 1.3: MOS Capacitors
This week, you will learn about metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) capacitors and oxide charges.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, 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

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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
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
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
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
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Show all 11 activities
Explore P-N Junction Diodes
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
This comprehensive textbook offers a detailed treatment of semiconductor physics, device physics, and integrated circuit technology.
This authoritative textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the physics and operation of semiconductor devices.
This textbook provides a detailed treatment of the physics of semiconductor devices, including advanced topics such as quantum confinement and tunneling.
This advanced textbook covers the fundamentals of semiconductor physics and devices from a quantum mechanical perspective.
This widely-used textbook provides a comprehensive treatment of semiconductor physics, device physics, and integrated circuit technology.
This classic textbook provides a thorough introduction to the physics of semiconductors, focusing on the fundamental properties of materials.
This textbook provides a comprehensive treatment of the physics and applications of semiconductors and optoelectronic devices.
This textbook focuses on the basic electrical properties of semiconductors, and covers topics such as electron and hole transport, junctions and transistors.
This textbook focuses on the design and simulation of semiconductor devices using advanced numerical techniques.
This classic textbook provides a thorough introduction to the analysis and design of electronic circuits, including semiconductor devices.
This textbook focuses on the materials and devices used in solar cells and photovoltaics, providing a comprehensive overview of the field.

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