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Trevor Thornton

Course 2 begins with the definitions of resistivity and sheet resistance of semiconductors and metals and emphasizes the importance of working with the correct units for each. We see how to calculate the sheet resistance of a thin conducting film once we know its resistivity. A method to determine the contact resistance using the transfer length method is described, along with the definition of the specific contact resistivity. Current-voltage (IV) measurements of p-n junction diodes are used to extract key device parameters such as the ideality factor and series resistance. The course project explores how process monitor blocks are used to maintain manufacturing integrity.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Introduction
Course 2 begins with the definitions of resistivity and sheet resistance of semiconductors and metals and emphasizes the importance of working with the correct units for each. We see how to calculate the sheet resistance of a thin conducting film once we know its resistivity. A method to determine the contact resistance using the transfer length method is described, along with the definition of the specific contact resistivity. Current-voltage (IV) measurements of p-n junction diodes are used to extract key device parameters such as the ideality factor and series resistance. The course project explores how process monitor blocks are used to maintain manufacturing integrity.
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Week 2.1: Resistivity and Sheet Resistance
This week introduces the concepts of resistivity and sheet resistance.
Week 2.2: Resistance Measurements and Four-point Probes
This week, you will learn about measuring resistance with four-point probes.
Week 2.3: Measuring Contact Resistance
This week, you will learn about measuring contact resistance using transfer length measurements.
Week 2.4: The Current-voltage (IV) Characteristics of Diodes
This week, you will learn about the current-voltage (IV) characteristics of diodes.
Week 2.5: Course Wrap-up and Project
This week, you will complete a case study to assess your ability to determine what happened to a process monitor block to change its resistance.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Covers calculating sheet resistance of thin conducting films, key for understanding electronic properties of materials
Includes a project on process monitor blocks, providing practical experience in maintaining manufacturing integrity
Emphasizes correct units for resistivity and sheet resistance, crucial for accurate measurements in semiconductor and metal characterization
Taught by Trevor Thornton, an expert in the field
Provides a method to determine contact resistance using the transfer length method, a valuable technique for analyzing device performance

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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 Electrical Characterization: Diodes with these activities:
Review prerequisite material on electricity and magnetism
Strengthen your knowledge of fundamental concepts like Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's laws, and magnetic fields to enhance your understanding of semiconductor and metal properties.
Browse courses on Electricity
Show steps
  • Review textbooks and class notes from previous courses on electricity and magnetism
  • Solve practice problems and simulations related to these concepts
Review a textbook on semiconductor physics
Supplement your course material by reviewing a comprehensive textbook on semiconductor physics. This will provide a deeper understanding of the fundamental concepts behind semiconductor devices.
Show steps
  • Obtain a reputable textbook on semiconductor physics
  • Read assigned chapters or sections of the textbook
Calculate Sheet Resistance of Conductors
Improve your understanding of sheet resistance calculations, a fundamental concept for analyzing electrical properties of thin films.
Show steps
  • Review the definitions of resistivity and sheet resistance.
  • Practice calculating the sheet resistance of a thin conducting film given its resistivity.
Seven other activities
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Show all ten activities
Explore online resources for further understanding of sheet resistance
Expand your knowledge of sheet resistance by accessing reputable websites, video tutorials, and interactive simulations that provide additional explanations and real-world examples.
Show steps
  • Search for credible websites and platforms offering tutorials on sheet resistance
  • Watch videos and follow interactive simulations to visualize concepts
Visualize Current-Voltage (I-V) Characteristics of Diodes
Enhance your comprehension of diode behavior by creating graphical representations of their I-V characteristics.
Show steps
  • Set up a circuit to measure the I-V characteristics of a diode.
  • Collect data and plot the I-V curve.
Engage in practice exercises on calculating resistivity and sheet resistance
Solidify your understanding of resistivity and sheet resistance calculations by solving problems and applying formulas to various scenarios. This will boost your problem-solving skills.
Show steps
  • Find online exercises or create your practice problems
  • Calculate resistivity and sheet resistance using provided data and formulas
Explore the Transfer Length Method for Contact Resistance
Deepen your understanding of contact resistance measurement techniques and their application in semiconductor devices.
Show steps
  • Find a tutorial on the transfer length method for measuring contact resistance.
  • Follow the tutorial to understand the principles and implementation of the method.
Participate in online forums or discussion groups on semiconductor devices
Engage with peers and experts in online forums or discussion groups dedicated to semiconductor devices. This will provide opportunities to ask questions, share knowledge, and deepen your understanding.
Show steps
  • Join online forums or discussion groups related to semiconductor devices
  • Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your knowledge
Summarize key takeaways from the course on p-n junction diodes
Enhance your understanding of p-n junction diodes and their characteristics by creating a summary that consolidates key concepts, formulas, and applications covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Review your notes and materials on p-n junction diodes
  • Organize and outline key concepts under appropriate headings
  • Write a coherent summary that explains the principles and applications of p-n junction diodes
Design and simulate a simple circuit involving resistors and diodes
Apply your knowledge of resistors and diodes by designing and simulating a basic circuit using software or online tools. This will provide hands-on experience and reinforce understanding.
Show steps
  • Choose appropriate circuit design software or online tools
  • Design a circuit schematic using resistors and diodes
  • Simulate the circuit to analyze its behavior and verify its functionality

Career center

Learners who complete Electrical Characterization: Diodes will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Semiconductor Device Engineer
Semiconductor Device Engineers design, develop, and test semiconductor devices, such as diodes and transistors. This course can help Semiconductor Device Engineers understand the electrical characteristics of diodes, which is essential for their work. The course covers topics such as the definitions of resistivity and sheet resistance of semiconductors and metals, the current-voltage (IV) characteristics of diodes, and how to extract key device parameters such as the ideality factor and series resistance. This knowledge can help Semiconductor Device Engineers to design and develop more efficient and reliable semiconductor devices.
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientists research and develop new materials, including semiconductors and metals. This course can help Materials Scientists understand the electrical properties of these materials, which is essential for their work. The course covers topics such as the definitions of resistivity and sheet resistance, how to calculate the sheet resistance of a thin conducting film, and how to measure the contact resistance using the transfer length method. This knowledge can help Materials Scientists to develop new materials with improved electrical properties.
Failure Analysis Engineer
Failure Analysis Engineers investigate the causes of failures in semiconductor devices. This course can help Failure Analysis Engineers understand the electrical characteristics of diodes, which is essential for their work. The course covers topics such as the definitions of resistivity and sheet resistance, the current-voltage (IV) characteristics of diodes, and how to extract key device parameters such as the ideality factor and series resistance. This knowledge can help Failure Analysis Engineers to identify the causes of failures in semiconductor devices and develop solutions to prevent them.
Electronics Engineer
Electronics Engineers design, develop, and test electronic circuits and devices, including semiconductors, diodes, and other components. This course can help Electronics Engineers understand the electrical characteristics of diodes, which is essential for their work. The course covers topics such as the definitions of resistivity and sheet resistance of semiconductors and metals, how to calculate the sheet resistance of a thin conducting film, and how to measure the contact resistance using the transfer length method. This knowledge can help Electronics Engineers to design and develop more efficient and reliable electronic devices.
Process Engineer
Process Engineers develop and optimize manufacturing processes for semiconductor devices. This course can help Process Engineers understand the electrical characteristics of diodes, which is essential for their work. The course covers topics such as the definitions of resistivity and sheet resistance, how to calculate the sheet resistance of a thin conducting film, and how to measure the contact resistance using the transfer length method. This knowledge can help Process Engineers to develop more efficient and reliable manufacturing processes for semiconductor devices.
Quality Control Engineer
Quality Control Engineers ensure that products meet quality standards. This course can help Quality Control Engineers understand the electrical characteristics of diodes, which is essential for their work. The course covers topics such as the definitions of resistivity and sheet resistance, the current-voltage (IV) characteristics of diodes, and how to extract key device parameters such as the ideality factor and series resistance. This knowledge can help Quality Control Engineers to ensure that semiconductor devices meet quality standards.
Research Scientist
Research Scientists conduct research in a variety of fields, including semiconductor physics and materials science. This course can help Research Scientists understand the electrical characteristics of diodes, which is essential for their work. The course covers topics such as the definitions of resistivity and sheet resistance, the current-voltage (IV) characteristics of diodes, and how to extract key device parameters such as the ideality factor and series resistance. This knowledge can help Research Scientists to conduct more effective research in these fields.
Patent Attorney
Patent Attorneys help inventors to obtain patents for their inventions. This course can help Patent Attorneys understand the electrical characteristics of diodes, which is essential for their work. The course covers topics such as the definitions of resistivity and sheet resistance, the current-voltage (IV) characteristics of diodes, and how to extract key device parameters such as the ideality factor and series resistance. This knowledge can help Patent Attorneys to write more effective patent applications and to prosecute patents before the USPTO.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create technical documentation, such as user manuals and white papers. This course can help Technical Writers understand the electrical characteristics of diodes, which is essential for their work. The course covers topics such as the definitions of resistivity and sheet resistance, the current-voltage (IV) characteristics of diodes, and how to extract key device parameters such as the ideality factor and series resistance. This knowledge can help Technical Writers to create more accurate and informative technical documentation.
Science Teacher
Science Teachers teach science to students in grades K-12. This course can help Science Teachers understand the electrical characteristics of diodes, which is essential for their work. The course covers topics such as the definitions of resistivity and sheet resistance, the current-voltage (IV) characteristics of diodes, and how to extract key device parameters such as the ideality factor and series resistance. This knowledge can help Science Teachers to teach their students about the electrical properties of diodes and to develop hands-on activities that demonstrate these properties.
Technical Sales Engineer
Technical Sales Engineers sell technical products and services to businesses and governments. This course can help Technical Sales Engineers understand the electrical characteristics of diodes, which is essential for their work. The course covers topics such as the definitions of resistivity and sheet resistance, the current-voltage (IV) characteristics of diodes, and how to extract key device parameters such as the ideality factor and series resistance. This knowledge can help Technical Sales Engineers to better understand the products they are selling and to provide better technical support to their customers.
Project Manager
Project Managers plan and execute projects. This course can help Project Managers understand the electrical characteristics of diodes, which is essential for their work. The course covers topics such as the definitions of resistivity and sheet resistance, the current-voltage (IV) characteristics of diodes, and how to extract key device parameters such as the ideality factor and series resistance. This knowledge can help Project Managers to better understand the technical aspects of projects and to make more informed decisions.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make decisions. This course can help Data Analysts understand the electrical characteristics of diodes, which is essential for their work. The course covers topics such as the definitions of resistivity and sheet resistance, the current-voltage (IV) characteristics of diodes, and how to extract key device parameters such as the ideality factor and series resistance. This knowledge can help Data Analysts to better understand the technical aspects of data and to develop more accurate and reliable data analyses.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts analyze business needs and develop solutions to meet those needs. This course can help Business Analysts understand the electrical characteristics of diodes, which is essential for their work. The course covers topics such as the definitions of resistivity and sheet resistance, the current-voltage (IV) characteristics of diodes, and how to extract key device parameters such as the ideality factor and series resistance. This knowledge can help Business Analysts to better understand the technical aspects of business needs and to develop more effective solutions.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and test software. This course may be useful for Software Engineers who are working on projects that involve the use of diodes. The course covers topics such as the definitions of resistivity and sheet resistance, the current-voltage (IV) characteristics of diodes, and how to extract key device parameters such as the ideality factor and series resistance. This knowledge can help Software Engineers to develop more efficient and reliable software.

Reading list

We've selected ten 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 Electrical Characterization: Diodes.
This textbook provides a clear and concise introduction to microelectronics, including the physics of semiconductor devices and the design of integrated circuits. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike who want to learn about the fundamentals of microelectronics.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of electronic devices and circuits, including diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike who want to learn about the fundamentals of electronic devices and circuits.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of microelectronic circuits, including the design and analysis of analog and digital circuits. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike who want to learn about the fundamentals of microelectronic circuits.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of solid state electronic devices, including the physics of semiconductor devices and the design of integrated circuits. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike who want to learn about the fundamentals of solid state electronic devices.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the physics of semiconductor devices, including the basic principles of operation, their electrical characteristics, and their applications in electronic circuits. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike who want to learn about the fundamentals of semiconductor devices.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of electronic circuit analysis and design, including the basic principles of operation, their electrical characteristics, and their applications in electronic circuits. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike who want to learn about the fundamentals of electronic circuit analysis and design.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of analog integrated circuit design, including the basic principles of operation, their electrical characteristics, and their applications in electronic circuits. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike who want to learn about the fundamentals of analog integrated circuit design.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of microelectronics, including the basic principles of operation, their electrical characteristics, and their applications in electronic circuits. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike who want to learn about the fundamentals of microelectronics.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of electronic devices and circuit theory, including the basic principles of operation, their electrical characteristics, and their applications in electronic circuits. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike who want to learn about the fundamentals of electronic devices and circuit theory.

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