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Mark S. Lundstrom and Dallas Morisette

The transistor has been called the greatest invention of the 20th century - it enabled the electronics systems that have shaped the world we live in. Today's nanotransistors are a high volume, high impact success of the nanotechnology revolution. This is a course on how this scientifically interesting and technologically important device operates. The course is designed for anyone seeking a sound, physical, intuitive understanding of how modern transistors operate. Important technology considerations and applications of transistors are also discussed. The focus is on MOSFETs for digital logic, but analog applications and other types of transistors are briefly considered.

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The transistor has been called the greatest invention of the 20th century - it enabled the electronics systems that have shaped the world we live in. Today's nanotransistors are a high volume, high impact success of the nanotechnology revolution. This is a course on how this scientifically interesting and technologically important device operates. The course is designed for anyone seeking a sound, physical, intuitive understanding of how modern transistors operate. Important technology considerations and applications of transistors are also discussed. The focus is on MOSFETs for digital logic, but analog applications and other types of transistors are briefly considered.

This course is broadly accessible to students with only a very basic knowledge of semiconductor physics and electronic circuits. Topics include device metrics for digital and analog circuits, traditional MOSFET theory, the virtual source model, 1D and 2D electrostatics, Landauer/transmission approach to nanotransistors, the limits of MOSFETs, as well as a quick look at HEMTs, bipolar transistors, and compact circuit models. The course should be useful for advanced undergraduates, beginning graduate students, as well as practicing engineers and scientists.

This course is part of a Purdue initiative that aims to complement the expertise that students develop with the breadth at the edges needed to work effectively in today's multidisciplinary environment. These serious short courses require few prerequisites and provide a general framework that can be filled in with self-study when needed.

Students taking this course will be required to complete two (2) proctored exams using the edX online Proctortrack software.
Completed exams will be scanned and sent using Gradescope for grading.

Fundamentals of Transistors is one course in a growing suite of unique, 1-credit-hour short courses being developed in an edX/Purdue University collaboration. Students may elect to pursue a verified certificate for this specific course alone or as one of the six courses needed for the edX/Purdue MicroMasters program in Nanoscience and Technology. For further information and other courses offered and planned, please see the Nanoscience and Technology page. Courses like this can also apply toward a Purdue University MSECE degree for students accepted into the full master’s program.

What you'll learn

  • MOSFET IV characteristics and device metrics and how to analyze measured transistor characteristics and extract key device parameters.
  • The physical operation of transistors and the traditional theory of the MOSFET.
  • 1D/2D/3D MOS electrostatics and the need for advanced MOSFET structures such as the FinFET.
  • How modern transport theory (the transmission approach) is applied to nanoscale MOSFETs.
  • How other transistors, such as HEMTs and bipolar transistors, operate.
  • What a physics-based compact model is and the role they play in electronic design.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Mosfet iv characteristics and device metrics and how to analyze measured transistor characteristics and extract key device parameters.
  • The physical operation of transistors and the traditional theory of the mosfet.
  • 1d/2d/3d mos electrostatics and the need for advanced mosfet structures such as the finfet.
  • How modern transport theory (the transmission approach) is applied to nanoscale mosfets.
  • How other transistors, such as hemts and bipolar transistors, operate.
  • What a physics-based compact model is and the role they play in electronic design.

Syllabus

Unit 1: Transistors and Circuits
Unit 2: Essential Physics of the MOSFET
Unit 3: MOS Electrostatics
Unit 4: Transmission theory of the MOSFET
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Unit 5: Additional Topics
L1.1: The MOSFET as a Black BoxL1.2: Digital CircuitsL1.3: Analog/RF CircuitsL1.4: MOSFET Device Metrics L1.5: Compact ModelsL1.6: Unit 1 Recap
L2.1: Energy Band Diagram ReviewL2.2: Energy Band View of MOSFETsL2.3: MOSFET IV TheoryL2.4: The Square Law MOSFETL2.5: The Virtual Source modelL2.6: Unit 2 Recap
L3.1: The Energy Band Diagram ApproachL3.2: The Depletion ApproximationL3.3: Gate Voltage and Surface PotentialL3.4 Flat-Band VoltageL3.5: MOS CVL3.6: The Mobile Charge vs. Surface PotentialL3.7: The Mobile Charge vs. Gate VoltageL3.8: 2D MOS ElectrostaticsL3.9: The VS model revisitedL3.10: Unit 3 Recap
L4.1: Landauer ApproachL4.2: Landauer at Low and High BiasL4.3 The Ballistic MOSFETL4.4 Velocity at the Virtual SourceL4.5: Transmission Theory of the MOSFETL4.6: The VS model RevisitedL4.7: Analysis of ExperimentsL4.8: Unit 4 Recap
L5.1: Limits of MOSFETsL5.2: Power MOSFETsL5.3: High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs)L5.4: Review of PN JunctionsL5.5: Heterostructure Bipolar Transistors (HBTs)L5.6: A Second Look at Compact modelsL5.7: Unit 5 RecapL5.5: Compact models - another look

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Ideal for intermediate learners with some experience in semiconductor physics and electronic circuits
Taught by recognized experts in the field of nanoelectronics
Covers essential topics in the operation of modern transistors, including device metrics, MOSFET theory, electrostatics, and transmission theory
Designed to complement expertise and provide a broad foundation for effective work in a multidisciplinary environment
Includes proctored exams to ensure understanding and accountability
Part of a MicroMasters program, requiring additional courses for completion

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Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Transistors will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Semiconductor Physicist
As a Semiconductor Physicist, you will work to build a deeper theoretical understanding and practical application for devices with semiconductor properties. A strong grasp of MOSFETs is a major aspect of this role. This course teaches you about MOSFET IV characteristics and device metrics, the physical operation of transistors, electrostatics, and transport theory.
Nanotechnology Engineer
Nanotechnology Engineers plan and carry out the research and development of nanometer-scale materials and devices. Transistors are used across all types of nano-scale devices and are central to the work done by Nanotechnology Engineers. This course is particularly relevant because it covers how modern transport theory is applied to nanoscale MOSFETs.
Semiconductor Device Engineer
Semiconductor Device Engineers plan and carry out the research and development of semiconductor devices and integrated circuits. The focus of the course is on MOSFETs and they are central devices in integrated circuits. Gaining an understanding of MOSFET fundamentals will help you stand out in this role.
Transistor Design Engineer
Transistor Design Engineers will lead the full lifecycle of transistor design, including development, testing, and manufacture. This course will teach you about MOSFET IV characteristics and device metrics, the physical operation of transistors, and more. It will also teach you about bipolar transistors and high electron mobility transistors which are essential to understanding transistor design.
Electronic Design Engineer
Electronic Design Engineer's design, build, and test electronic devices and systems. As part of this you will work with many different types of transistors. This course will build a foundation for you by teaching you MOSFET IV characteristics and device metrics and how to analyze measured transistor characteristics.
Microelectronics Engineer
Microelectronics Engineers research, design, develop, and test microelectronic devices and systems. MOSFETs are important in this field and this course will teach you MOSFET IV characteristics and device metrics and how to analyze measured transistor characteristics.
VLSI Design Engineer
A VLSI Design Engineer designs integrated circuits such as microprocessors, memory chips, microcontrollers, and digital signal processors. This course may help you become a VLSI Design Engineer by teaching you about the physical operation of transistors, 1D/2D/3D MOS electrostatics, and the transmission theory of the MOSFET.
RF Engineer
An RF Engineer designs, builds, and tests radio frequency systems. These systems use transistors and this course will help you by teaching you about MOSFET IV characteristics and device metrics and the transmission theory of the MOSFET.
Analog Design Engineer
Analog Design Engineers design and test analog circuits. MOSFETs are essential components of analog circuits. This course may be helpful because it teaches about the physical operation of transistors and the traditional theory of the MOSFET.
Semiconductor Manufacturing Engineer
Semiconductor Manufacturing Engineers oversee the production of semiconductor devices and integrated circuits. MOSFETs are central to the devices your will manufacture. This course may be helpful because it will teach you about the physical operation of transistors and 1D/2D/3D MOS electrostatics.
Circuit Board Designer
Circuit Board Designers layout, route, and design printed circuit boards. MOSFETs are common components in many circuit boards. This course will help by teaching you about MOSFET IV characteristics and device metrics and how to analyze measured transistor characteristics.
Power Electronics Engineer
A Power Electronics Engineer designs, builds, and tests electronic systems for power conversion and control applications. MOSFETs are a common component of power electronics systems. This course may be helpful because it teaches about MOSFET IV characteristics and device metrics.
Electronic Packaging Engineer
An Electronic Packaging Engineer designs and manufactures packages for electronic devices. These packages physically house transistors. This course will teach you the physical operation of transistors and 1D/2D/3D MOS electrostatics which will be important to this process.
Electronics Technician
Electronics Technicians install, maintain, and repair electronic devices and systems. MOSFETs are common components in many electronic devices and systems. This course may be helpful because it will teach you the physical operation of transistors.
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientists research and develop new materials for use in a wide range of products and applications. Transistors are often made of unique materials. This course will explore 1D/2D/3D MOS electrostatics which you may find helpful.

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