HKUSTx: Introduction to Semiconductors, PN Junctions and Bipolar Junction Transistors

Course Description

Embark on an exciting journey into the world of semiconductor devices with this comprehensive online course, the first part of the Principle of Semiconductor Devices Professional Certificate Program. This intermediate-level course, offered by HKUSTx, delves deep into the fascinating realm of semiconductor physics and electronic devices, providing students with a solid foundation in the principles that govern modern electronics.

From the fundamental concepts of semiconductors to the intricate workings of bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), this course covers a wide range of topics essential for anyone looking to advance their knowledge in electronics and semiconductor technology. Through a combination of theoretical explanations and practical applications, students will gain a thorough understanding of how semiconductor devices function and how they can be utilized in various electronic circuits.

What You'll Learn

• Comprehensive understanding of semiconductor materials and their properties
• In-depth knowledge of PN junctions and their behavior under different bias conditions
• Operational principles of various semiconductor devices, including photodiodes, solar cells, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
• Fundamentals of bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) and their operation modes
• Circuit modeling techniques for semiconductor devices
• Design strategies for optimizing semiconductor device performance
• Communication skills using semiconductor terminology

Prerequisites

• Basic high-school chemistry and knowledge of the periodic table
• Basic algebra
• Basic calculus

Course Content

• Intrinsic semiconductor materials and energy band diagrams
• Doping in semiconductors and PN junction formation
• Current-voltage characteristics of PN junction diodes
• Real PN junction characteristics and their models
• Optical properties of PN junctions and metal-semiconductor contacts
• Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) operation and characteristics
• BJT switching characteristics and circuit modeling
• Design strategies for semiconductor devices

Who This Course is For

• Electronics engineering students
• Electrical engineering professionals
• Physics students with an interest in semiconductor devices
• Technology enthusiasts looking to understand the principles behind modern electronics
• Professionals in related fields seeking to expand their knowledge of semiconductor technology

Real-World Applications

• Designing and optimizing electronic circuits for various applications
• Developing more efficient solar cells and photovoltaic systems
• Creating innovative LED designs for lighting and display technologies
• Improving the performance of transistors in analog and digital circuits
• Contributing to the advancement of semiconductor technology in industries such as telecommunications, consumer electronics, and renewable energy
• Troubleshooting and maintaining electronic devices and systems
• Collaborating effectively with professionals in the semiconductor industry

Syllabus

Course Outcomes

By enrolling in this course, students will gain a deep understanding of semiconductor devices, pn-junctions, and bipolar-junction-transistors. They will explore semiconductor materials, carrier currents, and drift-and-diffusion physics, laying the groundwork for comprehending more complex devices. The course covers practical applications such as photodiodes, solar cells, and light-emitting-diodes, as well as metal-semiconductor contacts. Students will also learn about BJT operation modes, including forward-active mode, reverse-active mode, saturation mode, and cutoff mode, along with the gain of BJT and its amplifying mechanism. By the end of the course, participants will be able to construct circuit models of BJTs and other semiconductor devices, preparing them for advanced studies and real-world applications in the ever-evolving field of electronics.