4 ECTS credits
115 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 1004216BNR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (B) Bachelor - advanced level.
This course provides an introduction to key semiconductor components, which are essential for applications in electronics, power technology, optoelectronics and nanotechnology. Students learn the basic operation and properties of these components, such as diodes, MOSFETs and bipolar transistors, and delve into their physical operation and modelling.
This course assumes a basic knowledge of chemistry, linear algebra, physics and quantum mechanics.
More specifically:
The course consists of 8 chapters covering the following topics:
To understand semiconductor components, knowledge of the fundamental principles and material properties of semiconductors is essential. Chapters 1 to 5 cover the basic aspects of semiconductor physics, including the properties of semiconductors, the principles of quantum mechanics, the behaviour of semiconductors in equilibrium and transport phenomena of charge carriers.
Chapter 6 focuses on the p-n transition or diode, which acts as the fundamental building block in semiconductor physics, and explores its properties, behaviour and importance in electronic devices.
Chapter 7 delves into the Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET), a very important and widely used transistor in various applications.
Finally, Chapter 8 deals with the Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT), which is mainly used in analogue and radio frequency (RF) applications.
Course notes are available on Canvas and from the Department of ETRO.
Develop an intuitive understanding of the behaviour of semiconductors and semiconductor components using the band model. More specifically, we focus on understanding the influence of electric fields and voltages on semiconductors and semiconductor structures, as well as the operation of electronic components. This course enables students to understand and apply new components, which do not exist today or are still in the research phase, in their future careers.
This course contributes to the following learning outcomes of the Bachelor of Engineering:
The Bachelor of Engineering has a broad fundamental knowledge and understanding of:
1. the scientific principles and methodology of the exact sciences including the specificity of their applications in engineering sciences;
4. fundamental basic methods and theories for diagramming and modelling problems or processes.
The Bachelor of Engineering Science can:
7. apply quantitative methods and relevant computer software related to the discipline to engineering engineering problems; 7. be able to apply quantitative methods and relevant computer software related to the discipline;
10. report correctly on design results through a technical report or via a paper;
12. reason in a logical, abstract and critical manner;
The Bachelor of Engineering has:
17. have a critical attitude towards their own results and those of others;
18. the means acquired for gathering knowledge directed towards lifelong learning.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 80% of the final mark.
PRAC Practical Assignment determines 20% of the final mark.
Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the PRAC Practical Assignment category, the following assignments need to be completed:
1. An open-book examination on theory, where the emphasis is not only on reproducing the course content, but also on testing a deeper understanding by covering, for example, components not covered in the course. The student is basically given two main questions and some shorter supplementary questions, in which understanding is central. The practice sessions are therefore aimed at acquiring and reinforcing this understanding. The student may first prepare answers in writing, followed by an oral review, together with a discussion of related topics.
2. A written report on the practical (lab), supplemented by an oral questioning on the content of this report.
The examination on the theory counts for 80% in the final assessment; the report and the examination on the practicals count for 20% in the final assessment.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Bachelor of Engineering: Electronics and Information Technology (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Physics and Astronomy: Default track (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Physics and Astronomy: Minor Economy and Business
Preparatory Programme Master of Science in Photonics Engineering: Standaard traject (only offered in Dutch)
Preparatory Programme Master of Science in Photonics Engineering: Standaard traject