Module Specifications.
Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025
All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).
As such, this is a point in time view of data which will be refreshed periodically. Some fields/data may not yet be available pending the completion of the full Coursebuilder upgrade and integration project. We will post status updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Date posted: September 2024
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Repeat examination Array |
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Description This module introduces the student to the basics physics of semiconductor devices as well to key semiconductor based devices such as diodes, transistors, and optoelectronic devices. The latter part of the course gives the students an overview of semiconductor processing which is based on current, state-of-the-art manufacturing processes. Introducing modern semiconductor fabrication processing techniques will benefit students who either pursue postgraduate education in this area, or who obtain employment in the sector. The module is largely knowledge-based. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Describe and explain the main elements of semiconductor physics including a qualitative description of semiconductor bands. 2. Identify and discuss the key features of pn junctions 3. derive the diode equation and other key equations relating to semiconductor physics 4. Indicate the operation of key devices such as tunnel diodes, rectifiers, bipolar and FET transistors 5. Describe the main semiconductor processing steps which lead to the fabrication of integrated circuits | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Learning activities and teaching methodologiesThe teaching methodology used is via the traditional lecture mode but with interactive tutorials and quiz sessions. The interactive tutorials cover concepts such as carrier concentration, density of states, and the Hall effect, diffusion, and diode current calculations From the students' point of view, their learning activities will be mainly centred around studying the concepts and relating these to numerical problem solving, and ultimately to the device physics which underpins modern CMOS processes. The quiz sessions will also be a useful learning activity. A strong focus is placed on links to previous modules. All activities and learning objectives are assessed by the final examination. There is also a continuous assessment element based on modern semiconductor manufacturing techniques with a focus on strong scientific writing skills.Lecture Series: Basic Semiconductor PhysicsConduction in metals and semiconductors, energy bands, electrons and holes, density of startes. Doping effects on semiconductors n- and p- doping, Hall effect, carrier drift, temperature dependence of semiconductor behaviourLecture Series: Diffusion of CarriersIntroduction to diffusion, recombination, drift and diffusion currents, Einstein relation, semiconductor continuity equation, Haynes-Shockley experimentLecture Series: PN JunctionsJunction in equilibrium, biased pn junctions, Diode IV characteristics, derivation of full pn junction equation, Zener diodes, Junction capacitance, metal-semiconductor junctionsLecture Series: Applications of DiodesRectification, switching diodes and breakdown diodes, tunnel diodes, photodiodes, LEDs, solar cells, and semiconductor lasers.Lecture Series: TransistorsBipolar transistors, Junction field effect transistors, Metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistorsLecture Series: Semiconductor ProcessingIntroduction to the industry, wafer manufacture and deposition, lithography, diffusion and ion implantation, dielectrics, oxide growth, test and packaging, MOS process flow, device reliability, recent advances in manufacturing.Tutorial SeriesStudents work on 4 tutorial problem sets throughout the semester, in which all of the key concepts of the module are covered. One tutorial is based on basic solid state physics and band structure, one on diffusion and the Einstein relation, one on pn junctions, and the final problem set covers the entire course and is intended as an aid to revision. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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