Semiconductor Devices
Code: 106815 ECTS Credits: 6| Degree | Type | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Nanoscience and Nanotechnology | OB | 3 |
Contact
- Name:
- Xavier Oriols Pladevall
- Email:
- xavier.oriols@uab.cat
Teaching groups languages
You can view this information at the end of this document.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge is required in:
- Basic electrostatics (concepts of field, electric potential, etc.). It is recommended to have passed the subject General Physics.
- Mathematics (complex numbers, basic differential equations, etc.). It is recommended to have passed first and second-year mathematics subjects.
- Quantum mechanics (time-independent Schrödinger equation). It is recommended to have passed the subject Quantum Phenomena I.
- Crystallography (lattice periodicity, primitive cell, real and reciprocal space). It is recommended to have passed the subject Crystallography.
- Circuit theory (analysis of linear circuits with resistors, capacitors, and inductors). It is highly recommended to have passed the subject Electronic Instrumentation.
- Basic programming (Matlab or Python to compute eigenstates and eigenvalues of a matrix). It is recommended to have passed the subject Computing and Programming Tools.
Objectives and Contextualisation
The main objectives are:
- Understand the characteristics of the solid state: periodic structures, electronic states and energy bands, lattice vibrations (phonons).
- Acquire understanding and mastery of the physical principles of electronic transport in semiconductors, as well as of the most common electronic devices and their fabrication technologies.
- Relate device performance, circuit behavior, and fabrication processes using analytical physical models, numerical simulations, compact models, and circuit-level solutions.
Learning Outcomes
- CM16 (Competence) Use knowledge of physics to solve problems on the nanoscale.
- CM17 (Competence) Propose solutions to problems in the field of nanotechnology relating the performance of materials and devices with their manufacturing processes.
- KM28 (Knowledge) Describe the fundamental laws of physics that allow us to understand how the main semiconductor devices work and their application.
- SM25 (Skill) Design basic electronic devices by selecting the appropriate manufacturing technology for the desired electrical specifications.
- SM26 (Skill) Use characterisation and simulation techniques to investigate the performance of electronic devices.
- SM28 (Skill) Gather, summarise and present results and conclusions of scientific publications.
Content
Topic 1. Solid State Physics
1.1 Energy quantization in simple systems
1.2 Bloch’s Theorem. E-k band structure in periodic systems. Effective mass
1.3 Lattice vibrations. Phonons
Topic 2. Electronic Transport in Semiconductors
2.1 Band structure: insulators, metals, and semiconductors
2.2 Equilibrium and non-equilibrium systems. Fermi statistics
2.3 E-x band structures in devices. Charges and electric fields
2.4 Semi-classical conduction model: drift and diffusion current
Topic 3. PN Junction Diode
3.1 Electrostatics of the PN junction at equilibrium
3.2 PN junction out of equilibrium. Currents
3.3 LEDs, semiconductor lasers, PIN diodes, and solar cells
3.4 Basic circuit applications with diodes
Topic 4. MOSFET Transistor
4.1 Structure and operation of the MOSFET transistor
4.2 Types of transistors and current-voltage curves
4.3 Basic circuit applications: logic gates, amplifiers, CMOS circuits
Topic 5. From Microelectronics to Nanoelectronics
5.1 More Moore. MOSFET scaling. High-K dielectrics. Short-channel effects
5.2 Beyond CMOS: Tunnel devices, quantum dots, graphene, molecular electronics, quantum technologies
Activities and Methodology
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type: Directed | |||
| Laboratory sessions | 15 | 0.6 | SM25, SM26, SM28, SM25 |
| Lectures | 30 | 1.2 | CM16, CM17, KM28, SM25, CM16 |
| Problem seminar | 15 | 0.6 | CM16, CM17, KM28, SM25, SM26, SM28, CM16 |
| Type: Supervised | |||
| Tutorials | 5 | 0.2 | CM16, CM17, KM28, SM25, SM26, SM28, CM16 |
| Type: Autonomous | |||
| Preparation of the sessions of Laboratory | 20 | 0.8 | CM16, CM17, KM28, SM25, SM26, CM16 |
| Resolution of problems | 20 | 0.8 | CM16, CM17, KM28, SM25, SM26, SM28, CM16 |
| Study | 27 | 1.08 | CM16, CM17, KM28, SM25, SM26, SM28, CM16 |
Guided activities
- Lectures: The instructor will explain the topics using (i) slides available in advance on the virtual campus, and (ii) complementary exercises or explanations on the classroom board.
- Problem seminars: The instructor will solve sample problems.
- Laboratory sessions: Before each session, students must prepare and submit a pre-lab report (in English). At the end of the session, a post-lab report (in English) completed during the session must be submitted.
Supervised activities
- Tutorials: Outside regular class hours, students may seek help from theory, problem, or lab instructors to clarify any doubts. The use of this resource is highly recommended.
Autonomous activities
- Study: Independent study of each topic is essential.
- Problem solving: Students are strongly encouraged to attempt the exercises before class.
Laboratory preparation: As mentioned, students must prepare and submit a pre-lab report before each lab session.
Annotation: Within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.
Assessment
Continous Assessment Activities
| Title | Weighting | Hours | ECTS | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laboratory sessions for each topic | 30% | 10 | 0.4 | SM25, SM26, SM28 |
| 1st partial exam | 35% | 4 | 0.16 | CM16, CM17, KM28, SM25, SM26, SM28 |
| 2nd partial exam | 35 | 4 | 0.16 | CM16, CM17, KM28, SM25, SM26, SM28 |
Continuous assessment
The course is assessed through two written partial exams, lab work, and guided problems, with the following weightings:
- 1st Partial written exam: 35% of the final grade
- 2nd Partial written exam: 35% of the final grade
- Laboratory work for each topic: 30% of the final grade
All three components must be passed with a minimum score of 5.0. If a student scores below 5 in either of the partial exams, they may retake the failed exam(s) in the final written exam.
- Final written exam (make-up): 70% of the final grade
Single assessment
Students who opt for the single assessment modality must take a comprehensive final exam covering all theory and problem topics. This exam will be held on the same day as the second partial exam of the continuous assessment students. The score on this exam will account for 70% of the final grade.
If the final exam score is below 5.0, the student will have a second chance to pass the course via a resit exam scheduled by the program coordination. Lab sessions are mandatory and not recoverable. Students in the single assessment modality must attend and submit lab work just like those in continuous assessment.
Bibliography
Core references
- C. Kittel, Introduction to Solid State Physics, John Wiley & Sons
- N. W. Ashcroft & N. D. Mermin, Solid State Physics, Saunders College
- L. Prats Viñas & J. Calderer Cardona, Dispositius electrònics i fotònics. Fonaments, Edicions UPC, 2001
- P. Horowitz & W. Hill, The Art of Electronics, Cambridge University Press (1989)
Supplementary bibliography – Electronic Devices
(Modular Series on Solid State Devices, Addison-Wesley)
- R. F. Pierret, Semiconductor Fundamentals (1988) / Fundamentos de semiconductores (1994)
- G. W. Neudeck, The PN Junction Diode (1989) / El diodo PN de unión (1993)
- G. W. Neudeck, The Bipolar Junction Transistor (1989) / El transistor bipolar de unión (1994)
- R. F. Pierret, Field Effect Devices (1990) / Dispositivos de efecto de campo (1994)
Supplementary bibliography – Nanoelectronic Devices
- Rainer Waser (Ed.), Nanoelectronics and Information Technology, Wiley-VCH
Web Resources
Software
The software PSPICE for circuit simulation will be used
Groups and Languages
Please note that this information is provisional until 30 November 2025. You can check it through this link. To consult the language you will need to enter the CODE of the subject.
| Name | Group | Language | Semester | Turn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (PAUL) Classroom practices | 1 | English | first semester | afternoon |
| (PLAB) Practical laboratories | 1 | English | first semester | morning-mixed |
| (PLAB) Practical laboratories | 2 | English | first semester | morning-mixed |
| (PLAB) Practical laboratories | 3 | English | first semester | morning-mixed |
| (TE) Theory | 1 | English | first semester | afternoon |