During the 1st and 2nd year most of the semiconductor devices - the building blocks of integrated analogue and digital circuits - have been used as black boxes. In this module we will open the lid on these black boxes and discover the physics behind the operation of these devices. Quantum mechanics supports the fundamental transport processes of charged carriers and allows derivation of performance parameters still based on classical formulae. Small signal and large signal characteristics will be explained with an aim to understand the limits and future trend of these devices.

At the end of this module, you will be able to:
1. Explain basic quantum mechanical principles of charged carrier conduction
2. Apply energy band diagrams to analyse carrier transport processes
3. Classify devices into majority and minority carrier devices and appraise their advantages and disadvantages in different applications
4. Derive device characteristics given the geometry and material parameters.
5. Calculate performance parameters by employing the correct equations and approximations
6. Explain delays in small and large signal operation of devices

• Quantum Mechanics, the Schodinger equations and energy band diagrams
• Doping of semiconductors
• Carrier scattering, generation and recombination
• Drift and Diffusion processes of electrons and holes
• Carrier transport in pn diode, MOSFETs and BJTs
• Small signal and large signal operation
• A glimpse of modern devices
• A short introduction of Technology Computer Aided Design