Course overview
This course covers the operating principles, analysis and applications of semiconductor devices underpinning electronic systems. It builds on the foundational electrical concepts developed at Level I and provides an in-depth exploration of important non-linear devices: diodes, bipolar junction transistors and field-effect transistors. Equivalent circuit models for these devices are developed and applied to the analysis and design of practical systems, such as voltage rectifiers and amplifiers. Important system concepts are introduced along the way, including amplifier types and gains. The course is delivered on campus, with lectures available to view online and intensive face-to-face workshops. It also includes a practical component which develop key technical skills such as operating test and measurement instruments.
Course learning outcomes
- Gain a basic understanding of semiconductor material and p-n junction properties and ideal current-voltage characteristics
- Learn DC and small-signal AC analysis techniques for diode circuits with one or more diodes using linear and nonlinear equivalent circuit models
- Learn about diode application in rectifier circuits, voltage regulators
- Describe the physical principles, construction, characteristics, modelling and limitations of field-effect and bipolar junction transistors
- Understand and become familiar with DC (including DC biasing) and small-signal AC analysis of field-effect and bipolar junction transistor circuits and examine three basic applications of these circuits
- Model and analyse differential and simple amplifier circuits and describe the effect of non-idealities on their small signal, large signal and frequency response performance
- Use a circuit simulation package to model circuits with passive and active components such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, and transistors
- Construct and test simple amplifier circuits and measure their gain and frequency response
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