Semiconductor Devices Explained: Using Active Simulation

Offers an innovative and accessible new approach to the teaching of the fundamentals of semiconductor components by exploiting simulation to explain the mechanisms behind current in semiconductor structures. Simulation is a popular tool used by engineers and scientists in device and process research and the accompanying two dimensional process and device simulation software 'MicroTec', enables students to make their own devices and allows the recreation of real performance under varying parameters. There is also an accompanying ftp site containing ICECREAM software (Integrated Circuits and Electronics group Computerized Remedial Education And Mastering) which improves understanding of the physics involved and covers semiconductor physics, junction diodes, silicon bipolar and MOS transistors and photonic devices like LEDs and lasers.

Features include:

* MicroTec diskette containing a two-dimensional process and device simulator on which the many simulation exercises mentioned in the text can be performed thereby facilitating learning through experimentation

* Computer aided education software (accessible vita ftp) featuring question and answer games, which enables students to enhance their understanding of the physics involved and allows lecturers to set assignments

* Broad coverage spanning the common devices: pn junctions, metal semiconductor junctions, photocells, lasers, bipolar transistors, and MOS transistors

* Discussion of fundamental concepts and technological principles offering the student a valuable grounding in semiconductor physics

* Examination of the implications of recent research on small dimensions, reliability problems and breakdown mechanisms.

Semiconductor Devices Explained offers a comprehensive new approach to teaching the fundamentals of semiconductor components based on the use of the accompanying process and device simulation software. Simulation is a popular tool used by engineers and scientists in device and process research. It supports the understanding of basic phenomena by linking the theory to hands on applications and real world problems with semiconductor devices. Throughout the text students are encouraged to augment their understanding by undertaking simulations and creating their own devices. The ICECREAM programme (Integrated Circuits and Electronics group Computerized Remedial Education And Mastering) question and answer game leads students through the concepts of common devices and makes learning fun. There is also a self-test element in which a data bank generates questions on the fundamentals of semiconductor junctions enabling students to assess their progress. Larger projects suitable for use as examination assignments are also incorporated. The test package is freely available to lecturers from the author on request. The remedial component of ICECREAM is available from the Wiley ftp site. MicroTec comes on a disk in the back of the book.