ECE5830 · Advanced semiconductor devices

Overview

In this unit, you’ll examine semiconductor device physics, including energy band diagrams, Fermi levels, work functions, and carrier transport phenomena across a range of inorganic and organic semiconductors—both ordered and disordered materials. You’ll dive into the principles and models of key devices such as PN junctions, metal-semiconductor junctions (Schottky and Ohmic), heterojunctions, diodes, BJTs, HBTs, MOSFETs, HEMTs, CMOS, and TFTs. You'll also study simulations of heterojunction materials and devices, as well as optoelectronic devices like photovoltaic (PV) solar cells and LEDs. The unit includes organic semiconductor devices such as OLEDs, organic solar cells, and OTFTs. You’ll also cover memory devices in detail, including memristor concepts and design.

Areas of study: E6013 Master of Applied Engineering - Specialisation: Semiconductors and microsystems engineering

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Continuous assessment: 50% Final assessment: 50%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Design and develop advanced models for semiconductor devices such as PN junctions, MOSFETs, and HEMTs, analysing their performance using simulation tools.
2. Create and validate electronic and optoelectronic device designs, such as PV solar cells or OLEDs, by integrating principles of carrier transport phenomena and energy band diagrams.
3. Formulate and evaluate solutions for complex semiconductor memory devices, including memristors, using experimental data and simulation to address technical challenges.
4. Propose approaches to optimise the performance and efficiency of organic semiconductors and TFTs, addressing sustainability and ethical considerations in semiconductor technology.

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.