Skip to main content
About course

IH1611 Semiconductor Devices 7.5 credits

Administer About course

This course introduces the most important semiconductor devices that are utilized in modern electronics. We focus on the MOS-transistor, pn- and Schottky diodes and various types of memory cells. We also cover solar cells, photodiodes and light emitting diodes. In the course we discuss power and gate delay in CMOS-based circuits. An overview of the evolution of advanced technology nodes for CMOS according to Moore's law is provided.

You will become familiar with the process and manufacturing flow that is used for moden microelectronics. A special focus is placed on sustainability aspects, including energy usage and limited resource supply.

Choose semester and course offering

Choose semester and course offering to see information from the correct course syllabus and course offering.

Headings with content from the Course syllabus IH1611 (Spring 2022–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

This course introduces the most important semiconductor components that are used in the modern electronics. We focus on the MOS-transistor, pn and schottkydiodes and different types of memory cells. Furthermore, solar cells, photodiodes and light-emitting diodes are included. In the course, power consumption and gate delay in CMOS-based circuits are discussed. An overview is given of the development of so-called technology nodes for advanced CMOS according to Moore's law. You should be familiar with the process flow that is used to produce modern microelectronics. Strong emphasis is placed on sustainability aspects such as energy consumption and finite resources.

Intended learning outcomes

After passing the course, the student shall be able to

  • describe the electronic band structure for insulators, semiconductors and metals qualitatively
  • use the concepts electron- and hole-concentration, bandgap and mobility for calculations of current-voltage relations in semiconductor components
  • analyse and calculate the internal electrostatics (charges, electric field and potential) in semiconductor components based on pn- and MOS-structures
  • describe the function and the application areas for the pn-diode, the MOS-transistor and common types of memory cells and some kind of semiconductor sensor
  • describe the basic properties for CMOS-inverters and how these are used to implement integrated circuits.
  • give an account of the most important sustainability aspects in production of modern microelectronics.

Course disposition

No information inserted

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

  • Knowledge in electrostatics, 3.5 higher education credits, equivalent completed examination module TENE in EI1220 or completed course EI1320/HE1200.
  • Knowledge in algebra and geometry, 7.5 higher education credits, equivalent to completed course SF1624.
  • Knowledge in one variable calculus, 7.5 higher education credits, equivalent to completed course SF1625.
  • Knowledge in multivariable analysis, 7.5 higher education credits, equivalent to completed course SF1626.
  • Knowledge in electrical circuit analysis, 9 higher education credits, equivalent completed course EI1110 or knowledge in basic electromagnetism, 7.5 higher education credits, equivalent completed course SK1115.

Active participation in a course offering where the final examination is not yet reported in LADOK is considered equivalent to completion of the course. Registering for a course is counted as active participation. The term 'final examination' encompasses both the regular examination and the first re-examination.

Recommended prerequisites

Analogue and digital circuits, modern physics and basic electromagnetics.

Equipment

No information inserted

Literature

No information inserted

Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

  • LABA - Laboration, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • SEMA - Seminar, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • TENA - Written Final Exam, 4.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

No information inserted

Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

No information inserted

Examiner

Profile picture Gunnar Malm

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course web

Further information about the course can be found on the Course web at the link below. Information on the Course web will later be moved to this site.

Course web IH1611

Offered by

EECS/Electrical Engineering

Main field of study

Electrical Engineering, Technology

Education cycle

First cycle

Add-on studies

No information inserted

Contact

Gunnar Malm

Supplementary information

In this course, the EECS code of honor applies, see: http://www.kth.se/en/eecs/utbildning/hederskodex.

This course is replaced by IL2240 from the spring semester 2023, https://www.kth.se/student/kurser/kurs/IL2240?l=en.