Semester: Spring
Unit: 12
In this course you will receive an introduction to the operation and fabrication of the most important semiconductor devices used in integrated circuit technology together with device design and layout. At the end of the course you will have a basic understanding of pn diodes, bipolar transistors, and MOSFETs as well as some light emitting and light detecting devices such as photodiodes, LEDs and solar cells. You will also receive an introduction to the fundamental concepts of semiconductor physics such as doping, electron and hole transport, and band diagrams. In the laboratory you will learn how to lay out both bipolar and MOS devices and you will design small (2-3 transistor) circuits. The laboratory portion of the course emphasizes the relation between device design and layout and circuit performance. You will also experimentally evaluate the operation of amplifier and gate circuits fabricated with discrete devices. This course will give you an excellent understanding of the operation and fabrication of the devices which is necessary for high-performance analog and digital circuit design. 3 hrs. lec.
Prerequisite: 18-220 (Note: the prerequisite is typically waived for MSE students who intend to pursue the Electronic Materials Minor)
Semester: Fall
Unit: 12
This course examines the fundamental principles of semiconductor memory devices, including volatile and non-volatile solid state random access memory (RAM) systems. Both commercially deployed memory technology (Dynamic RAM, Static RAM, Flash, etc) will be examined along with emerging technologies (like Magnetic RAM, Resistive RAM). Cell physics will be examined using physical models of device switching, including heat flow, magnetic field induced switching, capacitance and tunneling. The advanced applications of memory or memory-like devices in the emerging field of neuromorphic computing will also be introduced. Through the course, the students will become familiar with major memory device structures and integration technology. By completing the course, the students will establish a good understanding about a variety of memory devices and analysis techniques, as well as developing a strong knowledge base about emerging memory technologies.