ECSE-6260 Semiconductor Power Devices

Semiconductor Power Devices
Electrical, Computer and Systems Engineering ECSE-6260

Description
Special problems of semiconductor devices operating at high voltage and high current levels. Devices include p-n diodes, p-i-n diodes, transistors, and thyristors. Topics include space charge limited current flow, microplasmas, avalanche breakdown, surface contouring, cylindrical junctions and field plates, high-level injection, emitter crowding, gain and gain-bandwidth product at high current levels, double injection, lateral thermal instability, second breakdown, triggering mechanisms, plasma propagation, switching and recovery characteristics, and device fabrication technology.

Prerequisites
Semiconductor Devices and Models I (ECSE-6230)

Textbook(s)
Ordering Information

Format
Classes: 28 sessions
Homework: 7
Project/Paper: 1
Exam(s): 1 (midterm)

Grading
Homework: 10%
Project/Paper: 30%
Exam(s): 60%

Computing
Numerical Device Simulation program, such as PISCES. If students do not have access to such a program, they will be able to remotely access the software through Rensselaer.

Access to email and the World Wide Web for course communications and printing of course materials required.

Access to WebCT, Rensselaer's course management tool, is required. Please refer to this page for instructions on how to set up your computer for WebCT.

Who Should Enroll
This course may be used in your Plan of Study as follows:

Degree Programs
CSCI - elective
CSYS - elective with advisor pre-approval
ELEC - may be used as a Semiconductor Device course
EPOW - elective with advisor pre-approval
ESCI-MM - elective
ESCI-MOT - elective
ESCI-MSE - elective
ITEC - elective with advisor pre-approval
MBA - elective
MEAE-ME - elective with advisor pre-approval
MGMT-MS - elective
QUAL - elective with advisor pre-approval
SERV - elective with advisor pre-approval
TCOM - elective with advisor pre-approval

This course is also open to non-matriculated students who meet the prerequisites and may be used toward the Certificate in Microelectronics Technology and Design.