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Semiconductor Devices & Circuits - ELE00035I

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  • Department: Electronic Engineering
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Ruwan Gajaweera
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2021-22
    • See module specification for other years: 2022-23

Module summary

The Semiconductor Devices and Circuits module introduces the most heavily used semiconductor devices (diode, bipolar junction transistor and field effect transistor) in electronic engineering with an emphasis on the analysis and design of common building blocks in analogue and digital electronics. The laboratory programme associated with the module reinforces theoretical concepts through designing, simulation, construction and measurement of such building blocks.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2021-22 to Summer Term 2021-22

Module aims

Subject content aims:

  • To introduce students to basic semiconductor devices (Diode, Bipolar Junction Transistor, and Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) and their applications in analogue electronics
  • To introduce the underlying circuit principles of device models and circuits applicable to the internal design of operational amplifiers and power amplifiers
  • To introduce large signal and power circuits
  • To introduce frequency ­dependent effects and other limitations of semiconductor devices

  • To introduce the use of PSpice in the circuit design flow

Graduate skills aims:

  • To develop skills in the application of applied numeracy and analytical techniques

Module learning outcomes

Subject content learning outcomes

After successful completion of this module, students will:

  • Understand the basic principles of operation of semiconductor devices
  • Understand the factors contributing to distortion in large signal and power amplifiers
  • Be able to analyse and design transistor bias circuits and small signal transistor circuits
  • Be able to determine small signal parameters and low­ frequency small signal equivalent circuits
  • Be able to design, at a circuit level, the internal blocks of an operational amplifier and audio­ amplifiers
  • Be able to analyse analogue power stages to determine their efficiency
  • Be able to use PSpice tools to analyse the behaviour of semiconductor devices based circuits

Graduate skills learning outcomes

After successful completion of this module, students will:

  • Be able to explain commonly ­encountered technical concepts concisely and accurately
  • Be able to select and apply a range of mathematical techniques to solve problems
  • Have developed skills in problem solving, critical analysis and applied mathematics

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Continuous Assessment		 N/A 30
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Semiconductor Devices & Circuits		 8 hours 70

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Continuous Assessment		 N/A 30
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Semiconductor Devices & Circuits		 8 hours 70

Module feedback

'Feedback’ at a university level can be understood as any part of the learning process which is designed to guide your progress through your degree programme.  We aim to help you reflect on your own learning and help you feel more clear about your progress through clarifying what is expected of you in both formative and summative assessments.

A comprehensive guide to feedback and to forms of feedback is available in the Guide to Assessment Standards, Marking and Feedback.  This can be found at https://www.york.ac.uk/students/studying/assessment-and-examination/guide-to-assessment/

The Department of Electronic Engineering aims to provide some form of feedback on all formative and summative assessments that are carried out during the degree programme.  In general, feedback on any written work/assignments undertaken will be sufficient so as to indicate the nature of the changes needed in order to improve the work.  Students are provided with their examination results within 20 working days of the end of any given examination period.  The Department will also endeavour to return all coursework feedback within 20 working days of the submission deadline.  The Department would normally expect to adhere to the times given, however, it is possible that exceptional circumstances may delay feedback.  The Department will endeavour to keep such delays to a minimum.  Please note that any marks released are subject to ratification by the Board of Examiners and Senate.  Meetings at the start/end of each term provide you with an opportunity to discuss and reflect with your supervisor on your overall performance to date.

Indicative reading

Razavi, B, ‘Fundamentals of Microelectronics’, John Wiley and Sons 2008, ISBN 978 0 471 47846 1

Floyd, TL, ‘Electronic Devices’, Macmillan Publishing 1991. ISBN 0 02 946362 9

Paul Grey, Paul Hurst, Stephen Lewis, Robert Meyer, ‘Analysis & Design of Analogue Integrated Circuits’, Wiley, 2003. ISBN0 471 37752 X


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.