Semiconductor Electronics: Materials, Devices and Simple Circuits

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to semiconductor electronics, devices, and circuits, as discussed in the lecture notes.

Transistor

A semiconductor device that can amplify or switch electronic signals.

Vacuum Tube

An electronic device that controls the flow of electrons in a vacuum; used before transistors.

Diode

A semiconductor device that allows current to flow in one direction only.

Intrinsic Semiconductor

A pure semiconductor without any significant dopants, where the number of free electrons is equal to the number of holes.

Extrinsic Semiconductor

A semiconductor that has been doped with impurities to enhance its electrical properties.

Doping

The intentional introduction of impurities into a semiconductor to change its electrical properties.

n-type Semiconductor

A type of extrinsic semiconductor where the majority charge carriers are electrons.

p-type Semiconductor

A type of extrinsic semiconductor where the majority charge carriers are holes.

Energy Band Gap (Eg)

The energy difference between the valence band and conduction band; crucial for determining a material's electrical conductivity.

P-N Junction

The interface between p-type and n-type semiconductors, essential for the operation of diodes and transistors.

Depletion Region

The area around a p-n junction where mobile charge carriers are depleted, creating an electric field.

Forward Bias

A condition where the p-side of a diode is connected to a positive voltage, reducing the barrier potential and allowing current to flow.

Reverse Bias

A condition where the p-side of a diode is connected to a negative voltage, increasing the barrier potential and preventing current flow.

Rectifier

A circuit that converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) using diodes.

Half-Wave Rectifier

A rectifier that allows current to flow only during one half of the AC cycle.

Full-Wave Rectifier

A rectifier that allows current to flow during both halves of the AC cycle.

Capacitance

The ability of a system to store charge per unit voltage, often used in filters to smooth out output voltage.

Conductivity

A measure of how easily charge carriers can move through a material; high in metals and lower in semiconductors.

Covalent Bond

A chemical bond formed when two atoms share electrons; crucial for forming semiconductor crystal lattice structures.