Electronic Fundamentals - Notes

Introduction

Dr. Rita Aljadiri introduces AVT 3103: Electronic Fundamentals.

Important Reminders

  • Timeliness: Be on time.

  • Attendance: Come to class.

  • Inquiry: Ask questions.

  • Communication: Use the chat box.

Course Objectives (CLOs)

  • CLO1: Learn about semiconductor devices.

  • CLO2: Learn about printed circuit boards.

  • CLO3: Learn about servomechanisms.

  • CLO4: Get hands-on experience with electronic parts.

Diodes (Section 4.1.1)

  • Diode Symbols: Know the symbols.

  • Characteristics and Properties: Study what they do.

  • Series and Parallel Configurations: Analyze circuits.

  • Specific Diode Types: Learn about different types of diodes.

  • Functional Testing: Learn how to test them.

Types of Materials

Materials: Conductors, insulators, or semiconductors.

Insulators

  • Insulators: Don't let electricity flow.

  • Examples: Special gases and compounds.

Conductors

  • Conductors: Let electricity flow easily.

  • Examples: Metals like copper and gold.

Semiconductors

  • Semiconductors: Sometimes let electricity flow, sometimes not.

  • Examples: Silicon and Germanium.

Semiconductor Theory

  • Silicon (Si) and Germanium (Ge) are semiconductors.

Crystal Lattice Structure

  • Silicon is a crystal.

Covalent Bond

  • Atoms share electrons to form a bond.

Valence Electrons

  • Silicon atoms share electrons to become stable.

Intrinsic Semiconductors

  • Pure semiconductor material.

  • Doping: Adding stuff to change how they work.

Doping: P-Type Semiconductor

  • Adding a special element to create a "hole" (positive charge).

  • Example: Silicon with Aluminum (Al).

Doping: N-Type Semiconductor

  • Adding a special element to add an extra electron.

  • Example: Silicon with Phosphorus (P).

Electrical Neutrality and Conductivity

  • N and P semiconductors are neutral.

  • N gives electrons.

  • P creates holes.

  • More doping = more electricity.

Donor and Acceptor Atoms

  • Phosphorus and Arsenic (N-Type) are "Donor" atoms.

  • Aluminum and Boron (P-Type) are "Acceptor" atoms.

  • Doped material is an "Extrinsic" semiconductor.

Majority and Minority Carriers

  • N-Type: Electrons are most common, holes are rare.

  • P-Type: Holes are most common, electrons are rare.

PN Junction (Diode)

  • Joining P-Type and N-Type materials makes a "PN Junction" (Diode).

  • Depletion Layer: Area with no charge.

Diode Terminals and Symbol

  • Anode (P-Type)

  • Cathode (N-Type), marked with a line.

Forward Bias

  • Anode is positive.

  • Electricity flows easily.

Reverse Bias

  • Cathode is positive.

  • Electricity doesn't flow.

Forward Breakdown Voltage (Barrier Potential)

  • Silicon diodes: 0.60.6 - 0.7V0.7V.

  • Germanium diodes: 0.20.2 - 0.3V0.3V.

Reverse Breakdown Voltage

  • Rectifier diodes: about 100V100V.

  • Diodes let current flow one way, block it the other.

Diode Conduction Graph

  • Shows how voltage and current relate.

Unbiased PN Junction

  • Depletion zone stops current.

Forward Biased PN Junction

  • Forward bias: current flows.

Reversed Biased PN Junction

  • Reverse bias: no current flows.

Semiconductor Identification Codes

  • Codes to identify the semiconductor.

Diode Markings

  • Markings on the diode.

Absolute Maximum Ratings

  • Limits that can damage the diode.

Silicon vs. Germanium

  • Silicon Advantages: