Questions tagged [semiconductors]
Most generally a class of materials that are neither insulators or conductors in their natural state, but which can be manipulated via doping or electric fields to change their conduction state. Silicon, Germanium, and GaAs are some usual materials. The term is also used to speak about devices that are made from such materials, for example, a processor from Intel can be called a semiconductor.
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Relation between drift velocity & conductivity of a doped semiconductor
Here is the problem, and I am stuck.
When an electric field with strength \$1 \times 10^3 \text{V/cm}\$ is
applied to a p-type uncompensated Si sample at room temperature, the
electron drift ...
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How power system is designed for extreme small system, such as google contact lens?
I just read this news and got very curious: http://www.takepart.com/article/2014/07/23/goodbye-finger-pricking-how-googles-smart-contact-lens-really-helps-diabetics
Google is designing "Google ...
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Why does Intel produce core i3, core i5 and core i7 processors; but not core i2, core i4 or core i6 processors? [closed]
Why does Intel produce core i3, core i5 and core i7 processors; but not core i2, core i4 or core i6 processors?
What is the reason behind this?
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What is the meaning of biasing in electrical/electronics circuits? [duplicate]
What is the meaning of biasing in electrical/electronics circuits? What is the need for biasing in BJT/MOSFET? What will happen after biasing when we apply input signal(AC/DC)? Will biasing signal and ...
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What is difference? The name of IC's are punched or printed or stickered on top of it
I've seen in some IC's the name of it is 'printed' on the top side. But in some IC's the names are 'punched',they have impressions on the IC. And in some cases, a 'Sticker or a Label' has been 'pasted'...
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Why does Intel looks so advanced compared to other foundries, engraving fineness-wise? [closed]
Latest chips from Intel were 22nm, and they are now targeting 14nm (coming in 2014 or 2015 it seems).
On the other hand, Global Foundries or TSMC struggle since several years to go beyond the 28nm ...
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Semiconductor diode barrier potential
I have little confusion regarding barrier potential (or built-in voltage) and cut-in voltage of diode. Are these are same or what is the difference between built-in voltage and cut-in voltage in diode?...
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Where to find derivation of s'' (stability factor for beta) for BJTs?
I'm looking for the derivation of the formula for the stability factor (\$S''\$ or \$S(\beta)\$) of BJT bias circuits, particularly the ones with emitter resistance. The book I'm using says that the ...
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Flyback Diodes and Relays
I'm wanting to use a relay as a SPST switch, and I've noticed many designs incorporate a flyback diode. What instances are these needed and what are potential drawbacks, if any?
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Noticed something weird in derivation of relationship between ICBO and ICEO in BJTs
So I'm currently studying Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory by Boylestad and Nashelsky (11th ed.) and I'm confused as to how the relation between \$I_{CEO}\$ and \$I_{CBO}\$ is derived.
So the ...
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minority carrier life time? Why is it important for devices' switching speed. Why not majority carriers?
I am trying to get my head around why would a silicon engineer care about the minority life time carrier and how does the minority carrier affect the switching speed of PN junction. Why is it so much ...
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Ideal diodes and applications
simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab
Question: The input signal V(s) is a square wave of \$\pm\$20V (peak) at 1Hz. Sketch the output waveform V(o). Clearly mark the ...
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Understanding the PN-Junction Built in Voltage
I don't like asking duplicate questions but I couldn't find one that was quite the same. I apologize if it is similar to another.
TL;DR: How can a charge neutral substance have a potential? Why ...
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Avalanche breakdown voltage, how does it start?
I would like to learn about the avalanche effect. I understand what goes on in the avalance effect, but I can't understand how it starts.
For the avalanche effect to start, an electron (the first) ...
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Given metal dimensions and material, is it possible to determine the maximum current that the structure can handle? [semiconductor processing]
I have a linewidth structure that has very low resistance. I want to know the maximum current that this structure can handle.
Since the resistance of the metal is so low, it's hard to measure the ...
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