Semiconductor Device Fundamentals [Hardcover]

Robert F. Pierret (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0201543931 | ISBN-13: 978-0201543933 | Publication Date: April 12, 1996 | Edition: 2nd

Although roughly a half-century old, the field of study associated with semiconductor devices continues to be dynamic and exciting. New and improved devices are being developed at an almost frantic pace. While the number of devices in complex integrated circuits increases and the size of chips decreases, semiconductor properties are now being engineered to fit design specifications. Semiconductor Device Fundamentals serves as an excellent introduction to this fascinating field. Based in part on the Modular Series on Solid State Devices, this textbook explains the basic terminology, models, properties, and concepts associated with semiconductors and semiconductor devices. The book provides detailed insight into the internal workings of "building block" device structures and systematically develops the analytical tools needed to solve practical device problems.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Why another text on solid state devices? The author is aware of at least 14 undergraduate texts published on the subject during the past decade. Although several motivating factors could be cited, a very significant factor was the desire to write a book for the next millennium (a Book 2000 so to speak) that successfully incorporates computer-assisted learning. In a recent survey, members of the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University listed integration of the computer into the learning process as the number one priority. Nationally, university consortiums have been formed which emphasize computer-assisted learning. In January 1992, distribution began of the Student Edition of MATLAB, essentially a copy of the original MATLAB manual bundled with a low-cost version of the math-tools software. Over 37,000 copies of the book/software were sold in the first year! Texts and books on a variety of topics from several publishers are now available that make specific use of the MATLAB software. The direction is clear as we proceed into the second millennium: Computer assisted learning will become more and more prevalent. In dealing with solid state devices, the computer allows one to address more realistic problems, to more readily experiment with "what-if" scenarios, and to conveniently obtain a graphical output. An entire device characteristic can often be computer generated with less time and effort than a small set of manually calculated single-point values. It should be clarified that the present text is not a totally new entry in the field, but is derived in part from Volumes I­IV of the Addison-Wesley Modular Series on Solid State Devices. Lest there be a misunderstanding, the latest versions of the volumes in the Modular Series were not simply glued together. To the contrary, more than half of the material coverage in the four volumes was completely rewritten. Moreover, several supplemental sections and two additional chapters were added to the Volumes I­IV outline. The new text also contains computer-based text exercises and end-of-chapter problems, plus a number of other special features that are fully described in the General Introduction. In just about any engineering endeavor there are tradeoffs. Device design is replete with tradeoffs. Tradeoffs also enter into the design of a book. For example, a few topics can be covered in detail (depth) or lesser coverage can be given to several topics (breadth). Similarly one can emphasize the understanding of concepts or optimize the transmission of factual information. Volumes I­IV in the Modular Series are known for their pedantic depth of coverage emphasizing concepts. While retaining the same basic depth of coverage, four "read-only" chapters have been specifically added herein to broaden the coverage and enhance the transmission of factual information. In the read-only chapters the emphasis is more on describing the exciting world of modern-day devices. Compound semiconductor devices likewise receive increased coverage throughout the text. There is also a natural tradeoff between the effort devoted to developing qualitative insight and the implementation of a quantitative analysis. Careful attention has been given to avoid slighting the development of "intuition" in light of the greatly enhanced quantitative capabilities arising from the integrated use of the computer. Lastly, we have not attempted to be all-inclusive in the depth and breadth of coverage­­many things are left for later (another course, other books). Hopefully, the proper tradeoffs have been achieved whereby the reader is reasonably knowledgeable about the subject matter and acceptably equipped to perform device analyses after completing the text. The present text is intended for undergraduate juniors or seniors who have had at least an introductory exposure to electric field theory. Chapters are grouped into three major divisions or "parts", with Part II being further subdivided into IIA and IIB. With some deletions, the material in each of the three parts is covered during a five-week segment of a one-semester, three-credit-hour, junior-senior course in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University. A day-by-day course outline is supplied on the Instructor's Disk accompanying the Solutions Manual. If necessary to meet time constraints, read-only Chapters 4, 9, 13, and 19 could be deleted from the lecture schedule. (An instructor might preferably assign the chapters as independent readings and reward compliant students by including extra-credit examination questions covering the material.) Standard Chapters 12, 14, and 15, except for the general field-effect introduction in Section 15.1, may also be omitted with little or no loss in continuity. Although a complete listing of special features is given in the General Introduction, instructors should take special note of the Problem Information Tables inserted prior to the end-of-chapter problems. These tables should prove useful in assigning problems and in dealing with homework graders. When faced with constructing a test, instructors may also be interested in examining the Review Problem Sets found in the mini-chapters (identified by thumb tabs) at the end of the three book parts. The Review Problem Sets are derived from old "open-book" and "closed-book" tests. Concerning the computer-based exercises and problems, the use of either the student or professional version of MATLAB is recommended but not required. The in-text exercise solutions and the problem answers supplied to the instructor, however, do make use of MATLAB. Although it would be helpful, the user need not be familiar with the MATLAB program at the beginning of the book. The MATLAB problems in successive chapters make increasingly sophisticated use of the program. In other words, the early exercises and homework problems provide a learning MATLAB by using MATLAB experience. It is critical, however, that the user complete a large percentage of the computer-based exercises and problems in the first three chapters. The exercises and problems found in later chapters not only assume a reasonably competent use of MATLAB, but also build upon the programs developed in the earlier chapters. The author gratefully acknowledges the assistance of associates, EE305 students, the respondents to an early marketing survey, the manuscript reviewers, and Addison-Wesley personnel in making Book 2000 a reality. Deserving of special thanks is Ali Keshavarzi for arranging the author's sabbatical at Intel Corporation and for providing photographs of equipment inside the Albuquerque fabrication facility. Prof. Mark Lundstrom at Purdue University was also most helpful in supplying key information and figures for several book sections. Of the undergraduate students asked to examine the manuscript for readability and errors, Eric Bragg stands out as especially perceptive and helpful. The very conscientious manuscript reviewers were Prof. Kenneth A. James, California State University, Long Beach, Prof. Peter Lanyon, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Prof. Gary S. May, Georgia Institute of Technology, Prof. Dieter K. Schroder, Arizona State University, and Prof. G. W. Stillman, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In recognition of a fruitful association, a special thanks to Don Fowley, the former editor at Addison-Wesley who enticed the author into writing the book. Last but not least, editor Katherine Harutunian is to be credited with smoothly implementing the project, and executive assistant Anita Devine with cheerfully handling many of the early details. Prof. Robert F. Pierret School of Electrical and Computer Engineering Purdue University

From the Back Cover

From one of the principal authors of the Addison-Wesley Modular Series on Solid State Devices comes a first: an authoritative and innovative text for the undergraduate course, Semiconductor Device Fundamentals by Robert F. Pierret of Purdue University. By incorporating computer-based exercises and homework problems and providing interesting supplementary readings, the author gives students a meaningful and challenging experience in their first substantial encounter with semiconductor devices.

Special Features

• Computer-based exercises and homework problems -- unique to this text and comprising 25% of the total number of problems -- encourage students to address realistic and challenging problems, experiment with "what if" scenarios, and easily obtain graphical outputs. Problems are designed to progressively enhance MATLAB®-use proficiency, so students need not be familiar with MATLAB at the start of your course. Program scripts that are answers to exercises in the text are available at no charge in electronic form (see Teaching Resources below).
• Supplement and Review "Mini-Chapters" after each of the text's three parts contain an extensive review list of terms, test-like problem sets with answers, and detailed suggestions on supplemental reading to reinforce students' learning and help them prepare for exams.
• Read-Only Chapters, strategically placed to provide a change of pace during the course, provide informative, yet enjoyable reading for students.
• Measurement Details and Results samples offer students a realistic perspective on the seldom-perfect nature of device characteristics, contrary to the way they are often represented in introductory texts.

Content Highlights

• Covers basic terminology, models, properties, and concepts associated with semiconductors and semiconductor devices.
• Provides detailed coverage of the internal workings of such "building-block" device structures as the pn junction diode, Schottky diode, BJT, and MOSFET.
• Includes coverage of a variety of additional devices such as solar cells, LEDs, HBTs, and modern field effect devices.

Teaching Resources

• In-text Problem Information Tables after each chapter assist you in assigning homework. The tables rate end-of-chapter problems according to their difficulty, suggest credit or point weighting, and list the text section that must be completed prior to working the given problem.
• Program files of the MATLAB scripts associated with the computer-based exercises are available via ftp (ftp://ftp.mathworks.com/pub/books/pierret) or distributed free on disk by MathWorks, Inc. (both Macintosh and IBM-PC compatible versions)
• Crib-sheet-like equation summaries are included in the critical beginning chapters.
• A Solutions Manual with Instructor's Disk is available for both IBM-PC and Macintosh. Solutions Manual includes solutions to all end-of-chapter problems. Instructor's Disk contains MATLAB problem file solutions and a suggested day-by-day course outline. (Available only through your sales rep.)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 792 pages
• Publisher: Addison Wesley; 2nd edition (April 12, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0201543931
• ISBN-13: 978-0201543933
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.3 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #129,098 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best textbook I have seen, June 15, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Semiconductor Device Fundamentals (Hardcover)

Pierret explains the fun details of device physics in a way that makes sense. Discussion on a certain device (PN diode, BJT, MOSFET) usually starts with holes and electrons moving around and basic equations are slowly built. Deviations from the ideal are then discussed as well as methods to minimize those deviations.

After reading this textbook, I feel pretty confident about my understanding of device physics. Although I am still an undergraduate and probably shouldn't think of myself as a hotshot since this book is very basic, Pierret really explained the material well and I feel good about what I learned from this book.

No other textbook in any subject comes close to the clarity that this textbook provides. Math textbooks never give enough examples, physics textbooks never seem to be in enough detail, CS textbooks either overload you with theory that's not well explained or excessive examples that beat around the bush. However, this textbook provides just enough examples to clarify crucial subtleties, starts from the basics of holes and electrons moving around, and slowly builds on the basics to explain more advanced topics. It just makes sense if you read it.

Of course no textbook is perfect and not everything will make sense the first time you read it. Sometimes something will not make sense in a textbook and no matter how many times you reread it, no matter how many times you bang your head against the table, and no matter how many weeks go by, it still will not make sense. But this textbook is different. Pierret provides a good foundation of device physics so after the concepts bounce around in your head for a few weeks, everything will make sense.

What's also really great about this textbook is that all you need to know before you read this textbook is F=ma, a bit of electrostatics, some basic calculus, and common sense. This intro book really is an intro book.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Better than Sze, April 8, 2003

By 

N. Jankowski "Nick J." (Baltimore, MD, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Semiconductor Device Fundamentals (Hardcover)

I know a lot of classes are taught using the Solid State "bible" by S.M.Sze. Pierret far outperforms Sze in terms of presenting an introductory text on the subject matter. I've tutored several people in classes using Sze's book, and every time I've used Pierret who has much more intuitive descriptions of the physics taking place. In the major sections in the book, he has a thorough qualatative description of the device/process before plunging into the quantatative equations. Even then, he is very clear and concise. The problems relate directly to the information presented in the chapter (unlike Sze, who several times uses terminology or assumptions in the problems never mentioned in the body of the text). While not perfect, I strongly recommend this book for ANYONE needing an introduction to the physics behind semiconductor devices, and I strongly urge any instructors to use this book instead of Sze's Semiconductor Devices book.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It is a very effective introductory book for undergraduates., January 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Semiconductor Device Fundamentals (Hardcover)

Concepts are presented in an orderly fashion, well suited for an undergraduate introduction. Significantly challenging concepts are covered in computer exercises. It does stick to the simpler devices: diodes and transistors. Those who work in the semiconductor field would obviously need more than this, but does provide a solid base of knowledge.