Customer Reviews

Semiconductor Device Fundamentals

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Very good book. This is probably the best undergraduate level introduction to semiconductor devices.

Pierret is one of those rare scientific writers that can clearly convey concepts! This book is essentially a compilation of his modular series - but slightly less detailed. In it, he provides all the basics of semiconductors and devices (PN diodes, BJTs, FETs and so on). He also treats some of the intermediate device phenomena such as short channel effects with his usual clarity.

For my money, all I need are Pierret and Streetman!!

Pierret is an excellent author and explains fundamental concepts in plain language. After the initial treatment of Miller indices and quantum mechanics, the coverage for pn diodes begins. This is where the book shines. The coverage is extremely thorough, the derivations are done without skipping any important calculations (unless they're unnecessary or too complex for the scope of the book), and the reader is always pointed toward the most important results. This coverage serves an excellent preparation for studying the BJT, which is likewise covered well. Done especially well are the energy band diagrams for pn junctions and BJTs. Pierret understands that knowing the energy band diagrams well means knowing the device well and emphasizes this fact.

However, his coverage of quantum mechanics is quick and he glosses over several important concepts, such as the finite potential well. While this isn't necessary for normal coursework, some coverage for the interested reader would be nice.

While I liked his coverage of the JFET and that it was the beginning coverage for FETs (since it is the most simple of FETs), I did not like the MOSFET coverage. He never really makes the conceptual leap between the MOS-C and the MOSFET. Then again, I haven't really seen a book that does a great job with this.

All in all, this book is an excellent introduction to semiconductor devices, and even some OK coverage of advanced devices. I would NOT recommend this book for self-study unless the reader is very comfortable with math up to differential equations and is somewhat familiar with semiconductor fundamentals already (pn junctions, doping, etc.)

Pretty good introductory book. The small individual series by the same author is more in depth and I liked those better.

Robert Pierret has, arguably, written the best introductory textbook for learning about semiconductor devices. His book grinds out and explains many of the details that a first-timer should learn. In a sense, he holds your hand through the material and does a very good job of it.

Things I liked a lot:
1) Coverage of the basic physics and equations that model carrier statistics and transport. Use of the equations of state in several different scenarios.
2) Explanation of carrier flow in a p-n junction.
3) Derivation of BJT current equations.
4) Discussion of modern MOSFET effects.
5) Figures used for explanations.
6) Use of computational methods for calculations.
7) Creative end-of-chapter problems (but no solutions!)

Things that should be added:
1) List of equations and material properties in localized areas (this is a biggie, but you can always find them online and make your own!)
2) Better explanation of BJT operation.
3) Discussion of interesting devices (not that MOSFETs and BJTs aren't!).
4) More about processing and fabrication

This is perfect for an introductory book for undergraduates. For more advanced readings, I would consult Streetman or Sze. Streetman addresses the lacking elements of this text. Streetman also has a guided learning section at the end of each chapter with answers to conceptual problems. Pierret, instead, has mostly worked calculation problems scattered throughout the chapters.

Very good book. Highly recommendend. I like the order of the chapters and the carefully drawn figs which improve your understanding of the concepts. Primarily, it is a book for undergraduates but I think it is helpful for graduates also(especially for those who hear the terms pn junction, bipolar transistor, and MOS for the first time). If you interested in the subject you should have this book on your shelf. Negative: It is quite expensive.

This textbook is excellent, it is the basic, number one point of starting the journey into the device world. Clear, concise, written as it shuold be done.

To someone this book will seem to be very simple, not enough details coverd and not many devices like SET or SOI.

To other people this textbook will seem to be extremely difficult, impossible to read, confusing, full of theories that cannot be understood. Somebody even wrote here that you will need a PhD in order to read and learn from this book.

Well, if a PhD is needed for reading this book then we humans probably are less intelligent than a cockroach and the term SEMICONDUCTORS would be used maybe for unknown powerful GODS with unimaginable powers that to us, humans, would never be revealed.(and don't even think to ever understand MOSFETs or BJTs, since they are strange magical structures created by GODS, full of obscure mysteries)

I have no words guys, where the hell we can find things done more simply than this.

When someone see that it dates back to 1996, probably it will say , why the hell i'm going to buy an old book from the "past millenium". Its true, after 13 years or relentless progress, in 2009 semiconductor devices have entered in the nanoelectronics era and maybe a more recent texbook is the right choice. Rest assured that in 13 years many changes occurred, but what remains unchanged are the FUNDAMENTALS. This is a book about FUNDAMENTALS, and they will be with us forever. Progress is visible in applications, or better technologies and better understanding of the fundamentals. Fundamental Principles remain the same.
Quantum Mechanics is more than a century old science, but this does not mean that its too old now to be used in the "modern era" of computers, ipod or such other devices. What are we experiencing today is the vital applications of the quantum theories of a century ago. Nothing will change even in the future about Energy Bands, Solid state devices in 2050 will still be explained using energy bands. The Bloch theory on Energy Bands will remain the same, energy quantization is the same as it was experinced by Planck a century ago and so will remain. Maybe 200 years from now we will use light instead of electrons and photonics will become prevalent over electronics, but the fundamentals, such as diffraction will be with us forever.
So think again if you consider this book too old.

Excellent writing style, efficent text layout, and the most important it stresses on energy bands of devices. There is no way to fully understand solid state structures if you cannot draw energy bands.
Excellent text overall, only that it costs a lot, too expensive, more affordable prices are needed for fundamentals books like this