STEP - PN Junctions

Module Objectives

1. Introduce students to science and engineering career opportunities.
2. Develop deeper understandings of science concepts through analysis of applications.
3. Develop vocabulary needed to converse in the semiconductor and nanotechnology industries.
4. Develop skills needed to explore high-tech concepts independently.

Major Understandings

1. P-N junction diodes are created by doping silicon with donor and acceptor atoms.
2. I-V characteristics of P-N junction diodes allow current to flow in one direction only.
3. A MOS transistor can be thought of as two back-to-back P-N junction diodes.
4. A transistor can be thought of as a current switch, controlled by a  gate.

Module Outline

Activity	Understandings Addressed	Bloom's Taxonomy	Format	Resources	Time (per)
Diode / Solid State Electronics Exploration	1,2,3,4	1,2,4	Independent Inquiry	How Stuff Works - Diodes	1
Diode Overview Lecture / Discussion	1,2	1,2,3	Lecture / Discussion	Unit Overview Notes	2
Diode Simulation	1,2	1,2,3,4,5,6	PHET Simulation	Internet, Simulation Directions	1
Transistor Lecture / Discussion	3,4	1,2,3	Lecture / Discussion	Unit Overview Notes	1

Bloom's Taxonomy of Educational Objectives in the Cognitive Domain

1. Knowledge
2. Comprehension
3. Analysis
4. Application
5. Synthesis
6. Evaluation

 

Module Content

Module content may be found under the Courses --> Honors --> Tutorials --> Microelectronics --> P-N Junctions section of this site, or from the Microelectronics chapter of Honors Physics Essentials.