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ECE 5204 - Power Semiconductor Devices (3C)

Course Description

Characteristics, fabrication, and application of power semiconductor devices, which may include p-i-n and Schottky diodes, insulated gate bipolar transistors, field effect transistors, and thyristors. Effect of semiconductor material, device structure, and current injection levels on device performance. Device drive requirements and power circuit interaction. Implementation of power devices using wide band gap semiconductors such as silicon carbide and gallium nitride.

Why take this course?

Power semiconductor devices are the heart of power electronic circuits. Engineers working in the area of power electronic circuit design need to have a basic understanding of device capabilities and limitations and of the critical device-circuit interactions. Changes in the syllabus are a result of the significant advancements in semiconductor materials and device structures since the last course revision.

Learning Objectives

  • select and apply the fundamental physical models underlying the operation of high voltage/high current semiconductor devices
  • calculate the impact on device performance of changes in material composition and/or structure qualitatively and/or quantitatively
  • identify appropriate device structures for a specified power circuit after determining the operation of two or more devices under the current densities and voltage levels experienced in the circuits