Electronics 1 (Electronics Devices and Circuits)

Module No. : 02
Topic/s : Introduction to Semiconductors

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this module, the student should be able to:

 discuss the fundamentals principles of semiconductor materials
 explain the properties and behavior of semiconductor materials under various conditions

INTRODUCTION

Semiconductors are the key components in the manufacture of electronic devices such as diodes, transistors, and
integrated circuits. These electronic devices are the basic building blocks of our digital devices such as computers,
smartphones, televisions, and as well as modern electronic appliances. Semiconductors were widely because of
their compactness, power efficiency, reliability, and most importantly low cost. Since the discovery of important
properties of semiconductors in electronic applications, technology development became fast-paced and continue
to advance for our society’s convenience.

DISCUSSION

Semiconductor Physics

Matter can basically be divided into three phases – solid, liquid, and gas. Solids are materials in which the atoms
or molecules are set in place; liquids have atoms or molecules close to each other but can slip over each other to
change places; and gases have atoms or molecules that have too much energy to settle down attached to each
other. Solids can be divided to two parts according to its atomic or molecular structure – crystalline and non-
crystalline. Crystalline solids have characteristic angles and can be cleaved along lines defined by the aligning of
atoms or molecules of the crystal while non-crystalline solids have amorphous structures. Crystalline solids can
be further divided into categories namely: conductors, insulators, and semiconductors.

Conductors are materials that allow the free passage of electricity or heat like silver, copper, gold, and aluminum.
They have three or less valence electrons and exhibit positive temperature coefficient.

Insulators are materials that have an extremely high resistance to the flow of electricity or heat like rubber,
plastic, enamel, glass, dry wood, and mica. They have five or more valence electrons and exhibit negative
temperature coefficient.

Semiconductors are materials that have conductivity that is about midway of a conductor and an insulator like
germanium, silicon and carbon. They have four valence electrons exhibit negative temperature coefficient.

Types of Semiconductors

1. Intrinsic Semiconductor. Intrinsic semiconductors are materials that has been carefully refined to reduce the
impurities to a very low-level.
2. Extrinsic Semiconductor. Extrinsic semiconductors are materials that has been subjected to doping process.
Semiconductor Doping

Engr. Jayson Paul V. Vicencio, EcE, EcT

jvvicencio@wesleyan.edu.ph
College of Engineering and Computer Technology
Wesleyan University – Philippines
Page | 1
Electronics 1 (Electronics Devices and Circuits)
Module No. : 02
Topic/s : Introduction to Semiconductors
Doping is the addition of small percentage of foreign atoms in the regular crystal lattice of silicon or germanium
which produces dramatic changes in their electrical properties, producing an n-type or a p-type semiconductor.
These foreign atoms are referred to as impurities and can be classified into two – pentavalent and trivalent
impurities.
 Pentavalent impurities (donor atoms) have five valence electrons which produce an n-type semiconductor
by contributing extra electrons. Examples are arsenic, antimony, and phosphorous.
 Trivalent impurities (acceptor atoms) have three valence electrons which produce a p-type semiconductor
by producing a hole or electron deficiency. Examples are boron, aluminum, and gallium.

Types of Extrinsic Semiconductor

1. N-type semiconductor. A semiconductor material with added pentavalent impurities greatly increasing the
conductivity of the intrinsic semiconductor.

n-type semiconductor band structure

2. P-type semiconductor. A semiconductor material with added trivalent impurities which creates holes or
deficiency of valence electrons.

p-type semiconductor band structure

The P-N Junction

Engr. Jayson Paul V. Vicencio, EcE, EcT

jvvicencio@wesleyan.edu.ph
College of Engineering and Computer Technology
Wesleyan University – Philippines
Page | 2
Electronics 1 (Electronics Devices and Circuits)
Module No. : 02
Topic/s : Introduction to Semiconductors

When n-type and p-type materials are placed in contact with each other, a p-n junction is formed. This junction
behaves differently either type of material alone. Specifically, current will flow readily in one direction but not in
the other. When a p-n junction is formed, some of the free electrons in the in the n-region diffuses across the
junction and combine with holes to form negative ions leaving behind positive ions at the donor impurity sites and
creating a depletion region. Depletion region is the region in the p-n junction that inhibits any electron transfer
unless it is helped by putting a forward bias on the junction.

The p-n junction

 Forward biased p-n junction. A p-n junction is said to be forward biased if the positive terminal of a cell is
connected to the p-side and the negative terminal to the n-side.

Forward biased p-n junction

 Reverse biased p-n junction. A p-n junction is said to be reverse biased if the positive terminal of a cell is
connected to the n-side and the negative terminal to the p-side.

Reverse biased p-n junction

BEYOND THE LESSON: THOUGHTS FOR SELF-REFLECTION

Engr. Jayson Paul V. Vicencio, EcE, EcT
jvvicencio@wesleyan.edu.ph
College of Engineering and Computer Technology
Wesleyan University – Philippines
Page | 3
Electronics 1 (Electronics Devices and Circuits)
Module No. : 02
Topic/s : Introduction to Semiconductors

“In Jerusalem he made machines, invented by skillful men, to be on the towers and the corners, to shoot arrows
and great stones. And his fame spread far, for he was marvelously helped, till he was strong.”
2 Chronicles 26:15

REFERENCES

Boylestad, Robert. (2013). Semiconductor Diodes. Electronics Device and Circuits Theory. (11 th edition, Chapter
1, pp. 1-10). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Publication, Inc.

Engr. Jayson Paul V. Vicencio, EcE, EcT

jvvicencio@wesleyan.edu.ph
College of Engineering and Computer Technology
Wesleyan University – Philippines
Page | 4