Course detail

Microelectronic Devices and Structures

FEKT-MPA-MPRAcad. year: 2025/2026

The course focuses on a detailed analysis of the structure, physical principles, and electrical behavior of semiconductor devices in the context of advanced applications in microelectronics and power electronics. The content is grounded in the quantum-mechanical description of solids and the electronic properties of semiconductor materials, and it builds on the modeling and design of practical devices within electronic systems.

The course systematically covers:

  • PN junctions and diodes (including power diodes) – their nonlinear characteristics, design parameters, and application interfaces,
  • SPICE modeling of diodes, considering technological and material parameters,
  • Bipolar and unipolar transistors (BJT, JFET, MOSFET, IGBT) – their operating principles, regimes, transient behavior, and design characteristics,
  • Controlled switching devices (thyristors, GTOs) for applications in power converters,
  • Modern semiconductor structures based on wide-bandgap materials (SiC, GaN) – their advantages for high-voltage, high-frequency, and high-efficiency applications.

Emphasis is placed on the integration of physical models with simulation tools (SPICE) and the engineering interpretation of their outputs for the design and optimization of electronic components and systems.

 

 

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

6

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Entry knowledge

Basic knowledge of physics, mathematics and electrical circuits is required. 

Work in the laboratory is subject to a valid qualification of "instructed person", which students must obtain before starting classes.  Information on this qualification can be found in the Dean's Directive Acquainting Students with Safety Regulations. 

 

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Point evaluation (max. 100 points): max. 30 points for work during the semester; max. 70 points per exam. 

The final exam consists of two parts (written and oral) and is evaluated for a total of 70 points.  

 

Aims

To deepen students' knowledge of the physical principles governing semiconductor devices, with a focus on quantum-mechanical and material-related aspects.

To explain the relationships between the structure of semiconductor materials and the electrical behavior of devices under various operating conditions.

To familiarize students with the design, properties, and application areas of key semiconductor components, including PN junctions, diodes, transistors (BJT, JFET, MOSFET, IGBT), and controlled power devices (thyristors, GTOs).

To develop students' ability to analyze and model semiconductor devices using simulation tools (particularly SPICE), taking into account the influence of technological parameters.

To introduce advanced semiconductor structures based on wide-bandgap materials (SiC, GaN) and their advantages for high-voltage and high-frequency applications.

To support engineering thinking in the design and optimization of electronic systems by linking physical models with technical applications.

 

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

BOUSEK, J. a kol., Electronic Devices, VUT. (EN)
HORÁK M.: Mikroelektronické prvky a struktury, (EN)
RAZAVI, B. Fundamentals of Microelectronics (EN)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme MPA-MEL Master's 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional, profile core courses
  • Programme MPAD-MEL Master's 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional, profile core courses

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

1. Development and use of microelectronics in practice (history, present and new trends).

2. Overview of the physics of semiconductors - basic properties.

3. Fundamentals of quantum electronics.

4. Energy band structure of semiconductors.

5. PN junction and volt-ampere characteristic of P-N junction, capacity of P-N junction.

6. Metal-semiconductor contact, Schottky contact, volt-ampere characteristic of Schottky contact, ohmic contact, diodes.

7. Semiconductor diodes.

8. Applied electronics in switching power supplies - use of REC, SBD, FRD and SW diodes with a focus on losses and efficiency. Trends in the use of new SiC and GaN technologies in practice (right).

9. Heterojunctions.

10. Bipolar Junction Transistors.

11. Structure of MIS and its properties.

12. MOSFET transistor, IGBT.

13. Modern types of FET transistors or excursions in ONSEMI. 

 

Fundamentals seminar

13 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

1. V-A characteristics of semiconductor diodes - measurement (static and dynamic mode).

2. Computer modeling of semiconductor diodes using SPICE models (REC, SBD, FRD and SW) focusing on VF and trr parameters.

3. Building an automated workplace for measuring semiconductor components in the LabVIEW environment.

4. Building an automated workplace for measuring semiconductor components in the LabVIEW environment.

5. Automated measurement of semiconductor diodes (REC, SBD, FRD and SW) and comparison of the results with the modeling results of the SPICE models from exercise 2.

6. Measurements on SiC SBD elements. Determining the parameters of a semiconductor diode.

7. Input and output characteristics of semiconductor elements (BT, MOSFET). Principle of operation of semiconductor elements in switching mode.

8. Measurement of static parameters of power MOSFET and SiC MOSFET and their behavior in switching mode.

9. Computer modeling of semiconductor components (MOSFET, SiC MOSFET and IGBT) using SPICE models.

10. Automated measurement of semiconductor components (BT, MOSFET, SiC MOSFET and IGBT) in the LabVIEW environment.

11. Automated measurement of semiconductor components (BT, MOSFET, SiC MOSFET and IGBT) in the LabVIEW environment.

12. Determination of the parameters of semiconductor elements (BT, MOSFET and IGBT) from the measured volt-ampere characteristics and comparison with the component catalog sheet and the SPICE model.

13. Measurement of dynamic properties of SiC MOSFETs and IGBTs with excitation circuits or Excursion in ON-SEMI.


Exercise in computer lab

26 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

1. V-A characteristics of semiconductor diodes - measurement (static and dynamic mode).

2. Computer modeling of semiconductor diodes using SPICE models (REC, SBD, FRD and SW) focusing on VF and trr parameters.

3. Building an automated workplace for measuring semiconductor components in the LabVIEW environment.

4. Building an automated workplace for measuring semiconductor components in the LabVIEW environment.

5. Automated measurement of semiconductor diodes (REC, SBD, FRD and SW) and comparison of the results with the modeling results of the SPICE models from exercise 2.

6. Measurements on SiC SBD elements. Determining the parameters of a semiconductor diode.

7. Input and output characteristics of semiconductor elements (BT, MOSFET). Principle of operation of semiconductor elements in switching mode.

8. Measurement of static parameters of power MOSFET and SiC MOSFET and their behavior in switching mode.

9. Computer modeling of semiconductor components (MOSFET, SiC MOSFET and IGBT) using SPICE models.

10. Automated measurement of semiconductor components (BT, MOSFET, SiC MOSFET and IGBT) in the LabVIEW environment.

11. Automated measurement of semiconductor components (BT, MOSFET, SiC MOSFET and IGBT) in the LabVIEW environment.

12. Determination of the parameters of semiconductor elements (BT, MOSFET and IGBT) from the measured volt-ampere characteristics and comparison with the component catalog sheet and the SPICE model.

13. Measurement of dynamic properties of SiC MOSFETs and IGBTs with excitation circuits or Excursion in ON-SEMI.