Overview

This course is the first in a series of courses on Fundamentals of Microelectronics. The course provides a clear and intuitive introduction to the fundamentals of microelectronics, focusing on the physics and operation of pn junctions and bipolar junction transistors (BJTs). Designed for undergraduate students, early-career engineers, or anyone interested in understanding the building blocks of analog and digital integrated circuits, this course offers a narrative-driven, concept-first approach to semiconductor devices.Beginning with the physics of semiconductor materials and the formation of pn junctions, listeners will develop a strong grasp of carrier dynamics, built-in potential, and diode I-V characteristics. The course then transitions to the structure and operation of bipolar transistors, examining charge transport, base current control, and current gain mechanisms.As the course progresses, listeners are guided through the derivation of large-signal and small-signal electrical models of BJTs, with an emphasis on intuitive understanding, physical insight, and practical relevance to circuit design.Through vivid analogies, step-by-step derivations, and real-world examples, listeners will explore:The formation and behavior of pn junctionsCurrent-voltage characteristics of diodesThe physical structure and operation principles of BJTsThe concept of minority carrier injection and transistor actionlarge signals and small-signal models for BJTsDevelopment of the complete electrical model of the BJT for circuit designBy the end of this course, learners will be able to confidently interpret and apply the electrical characteristics of bipolar devices in analog and digital circuits, setting the foundation for deeper exploration into amplifiers, current mirrors, and more advanced microelectronic topics.

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