Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/mosfet
For anyone venturing into the intricate world of semiconductor devices, understanding the MOS transistor is paramount. The “MOS Transistors” course on Coursera offers a comprehensive exploration of this fundamental building block of modern electronics. While this version of the course has been updated from an earlier iteration and does not offer a certificate, it remains an invaluable resource for self-learners seeking a deep understanding of MOS transistor physics and behavior.
The course meticulously breaks down the subject, beginning with essential preliminaries and background information. It then progresses to the two-terminal and three-terminal MOS structures, laying a solid foundation for the more complex topics to come. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to the long-channel MOS transistor, covering its DC operation in two detailed modules. This foundational knowledge is crucial, as the instructor emphasizes, forming the core of subsequent discussions.
What sets this course apart is its thorough examination of small-dimension effects, crucial for grasping the behavior of contemporary devices. It delves into the nuances that arise when transistors are scaled down, and further explores modeling for circuit simulation, offering insights into the practical application of these concepts. The module on large-signal dynamic operation marks a departure, introducing time-varying terminal voltages and currents, essential for understanding transient responses and high-speed applications.
The course also provides robust coverage of small-signal modeling, divided into two parts. This is particularly vital for analog circuit design and high-performance digital circuits like memory sense amplifiers. The final module on small-signal modeling addresses high-frequency applications, making it relevant for transceiver design.
While the course does not offer a certificate, the final exam, which is open book and open notes, serves as an excellent self-assessment tool, covering the material from the first nine weeks. The instructor also urges learners to explore the end-of-course topics on noise, ion implantation, and statistical variability, which provide a more complete picture of MOS transistor characteristics.
For students, researchers, or hobbyists looking to build a strong theoretical foundation in semiconductor devices, particularly the MOS transistor, this Coursera course is a highly recommended, albeit self-directed, learning journey.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/mosfet