ECE 2214 - Physical Electronics (3C)

Course Description

Fundamentals of electrostatics, magnetostatics, and transmission lines, including impedance matching networks. Introduction to electromagnetic (EM) waves, with calculation of phase velocity using Maxwell's equations. Examination of semiconductor physics, including carrier concentrations, drift, and diffusion currents. Analysis of PN diode circuits and metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFET) amplifiers. Exploration of Faraday's Law in transformer and generator performance. Design of MOSFET biasing and amplifier circuits. Introduction to CMOS devices and digital inverters. Emphasis on ethical and professional practices in electronic circuit design. 

Why take this course?

Physical Electronics is a foundational course that provides an in-depth understanding of electronics and electromagnetics, preparing students for subsequent junior-level courses. The course covers essential topics in the field, focusing on electronic and electromagnetic devices and their operating principles, which are crucial for modern electrical and computer engineering.

Key components, such as MOSFETs and CMOS, form the basis of most electronic circuits. The course emphasizes MOSFET transistor circuits, including DC bias and small signal modeling of transistors as amplifiers. Electromagnetics offers a mathematical framework for analyzing and designing electrical devices and systems. Its applications span across various domains, including wireless communication systems, global navigation systems, bioelectrical phenomena, high-speed computers and networks, space weather, and electrical, optical, and photonic devices. 

Learning Objectives

• Calculate capacitance and inductance of devices using electrostatics and magnetostatics principles.
• Evaluate reflection coefficient and standing wave ratio using transmission line fundamentals.
• Analyze transformer voltage/current conversion and generator performance with Faraday's Law.
• Calculate and interpret the phase velocity of uniform plane EM waves using Maxwell's equations and the EM wave equations.
• Calculate carrier concentrations, drift currents, and diffusion currents in semiconductor materials using semiconductor physics principles.
• Analyze PN diode circuits with ideal diode equation and linear circuit equations.
• Evaluate voltage gain, input and output resistance of MOSFET amplifiers using DC circuit Q-point analysis and small-signal AC circuit analysis.
• Analyze and predict input-output voltage conversion of MOSFET inverters using MOSFET and circuit analysis principles.