Title: Analyze semiconductor properties, devices, and integrated circuits.
Course: Telecommunications I (10006-I) > Section: Understanding AC/DC Fundamentals

Analysis should include

- examining the atomic structure of silicon and germanium
- explaining how N-type and P-type semiconductor materials are made
- examining the function of the PN junction diode
- comparing and contrasting different types of diodes (e.g., rectifier diodes, Zener diodes, light-emitting diodes [LEDs])
- assembling circuits that use various types of diodes
- examining the function of various types of transistors (e.g., bipolar junction transistors [BJT], field effect transistors [FETs], metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors [MOSFETs])
- demonstrating how to check diodes and transistors using a digital multimeter
- assembling circuits that use various types of transistors
- examining the function of special purpose semiconductors (e.g., voltage regulators, photo-transistors, solid-state relays, silicon-controlled rectifiers, and triacs)
- defining integrated circuits
- demonstrating how to determine the pin numbers on an integrated circuit
- assembling circuits using various integrated circuits (e.g., timer ICs, comparators, flip-flops, op-amps counters).

Process/Skill Questions:

- How does a rectifier diode only allow current to flow in one direction?
- Why is it important to understand how different types of semiconductor devices operate?
- Why are silicon and germanium such popular semiconductor materials?
- What is the advantage of integrated circuits over discrete semiconductor components?