2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

ELEC1201 Physics of Electronic Devices

20 Credits Class Size: 180

Module manager: Professor John Cunningham
Email: J.E.Cunningham@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

Acceptance onto the BEng/MEng Electronic and Electrical Engineering programme

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module covers the fundamental physical concepts that underpin the design and operation of electronic devices.

Objectives

In this module, students will study the basic physical principles involved in the function of key electronic devices and electrical systems.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:
1. Apply basic knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of well-defined electronics problems.
2. Analyse well-defined electronics problems to reach substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles.

Skills learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills:
a) Application of science, mathematics and/or engineering principles
b) Problem analysis

Syllabus

Topics may include, but are not limited to:
* Electronic properties of materials: resistivity & conductivity; capacitance & permittivity.
* Potential & electric field; charges in electric fields; field lines in a parallel plate capacitor
* Introduction to magnetic fields & flux density; inductance of coils.
* The ideal transformer.
* Magnetic permeability
* Electromagnetic induction & relationship between current, magnetic field & motion.
* Basic concept of the electric motor and electric generator.
* Comparison of conducting properties of metals, insulators and semiconductors
* Conduction and valence band.
* Band gap.
* Electrons and holes.
* Carrier density & conductivity.
* Doping of semiconductors
* Temperature dependence of semiconductors (compared to metals)
* Optical response of semiconductors
* Metal/semiconductor junction & Schottky diode.
* pn junctions (simple treatment)
* Revision of wave propagation. Electromagnetic plane waves in free space.
* Wave polarisation.
* Relation between component size and EM wavelength
* Qualitative introduction to antennas
* Circuit interference effects at high frequencies.
* Skin effect
* Requirement for signal carriers designed for high frequency operation

Methods of Assessment

We are currently refreshing our modules to make sure students have the best possible experience. Full assessment details for this module are not available before the start of the academic year, at which time details of the assessment(s) will be provided.

Assessment for this module will consist of:

1 x Coursework
2 x Exam

Teaching Methods

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will get feedback during the weekly interactive examples classes.

Methods of Assessment

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 4/1/2025

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team