Introduction to Compound Semiconductor Electronics

Compound Semiconductors are essential materials to modern and new technologies such as 5G, driverless cars, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI). They also have a key role to play in helping to address some of the challenges of the modern world, including sustainability and the net zero agenda.

You may be more familiar with Silicon, which has been the backbone of the electronics revolution from the 1960s. Being a single element from the periodic table, Silicon has a limited set of properties. Compound Semiconductors have superior properties to Silicon, enabling many new and innovative technologies and devices such as:

• power (power electronics for electric vehicles)
• speed (radio frequency for 5G and RADAR)
• light (photonics for optical fibre communications)

Part 1 (e-learning materials)

By the end of Part 1 of the course you will be able to:

• explain semiconductor electronics – what it is and where it is found in everyday life
• describe, in simple terms, what semiconductor materials are, including the difference between elemental (silicon) and compound semiconductor materials
• describe, at a basic level, how semiconductor electronic circuits are made
• understand, in simple terms, semiconductor applications and which semiconductors may be appropriate depending on performance and cost considerations
• appreciate the current and future marketplace applications for compound semiconductor electronics
• explain how compound semiconductor electronics is contributing to society, to the development of new technologies, and helping to address the challenges of the modern world

Part 2 (in-person session)

By the end of Part 2 of the course you will have had an opportunity to engage in the following activities (with support provided by the tutor and facilitator):

Activity on diodes - you’ll make a rectifier and investigate the DC-IV characteristics of diodes to understand the basic operation of diodes

• learn the form of the DC-IV characteristics of diodes
• learn how conversion from AC to DC works (in its simplest version)

Activity on micro fabrication – focused on the concept of scaling, you will use items such as a microscope, a 10p coin, and a silicon wafer to:

• understand the mind-boggling scale of modern transistors
• understand how pixels on phones generate colour through micropixels

There is also a second part to this activity which looks at microfabrication of multi-layered devices through the use of transparencies.

Activity on transistors – you will investigate the DC-IV characteristics of a Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) and a Junction Field Effect Transistor (JFET) and determine the maximum current of the BJT and the JFET at a given bias, to:

• understand the basic operation of both transistors
• learn the form of the DC-IV characteristics of both transistors
• consider the applications of transistors

Activity on light detection and solar cells – you will use LEDs, photodiodes, and solar cells to:

• understand the basic operation of LED, photodiodes, and solar cells
• understand how different devices/materials are able to produce/detect different wavelengths of light
• understand the effect of solar spectrum on the operation of a solar cell

Part 1 (e-learning materials)

As soon as your booking is processed then you will be provided with access to the e-learning materials. You will need to complete the e-learning materials before your scheduled in-person session (i.e. Part 2 of the course). The e-learning content can be done in your own time, and it will take approx. 3.5 hours to complete.
Delivery of the e-learning content will be via a variety of online and interactive activities such as short videos and test-your-knowledge exercises.
You will have access to the e-learning materials until a month after your scheduled in-person session.

There is no live element to Part 1 but there is a discussion board where you can pose questions to the tutor and others on the course. The course will be delivered via the University's virtual learning platform, Learning Central. Your individual login details will be emailed to you as soon as your booking is processed.

A CPD Certificate of Completion will be issued to learners who achieve 70% or more in the end of course test. This is a multiple-choice test.

Part 2 (in-person session)

This hands-on session will provide a valuable opportunity for:

• a learning experience where you will be able to see semiconductor technology in action
• asking questions of a specialist, and to meet other professionals working in the sector
• time to relate content from the e-learning materials to practical, real-life applications
• gaining knowledge that you can take straight into your work
• a supportive environment where you will work in small groups on a carousel of activities, with facilitation from the session leader and facilitator (as required)

This course has no formal entry requirements. This course is designed for any of the following: Those working in the semiconductor sector who wish to up-skill their knowledge of compound semiconductor electronics. Those looking to re-train into the semiconductor/ compound semiconductor sector. Those supporting the sector – for example suppliers to the sector. Early to mid-career professionals seeking enhancement or career change. Recent graduates aiming to enter the sector equipped with relevant skills. Applicants must be 18+ and live or work in the Cardiff Capital Region, which includes Bridgend, Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Newport, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Torfaen, and the Vale of Glamorgan.

• The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
• Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
• Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
• Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
• Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
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• Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
• Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.