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Questions and Answers
Which class of elements have a conductivity between that of a good conductor and that of an insulator?
Which class of elements have a conductivity between that of a good conductor and that of an insulator?
What are the two classes of semiconductor materials mentioned in the text?
What are the two classes of semiconductor materials mentioned in the text?
Which semiconductor material is known for its sensitivity to changes in temperature, impacting its reliability?
Which semiconductor material is known for its sensitivity to changes in temperature, impacting its reliability?
Which element was used almost exclusively in the first few decades following the discovery of the diode and transistor?
Which element was used almost exclusively in the first few decades following the discovery of the diode and transistor?
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What is an important aspect in the fabrication process of electronic devices using semiconductor materials?
What is an important aspect in the fabrication process of electronic devices using semiconductor materials?
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What was the first semiconductor material of choice for transistors before silicon?
What was the first semiconductor material of choice for transistors before silicon?
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Which semiconductor material is known for its high temperature sensitivities?
Which semiconductor material is known for its high temperature sensitivities?
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What was a major advantage of GaAs transistors over silicon transistors in the early 1970s?
What was a major advantage of GaAs transistors over silicon transistors in the early 1970s?
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Why did GaAs initially face challenges in adoption compared to silicon?
Why did GaAs initially face challenges in adoption compared to silicon?
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Which inventor is credited with the invention of the first integrated circuit?
Which inventor is credited with the invention of the first integrated circuit?
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Study Notes
Semiconductor Materials
- Semiconductors are a class of elements with conductivity between that of a good conductor and an insulator.
Classes of Semiconductor Materials
- There are two classes of semiconductor materials: intrinsic and extrinsic.
Temperature Sensitivity
- Germanium is known for its sensitivity to changes in temperature, impacting its reliability.
Early Semiconductor Materials
- Germanium was used almost exclusively in the first few decades following the discovery of the diode and transistor.
Fabrication Process
- An important aspect in the fabrication process of electronic devices using semiconductor materials is controlling impurities and crystal structure.
Early Transistor Materials
- Germanium was the first semiconductor material of choice for transistors before silicon.
High Temperature Sensitivities
- Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) is known for its high temperature sensitivities.
GaAs Transistors
- A major advantage of GaAs transistors over silicon transistors in the early 1970s was their higher speed and frequency capabilities.
Challenges in Adoption
- GaAs initially faced challenges in adoption compared to silicon due to its higher cost, toxicity, and difficulties in manufacturing.
Invention of the Integrated Circuit
- Jack Kilby is credited with the invention of the first integrated circuit.
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Description
Learn about the semiconductor materials used in the construction of solid-state electronic devices and integrated circuits. Discover the characteristics of single-crystal and compound semiconductors like germanium and silicon.
