Complete Guide to Semiconductor Devices

Book excerpt: A definitive and up-to-date handbook of semiconductor devices Semiconductor devices, the basic components of integrated circuits, are responsible for the rapid growth of the electronics industry over the past fifty years. Because there is a growing need for faster and more complex systems for the information age, existing semiconductor devices are constantly being studied for improvement, and new ones are being continually invented. As a result, a large number of types and variations of devices are available in the literature. The Second Edition of this unique engineering guide continues to be the only available complete collection of semiconductor devices, identifying 74 major devices and more than 200 variations of these devices. As in the First Edition, the value of this text lies in its comprehensive, yet highly readable presentation and its easy-to-use format, making it suitable for a wide range of audiences. Essential information is presented for a quick, balanced overview Each chapter is designed to cover only one specific device, for easy and focused reference Each device is discussed in detail, always including its history, its structure, its characteristics, and its applications The Second Edition has been significantly updated with eight new chapters, and the material rearranged to reflect recent developments in the field. As such, it remains an ideal reference source for graduate students who want a quick survey of the field, as well as for practitioners and researchers who need quick access to basic information, and a valuable pragmatic handbook for salespeople, lawyers, and anyone associated with the semiconductor industry.