Monday 20 August 2007

Investment in sweden


Working in Sweden

Living and working in Sweden means being part of an open society in a truly dynamic and international environment.

Quality of life is an important feature of life in Sweden and is found in areas ranging from education, healthcare and housing to culture, the environment and opportunities for personal fulfillment.

Starting a new business in Sweden is easy and business procedures are simple and transparent. Invest in Sweden Agency, ISA, is ready to provide you with professional and business oriented assistance, free of charge.

Magnet for talent

Most creative places Sweden is the most creative country in Europe, able to attract the world’s most talented workers and gain a competitive economic edge, according to a report by Professor Richard Florida of School

of Public Policy at George Mason University. The report ranked European countries according to the 3Ts of economic growth – talent, technology and tolerance – regarded as indicators of a country’s creative potential.

The report identified Sweden, Finland, Denmark and the Netherlands as the “creative crescent” of Northern Europe: countries that are challenging the economic power of the United States and “old Europe”. In forming their conclusions the researchers looked at a range of indicators, including investment in R&D, patents and the proportion of university-educated people, as well as attitudes to immigrants and freedom of expression.

semiconductor tutorials and links





Hydrodynamic Model for Semiconductors (and Plasmas)

Saturday 18 August 2007

Energy usage with chemical enginnering knowledge





Chemical engg applications in solar energy conversion
home made experiments for school students as well as for small scale industry's (for unemployed youth)

some of the useful links
solar basics
basics1

Basics of Solar Power

What is a solar cell and how does solar power work? Here you will find a simple introduction to the technology for the uninitiated.

What is a Solar Cell?

Single solar cell A solar cell or photovoltaic cell is a device which generates electricity directly from visible light by means of the photovoltaic effect. In order to generate useful power, it is necessary to connect a number of cells together to form a solar panel, also known as a photovoltaic module. There is more about the the different types of solar cell here. The nominal output voltage of a solar panel is usually 12 Volts, and they may be used singly or wired together into an array. The number and size required is determined by the available light and the amount of energy required.

Can the power be stored?

Solar power system The amount of power generated by solar cells is determined by the amount of light falling on them, which is in turn determined by the weather and time of day. In the majority of cases some form of energy storage will be necessary.

It is possible to connect an array of solar panels to the mains to assist when the power required is greater than that being generated. The cost of this is offset by selling surplus power back to the electricity company when it is available.

This site, however, is concerned with self-contained systems where this is not possible. In this type of system the usual choice for energy storage is the lead-acid battery. Find out more about batteries here. The number and type of batteries is dependent on the amount of energy storage needed.

Power Control

No matter what, sometimes there will be too much power. Other times there won't be enough. The battery will be damaged if it is allowed to be overcharged or over discharged, so a controller is needed to protect it. Read more about controllers here.

The smallest systems may have only a few 12 Volt lights, but in bigger systems 230 Volts will probably be needed. An inverter is used to transform the low voltage DC generated by the solar panels into mains voltage AC.

Rationalising your energy usage is the next step to building a successful solar powered system.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency saves you money. Where solar energy is concerned it saves even more money. This page will get you to think about how much energy you use. Whether it's solar energy or not, you can reduce what you pay for electricity.

Energy Optimisation

Low energy light bulbs What do you think of when you hear about energy efficiency? Saving electricity of course. That's an important thing, but its just as important to use the best energy source for each purpose. This is especially important if your electricity is generated by solar energy.

What's the right energy source? Well it depends on two things; what is needed and what's available. For example, if you have a source of logs then that might be the best energy source for heating your living room.

Appropriate Energy

The biggest gains are usually to be found in lighting. Using the right sort of lamps in the right places can pay dividends for anybody, but especially for solar energy users. Click here to select the right sort of lights for you.

Think about what you use for heating. Not just for space heating, but cooking and water heating as well. Solar power may be no use for heating, but you may find that solar energy could help. Find out more about heating here.

Refrigeration and other appliances need to be carefully considered to reduce energy use. It stands to reason that the fewer appliances you have the less energy you will use, but if there's something you have to have, then a little thought can make all the difference.

Now you understand all about energy efficiency, you can start to design your solar power system.


System Design

Getting the design of the system right is key to ensuring both reliability of supply and minimum cost. A little time spent in accurate estimation of energy consumption and planning the installation wil pay dividends in the future. The calculators on this page will help in the process of builing the optimum solar power system for your needs.

Solar Panel Sizing

loads calculator If you followed the advice in the energy section, you will have reduced your electrical energy requirements to a bare minimum. The next stage is to use these to calculate the daily energy requirement. Start the loads calculator and follow the instructions to calculate your daily energy requirement.

array size calculator Next, start the array size calculator. Enter the daily energy requirement and select the seasons you will be using it in. The result tells you the amount of solar generation needed in Watts peak. For example, if the answer is 100 Wp, then you need two 50 Watt solar panels, five 20 Watt panels or any other combination that adds up to 100 Watts. The actual panels to be used may be determined by their availability, the area available to you or other considerations.

battery calculator Now you can size the battery. First you have to decide on the system voltage. A simple rule of thumb is this: If there are 12 Volt loads or it's a small system (a few hundred Watts), make it 12 Volt. Otherwise make it 24 Volt. Only think about 48 Volts if you have telecoms equipment to power or it's a very big system, at least 1 kW (1000 Watts).

To size the battery, use the battery calculator. You'll need to use the daily energy requirement calculated earlier.

cable calculator Only one big thing left; cable. If the major components are a long way from each other or the loads, you may need substantial cable to avoid loss of power. Decide where the components are going and use the cable calculator to work out the size of the major cables.

Other Components

Now that the major system components are in place, all that remains is the simple matter of sizing the:

  • Charge Controller
    and
  • Inverter

It is possible to do without a charge controller only if the battery is very large relative to the solar panel array. An example is the "Battery Saver" panels designed to plug into a car cigarette lighter. Otherwise, add up the short-circuit current of the solar panel array and use the next largest controller.

Apart from a few wiring tips, you are now ready to buy the parts.

Wiring Tips

If you have electrical experience then wiring up your solar power system should be strightforward. Although the wiring is likely to be more complicated than normal mains wiring, all the principles involved are the same. This page gives an outline of the differences between this type of wiring and normal wiring.

Caution:If you are at all unsure of your abilities please employ a qualified electrician, preferably one with experience of wiring renewable energy systems.

DC Wiring

12 Volt Lighting The DC wiring may be the whole system or confined to the battery room. Every system is different, but I have provided example wiring diagrams for a typical 12 Volt lighting system and 230 Volt system to help with the wiring design. The cable sizes can be calculated using the calculator on the design page but be aware that the low-voltage DC cables will need to be larger than you are used to. Normal mains wiring accessories can usually be used at their rated current at up to 30 Volts DC. You will also need some specialised low-voltage parts such as battery clamps which can be obtained from automotive wiring suppliers.

AC Wiring

230 Volt System The AC wiring is just the same as in any mains installation. It is very important that the manufacturer's instructions are closely followed when installing the inverter, especially with regard to earthing requirements. Always ensure that the AC and DC circuits are kept entirely separate.



Useful Links

Links to various solar power resources and suppliers, sorted by category. If there is something you would like to see here, if you are a supplier or information source then please submit a link to this page.

If you would just like to link to this site then go right ahead.

Most Recent

Eco-friendly Garden Offices and Granny Annexes
Architect-designed, sustainable, highly insulated garden offices and granny flats. Constructed with Uk sourced materials, highlt insulated. If you want a shower room, we can add solar panels for water heating.

solar water heater
Supplier of solar water heater in China. The products are including thermal solar water heater and split solar water heater.

Greenworks Renewable Energy Solutions
Specialize in green energy solutions such as solar heating panels, domestic wind turbines, etc

solar power home
Solar power is a clean, renewable energy source for the future.

biodiesel
Biodiesel is a realistic and environmentally friendly alternative to gasoline.

Total Solar Energy
Discover how solar energy can help save both money and the environment

Energy Saving Products Company - Save n Energy
Energy saving Products company in West Palm Beach, Florida, providing Energy Star quality energy efficient Home Appliances.Save n Energy offers CFLs, fans, water heaters, and other efficient home appliances, which helps save energy.

Solar power
Solar Power you can get solar power in your home by using solar panels to capture the power of the sun. Company information includes solar hot water heating, energy efficient boilers, geothermal power and more. Reduce your carbon emissions and your energy bills.

Solar Houses for Sale in Costa Rica
Green Building in Costa Rica - Solar powered, sustainable Real Estate. Green Real Estate. Green Architecture.

OY Not Solar
We promote the use of solar electric systems for use by homeowners and small business applications.

Solar Sky Spain S.L.
Design and supply of Solar energy Systems. Solar electrical systems for remote homes inland Spain Solar water heating systems distributor

LED Bulbs
LED Bulbs can last for over 50,000 hours and save you up to 90% of your energy lighting bills

Latin America Wind Energy Association
Latin America Wind Energy Association / Asociacion Latino Americana de Energia Eolica

Solar kent
Practical examples of solar water heating and solar electric installations

Solar Watts
Installers of Photo Voltaic (electrical) Solar Panels. Many frequently asked questions answered on our web site.

The Solar Lights Blog
An introduction to Solar Lights and what kind of lighting applications can be achieved with solar energy

Equipment Suppliers

Southern Solar Ltd
Southern Solar offers a range of solar power solutions for your home or business. Solar hot water systems, grid connected solar electric and wind power. Grants available!

Navitron Renewable Energy
Navitron Ltd is based in the UK, and provides affordable renewable energy solutions. European importer for solar water heaters, wind turbines, water turbines, heat pumps, backup petrol and diesel power generators and autogas conversion equipment.

Screwfix Direct
Suppliers of low-cost wiring accessories, lighting and tools amongst a wide selection of trade and DIY items.

Select Solar
Suppliers of a very wide range of solar power equipment, with a comprehensive web site.

Roadpro
A huge selection of low voltage equipment for all applications.

Energy and Environment
Online merchant with a wide range of solar power products.

County Battery
Suppliers of a wide range of batteries including leisure and deep-cycle types.

Infinigi - Infinite Energy Solutions
A renewable energy company that provides exceptional customer service and offer aggressive prices on solar panels, wind turbines, charge controllers, inverters, and other renewable and energy efficient products.

Solar Panels - Based in Essex UK
We are UK suppliers of a huge range of solar panels and solar products, secure online shop

Bright Light Solar Ltd UK
Suppliers of solar panels, charge controllers, batteries, refrigerators, lighting. Design & supply with 20 years experience.

Energy Force Ltd
We provide solar and wind power. We offer parts, systems,and other services. From start to finish.

Midnight Sun Innovations LLC
Features a innovative solar powered LED flashlight which does not require batteries.

Solarthermie24.de
Solarthermie - Gro�e Qualit�t zum kleinen Preis!

California Solar Electric Company
Serving Northern California, California Solar Electric Company specializes in solar power systems design, sales, and installation for your home or business.

NATURAL LANDSCAPES LTD
Low cost Kyocera Solar Modules. Luxeon LEDs, AirX & Forgen Wind turbines, environmental services

Energy Development Co-op Limited
UK based solar & wind power specialists, supplying mainly small commercial stand-alone power systems, typically for remote lighting, data collection & telecoms.

Cirkits
CirKits sells kits for solar charge controllers and lighting systems.

NJ Solar Solutions
Solar Power & Energy - NJ Solar Solutions Inc. specializes in solar powered electric installations with a partnership with BP Solar Energy and Home Depot.

Solar Battery Distributor
Advanced Power Products, a full stocking supplier of solar batteries, aircraft batteries, marine batteries, and rv batteries.

Midsummer Energy
We sell solar panels, regulators and other components of renewable energy systems.

Bright Green Energy
Based in Beckenham, Kent, we sell a wide range of solar panels, wind turbines and renewable energy products.

SkyLineSolar
SkyLineSolar is the Uk's first online energy warehouse that covers all sources of renewable energy. Including Solar power, Geothermal power, wind power and hydroelectric

4 Elements Renewable Energy Products
4 Elements provide a wide range of solar and wind powered products. All our branded quality products such as Sharp, Schüco, Rolls Batteries, BP Solar, Exide, Victron, Marlec, Studer etc… come with extensive manufacturers guarantees giving you peace of mind and protecting your investment. The renewable energy industry in the UK is now beginning to grow and as new renewable power technology comes on stream we will continue to add to our portfolio. So bookmark www.4elements-uk.com in your favourite browser or call us on 01844 210960.

Alpha Solar The renewable energy resource
We provide cost effective , state of the art , efficient renewable energy products, accessories and complete electric systems for homes, cabins, boats, remote site and back-up power at very competitive prices.

Wavemaker Energy Saving
Solar Panels, energy efficiency products, all available for worldwide distribution. Suitable for anything from home to business use - we have a wide range

Solar Energy - Soul-er for Solar
Designs and installs solar systems for residential and commercial applications.

Renewable Energy
Ener.G Group offerings, Cogeneration, Renewable Energy, Energy Management and Energy From Waste provide an energy solution for all businesses and industry types

solar energy
solar photovoltaic modules,micro solar panels solar torches solar lights solar educational kits solar caps

Solar Fusion Ltd
Government accredited supplier of the most advanced solar power systems, including solar PV. Based in Dorset and providing services nationwide.

BeaconTron
An alternative energy solutions company providing a wide range of equipment and kits from top renewable energy manufacturers. Offerings include solar power equipment, wind power and microhydro.

Turbine Technologies
Supply And Installation Of Renewable Energy Products To The Domestic And Commercial Market,

Lake Renewable Energy
Provider of renewable energy products including solar , wind and energy saving devices to the homeowner and small / medium business

Evacuated Tube Solar Panels
Distributors of evacuated tube & flat panel solar thermal collectors to trade & DIY.

Resources

Solar Plaza
Worldwide directory of PV resources.

Earthtoys
Alternative And Renewable Energy News, Emagazine And Library

Centre for Alternative Technology
An essential for anybody interested in alternative technologies, CAT has a wide range of resources and an excellent visitor centre.

UK Solar Energy Society
The UK arm of the International Solar Energy Society, this is the organisation dedicated to advancing solar energy technology.

Positive Power
Renewable energy information service. Links to resources and news articles.

Gordon Clarke Architects
Eco architects specialising in organic design, and high quality sustainable architecture.

Odysen Renewable Energy
Renewable energy calculators, news archive, events, games, and location specific information.

Energy Concepts
Energy Concepts is an Energy Services and Consulting Organisation, providing technical knowledge relating to existing modes of power and the needs of development in the field of Alternative Energy

FreeSunPower
FreeSunPower provides Free tutorials, both beginner & advanced with interactive online design tools for Solar Energy Systems.

Renewable Energy Resources
Best education Websites on renewable and alternative energy resources, green power, fuel cells, alternative fuel vehicles, solar energy, water power or hydropower, wave, tidal, or ocean energy, and wind power.

Consumer Utility Services
Impartial information and advice on saving money on your energy bills and how to be more energy efficient in the home.

Natural Matters
Natural living directory with a dedicated sustainable power section including solar, products, services, news, articles

ENF - PV Industry Information
Solar power industry database (cells/module/panels, equipment, components, products, installers). Solar business & technical news, solar magazine, government tenders for solar projects

Solar Garage
My Solar garage, A beginners blog on starting and getting deep into solar power.

Solar Review
Provides News, Reviews, and Information about Solar and Photovoltaic Products

YourGreenDream
YourGreenDream - Hobby alternative energy production education and resources

Home Power Magazine
Home Power magazine is the Hands-on Journal of Home-Made Power. If you are interested in: making your own electricity from renewable energy, alternative vehicles, or finding out the latest in related technologies and life-styles, then this publication can keep you up to date.

This is their suggested link text, but I'd go further. Home Power is the best magazine about renewable energy, bar none.

Uk Energy Saving
The website gives information and tips on ways to save energy and also how to save money on household bills.

Solar Future
SOLARFUTURE is a NGO based in the European Union and South East Asia dedicated to promoting sustainable solutions for the future of mankind.

Sustainability Store
Directory of socially and environmentally responsible products and services.

Solar Times
The latest news going on in the solar industry.

New Energy Congress
The best news and directory service on the net regarding cutting edge energy technologies.

Solar Facts
Information on what is required and how it works for a domestic solar power system, all in easy to understand language.

Renewable Energy Stocks
RenewableEnergyStocks.com® is a global investor and industry research portal for the renewable energy sector. The website does not make stock recommendations but features industry and stock news, exclusive articles and financial columnists, audio interviews, investor conferences, Blogs, and a directory of stocks in the sector including solar, wind and ethanol

Solarist
New solar technologys. Renewable Energy

Solarism
Solarism promotes the use of all forms of renewable energy, in particular solar thermal water heating, enabling up to 70% reduction in annual water heating costs.

mrsolarenergy
a collection of energy and money saving tips, ideas, information and products from around the world

Solar power
Solar power, but what is solar power? and how will you make the best use of it? well, the answer to this is very.

Solar Panels
Information on how home solar panels can provide power for electricity or to heat your home. Also contains an environment articles database with an ever increasing number of related articles and press releases.

Home Solar Power
An expanding site providing information pertaining to all aspects of domestic solar power. Solar heating, photovoltaic power, active and passive solar heating etc.

Good to be Green
Our green building directory gives consumers free access to the most comprehensive list of green building products, eco-friendly materials and sustainable service professionals in residential and commercial markets.

Outdoor Solar Lights
Solar lights for every situation. Tips & Resources about outdoor solar lights.

SavingCivilization.org
Learn what you can do to conserve energy, fuel, water, and more. Help lower your bills as we move from today's throw-away lifestyle to a sustainable reduce-reuse-recycle economy!

House Energy Savings
How to get home energy savings through solar energy, advanced windows and other practises and renewable technologies.

Solar Exhibition
We are organizer for Malaysia International Solar Expo and Conference, we will develop a good market and joint co operate with solar world

Solar Heating

Thermomax Ltd
Manufacturers of evacuated tube solar collectors, the best for water heating in the UK.

AES Solar Systems
AES Solar manufacture cost-effective flat-plate solar collectors. They offer a DIY kit with telephone backup.

Green Earth Energy
Suppliers and installers of Solar Hot Water and Solar PV Systems. Clear Skies fully accredited.

SolarVenti UK Ltd
Sole UK distributor for scandinavian manufactured SolarVenti units which are self contained solar powered dehumidification, ventilation and heating systems.

ECO-NEX SATELLITE SOLAR DISH
Sustainable Resources for the 21st Century, purchase eco chemical free vortex & silver water treatment to control legionella, plus eco energy, gshp, micro wind energy, stirling engine, solar energy

China Solar Power ,Solar Water Heating, Wind energy -Heat Pipe Solar Collector for Eu market.
We are a supplier of evacuated solar water heaters, heat pipe and u pipe solar collectors,separated water tanks, evacuated glass solar tubes, solar pv panels, wind generator, and wind energy products. We are the manufacturer and exporter of high quality solar water heating collectors for Europe.

Honeywell thermostat, Wirsbo Radiant Heat ,Wirsbo pex plumbing - Pexsupply.com
Wirsbo Radiant Heat Supplies, Taco Pumps and Valves and Wirsbo PEX Plumbing Supplies are available at PexSupply.com PEX Supply takes great pride in offering our customers a large selection of products at the lowest prices.Honeywell thermostats wirsbo Radiant Heat Supplies, Taco Pumps and Valves and Wirsbo PEX Plumbing Supplies are available at PexSupply.com.

Solar Panels Plus LLC
Importer and distributor of solar water heating, space heating & cooling products.

Grid Connect Solar

TranswesT Solar
Solar Products - Entry level Inverters, meters etc,,, more to come

PV Systems
Suppliers and installers of grid-connected solar power systems.

Non Solar Power

Wisdom ebooks
A comprehensive directory of ebooks

Human Ranked Directory Project
Human Ranked Directory Project

!tzalist Science Directory
!tzalist Science Directory

King of the Web
King of the web

LinkPartners.com
Free directory of websites who swap links with other websites.

Arakne-Links Directory
Arakne-Links Directory

Search Engine Web Directory
Search Engine Web Directory categorized by subject. eSearchLogic is a directory focused on family friendly results in our directory listings.

Sootle Directory
Add URL
Submit URL to our human-edited web directory. Submit your website today.

Richard Stubbs Web Creation
Value for money web design, located in northern Dordogne.

Free Add URL
Free directory related to web hosting and related industries.

Web Hot Link
Web Hot Link General Web Directory

SoMuch.com
Popular Internet Links directory focused mainly on Computers and Programming but also covers humor, entertainment, news, Medical, Real Estate and Property, Travel, Timeshare and Cruises, Fitness and Bodybuilding, Music and Graphics. Links are updated daily.

UU directory .
A searchable directory organized by topic, offering free submission.

RealEstateContacts.com
View real estate listings and homes for sale anywhere in the United States. We are your online resource for buying or selling your current home and getting the best possible financing.


Thursday 9 August 2007

BASIC INTERNET tutorials

BASIC INTERNET

A Basic Guide to the Internet
A brief discussion of the Internet and its components
Understanding the World Wide Web
A discussion of the major protocols that make up the Web, the makeup of URLs, browsers and plug-ins, multimedia, Web programming languages and more

RESEARCH GUIDES

Checklist of Internet Research Tips
A collection of tips in a cogent format, with an emphasis on the use of subject directories and search engines
Conducting Research on the Internet
Advice on using e-mail discussion groups, Usenet news, and basic recommendations on the use of subject directories and search engines with tips on conducting searches

SEARCH ENGINES, SUBJECT DIRECTORIES & THE DEEP WEB

Alphabetical list of Search Engines

Alphabetical list of Subject Directories

Getting Started: Selecting a Tool for Your Search
A chart listing general query types and the kinds of search tools that support them
Boolean Searching on the Internet
The principles of search logic and the different manifestations of this logic on Web search engines
The Deep Web
A tutorial describing this newsworthy phenomenon: what it is, what to call it, tips for dealing with it, and how to locate its content
How to Choose a Search Engine or Directory
A chart listing numerous features and the search engines & directories that support them
Searching the Internet: Recommended Sites and Search Techniques
An extensive tutorial on the use of subject directories, search engine services, and the "deep Web." This tutorial covers the Yahoo Directory, BUBL Link, Brainboost, Don Busca and Google
Second Generation Searching on the Web
Tips on precision searching using features available on second generation search services. This tutorial covers Ask.com, Clusty, Ixquick, SurfWax and URL.com


Tuesday 7 August 2007

P-MOS tutorial on ON-OFF ratio

on-off ratio of MOS transistor analysis

MOS Transistor Definitions

  • n-type MOS: Majority carriers are electrons.
  • p-type MOS: Majority carriers are holes.

  • Positive/negative voltage applied to the gate (with respect to substrate) enhances the number of electrons/holes in the channel and increases conductivity between source and drain.

  • V t defines the voltage at which a MOS transistor begins to conduct. For voltages less than V t (threshold voltage), the channel is cut off.

MOS Transistor Definitions

  • In normal operation, a positive voltage applied between source and drain (V ds ).
  • No current flows between source and drain (I ds = 0) with V gs = 0 because of back to back pn junctions.

  • For n-MOS, with V gs > V tn , electric field attracts electrons creating channel.
  • Channel is p-type silicon which is inverted to n-type by the electrons attracted by the electric field.

n-MOS Enhancement Transistor Physics

  • Three modes based on the magnitude of V gs : accumulation, depletion and inversion.

n-MOS Enhancement Transistor Physics

n-MOS Enhancement Transistor

  • With V ds non-zero, the channel becomes smaller closer to the drain.

  • When V ds <= V gs - V t (e.g. V ds = 3V, V gs = 5V and V t = 1V), the channel reaches the drain (since V gd > V t ).

  • This is termed linear , resistive or nonsaturated region. I ds is a function of both V gs and V ds .

n-MOS Enhancement Transistor

  • When V ds > V gs - V t (e.g. V ds = 5V, V gs = 5V and V t = 1V), the channel is pinched off close to the drain (since V gd <> t ).

  • This is termed saturated region. I ds is a function of V gs , almost independent of V ds .

MOS Enhancement Transistor

  • MOS transistors can be modeled as a voltage controlled switch. I ds is an important parameter that determines the behavior, e.g., the speed of the switch.

  • What are the parameters that effect the magnitude of I ds ? (Assume V gs and V ds are fixed, e.g. 5V).
  • The distance between source and drain (channel length).
  • The channel width.
  • The threshold voltage.
  • The thickness of the gate oxide layer.
  • The dielectric constant of the gate insulator.
  • The carrier (electron or hole) mobility.

  • Summary of normal conduction characteristics:
  • Cut-off : accumulation, I ds is essentially zero.
  • Nonsaturated : weak inversion, I ds dependent on both V gs and V ds .
  • Saturated : strong inversion, I ds is ideally independent of V ds .

Threshold Voltage

  • V t is also an important parameter. What effects its value?

  • Most are related to the material properties. In other words, V t is largely determined at the time of fabrication, rather than by circuit conditions, like I ds .

  • For example, material parameters that effect V t include:
  • The gate conductor material (poly vs. metal).
  • The gate insulation material (SiO 2 ).
  • The thickness of the gate material.
  • The channel doping concentration.

  • However, V t is also dependent on
  • V sb (the voltage between source and substrate), which is normally 0 in digital devices.
  • Temperature: changes by -2mV/degree C for low substrate doping levels.

Threshold Voltage

  • The expression for threshold voltage is given as:

Threshold Voltage

  • Threshold voltage (cont.):

  • Typical values of V t for n and p-channel transistors are +/- 700mV.

Threshold Voltage

  • From equations, threshold voltage may be varied by changing:
  • The doping concentration (N A ).
  • The oxide capacitance (C ox ).
  • Surface state charge (Q fc ).

  • As you can see, it is often necessary to adjust V t .
  • Two methods are common:
  • Change Q fc by introducing a small doped region at the oxide/substrate interface via ion implantation.

  • Change C ox by using a different insulating material for the gate.
    • A layer of Si 3 N 4 (silicon nitride) with a relative permittivity of 7.5 is combined with a layer of silicon dioxide (relative permittivity of 3.9).
    • This results in a relative permittivity of about 6.

    • For the same thickness dielectric layer, C ox is larger using the combined material, which lowers V t .

Body Effect

  • In digital circuits, the substrate is usually held at zero.
    • The sources of n-channel devices, for example, are also held at zero, except in cases of series connections, e.g.,
  • The source-to-substrate (V sb ) may increase at this connections, e.g. V sbN1 = 0 but V sbN2 /= 0.
  • V sb adds to the channel-substrate potential:

Basic DC Equations

  • Ideal first order equation for cut-off region:

  • Ideal first order equation for linear region:

  • Ideal first order equation for saturation region:
  • with the following definitions:

Basic DC Equations

  • Process dependent factors: .

  • Geometry dependent factors: W and L.

  • Voltage-current characteristics of the n- and p-transistors.

Beta calculation

  • Transistor beta calculation example:
    • Typical values for an n-transistor in 1 micron technology:

    • Compute beta:

    • How does this beta compare with p-devices:

  • n-transistor gains are approximately 2.8 times larger than p-transistors.

Inverter voltage transistor characteristics

  • Inverter DC characteristics

Beta Ratios

  • Region C is the most important region. A small change in the input voltage, V in , results in a LARGE change in the output voltage, V out .

  • This behavior describes an amplifier, the input is amplified at the output. The amplification is termed transistor gain, which is given by beta.

  • Both the n and p-channel transistors have a beta. Varying their ratio will change the characteristics of the output curve.

Beta Ratios

  • Therefore, the
  • does NOT affect switching performance.

  • What factor would argue for a ratio of 1 for ?
    • Load capacitance !

  • The time required to charge or discharge a capacitive load is equal when .

  • Since beta is dependent W and L, we can adjust the ratio by changing the sizes of the transistor channel widths, by making p-channel transistors wider than n-channel transistors.

Noise Margins

  • A parameter that determines the maximum noise voltage on the input of a gate that allows the output to remain stable.

  • Two parameters, Low noise margin (NM L ) and High noise margin (NM H ).

  • NM L = difference in magnitude between the max LOW output voltage of the driving gate and max LOW input voltage recognized by the driven gate.

Noise Margins

  • Ideal characteristic: V IH = V IL = (V OH +V OL )/2.

  • This implies that the transfer characteristic should switch abruptly (high gain in the transition region).

  • V IL found by determining unity gain point from V OH .

Pseudo-nMOS Inverter

  • Therefore, the shape of the transfer characteristic and the V OL of the inverter is affected by the ratio .
  • In general, the low noise margin is considerably worse than the high noise margin for Pseudo-nMOS.

  • Pseudo-nMOS was popular for high-speed circuits, static ROMs and PLAs.

Pseudo-nMOS

  • Example: Calculation of noise margins:
  • The transfer curve for the pseudo-nMOS inverter can be used to calculate the noise margins of identical pseudo-nMOS inverters.

Basics on NMOS transistor part1


MOS transistors are quite different from bipolar transistors - not only in their basic function, but also in the way they are integrated into a Si substrate. Lets first look at the basic structure









  • We have a source and drain region in the Si (doped differently with respect to the substrate) with some connections to the outside world symbolically shown with the blue rectangles. Between source and drain is a thin gate dielectric - often called gate oxide - on top of which we have the gate electrode made from some conducting material that is also connected to the outside world.
  • To give you some idea of the real numbers: The thickness of the gate dielectric is below 10 nm, the lateral dimensioon of the source, gate and drain region is well below 1 µm.
  • You know, of course, what a MOS transistor is and how it works - at least in principle. If not: Use the link Basic MOS transistor.
If we integrate MOS transistors now, it first appears (wrongly!) that we can put them into the same Si substrate as shown below:






  • There seems to be no problem. The transistors are insulated from each other because one of the pn-junctions between them will always be blocking. However: We must also consider "parasitic transistors" not intentionally included in our design!
  • If in the space between transistors a wire is crossing on top of the insulating layer as shown in the illustration, it will, on occasion be at high potential. The drain of the left transistor together with the source of the right transistor will now form a parasitic transistor with the insulating layer as the gate dielectric, and the overhead wire as the gate electrode.
  • Everything being small, the threshold voltage may be reached and we have a current path where there should be none.
  • This is not an academic problem, but a typical effect in integrated circuit technology, which is not found in discrete circuits: Besides the element you want to make, you may produce all kinds of unwanted elements, too: parasitic transistors, capacitors, diodes, and even thyristors.
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The solution is to make the threshold voltage larger than any voltage that may occur in the system. The way to do this is to increase the local thickness of the insulating dielectric.
  • This gives us the structure in the next illustration


How we produce the additional insulator called field oxide between the transistors will concern us later; here it serves to illustrate two points:
  • Insulation is not just tricky for bipolar transistors, it is a complicated business with MOS technology, too
  • There is now some "topology" - the interfaces and surfaces are no longer flat. Looks trivial, but constitutes one of the major problems of large-scale integration!
--- Note that the gate - substrate part of a MOS transistor is, in principle, a capacitor. So we can now make capacitors, too.
  • However, if we need a large capacitance - say some 50 fF (femto Farad) - we need a large area (several µm2) because we cannot make the dielectric arbitrarily thin - we would encounter tunneling effects, early breakdown, or other problems. So we have to have at least a thickness of around 5 nm of SiO2. If the capacitor area than gets too large, the escape road is the third dimension: You fold the capacitor! Either into the substrate, or up into the layers on top of the Si.
  • The "simple" way of folding integrated capacitors into the substrate is shown in the right hand side of the next illustration