Discovering Solid State Electronics: Devices and Their Applications

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solid state electronics, specifically the devices involved and their applications. Participants explore the characteristics of solid state devices, their historical context, and the properties of semiconductors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants identify diodes and transistors as early solid state devices used in various electronic applications.
  • Others mention a broader range of solid state devices, including semiconductors, insulators, conductors, lasers, and the unique properties of materials like silicon and germanium.
  • A participant explains the transition from vacuum tubes to solid state devices, highlighting the difference in electron movement through solid materials compared to vacuum environments.
  • Another contribution discusses the voltage-current characteristics of metals versus semiconductors, noting that different doping types in semiconductors lead to varied responses to stimuli, which can be utilized for logic implementation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the significance of diodes and transistors as foundational solid state devices, but there is no consensus on the complete range of devices or their applications, as various perspectives and additional devices are proposed.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the definitions of solid state devices and their classifications may not be fully articulated, and the discussion does not resolve the complexities of semiconductor behavior under different conditions.

EngTechno
Messages
72
Reaction score
0
What are the solid state electronics devices? What are they used for?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
The diode and transistor are two of the earliest solid state devices that come to mind.
They are used in almost every application of electronics today.

You can find out more about solid state devices at howstuffworks
 
EngTechno said:
What are the solid state electronics devices?

semi-conductors, insulators, conductors, lasers, transistors, diodes

What are they used for?
to make our lives more easy

marlon
 
The predecessors to solid state devices were vacuum tubes. There, the electrons were traveling in the vacuum between the cathode and the plates, and being modulated in various ways by the electric fields from voltages on various plate arrangements.

The term "solid state" refers to the fact that the electrons in semiconductor devices are traveling through the solid matrix of the atomic structure of the material. As already stated, the diode and transistor (BJT, JFET, MOSFET) are the basic structures. But even exotic stuff like superconductivity can be considered a solid state phenomenon.
 
Basicaly solid state electronics is related to the property of semi-conductors like silicon, germanium in pure as well as doped form.

Metals show linear voltage-current characteristics in accordance with the Ohm's law, whereas semi-conductors with different type of doping have different voltage-current characteristics. These can be used to generate specific responses to given stimuli, ie, to implement logic.
 

Similar threads

Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
404
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
943
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K