Electrical Characterization: MOSFETs (Coursera)

Electrical Characterization: MOSFETs (Coursera)

MOSFET transistor switches are the workhorse of semiconductor-based electronics. In this course, we begin with MOS capacitors and see how to extract the oxide charge density, which is important for controlling the MOSFET threshold voltage. We then review MOSFET electrical characteristics and see how current-voltage measurements are used to determine the threshold voltage. The course project uses real-world data to extract the threshold voltage of a 40 nm gate length MOSFET designed for 5G radio frequency integrated circuits.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

This course is part of the Semiconductor Characterization Specialization.

What you'll learn

  • Extract characteristic parameters of MOS capacitors.
  • Extract characteristic parameters of MOSFETs.
  • Analyze real-world MOSFET data.

Syllabus

Course Introduction
MOSFET transistor switches are the workhorse of semiconductor-based electronics. In this course, we begin with MOS capacitors and see how to extract the oxide charge density, which is important for controlling the MOSFET threshold voltage. We then review MOSFET electrical characteristics and see how current-voltage measurements are used to determine the threshold voltage. The course project uses real-world data to extract the threshold voltage of a 40 nm gate length MOSFET designed for 5G radio frequency integrated circuits.

Week 3.1: Extracting Oxide Charge Data From MOS C-V Measurements
This week, you will learn about MOS C-V curves and flat-band voltage.

Week 3.2: MOSFET Characterization - Part 1
This week, you will learn about the characterization of Metal Oxide Silicon Field Effect Transistors (MOSFETs).

Week 3.3: MOSFET Characterization - Part 2
This week, you will learn about extracting MOSFET device parameters.

Week 3.4: Course Wrap-up and Project
This week, you will complete a case study to assess your ability to extract the threshold voltage of a MOSFET.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Optical and X-Ray Characterization (Coursera) Coursera
Arizona State University

Optical and X-Ray Characterization (Coursera)

Optical and X-ray techniques are powerful ways to characterize semiconductor thin films. They can be used to measure film thickness, purity and crystalline quality, and for compositional analysis. Modern techniques are fast, turn-key, and generally non-destructive, allowing for rapid assessment of material properties. This course describes the fundamentals of optical and X-ray characterization and provides real-world examples of how they are used in semiconductor manufacturing.

Sep 28th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Introduction to Semiconductors, PN Junctions and Bipolar Junction Transistors (edX) EdX
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology - HKUST,HKUSTx

Introduction to Semiconductors, PN Junctions and Bipolar Junction Transistors (edX)

An intuitive approach to operational principles of semiconductor devices. The course covers PN junction diodes, optical sensors, solar cells, LEDs, and Bipolar Junction Transistors. As a topic of study, semiconductor devices offer a unique challenge due to the complex mathematics involved. In this course, we take a more intuitive approach to explore the underlying concepts. Eschewing mathematics, we use engaging animations to help you visualize the working principles of many common semiconductor devices.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Converter Circuits (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado Boulder

Converter Circuits (Coursera)

This course introduces more advanced concepts of switched-mode converter circuits. Realization of the power semiconductors in inverters or in converters having bidirectional power flow is explained. Power diodes, power MOSFETs, and IGBTs are explained, along with the origins of their switching times. Equivalent circuit models are refined to include the effects of switching loss. The discontinuous conduction mode is described and analyzed. A number of well-known converter circuit topologies are explored, including those with transformer isolation.

Oct 12th 2026
4 Weeks
Internet of Things: Multimedia Technologies (Coursera) Coursera
University of California, San Diego

Internet of Things: Multimedia Technologies (Coursera)

Content is an eminent example of the features that contributed to the success of wireless Internet. Mobile platforms such as the Snapdragon™ processor have special hardware and software capabilities to make acquisition, processing and rendering of multimedia content efficient and cost-effective.

Oct 12th 2026
3 Weeks
Physics of silicon solar cells (Coursera) Coursera
École Polytechnique

Physics of silicon solar cells (Coursera)

The first MOOC “Photovoltaic solar energy” is a general presentation of the solar photovoltaics technologies in the global energetic context, without extensive details. In particular the description of the solar cell operation is restricted to the ideal case. In contrast this second MOOC allows a deep understanding of the properties of solar cells based on crystalline semiconductors.

Sep 28th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Materials Science: 10 Things Every Engineer Should Know (Coursera) Coursera
University of California, Davis

Materials Science: 10 Things Every Engineer Should Know (Coursera)

We explore “10 things” that range from the menu of materials available to engineers in their profession to the many mechanical and electrical properties of materials important to their use in various engineering fields. We also discuss the principles behind the manufacturing of those materials. By the end of the course, you will be able to: recognize the important aspects of the materials used in modern engineering applications; explain the underlying principle of materials science: “structure leads to properties,”; identify the role of thermally activated processes in many of these important “things” – as illustrated by the Arrhenius relationship; relate each of these topics to issues that have arisen (or potentially could arise) in your life and work.

Sep 28th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Basics of Field Effect Transistors and Technology Scaling (edX) EdX
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology - HKUST,HKUSTx

Basics of Field Effect Transistors and Technology Scaling (edX)

This online course uses engaging animations to help you visualize the operating principles of many common semiconductor devices. The course covers MOSFET, MOS capacitors, charge-coupled devices, CMOS Active Pixel Sensor, FinFET, nanowire transistors, gate-all-around MOSFET and 2D transistors.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Fundamentals of Semiconductor Characterization (Coursera) Coursera
Arizona State University

Fundamentals of Semiconductor Characterization (Coursera)

The goal of this course is to review the fundamentals of semiconductor materials, p-n junction diodes, and MOS capacitors. There are many semiconductor technologies based on different material systems, but the most important is complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor, or CMOS for short. This course will focus on semiconductor materials and devices relevant to CMOS manufacturing, but the concepts can be applied much more broadly.

Sep 28th 2026
4 Weeks
Fundamentals of Transistors (edX) EdX
Purdue University,PurdueX

Fundamentals of Transistors (edX)

This course develops a simple framework for understanding the essential physics of transistors, including modern nanoscale transistors. Important technology considerations and circuit applications are also discussed. The transistor has been called the greatest invention of the 20th century - it enabled the electronics systems that have shaped the world we live in. Today's nanotransistors are a high volume, high impact success of the nanotechnology revolution.

Feb 13th 2023
5-12 Weeks