What is the best book for understanding the theory of transistors?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around recommendations for books that provide a theoretical understanding of transistors, particularly from a physics perspective. Participants share their experiences with various texts and their suitability for understanding the internal workings of transistors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests suggestions for books focused on the physics of transistors.
  • Another participant recommends "Semiconductor Device Fundamentals" by Pierret, noting it was satisfactory for their studies.
  • A different participant highlights "Electrons and Holes in Semiconductors" by Shockley as a comprehensive resource, while also mentioning "Physics of Semiconductor Devices" by Sze as a good modern alternative, cautioning about the quality differences between editions.
  • Another participant agrees that Shockley is good for semiconductor physics but suggests that Pierret and Sze are more beneficial for understanding modern devices. They also mention that Analog IC textbooks often contain useful summaries of device physics.
  • One participant shares their preference for the "GE Transistor Manual, 7th Ed." as the best guide for understanding transistors, emphasizing its affordability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of opinions on which books are most effective for understanding transistor theory, indicating that there is no consensus on a single best resource. Different texts are recommended based on personal experiences and specific needs.

Contextual Notes

Some recommendations may depend on the reader's background and the specific aspects of transistor theory they wish to explore. There are also mentions of varying quality between different editions of the same book.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in the physics of transistors, students studying semiconductor devices, and those seeking practical guides for understanding transistor operation may find this discussion beneficial.

bigQ
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Hello everyone,
can anyone please suggest a good book on the theory of transistors. I want to study transistors from more of physics point of view i.e. how they actually work internally.
Thanks in advance.
 
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My undergrad we used a book called Semiconductor Device Fundamentals by Pierret. It is the only book I have ever read on the subject but it seemed ok to me.
 
Shockley wrote well and his book Electrons and Holes in Semiconductors, With Applications to Transistor Electronics contains a comprehensive and understandable treatment of transistor physics (despite its age). Sze's Physics of Semiconductor Devices (2nd ed.) is an excellent modern treatment. (Watch out, he has different books with similar sounding titles.) Also I've read comments that the 3rd ed. is inferior to the 2nd...
 
Shockley is good for semiconductor physics, but it really help much to understand modern devices. Both Pierret and Sze are good. Often you can find a simplified but informative summary of device physics in any Analog IC textbook.
 
For my purposes, this was the best guide to understanding transistors, ever:
GE Transistor Manual, 7th Ed. (Jan 1, 1964)
And, it’s only seven bucks!
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=ge+transistor+manual&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Age+transistor+manual&tag=pfamazon01-20
 
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