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525.406 - Electronic Materials Course Homepage

Instructor Information

Harry Charles

Email: harry.charles@jhuapl.edu
Work Phone: (443) 778-8050
Home Phone: (301) 725-6997

Dr. Charles holds B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering from Drexel University and The Johns Hopkins University, respectively.  He is a member of the Principal Professional Staff at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and Department Head of the Technical Services Department.  Dr. Charles has worked for over 30 years in the microelectronics arena and is a specialist in solid state physics, electronic devices, packaging, and reliability.  His latest interests include ultra-thin modules; advanced interconnect; biomedical instrumentation; nano-scale electronics; and alternate energy.  He has published over 200 papers on electronic devices and packaging, along with thirteen patents and several pending patent applications.  Dr. Charles is a Fellow and former President of IMAPS - The Microelectronics and Packaging Society, a Fellow of the IEEE, and a past member of the Board of Governors of the IEEE's Components Packaging and Manufacturing Technology (CPMT) Society.  He has received international recognition for his research, development, and teaching activities, including ISHM's Technical Achievement Award (1987), selection as Maryland's Distinguished Young Engineer (1989), The Johns Hopkins University's Outstanding Teaching Award (1992), the CPMT Board of Governors' Outstanding Service Award (1992), ISHM’s Distinguished Service Award (1994), the IMAPS Daniel C. Hughes Memorial Award (1998), and numerous awards for best papers. Dr. Charles has taught for 30 years in the Johns Hopkins University Engineering Program for Professionals (JHUEPP). He has developed nine new courses and is currently chair of the Applied Physics Program in the EPP. Dr. Charles also holds the Office of Naval Research Distinguished Chair for Science and Technology at the US Naval Academy.

Course Information

Course Description

Materials and the interfaces between them are the key elements in determining the functioning of electronic devices and systems. This course develops the fundamental parameters of the basic solid material types and their relationships to electrical, thermal, mechanical, and optical properties. The application of these materials to the design and fabrication of electronic components is described, including integrated circuits, passive components, and electronic boards, modules, and systems.

Prerequisites

An undergraduate degree in engineering, physics, or materials science; familiarity with materials structures and electronic devices.

Course Goal

 To develop in the students a basic understanding of the materials used in today’s modern electronic systems so that when faced with a materials selection issue they can recognize the various materials available and perform the tradeoffs necessary to select the appropriate material for the application.

Course Objectives

  • Fundamental knowledge of material properties important to electronic systems including electrical conductivity, coefficient of thermal expansion, thermal conductivity, and strength.
  • The student should be able to perform simple trade offs between basic material properties to recommend candidate materials for specific applications.
  • Basic understanding and application of phase diagrams.
  • A working knowledge of how material structure relates to various material properties.  The student should be able to identify and state reasons for the selection of the common electronic materials      used in integrated circuits, printed wiring board assemblies, etc.

When This Course is Typically Offered

Alternate years. Typically in the Spring at the APL Cente

Syllabus

Topics Covered

  • OVERVIEW OF ELECTRONIC MATERIALS I
  • OVERVIEW OF ELECTRONIC MATERIALS II
  • INTEGRATED CIRCUIT, PWB
  • FUNDAMENTAL MATERIAL PROPERTIES
  • SOLID STATE STRUCTURE
  • DIFFUSION AND SOLID SOLUTIONS
  • MID-TERM EXAM
  • ELECTRICAL AND THERMAL PROPERTIES
  • MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
  • GLASSES/CERAMICS
  • POLYMERS
  • METALS/SEMICONDUCTORS
  • OPTICAL/MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
  • FINAL EXAM

Student Assessment Criteria

HOMEWORK 20%
CLASSWORK 10%
MID-TERM EXAM 35%
FINAL EXAM 35%

Sometimes a Term Paper is substituted for one of the exams.

Computer and Technical Requirements

N/A

Textbooks

Textbook information for this course is available online through the MBS Direct Virtual Bookstore.

Course Notes

There are no notes for this course.

(Last Modified: 07-22-2008 at 11:07:57 AM)