Microelectronic Circuits

As a fundamental sub-discipline of electrical engineering, microelectronic circuits involves the analysis, design, and application of electronic circuits built from microscopic semiconductor components like transistors and diodes. This field is primarily concerned with the creation of integrated circuits (ICs), or "chips," where vast numbers of these components are fabricated on a single piece of semiconductor material, typically silicon. The study encompasses both analog circuits, which process continuous signals for tasks like amplification and filtering, and digital circuits, which perform logic operations and data storage, forming the technological bedrock of virtually all modern electronic devices, from computers and smartphones to advanced communication systems and sensors.

1. Introduction to Microelectronics
   1. Historical Context and Evolution
      1. The Vacuum Tube Era
         1. Basic Operation of Vacuum Tubes
         2. Limitations of Vacuum Tubes
         3. Early Electronic Applications
      2. Invention of the Transistor
         1. Point-Contact Transistor
         2. Junction Transistor
         3. Impact on Electronics Industry
      3. The Integrated Circuit Revolution
         1. Monolithic Integration Concept
         2. Planar Process Development
         3. Miniaturization Benefits
         4. Cost Reduction Impact
      4. Moore's Law and Scaling Trends
         1. Definition and Original Formulation
         2. Device Scaling Implications
         3. Economic Impact on Industry
         4. Physical Limitations and Future Challenges
   2. Signal Types and Characteristics
      1. Analog Signals
         1. Continuous-Time Nature
         2. Amplitude Variations
         3. Frequency Content
      2. Digital Signals
         1. Discrete-Time Nature
         2. Binary Logic Levels
         3. Noise Immunity Advantages
      3. Signal Conversion
         1. Analog-to-Digital Conversion
         2. Digital-to-Analog Conversion
      4. Applications and Trade-offs
         1. Analog Circuit Applications
         2. Digital Circuit Applications
         3. Mixed-Signal Systems
   3. Fundamental Circuit Analysis Review
      1. Basic Laws and Theorems
         1. Ohm's Law Applications
         2. Kirchhoff's Voltage Law
         3. Kirchhoff's Current Law
         4. Power Calculations
      2. Network Analysis Techniques
         1. Node Analysis Method
         2. Loop Analysis Method
         3. Superposition Principle
      3. Circuit Equivalents
         1. Thevenin Equivalent Circuits
         2. Norton Equivalent Circuits
         3. Source Transformation
      4. AC Circuit Analysis
         1. Phasor Representation
         2. Impedance Concepts
         3. Frequency Response
         4. Sinusoidal Steady-State Analysis