An alternative approach for the determination of the "OFF-ON" turnover process in four-layer semiconductor devices

A tutorial point of view is presented regarding a classroom description of the triggering action leading to the "OFF-ON" switching of four-layer semiconductor devices. It is suggested that the events, which take place at the onset of switching, can be determined by using a system control analysis approach rather than the usually used circuit analysis approach. The proposed alternative, which utilizes feedback concepts, is instructive since the actual physical internal processes which take place within the four-layer device at the turnover point, toward switching, are regenerative. Accordingly, this approach provides an insight which is lacking in the usually used circuit analysis approach.