Although it is not widely appreciated, optimal device physics modeling is accomplished by strictly adhering to two fundamental laws,
First Law: Draw the energy band diagram,
Second Law: Formulate the equivalent circuit, and to one important model development strategy,
Strategy: Keep the model as simple as possible.
Certain wags refer to this strategy using the disparaging acronym KISS, i.e., “Keep it simple, stupid.”
The objective of this presentation is to demonstrate the utility and power of this formulation of device physics by discussing the modeling of a single set of measured current-voltage characteristics for one particular device, i.e., an Al-Al2O3-TaWSi amorphous metal MIM tunnel diode.
John F. Wager holds the Michael and Judith Gaulke Endowed Chair in the School of EECS at Ӱand is looking forward to retiring at the end of 2017 so that he can pursue his aspiration of becoming a beach bum.