IEEE Std 216-1960 (1980) PDF

Full title and description

IEEE Standards on Solid‑state Devices — Definitions of Semiconductor Terms (issued as IEEE Std 216‑1960; later reaffirmed in 1980). This short standard provides a concise glossary of terms and definitions used in semiconductor and solid‑state device engineering to promote consistent usage across papers, designs and standards work.

Abstract

A brief standards document that compiles and defines commonly used semiconductor terms (for example, donor, acceptor, p‑n junction, mobility, intrinsic carrier concentration, etc.). Originally published in 1960, it served as a reference glossary for the electron/solid‑state device community and was formally reaffirmed in 1980.

General information

• Status: Inactive — Withdrawn (administratively withdrawn after not being revised within lifecycle; withdrawal recorded 1991-12-05).
• Publication date: Published October 31, 1960; reaffirmed March 13, 1980.
• Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), originally issued under the IRE/IEEE electron devices activity.
• ICS / categories: Semiconductor / Solid‑state devices terminology and definitions; electron devices standards (general technical classification).
• Edition / version: IEEE Std 216‑1960 (reaffirmed 1980).
• Number of pages: Very short (bibliographic records list the document as 2–3 pages in length).

Scope

The standard's scope is limited to establishing clear, concise definitions of terms used in solid‑state and semiconductor device engineering. It is intended to reduce ambiguity in technical communication, specifications and publications by providing a common glossary for professionals and standards committees referencing semiconductor concepts and device characteristics.

Key topics and requirements

• Standardized definitions for basic semiconductor concepts (carrier types, doping, junctions, intrinsic/extrinsic material properties).
• Terminology for device‑level phenomena (mobility, recombination, breakdown types, surface and bulk effects).
• Concise glossary entries suitable for cross‑reference in technical papers, specifications and teaching materials.
• Consistent usage guidance to align industry and academic communications on solid‑state device terms.

Typical use and users

Engineers, researchers, standards developers, technical editors and educators working in semiconductor device technology and solid‑state electronics used this standard as a quick reference to ensure consistent terminology across documents, datasheets and standards. Libraries and institutional repositories have catalog records for the brief standard.

Related standards

Related items include other IEEE/IRE standards and glossaries produced by the IEEE Electron Devices Society covering solid‑state devices, device characterization and terminology. Later compilations and more modern glossaries supersede or expand on the short definitions in IEEE Std 216‑1960; consult current IEEE EDS publications for up‑to‑date terminology.

Keywords

semiconductor; solid‑state devices; glossary; definitions; terminology; IEEE Std 216; IRE; electron devices; semiconductor terms.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEEE Std 216‑1960 is a short standards document that lists and defines commonly used semiconductor and solid‑state device terms to promote consistent technical language.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers concise definitions of semiconductor concepts and device terms (e.g., types of carriers, junctions, mobility, doping concepts and related terminology) intended as a reference glossary rather than detailed technical requirements.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Practicing semiconductor engineers, researchers, technical authors, educators and standards committees used the document as a common reference for terminology. Institutional libraries and standards repositories historically catalogued the brief standard.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document is not current — it was published in 1960, reaffirmed in 1980, and later withdrawn (withdrawal noted 1991-12-05). Users should consult current IEEE Electron Devices Society publications and modern glossaries for up‑to‑date terminology.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of early IRE/IEEE activities and standards addressing solid‑state devices and electron device terminology; it complements other IEEE standards developed by the Electron Devices community.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Semiconductor, solid‑state devices, definitions, glossary, terminology, IEEE, electron devices.