Semiconductors are materials that are neither conductors nor insulators. With an electrical conductivity that is more than that of an insulator but less than that of a conductor, and an ability to also conduct electricity under certain conditions, semiconductors offer several advantages that have helped them become crucial parts and components of modern-day electronics and appliances. Some great examples of semiconductors are selenium, germanium, silicon, and tellurium.
What are Semiconductor Devices?
Semiconductor devices are key components of modern electronics and circuits and rely on the electronic properties of semiconductor materials. These devices have a complex structure and are among the most important components of all electrical and electronic devices. Semiconductor devices find application in both discrete electronic devices as well as in building integrated circuits, which can consist of anywhere from thousands to billions of semiconductor devices, interconnected on single wafers.
Advantages of Semiconductor Devices
Key advantages of semiconductor devices include:
- Semiconductors are very dependable, compact, and cost-efficient to manufacture, which is why they have managed to replace vacuum tubes and have become the foundation upon which modern electronics are built.
- Semiconductors do not require power for heat or to emit electrons.
- Semiconductor devices start operating as soon as the circuit is turned on.
- Unlike vacuum tubes, these devices can easily operate at low voltages.
- Despite having a complex structure, circuits incorporating semiconductor devices are very compact, which makes them suitable for use in applications where space may be a constraint.
- Semiconductor devices are shock resistant.
- Semiconductor devices function silently.
- Semiconductor devices are much more cost-efficient than vacuum tubes.
Applications of Semiconductor Devices
Common applications of semiconductors and semiconductor devices include:
- To build transistors, which are used to manufacture digital circuits and logic gates.
- Almost every electrical and electronic device uses semiconductor, from mobile phones, laptops, computers, and game consoles to microwave ovens, refrigerators, etc. These electronics use a wide variety of semiconductor devices, such as integrated chips, diodes, and transistors.
- Another major application of semiconductors, like silicon, is in the manufacturing of solar panel cells.
- Semiconductor devices are also used to power embedded systems, which are small, compact computers designed for integration into larger machines. These systems are mainly used to control gadgets.
- A few semiconductor materials also have the ability to generate light and can be used in LEDs and OLEDs.
With manufacturers, like Mitsubishi Electric India, India is slowly but surely emerging as the new semiconductor superpower. This growth is also supported by the rapidly rising demand for semiconductors, as has been witnessed over the past few years.
In conclusion, semiconductors play a pivotal role in modern electronics and technology, serving as the backbone of various devices and circuits. Their unique properties, such as reliability, compactness, and cost-efficiency, have propelled them to replace older technologies like vacuum tubes. Semiconductor devices offer numerous advantages, including immediate operation upon circuit activation, low voltage requirements, shock resistance, and silent operation. They find application in a wide array of electronics, from smartphones and laptops to solar panels and embedded systems. With the increasing demand for semiconductors and the emergence of countries like India as significant players in semiconductor manufacturing, the future of this technology appears promising, ensuring continued innovation and advancement in the electronics industry.