What is a Semiconductor Chip? Changes to the development of modern technology

Semiconductor chips are the core element, acting as the “brain center” of all electronic devices from smartphones, laptops and automated systems. This technology is attracting the attention of many people. However, not everyone understands this concept well. Let’s explore  the  details of semiconductor chip technology and its important role in the electronics manufacturing industry with RX Tradex through the following article.

1. What is a semiconductor chip?

A semiconductor chip, also known as a semiconductor chip, is an advanced technological achievement, made by integrating hundreds or even billions of small electronic components on a single semiconductor plate, commonly silicon. As a result, components such as transistors, diodes, and other components can be created. The highlight of semiconductor chips is their compact size and ability to perform a variety of complex functions.

Primarily, semiconductor chips are integrated circuits where components such as transistors, diodes, capacitors, resistors, and many other components are tightly integrated and bonded on a single piece of semiconductor. The chip manufacturing process involves connecting circuits and components from simple to complex through an electronic bonding process.

Semiconductor chips have a wide range of applications in a wide range of technology and information fields, from powerful microprocessors, memory, to low-energy electronics, telecommunications, personal computers, mobile phones, mobile devices, and many other applications. The high integration capacity and outstanding performance of semiconductor chips play an important role in the development of technology and modern life.

2. Semiconductor chip construction

The structure of a semiconductor chip consists of multiple layers of semiconductors stacked on top of each other, forming complex electronic circuits with key components such as transistors, diodes, capacitors, resistors, and many other components. These components are connected to each other through paths on the surface of the chip, creating a complete electronic circuit.

• Transistor: Acts as an electronic switch or amplifying current. They are typically made from semiconductors such as silicon or germanium and consist of three layers: an emitter, a base, and a collector. Common types of transistors include (bipolar transistors), field transistors, and MOSFET transistors.
• Diode: A diode is a two-pole component that only allows current to flow through in a certain direction. It has two poles: the anode and the cathode. The diode acts as an electronic switch, which is used in rectifier circuits, inverters, and determining the direction of current.
• Capacitor: A capacitor that stores energy as an electric field between two insulated conductive plates. When there is an impact voltage, the capacitor accumulates energy and can release that energy when needed. Capacitors are used to store energy, as filters in electrical circuits, and have many other applications.
• Resistor: The resistor limits the current by creating a resistor for the current to pass through. Usually made from materials that are capable of obstructing current such as carbon or metal, the resistance has a value measured in ohms (Ω). Resistors are used to regulate current, divide voltage, limit current, and perform many other functions in electrical circuits.

3. The importance of semiconductor chips in the technology sector

Semiconductor chips play an important role in the field of technology in many aspects:

• Information processing: With billions of tiny transistors, semiconductor chips are capable of performing complex calculations at lightning speeds, becoming the heart of computers and other electronic devices.
• Data storage: Semiconductor chips are used in flash memory and RAM, allowing the device to store and retrieve data quickly and efficiently.
• Communication and connectivity: Semiconductor chips control connectivity ports such as USB, HDMI, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, allowing devices to connect to networks and communicate with each other.
• Automation and control: Semiconductor chips play a critical role in automated control systems, industrial machinery, and medical devices, helping to improve performance, accuracy, and automate manufacturing processes.
• Diverse functions: On mobile devices, semiconductor chips take care of everything from image processing to networking, providing a smooth and intelligent user experience.

4. Semiconductor chip manufacturing process

The semiconductor chip manufacturing process is a complex series of stages that require advanced manufacturing technology. The main steps include:

• Design Survey: Engineers conduct an initial design review and make necessary improvements.
• Wafer Fabrication: Silicon wafers are manufactured and polished to create a smooth and flawless surface.
• Material Coating on Wafers: Semiconductor layers are coated on wafers through a thin layer injection or deposition process.
• Forming electronic components: Using specialized tools, wafers are cut and formed into paths, transistors, diodes, and other components.
• Modulation and testing: The modulated wafer is then tested to ensure that all components are functioning properly.
• Cutting and Packaging: Wafers are cut into individual chips and carefully packaged in a closed environment, in order to protect the chips from contamination and damage from the outside environment.

5. Equipment for semiconductor chip production

The semiconductor chip manufacturing process is a complex process that requires the use of a variety of advanced equipment and technology at the chip factory. Here are some important equipment that is commonly used:

• Wafer Flattening Device: This device creates thin and uniform layers on the wafer, facilitating the formation of paths and connections during the chip manufacturing process.
• Imaging Equipment: Used to capture thin layers onto wafers, helping to check the details and properties of samples.
• Light Equipment: Converts electrical signals into light signals, creating points and layers on the wafer surface, helping to form layers and connections during chip manufacturing.
• Plating and ETS Equipment: Used to coat layers of material onto wafers and perform the ets (recovery) process to create paths and connections.
• Measuring equipment: Used to measure the properties of layers and connections on wafers, and to check the quality of the final product.
• Analytical Equipment: To analyze the composition and properties of materials used in the semiconductor chip manufacturing process.

6. Application and classification of semiconductor chips

There are many types of semiconductor chips that are widely used in different fields. Here are some common types of chips that we often come across:

Processing chip: This type of chip is present in most electronic devices such as computers, mobile phones, game consoles, and smart TVs. Designed to perform calculations and process data for the device.

Graphics chips: Used in computers, mobile phones, and game consoles, graphics chips enhance image and graphics processing capabilities, providing a high-quality visual experience.

Network semiconductor chips: This type of chip is designed for network devices such as routers and servers, which manage and control the transmission of data on a network.

Memory chips: Memory chips that store data for electronic devices, including types such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), Flash Memory, and EEProm (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

Sensor chips: Used to measure physical parameters and control automatic devices. Common sensor types include light sensors, thermal sensors, positioning sensors, proximity sensors, and accelerometers.

Control chips: This type of chip is commonly used in automation systems such as air conditioning, surveillance security systems, and other measurement devices.

The above is just one of the popular chips, and manufacturers are constantly developing, improving them to meet market demand, helping to improve the performance of electronic devices.

7. Famous semiconductor chip manufacturers in the world

Here are some of the well-known semiconductor chip manufacturers in the world:

• Intel: As one of the leading corporations in chip manufacturing, Intel is famous for its powerful processors that are widely used in computers and electronics.
• AMD: Intel’s major competitor, AMD offers processor chips for computers and electronics, offering a wide variety and choice to consumers.
• NVIDIA: A leading expert in graphics chips, NVIDIA provides quality graphics solutions for mobile, computers, and gaming consoles, enhancing the visual and graphics experience.
• Qualcomm: Famous for its mobile chips such as smartphones and tablets, Qualcomm also offers wireless connectivity and mobile networking solutions, which help optimize the mobile experience for users.
• Samsung: A leading technology corporation from South Korea, Samsung manufactures a variety of chips from processor chips, graphics chips to memory chips, and many other chip products.
• TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company): As the world’s leading independent chip manufacturing company, TSMC provides chip manufacturing services to a variety of partners, from processor chips to graphics chips, playing an important role in the diversity of the global chip industry.
• Apple: Apple manufactures its own proprietary chips for its devices, such as the A-series chips built into the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, ensuring robust performance and good compatibility in Apple’s ecosystem.

8. Conclusion

Hopefully, through this article, you will have a better understanding of what semiconductor chips are, as well as their importance and power in today’s life. Thanks to their fast information processing capabilities and outstanding performance, semiconductor chips have brought great growth to the technology industry. In addition, if you are interested in exploring advanced automation solutions and staying up-to-date with the latest electronics manufacturing trends, don’t miss the opportunity to attend NEPCON 2024 – the largest and only international exhibition of the year organized by RX Tradex. Register  here.