Overview of semiconductor

Semiconductors are materials with electrical properties that fall between a conductor and an insulator. By
adding impurities, the semiconductor’s conductivity can be modified. We can create electron-rich areas
and electron-deficient areas. By modifying the electric fields, we can cause currents to flow.

Semiconductors allowed the miniaturization of electrical components. Electronic devices became

affordable to ordinary people. Semiconductors made technology available to the masses.

Without semiconductors we could not afford electronic gadgets. No cell phones, no PCs, no big screen
TVs. No GPS, no drones, no printers. No Wi-Fi, no digital photos, no texting, no email, no YouTube, no
Facebook. Semiconductors also get credit for bridging some of the socio-economic gaps in prior
generations.

Billionaires and the homeless have cell phones; sometimes the same model. The upper class uses the
same GPS satellites.

We can afford, with the right app, to call Albania or Scotland or Skype anywhere there is an Internet
Connection…for free. Almost all information is available, equally to all of us. Just Google it.

Commonly used semiconductor materials

Traditionally, manufacturers have used one of three common semiconductor materials: germanium,
silicon, and gallium arsenide. Discovered in 1886, germanium was the “original” semiconductor.
However, germanium fell from refinement after manufacturers realised silicon cost significantly less.
Silicon’s four valence electrons allow it to conduct electricity at high temperatures. On top of that, silicon
is the second-most abundant element on Earth—making it the most widely used semiconductor material.
Silicon also has strong mechanical properties in its crystalized form, silicon dioxide. When manufacturers
need to amplify high-frequency signals, they use a compound called gallium arsenide.

Recent advancements in semiconductor materials:

In recent decades, scientists have made great strides in progressing semiconductor innovation.
Researchers have consistently kept pace with Moore’s Law.

Top semiconductor leaders in the industry

According to the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), the United States owns 46 percent of the
market share for global sales of semiconductors. The following companies represent the top five
semiconductor industry leaders, in order of market share:

● Intel Corporation ($241.88 billion)

● Samsung Corporation ($221.6 billion)

● NVIDIA Corporation ($152.88 billion)

● Texas Instruments Incorporated ($113.83 billion)

 ● Broadcom Inc. ($108.13 billion)

Developments in semiconductor technology and its applications:

AI and IoT, in particular, have sparked a new wave of innovation in the semiconductor industry.
Manufacturers who can meet the needs of both AI and the IoT for semiconductor chips will likely rise to
the top in future markets.

In addition, the implementation of 5G networks coincides with growing demand for faster high-
performance computing devices. Semiconductor manufacturers have a vast opportunity to tap into this
new market—as long as innovation can keep up with consumer demand.

Semiconductor technologies have enabled researchers to develop everything from bomb detectors to
smart glasses.

Artificial intelligence’s growth and impact on the semiconductor sector

Because AI essentially allows computers to “think” and “learn,” semiconductor technology needs to adapt
for these unique considerations. Instead of prioritising speed and power, semiconductor manufacturers
must shift their focus to efficiency.
Already, researchers have created chips that mimic human synapses, firing only when needed instead of
constantly remaining “on.” In addition, nonvolatile memory technology allows data storage even when
turned off. Combining this with processing logic will allow chips to adapt to AI demands.
However, current AI chips are quite large and costly. To make AI products practical for everyday
consumers, more innovation must occur in this area.

AI industries impacted by semiconductor technology

Looking toward the future, AI will inevitably change the way our world works. As it stands, AI
researchers and developers already have begun to disrupt the following markets:

● Automotive
● Financial services
● Healthcare
● Media
● Retail
● Industrial
● Construction

Opportunities for semiconductor manufacturers in IoT technology

With the rise of smartphones, IoT naturally aligns with semiconductor innovation. Semiconductors and
IoT have already disrupted the following industries:
 ● Wearable technology
● Smart-home appliances
● Medical electronics
● Industrial automation
● Autonomous vehicles
● Traffic control

Semiconductor leaders should position themselves to take advantage of developments in AI, IoT, and 5G.
And researchers should focus on new ways to improve semiconductor technology inside—and outside—
of Moore’s Law.

Industries Rely Most on Semiconductors

● Computing

● Telecommunication

● Household Appliances

● Banking

● Security

● Healthcare

● Transportation

Semiconductors have paved the path to today’s achievements. And they will continue to do so into the
future.