Semiconductors are the foundation of advanced technologies, enabling data processing, signal control, and complex calculations. From consumer electronics, artificial intelligence (AI) systems, to industrial and scientific applications, semiconductors are a key enabler of innovation.

Semiconductors not only make devices more efficient, but also open up new development opportunities for new areas such as the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, autonomous vehicles, and virtual reality (VR/AR). The recent global chip shortage has also shown their vital role in the modern supply chain and economy.

Let's take a deeper look at semiconductor technology and the groundbreaking applications it brings.

What is a semiconductor chip?

What is a semiconductor chip?
Semiconductor chips, also known as semiconductor chips, are advanced technological products designed by integrating hundreds or even billions of small electronic components on a semiconductor wafer, usually made of silicon. The chip contains components such as transistors, diodes, capacitors, resistors, and many other components, all connected to perform specific functions.

With their compact size and high integration capabilities, semiconductor chips have become core components in modern electronic devices, from microprocessors, memory, to low-power consumption applications.

What is a semiconductor?

Semiconductors are special materials with the ability to conduct electricity between metals (good conductors) and insulators such as ceramics. Common semiconductors such as silicon and germanium are often used in crystalline form.

The highlight of semiconductors is the ability to regulate current. When exposed to light, heat, or an electric field, electrons and holes in semiconductors move, creating an electric current. This makes them the basis for devices such as transistors, LEDs, microchips, and many other technological products.

By combining two types of semiconductors (n-type and p-type), structures such as p-n junctions or transistors can be created, which increases the efficiency and versatility of electronic devices.

Structure of semiconductor chips

Semiconductor chips are made up of many layers of semiconductors stacked on top of each other, containing components such as:

• Transistor: An electronic switch or current amplifier. Transistors are usually made of silicon or germanium, consisting of three layers: emitter (response), base (control), and collector (collect). Common types of transistors include bipolar junction transistors (BJT), field-of-effect transistors (FET), and MOSFET transistors.
• Diode: Allows current to flow in only one direction. Diodes have two terminals: anode (positive) and cathode (negative), used in rectifying current, determining the direction of current, and inverter circuits.
• Capacitor: Stores energy in an electric field between two conductive plates, separated by an insulator. Capacitors are used to store energy, filter signals, or stabilize voltage in circuits.
• Resistor: Limits the current passing through by creating resistance, measured in ohms (Ω). Resistors have the role of regulating current, dividing voltage, and protecting circuits from overload.

The Importance of Semiconductors

Semiconductors are not only the control center of electronic devices, but also play a key role in driving innovation. Their fast processing power, low power consumption, and compact size make them the foundation of modern technology, from smart grids (IoT) to artificial intelligence and virtual reality.

With an important role in the global supply chain, semiconductor chips have been shaping modern life, becoming an indispensable factor in the development of technology and the world economy. Semiconductors are the foundation of every modern technological device, taking on many important functions:

Information processing

With billions of compact transistors, semiconductor chips are capable of performing complex calculations at extremely fast speeds. This is the "heart" of computers, smartphones, and many other electronic devices.

Data Storage

Semiconductor chips in flash memory and RAM help store and retrieve data quickly, providing superior performance for devices.

Communication and Connectivity

Semiconductor chips control connection ports such as USB, HDMI, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, allowing devices to connect to the network and communicate with each other easily.

Applications in Automation

They play an important role in automatic control systems, industrial machinery, and medical equipment, improving performance, accuracy, and automation in production.

Enhancing the Mobile Experience

Semiconductor chips perform functions from image processing, sound, to network connection on mobile devices, providing a smarter and smoother user experience.

Semiconductor Chip Manufacturing Process

Semiconductor chip manufacturing is a complex process that requires precision and advanced technology. The main steps include:

Survey and design

Engineers review the initial design to optimize the structure and function of the chip.

Wafer fabrication

Silicon wafers are manufactured and polished to achieve a perfect surface, which serves as the foundation for the semiconductor layers.

Semiconductor coating

Semiconductor layers are applied to the wafer through a spray or thin-layer plating process.

Forming electronic components

Specialized tools are used to create circuits, transistors, diodes, and other components on the wafer.

Preparation and testing

Wafers are prepared to form complete circuits. Rigorous testing is performed to ensure the components function properly.

Cutting and Packaging

The wafer is cut into individual chips, then carefully packaged to protect the chips from dirt and environmental conditions.

Equipment needed to produce semiconductor chips

The semiconductor chip manufacturing process requires the use of high-tech equipment, including:

Planer equipment

Creates thin and uniform layers on the wafer, facilitating the creation of paths and connections.

Photography equipment

Takes pictures of layers on the wafer, helping to check details and determine the accuracy of the product sample.

Lighting equipment

Used to convert electrical signals into light, supporting the creation of layers and connections on the wafer.

Etching and coating equipment

Applies material layers to the wafer and etches paths to create connections in the chip.

Measurement equipment

Measures the properties of layers and connections on the wafer, and checks the quality of the product before completion.

Analysis equipment

Used to analyze the composition and properties of materials, ensuring they meet the highest standards in manufacturing.

Semiconductors are not only important technological products but also play a decisive role in shaping the future of industries such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and automation. With sophisticated manufacturing processes and the support of modern equipment, semiconductors continue to be the foundation for global technological development.

Applications and Classification of Semiconductor Chips

Semiconductor chips are indispensable components in modern electronic devices, widely used in many fields. Below are the common types of chips and their roles:

1. Processor Chips

Processors are designed to perform calculations and process data, appearing in most electronic devices such as computers, mobile phones, game consoles, and smart TVs. This is the "brain" of the device, determining its performance and efficiency.

2. Graphics Chips

Specializing in graphics processing, this type of chip is widely used in computers, phones, game consoles, and display devices. They enhance image reproduction, helping to display content with sharp and vivid quality.

3. Network Semiconductor Chips

Network chips are used in connection devices such as routers, servers, and telecommunications equipment. Their main task is to manage and control data transmission over the network, ensuring fast and stable connections.

4. Memory Chips

Memory chips are responsible for storing data in electronic devices. Common types include:

• RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary memory, supporting faster processing speed.
• ROM (Read Only Memory): Read-only memory, storing fixed data.
• Flash Memory: Flexible memory, commonly found in USB drives and memory cards.
• EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory): Can be programmed and erased electrically.

5. Sensor Chips

Sensor semiconductor chips are used to measure physical parameters and automatic control. Common types include:

• Light sensor
• Position sensor
• Temperature sensor
• Acceleration sensor
• Proximity sensor

6. Control chip

This type of chip is often found in automatic systems such as air conditioners, security monitoring devices and other measuring devices. They help optimize operation and automate processes.

Some famous semiconductor chip manufacturers in the world

1. Intel

Intel is a leading representative in the semiconductor chip manufacturing industry, famous for its powerful microprocessors, meeting the needs of personal computers and industrial equipment.

2. AMD

As a direct competitor to Intel, AMD provides high-performance processing chips, providing diversity and suitable choices for users.

3. NVIDIA

NVIDIA is a leader in graphics chips, providing graphics solutions for mobile, PC, and gaming consoles, enhancing visual experience and graphics performance.

4. Qualcomm

Specializing in mobile chips, Qualcomm provides wireless connectivity and mobile network solutions, playing an important role in optimizing the user experience on smartphones and tablets.

5. Samsung

Not only manufacturing electronic devices, Samsung also provides a wide range of semiconductor chips, from processing chips, graphics chips to memory chips, affirming its global position in this field.

6. TSMC

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company is a leading independent chip manufacturing company in the world, providing manufacturing services for many major brands, contributing to the diverse development of the chip industry.

7. Apple

Apple produces its own special chips such as the A-series chips, integrated in the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. Internal chip development helps Apple achieve high performance and perfect compatibility with its ecosystem.

Conclusion

Semiconductor chips are the foundation of modern technological devices, from information processing to data management and automation. With the continuous development of technology, chips are increasingly improved to meet the increasing demands of the market. Hopefully, this article has helped you better understand the role, classification and famous semiconductor chip manufacturers in the world.

Reference:

• Top semiconductor chip factories

• Semiconductor chip product storage warehouse model