Modern technology has taken some remarkable leaps and bounds in the last few decades, and semiconductors are proving to be the backbone of much of that change. They are responsible for powering everything from smartphones and laptops to medical devices and renewable energy systems, and with their unique ability to control electrical conductivity, they have revolutionised multiple industries. It is no understatement to say that semiconductors have played a significant role in shaping how we live, work and communicate, so we thought it was time we explored what semiconductors do as part of the developments in modern technology.
What are semiconductors?
A semiconductor is a material with an electrical conductivity that falls somewhere between the role of a conductor like copper and an insulator like glass. The benefit of this intermediate conductivity is that it can be precisely manipulated through a process called doping, which involves adding small amounts of impurities to the material.
Some of the most common semiconductor materials include silicon, germanium and gallium arsenide, however, silicon tends to be the most widely used thanks to its abundance and versatility.
Semiconductors have a range of unique properties that enable the creation of electrical components such as transistors, diodes and integrated circuits, which then form the foundation of almost all the electronic devices that are made today.
How do semiconductors work?
All semiconductors have a bandgap, which is the energy range where no electron states can exist. It is this bandgap which can be engineered to control how electrons move through a material under different conditions. The application of an external voltage or light means that semiconductors can switch between conducting and insulating states, which makes them ideal for creating devices that can manage and process electrical signals.
The applications of semiconductors across a range of industries
Semiconductors play a pivotal role in a wide range of different industries. They are most closely associated with consumer electronics like smartphones, tablets and laptops. The microprocessors that are at the heart of these devices are composed of billions of transistors. These are reliant on semiconductors to perform calculations and execute tasks, and without them, most modern gadgets simply would not exist.
The medical field also has a lot to thank semiconductors for. They have enabled the use of advanced diagnostic equipment like MRI machines, CT scanners and wearable health monitors. As the sensors within this equipment are powered by semiconductors, they can collect and process data in real-time to help doctors and other medical professionals make informed decisions and therefore improve patient care.
Semiconductors have become more important in the automotive industry thanks to the rise of electric vehicles and autonomous driving. Chips are responsible for controlling almost everything from battery management systems to collision detection and infotainment systems to help ensure safety and efficiency in every vehicle.
Many people do not realise the role that semiconductors play in renewable energy. This is because photovoltaic cells, which are capable of converting sunlight into electricity, are made from semiconductor materials like silicon and then feature in the solar panels we see on so many roofs across the world. Semiconductor-based inverters are also essential for managing and converting that energy into renewable systems.
The growth of 5G networks and the Internet of Things has depended heavily on the use of semiconductors as they can enable faster data transmission, efficient network operation and the miniaturisation of devices.
Semiconductors are also responsible for helping to drive automation technologies from robotics to smart manufacturing systems. They have been able to enhance productivity and reduce human error in many different industrial settings.
The future of semiconductors
As semiconductors have played such a crucial role in many different industries, it seems likely that they are here to stay. Looking ahead, they are set to help shape more of our emerging trends in the future.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning a sectors which is growing massively and require advanced chips to drive that innovation further. Semiconductors are likely to be at the heart of this as AI applications start to feature more heavily in healthcare, finance and autonomous systems.
Quantum semiconductors also promised to revolutionise the issue of problem-solving in fields like cryptography and materials science, whilst thin, flexible semiconductors will enable the creation of more wearable tech and foldable displays.
Semiconductors are proving to be the invisible force that is powering much of the modern technology we now take for granted. They have enabled progress across a wide variety of industries and are responsible for improving the quality of life of many people across the world. From consumer electronics to renewable energy, these semiconductors have been indispensable, and their role is only likely to solidify as innovation continues to accelerate.
