TRYEngineering 2024 - 4

What is a
Semiconductor?
Let's review from the video, what exactly a semiconductor is. Well, first, what is
a conductor? A conductor is a material that effectively conducts electricity, such
as metal. There are also insulators - materials that can't conduct electricity, like
rubber. A semiconductor is a unique material that can be made to do both!
Sometimes it conducts, sometimes it doesn't. It can be used in things like
computers and phones to make tiny switches called transistors.
Silicon is the most common semiconductor. It's like the superhero of
electronics! By adding different atoms to silicon, we can change its behavior.
We create two types of semiconductors: n-type (which has extra electrons) and
p-type (which has " holes " where electrons can move around). We also use
other semiconductor materials like germanium and compounds like gallium
arsenide. They are just right for creating electronic magic!
Why are
Semiconductors
Important?
Semiconductors are the building blocks of modern electronics! Think of
transistors (tiny switches) that control everything in your computer, phone,
and other gadgets. Without semiconductors, we wouldn't have these amazing
devices. So, remember: Semiconductors are like the " Goldilocks " of materials-
they're not too conductive, not too insulating, but just right for powering
our tech!
Semiconductors are in almost everything now: computers, smartphones, cars,
household appliances, gaming systems, and medical equipment. As a result,
semiconductors are incredibly important for today's economy, as they drive
innovation and productivity in many industries.
tryengineering.org/semiconductors // semiconductors.ieee.org/

https://tryengineering.org/?page_id=29657&preview=true https://semiconductors.ieee.org/

TRYEngineering 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of TRYEngineering 2024