Why are Semiconductors the Future of Technology?
Semiconductors are the often-unsung heroes of the tech world. They’re the foundations of modern technology. They’re the behind-the-scenes stars that power and connect everything from smartphones to cars. But, because they often go unacknowledged, not many people know about them or just how important they are in our future. Not to worry! This blog is going to deep dive into everything semiconductors!
What are Semiconductors?
In a nutshell, semiconductors are materials that help us control and manipulate the flow of electricity, making them essential for the electronic devices we use in our daily lives, like smartphones and laptops. They’re also in routers, switches, and communication infrastructures that form the backbone of the internet, allowing global connectivity.
The Post-Pandemic Demand
Since the pandemic, there’s been a shortage of semiconductors. The explosion in demand was caused unexpectedly by the Covid-19 pandemic. The demand led to a supply shock, triggering a global shortage. The pandemic meant that people needed access to laptops, tablets and webcams to help them do their jobs and keep them entertained. But as this demand increased, the chip factories closed due to legislation around Covid-19. At times, consumers have struggled to buy the devices they want, though manufacturers have so far been able to catch up with demand. But just 2 years ago we saw the likes of Ford limit its production at multiple factories because of the semiconductor shortage.
The Need for New Materials
As I’m writing this, news is spreading around China's initiation of export restrictions on two pivotal materials crucial for the semiconductor industry. These are gallium and germanium. The ongoing back-and-forth between the US and China, has sparked worries about the emergence of ‘resource nationalism’. But because we rely on semiconductors for so many things every single day, this could potentially cause another shortage.
Anticipating this scenario, we can expect to see the emergence and use of alternatives to these sources, alongside efforts to recycle them and pinpoint more easily accessible substitutes. New materials, such as graphene and carbon nanotubes, are being developed that could offer significant performance improvements over traditional semiconductor materials.
Advancing Manufacturing Processes
The manufacturing processes of semiconductors have come a long way since Robert Noyce invented the first integrated circuit in 1959. New processes, such as 3D printing, are being developed that could make it cheaper and faster to produce semiconductors. 3D printing lets you make really specific and unique electronic gadgets on a small scale, and you can put them right on the circuit board in a way that's different from how things are usually done.
How Semiconductors Are Changing Sustainability and Healthcare
Semiconductors play a key role in a wide range of applications, with advancements leading to amazing new possibilities – especially in sustainability initiatives and healthcare.
Their significance covers sustainability efforts, as shown by their integration into renewable energy infrastructure like wind turbines and solar farms. The high-power semiconductors used in these sustainability devices serve as crucial elements, allowing efficient power management and grid connectivity for renewable sources. Semiconductors are helping to boost the use of renewable energy sources, which is great for tackling environmental issues and pushing us closer to a greener and more sustainable energy future.
The influence of semiconductors even extends to healthcare, where they are essential to numerous medical devices and even implantable technologies like pacemakers and insulin pumps. The Metal Oxide Semiconductors found within pacemakers are particularly noteworthy because of their cooperative relationship between two distinct semiconductor materials that are constructed from the metal oxide in contrast to the more prevalent silicon composition. Semiconductors are also changing the lives of people with disabilities with their insulin pumps. These pumps rely on polymer semiconductors, often comprised of polyethene, polypropylene, or polyvinylchloride. It's safe to say that semiconductors are leading the way with advancements in health care which can only be a good thing!
The Future of AI Relies on Semiconductors
The semiconductor industry holds so much potential - especially when it comes to AI. One key player in this field is the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), which leads in creating advanced AI chips. These chips are the foundation of contemporary artificial intelligence, playing an essential role in powering technologies such as AlphaGo and ChatGPT. The future of AI relies on TSMC's innovative production of these semiconductors. And good news for the AI world, TSMC have just announced that they’re building a chip-making facility in eastern Germany expected to be worth €10 billion. With all these investments and increased demand, the future of semiconductors is looking pretty exciting!
What do you think the future of semiconductors holds? Do you have any unique viewpoints you'd like to share with the world? Then, get in touch!
