Semiconductors: The Groundwork of Electronic Devices?

When talking about material that embraces the art of conductivity, it is the semiconductor. Infact, the electric conductivity in these materials is due to the fact that flowing electrons whichare the magnitude between that of an insulator or the conductor. All of the devices that aremade from the semiconductor material are the foundation of modern electronic which includescomputers, radio, home appliances and all electronic devices. The Semiconductors, which arefound in the transistors and microprocessor chips has made a huge impact in our world today.

Know the Basics

Silicon is the material used as a semiconductor in the microprocessor transistor and chips. Haveyou heard about 'Silicon valley' or 'Silicon economy'? These two places were both derived fromthe world silicon, which are the heart of any electronic devices. Silicon is a very commonelement in sand and quartz. Scientifically speaking, if you look at silicon in the scientific way, forexample, in the periodic chart you will find silicon has aluminum on one side, on the top,Carbon and below it is the germanium. These 3 material Germanium, Silicon and Carbon have aunique property in their structure of electrons where each has 4 electrons in the outer orbit,and having electrical conductivity, which is greater compared to that of insulators but are lessthan good conductors, and are used especially as a base material for electronic devices andcomputer chips.

When it comes to a very good conductor of electricity, metals are the very reason on why theyusually have 'free electrons' that can easily move between electricity and atoms involve theflow of electrons. Silicon crystals, on the other hand, look metallic, but take note that it is notmetal. The silicons outer electrons are involved in perfect covalent bonds, so they don't movearound. Basically, the pure silicon is an insulator and little electricity that flows through it. Thisstructure of electrons can be changed is called a doping process. The process of doping meansadding impurities in a controlled manner to Silicon. The amount of dopant or impurity added toan intrinsic Semiconductor determines the conductivity level of the Semiconductors. Because ofthese properties, the Semiconductors is helpful in making electronic devices so that theirconductivity can be modified easily as required through doping.

Opportunity for Investors

According to the current statistics, the semiconductor industry has grown and is expected togrow to a greater extent in future. However, this figure is just an average estimation, if the salesgrowth of each company is analyzed, there will be a more commendable growth beingobserved. All in all, the performance of the semiconductor industry has remained exceptionallywell. The demand and supply for the stocks of this industry has proven or shown an upwardtrend, which is verified by the sectors industrial growth.

When it comes to the electronic devices, semiconductors are the groundwork because they arethe heart of the computer and the core of every electronic devices. So, dont overlook itsimportance!