What exactly is a semiconductor?
At its core, a semiconductor is a material that occupies the middle ground between an insulator and a conductor in terms of its ability to conduct electricity. What makes semiconductors uniquely valuable is their variable conductivity; external elements can finely tune this property, enabling precise control over electronic functions. This flexibility has been a cornerstone for the electronic industry, particularly following a groundbreaking invention that reshaped technology: the transistor. Developed by John Bardeen, Walter Brattain, and William Shockley at Bell Labs in the USA, the transistor's creation marked a pivotal leap forward, setting the stage for the advanced electronic devices we rely on today. After the invention of the transistor in 1947, the world of electronics was forever changed. The transistor, a tiny switch that can amplify or change electrical signals, paved the way for smaller, more efficient, and more reliable devices than ever before. Prior to this, electronic devices relied on bulky and less efficient vacuum tubes. The transistor's advent marked the beginning of a new era in technology, leading to the rapid evolution of the semiconductor industry. One of the first major milestones in this journey was the development of the integrated circuit (IC) in the late 1950s, a device that combines multiple transistors into a single chip, drastically reducing the size and cost of electronic components. This innovation was crucial in the evolution of computers, which transitioned from room-sized machines to the compact forms we are familiar with today.
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As the demand for electronic devices grew, companies specializing in semiconductor technology began to emerge and thrive. Motorola, founded in 1928, was among the pioneers in the commercial application of transistors, initially using them in car radios before expanding into television sets and then into the burgeoning computer industry. Intel, established in 1968 by Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore, played a transformative role by introducing the microprocessor in 1971. The microprocessor, essentially a computer on a chip, became the heart of the digital age, powering everything from calculators and computers to smartphones and smart appliances. Other notable companies like Texas Instruments, Samsung, and Toshiba also made significant contributions to the semiconductor industry, each pushing the boundaries of what was possible with silicon, the material most commonly used in semiconductor manufacturing. Presently Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC), the world's leading semiconductor foundry, plays a pivotal role in the global semiconductor industry with its unparalleled industry dominance, supplying about 51% of the world’s chips. The company has clients like Apple, Intel, Qualcomm, AMD, and Nvidia. These companies have been instrumental in driving innovation, leading to the development of smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient devices. The semiconductor industry's evolution is a story of continuous innovation, marked by the relentless pursuit of miniaturization and efficiency. From the bulky vacuum tubes of the early 20th century to the sleek smartphones and computers of today, semiconductors have been at the heart of the digital revolution, transforming how we live, work, and communicate.
The impact of semiconductors extends well into consumer electronics, where they have revolutionized the way we interact with the world around us. Televisions, once bulky and limited in functionality, now offer crisp, vivid images in slim, energy-efficient designs thanks to the advancements in semiconductor technology. Mobile phones have transformed from simple communication devices into powerful smartphones capable of computing, entertainment, and photography, all in the palm of your hand. Even everyday items like watches have evolved into smartwatches, offering a suite of health monitoring and connectivity features, underscoring the versatility and ubiquity of semiconductor applications. Moreover, the realm of computing and the internet, which underpins our digital society, owes its exponential growth and evolution to semiconductors. From the central processing units (CPUs) in desktops and laptops to the chips powering servers in data centres, semiconductors enable the processing, storage, and transmission of vast amounts of data, driving innovation in fields ranging from artificial intelligence, machine learning and big data to cloud computing and beyond.
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India's contribution to the global semiconductor industry, while still evolving, showcases significant potential and strategic developments. A prime example of India's endeavour in semiconductor manufacturing and research is the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Chandigarh. The lab was approved by the cabinet of India in 1971. Established under the Department of Space, SCL is a key player in India's semiconductor landscape, specializing in the design and development of microelectronic devices. This facility not only marks India's foray into the highly specialized field of semiconductor fabrication but also supports the country's strategic sectors, including defence, space, and atomic energy, by providing indigenously developed microchips and components.
Why India is investing hugely in the Semiconductor Industry?
The recent announcement by the Indian government to set up three semiconductor units marks a significant milestone in India's ambitious journey towards becoming a self-reliant nation in semiconductor production. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to build a robust semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem within the country, aiming to reduce dependency on imports, ensure supply chain security, and position India as a key player in the global semiconductor industry.
Assam is poised for a transformative leap in the semiconductor industry with the Union Cabinet's approval for Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt Ltd (TSAT) to establish a ₹27,000 crore semiconductor unit in Morigaon district. A heartfelt thank you to Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, Govt. of India, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam and Govt. of Assam for spearheading this monumental initiative. This venture aims to cater to a diverse array of sectors including automotive, electric vehicles, consumer electronics, telecom, and mobile phones, boasting a production capacity of 48 million chips daily. Leveraging critical platform technologies such as Wire Bond, Flip Chip, and Integrated Systems Packaging (ISP), the facility is set to enhance applications across automotive, communications, and network infrastructure. Moreover, this project promises to bolster the local economy by generating over 27,000 direct and indirect jobs, marking a significant stride towards technological advancement and economic development in the region. The establishment of the new semiconductor unit in Assam opens up a plethora of job opportunities across various domains, with Electronics Engineering emerging as a particularly promising field for students considering a career in engineering. This development is not just a boon for the semiconductor industry but also serves as a beacon for aspiring electronics engineers. With the facility's focus on cutting-edge platform technologies such as Wire Bond, Flip Chip, and Integrated Systems Packaging (ISP), students with a background in Electronics Engineering will find themselves at the forefront of technological innovation, contributing to sectors ranging from automotive and electric vehicles to consumer electronics and telecom. This scenario highlights the critical role that specialized knowledge in Electronics Engineering will play in supporting the burgeoning semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem, making it an advantageous career choice for students looking to make a significant impact in the tech-driven future.
(The author is an Assistant Professor, at Assam Don Bosco University. All views and opinions expressed in the article are the author’s own)
