Introduction:
The semiconductor industry has revolutionized modern technology, shaping nearly every aspect of our lives. From computers and smartphones to medical equipment and consumer goods, semiconductors power our world. Despite its crucial role, many are unaware of the rich history and staggering growth of this sector. In this blog post, we’ll explore 10 interesting and lesser-known facts about the semiconductor industry.
Fact #1: 250-year-old Journey
The roots of the semiconductor industry trace back to the 18th century. Alessandro Volta, an Italian physicist, first used the term “semiconductor” in 1782. Over the years, pioneers like Thomas Johann Seebeck and Karl Braun contributed to advancements in semiconductors. It wasn’t until 1947 that the first modern transistor was invented, leading to the microchip by Jack Kilby in 1958.
Read more: Who invented memory..Intel or Toshiba?
Fact #2: Trillion chips shipped @2021
The semiconductor industry’s scale is astounding. In 2021, a staggering 1.15 trillion chips were shipped globally due to the soaring demand caused by supply chain issues and the pandemic.
Asia dominates production, with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Limited (TSMC) holding 54% of the global market share.
Fact #3: 50 billion chips sold
The demand for microchips continues to grow rapidly. In 2021, worldwide sales reached an impressive 50.85 billion chips.
As of January 2023, global semiconductor sales are at 41.33 billion.
Fact #4: 1000B $ industry by 2030
The semiconductor industry’s worth reached $574.1 billion by the end of 2022 and is projected to achieve a CAGR of 12.2% between 2022 and 2029, reaching $1,380.79 billion by 2030.
Fact #5: China buys more Semiconductor than oil
China is the world’s largest importer of semiconductors, with the United States close behind. China’s substantial spending on semiconductors exceeds its expenses on oil imports.
Fact #6: Only Two Types & Four Uses
of semiconductors
Surprisingly, the diverse array of semiconductors boils down to two main types: P-type and N-type, categorized based on the elements they contain.
These semiconductors serve as memory chips, microprocessors, standard chips, and complex system-on-a-chip (SoC) devices.
Fact #7: Miniature Marvels
Semiconductor microchips are incredibly small, typically measured in nanometers. IBM’s recent announcement about a two-nanometer-sized microchip with 50 billion transistors showcases the industry’s potential.
Fact #8: Chips lasts longer than man
Microchips in consumer products usually have a lifespan of two to five years, but chips can last for more than 50 years, especially in critical applications like electric vehicles and medical devices.
Fact #9: 4 months for 1 chip
Creating a single semiconductor microchip wafer is a lengthy process, taking around 11 to 16 weeks and involving approximately 500 steps. With advances in technology, future microchips may have ten times the number of transistors by 2030.
Fact #10: Next war is on Semiconductor Dominance
The world’s semiconductor shortage during the pandemic highlighted the need for self-sufficiency. Countries like China, the United States, the EU, South Korea, Japan, and India are investing heavily to secure their positions as leaders in the semiconductor industry.
Conclusion:
The semiconductor industry has come a long way since its inception, impacting every facet of modern life. With a bright future ahead, continued innovation and global competition will drive this industry to new heights. Embracing the fascinating world of semiconductors allows us to appreciate the remarkable technologies shaping our world today and in the years to come.
