If it’s asked which electronic component has revolutionized electronics, semiconductors will be top of the list. You might have heard the name before. However, in exploring the quest “what is a semiconductor”; you have landed the right place. WIN SOURCE is committed to providing quality electronic components and information on them. Our mission is to rise up as a leading online platform to buy genuine electronic components. So, whether you are an electro part buyer or explorer to learn about widely used small electronic elements, our website is a great place to surf. To make this information more than marketing-oriented, you can also learn interesting information on components nowadays used in our daily-use devices.
What is a Semiconductor?
A semiconductor is a small electronic component. It is made up of both conductive and nonconductive material, as its name depicts “Semi”, which means partial. However, a semiconductor is a partial component for conductivity. Conductive material allows electric current to pass, while non-conductive (insulator) material regulates the current flow. That is why we refer to it as a semiconductor.
Which Materials Are Used in Semiconductors?
As you have read, the semiconductor is a combination of metallic and non-metallic materials. When it comes to materials of semiconductors, germanium and silicon are used in their manufacturing. There are certain other material types used to produce the variants of semiconductors. Our online portal offers a wide array of semiconductors.
Commonly Materials Used To Manufacture Semiconductor
In our vast inventory of components, we also have many types of semiconductors on our website. The following chemical elements are being used to manufacture different categories of components.
Silicon (Si)
Due to its abundance, Silicon is the most widely used chemical material for semiconductor manufacturing. Semiconductor has excellent semiconductor properties and well-established fabrication processes. Silicon wafers are adopted as the substrate on which integrated circuits are embedded. Silicon’s electrical conductivity feature can be controlled by adding small amounts of other elements in a process called “doping.”
Dopants
These are impurity atoms deliberately introduced into the silicon crystal lattice to alter its electrical properties. Common dopants are mentioned below:
Phosphorus (P): A donor dopant that adds extra electrons, creating n-type (negative-type), is called a semiconductor.
Boron (B): An acceptor dopant that makes “holes” (absence of electrons). It results in p-type (positive-type) semiconductors.
Gallium Arsenide (GaAs)
Gallium arsenide is an alternative semiconductor material with properties different from silicon. It’s often used in high-frequency and high-speed applications due to its superior electron mobility. IGBT Arrays are the category that falls into Gallium Arsenide semi-conductor.
Commonly Used Base Materials of Semiconductors
● Indium Phosphide (InP)
● Gallium Nitride (GaN
● Silicon Carbide (SiC)
● Germanium (Ge)
● Copper (Cu)
● Various Oxides
Classification of Semiconductor
Semiconductors are generally classified into two main types—Intrinsic semiconductors & Extrinsic semiconductors. These two types are based on their electrical conductivity. The difference between an intrinsic semiconductor and extrinsic (doped) semiconductor is conductivity. Further, extrinsic semiconductors are further categorized into two types: n-type and p-type semiconductors.
Intrinsic Semiconductors
Main Features: Intrinsic semiconductors are pure semiconductor materials like silicon (Si) or germanium (Ge) without intentional doping. They have a balanced number of electrons and holes, making them poor conductors at room temperature.
Conductivity: At room temperature, intrinsic semiconductors have a moderate electrical conductivity compared to conductors (metals) and insulators.
Behavior: Their electrical behavior can be significantly influenced by temperature changes.
Extrinsic Semiconductors
Extrinsic semiconductors are created by intentionally introducing impurities (dopants) into intrinsic semiconductors to alter their electrical properties.
N-type Semiconductors
Features: n-type semiconductors are doped with donor atoms (e.g., phosphorus) that provide extra electrons. This results in an excess of electrons, increasing the material’s conductivity.
Conductivity: n-type semiconductors are good conductors of electricity due to the abundance of free electrons.
Behavior: These materials are negatively charged and are commonly used for creating electron-rich components in electronic devices.
P-type Semiconductors:
Features: p-type semiconductors are doped with acceptor atoms (e.g., boron) that create “holes” in the crystal lattice, which act as positive charge carriers.
Conductivity: p-type semiconductors conduct electricity through the movement of holes, but they have fewer available charge carriers than n-type materials.
Behavior: These materials are positively charged and are often used for creating hole-rich components in electronic devices.
Organic Semiconductors
Besides the above types, a particular type of semiconductor is also in the market. These are carbon-based materials used in organic electronics, like organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and organic solar cells. Bridge Rectifier ranks among the category. We here at WIN SOURCE provide vast series of semi-cons (semiconductors) like ON Semiconductor, a rare composite type.
Inorganic Semiconductor
An inorganic semiconductor is composited of materials made from specific elements. Of course, there are also semiconductors formed by combining multiple elements. The primary semiconductor properties possess elements from groups I and II to VII.
However, due to these elements’ distinct characteristics and fabrication techniques, not all compounds align with the prerequisites of semiconductor materials. These semiconductors, like Smart Technology Semiconductor, are predominantly employed in high-speed devices.
Applied Range of Semiconductors
ElectronicsSemiconductors are the foundation of modern electronics, used in integrated circuits (ICs), microprocessors, and memory devices.
TransistorsThey enable signal amplification and switching, which is crucial for digital logic and power regulation.
DiodesEssential for directing current flow in one direction, used in rectifiers and voltage regulators.
LEDsLight Emitting Diodes convert electrical energy into light, which is used in displays and lighting.
PhotovoltaicsSemiconductors in solar cells convert sunlight into electricity for renewable energy generation.
OptoelectronicsUsed in lasers, photodetectors, and optical communication systems for data transmission.
SensorsSemiconductor sensors detect temperature, pressure, light, and other environmental changes.
Power ElectronicsHigh-power semiconductors control and convert electrical energy in devices like power inverters and motor drives.
CommunicationSemiconductors are integral to wireless communication devices like smartphones and satellite systems.
AutomotiveThey enhance vehicle performance through engine control, safety systems, and entertainment.
MedicineThey are used in medical imaging, diagnostics, and treatment equipment like MRI and X-ray machines.
Where to Find the Best Quality Semiconductors?
We are a reliable name of electronic components provider online. Under the brand name of WIN SOURCE, we have established the brand worth of trusted electronic elements suppliers. Could you give us your quotation for your semiconductor or other circuit parts needs? We will provide the best quality electronic circuit inventories at competitive rates.
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