Development of semiconductor technology took place in the early 20th century. Almost every electronic device around us today, from IT like computers and smartphones to almost all household appliances, is dependent on them for vitalization in daily living. This article will cover the entire evolution of semiconductors-from inception to adoption; find out the present state of semiconductors and what the future holds.
Early 1900s
In 1904, John Ambrose Fleming invented the “diode vacuum tube” using the phenomenon of the Edison effect. This innovation improved the efficiency of rectifying electrical flows and enabled the stable detection of radio waves. Subsequently, engineers developed other vacuum tubes, such as triodes, which amplified sound and revolutionized technology by advancing telephones, radios, early computers, and other devices. However, vacuum tubes had several limitations, including filaments that generated heat, which required dispersion. As a result, miniaturization in these tubes was quite awkward because of the space they required for cooling and the inherent size of the tube itself. The other disadvantages are high power consumption and a short service life of a few thousand hours.
Mid 1900s
Transistor is one of the most common forms of semiconductor devices. It has an amplifying functionality incorporated in all electronic devices. Such a device was put into practical use by Bardeen and Brattain in late 1947. Soon thereafter, in 1948, Shockley introduced improved version of the bipolar junction transistor. Thus, began marking the beginning of the gradual replacement of vacuum tubes with semiconductors. They are more compact than vacuum tubes, and in retrospect, these became the basis for new inventions and possibilities, such as portable radios. This further constituted one of the major advancements in the electronics world and significantly triggered development in computer technology. The effect of the transistor was widespread globally.
Growth of ICs
In 1958, both Kilby and Noyce independently invented the integrated circuit (IC), which combined several semiconductor components into one unit. An integrated circuit packages multiple transistors and other electronic components onto a single substrate of silicon. Thus allowing it to perform more complex functions. Transistors miniaturized electricity into many electronic devices, but the dimensions of wiring and a few other components such as capacitors continued to become a barrier. Integrated circuits could fit into the same space, thereby allowing smaller, powerful electronic equipment to be manufactured.
Modern day Semiconductors
Since their invention, engineers and manufacturers have used semiconductors in a wide range of electronic devices. As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to expand, connecting everyday objects to the internet, their applications are expected to grow even further. Semiconductors now power every device that uses electricity. They play a role in everything, including computers, smartphones, home appliances, and cars. Engineers have developed sophisticated integrated circuits with processing capabilities and widely adopted them for use in embedded computers, enabling a variety of devices to function effectively.
We have come a long way in evolution of semiconductors. The vast majority of research presently has been directed towards graphene, organic, quantum devices, microsystems and silicon integration issues with other types of materials.
