– Semiconductors –
Literally, semiconductors are a type of material whose conductivity is between that of conductors and insulators. In a narrow sense, they include the first-generation semiconductor materials made of elements like silicon and germanium, as well as the second to fourth generation semiconductor materials made of compounds like gallium arsenide, gallium nitride, silicon carbide, and gallium oxide (among these semiconductor materials, silicon wafers account for the largest proportion, about 30%). Broadly, semiconductors encompass all types of devices manufactured based on these materials.
In semiconductor equipment, the most commonly heard is the photolithography machine, and there are others such as silicon wafer furnaces, etching equipment, thin film deposition equipment, thermal processing equipment, coating and developing machines, ion implantation equipment, etc. Among them, the photolithography machine, which has the highest barriers, is monopolized by the Dutch company ASML. Photolithography determines the key dimensions of the chip and accounts for 35% of the overall manufacturing cost in the entire chip manufacturing process. So far, only ASML in the Netherlands can manufacture the world’s top 5nm photolithography machines.
Semiconductors mainly consist of four components: integrated circuits, optoelectronic devices, discrete devices, and sensors. Since integrated circuits account for more than 80% of the devices, semiconductors and integrated circuits are usually considered equivalent.
– Integrated Circuits –
The English name for integrated circuits is: Integrated Circuit, abbreviated as: IC, which is a circuit or system that integrates and packages active devices such as transistors and diodes, as well as passive components like resistors and capacitors onto a semiconductor chip through a series of specific processing techniques. This technological advancement allows for the integration of large and complex circuits onto a tiny chip to perform specific functions. Among these, semiconductors are merely the raw materials for making ICs.
When we often talk about “IC design” positions, it refers to the entire process from the logical design of a chip to the wafer design. IC design belongs to the earlier stages of the IC production process, including logical design, circuit design, and layout. After designing the IC, it is handed over to the wafer factory for manufacturing. In IC design, the development time and cost can be shortened by purchasing IP licensing.
– Chips –
Chips usually refer to integrated circuit chips. In simple terms, it involves transferring the designed circuit diagram onto a semiconductor (Semiconductor), creating a wafer, and through a series of processes, forming an integrated circuit on the wafer’s surface, which is then cut into individual dies (Die). Finally, these dies are protected by casing, forming the final chip. It is a tangible product obtained by designing, manufacturing, and packaging integrated circuits using semiconductors as raw materials. A chip goes through four essential stages from inception to completion: chip design, chip manufacturing (wafer processing), chip packaging, and chip testing, where chip packaging and testing can be collectively referred to as “chip packaging and testing”. Packaging and testing serve to place, fix, seal, protect the chip, and enhance its thermal performance. China has already taken the lead in the world in chip packaging and testing technology, providing a solid foundation for our vigorous development of chips.
Therefore, in most cases, the terms chip, integrated circuit, IC, etc. can actually be used interchangeably. And semiconductor products include integrated circuits.
I wonder if everyone now has some understanding of the four terms: semiconductors, integrated circuits, ICs, and chips. If you have any questions, feel free to interact with me in the comments section~
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