Last Updated on October 22, 2023 by Kevin Chen
Image source freepik
Semiconductors move the world. You can’t imagine a world without them. We will not have even the basic electronics such as calculators. Let alone digital electronic such as computers, smartphones and other home appliances. Factories, transport tools, medical tools, defense equipment and many others heavily depend on the semiconductor chips.
What are the building blocks of the semiconductor? These chips depend on the individual electronic components. When brought together, they end up forming the semiconductor parts.
In this guide, we are going to do a comprehensive breakdown of all you should know about the semiconductor parts.
You will find the information in this guide valid, whether you are a beginner into the field of electronics or you are working on an electronics project. Also, if you are planning to import the semiconductor parts in China, it will be vital to know everything about these components.
Overview of semiconductor parts
In the past 50 years, we have witnessed a gradual development of the semiconductor chips. They have had an instant impact in the world of electronics that are used in different applications.
The development of the semiconductor industry has been motivated by the invention and innovations in the chip parts. Different electronic components have also undergone individual evolution to be what we have today.
The creation of the semiconductor chips starts from the creation of the idea, design and finally to the implementation of the idea whereby the chip parts are fabricated on the semiconductor wafer.
During the manufacturing process of the semiconductor chips, common electronic components such as resistors, transistors, and diodes are formed on the surface of the crystal wafer. A thin layer of film is used to form the wiring that will connect all the chip parts so that they end up performing their respective functions.
Common semiconductor parts you should know
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Now let’s discuss the most common semiconductor parts and what they do:
Transistors
A typical semiconductor chip comprises of many transistors They play various roles in executing the functionality of the chip. One of the roles is signal amplification. Transistors are designed to amplify the incoming signals in the chip to a higher amplitude and frequency. This makes it easy for the electronic signals to be relayed from one end of the chip to the target components.
In semiconductor chips, transistors also serve as switches. They control the flow of the electric current or signals in the switch. For instance, they can prevent the current from flowing through specific components of the semiconductor chip.
There are different types of transistors used on semiconductor chips. They include field effect transistors (FET) and Bijunction transistors (BJTs). Also, the transistors used come in different sizes and specifications depending on the needs of applications.
Capacitors
Capacitors are simply energy storage components of the semiconductor chips. They are designed to store the electric charges and will release them when needed. They are also used for filtering electric charges on the semiconductor chips.
The design and make of most capacitors comprises of two plates and a dielectric material. They are also designed to eliminate any possibilities of energy leakage.
There are two main types of capacitors, ceramic and electrolytic. They have different characteristics.
Also, when buying capacitors, you should verify the capacitance, which is basically the energy storage capacity.
Diodes
Diodes are also important components of the semiconductor chips. They mainly play the role of current regulators on the integrated circuits. They determine and direct the flow of electric current. For example, if you want current in a circuit to flow to a particular direction alone and not the other, you will have to deploy diodes in the circuit.
The operation of the diode will majorly depend on the biasing. You can forward bias it or reverse-bias.
When buying diodes for the semiconductor chips, you should pay attention to its power rating which comprises of voltage and current ratings. Switching speed is another key parameter of diodes that you should know.
Resistors
Usually, electric current is allowed to flow through the semiconductor chips. However, the power in the current should be regulated. This is where the importance of resistors comes in. They are designed to offer resistance to the flow of current through circuit.
Resistors are manufactured with defined resistance values which is calibrated in ohms. Other than that, you should check out the operating temperature and power capacity of the resistor.
Inductors
Like capacitors, inductors also have the energy storage properties. Their working mechanism allows them to store significant amount of electric energy in the form of magnetic energy.
In most semiconductor chips, inductors are used for filtering functions. By filter out excess current they ensure that there is no fluctuation in the flow of signals.
Inductors come in different types and each type has unique electrical properties. You should check its specifications such as current rating and construction before deciding whether it is suitable for your microchip application.
Interconnects
The primary function of interconnects in semiconductors is to connect different components or elements. For example , an interconnect will provide a pathway between the transistors and the capacitors. The same applies to other critical components in the circuits.
We can also say that interconnects give the chips electrical continuity so that all the semiconductor can function and operate as a unit.
Interconnects should be made of good conductors to allow sooth flow of the electric current. This implies that when buying this material to use on a chip, you should verify its conductivity.Copper is the most ideal material for the interconnects.
Know the functionality of the semiconductor parts
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We have just outlined different electronic components that will end up becoming parts of the semiconductor chips.
Each component has a specific function that it will play in an integrated circuit
For example, the main function of a capacitor will be to store the energy needed to run the device. Transistors are used as switches and as well as amplifiers.
Once you know the functionality of each component, it will be easy to tell which semiconductor part is needed and for what purpose. You will also be able to know the exact spot at which you will install the component.
Can the semiconductor parts be replaced?
In as much as the electronic components are designed to be reliable, they may not last forever. There will come a time when you will have to replace them.
Heat is one of the factors that that can cause semiconductor parts damage. Poor heat management in the chip and the device as a whole can lead to overheating. Sensitive components of the chip will end up melting due to excess heat. Also, the fact that most components have maximum and minimum temperature rating means that overheating is likely to cause damage.
Physical damage is another factor that can damage the semiconductor parts. This can happen mainly because of poor handling of the semiconductor chip. For example, when you install the chip incorrectly to the device, some components may end up breaking or just getting damaged.
Damaged semiconductor parts will affect the functioning of the chips in different ways. In most cases, the whole chip will stop functioning given that the components are connected. In some cases, the performance of the semiconductor chip will deep.
Regardless of the impact, it is difficult to repair damaged semiconductor parts. One of the reasons is the small nature of the chips and its components. You will even have hard time to locate the exact damaged part. Secondly, it requires special tools and high levels of expertise to repair damaged semiconductor parts. The safest option is to buy new semiconductor parts or even a complete semiconductor chip.
Semiconductor parts specifications
Just like for the functionality, semiconductor parts come in different specifications. The specs are mainly used for defining the performance and suitability of the semiconductor parts in relations to the electrical performance.
One specification is the power requirement. Some parts are rate high-voltage while others are for low voltage.
If we are dealing with resistors, you will look at the resistance rating of the component. For the capacitor, attention will be on the capacitance.
The technical specifications of the semiconductor parts will depend on the application devices of the semiconductor chips. For example, if the chips will be used used for high voltage applications, the specifications for the parts should also be of high specs.
Physical dimensions of the parts will also determine whether they are compatible and suitable for the applications. These included design of the component, length, width and weight.
The cost of the semiconductor parts
She it comes to buy chip parts, or any other electronic components, the cost factor will always be prominent.
The price of these parts will play a big role in determining the cost of the final semiconductor chip and even the overall cost of the project.
There is no constant price of the semiconductor components.
The first determinant is on the component that you would like to incorporate to the semiconductor wafer. To bring things to clarity, the price of the resistors will be different from that of transistors, diodes or capacitors.
The second key determinant of the price is the quality of the semiconductor parts. In as much as all the components may look good or perfect, their quality will always vary. Some are manufactured using higher quality materials and components than others. It will require special skills and techniques to separate a good quality chip component from an average quality component.
Another key factor that will determine the price of the chip pats is technical specifications. These include voltage, resistance, capacitors dimensions, operation range among others. High-spec semiconductor chips will always attract higher price tags than the low-spec electronic components.
What about the source of the semiconductor parts? Where you buy the components will definitely have an impact on the price that you will pay. Some semiconductor parts suppliers and manufacturers are more affordable than others. You have a task of vetting each supplier that you come across before you decide whether they fit within your price range or not.
We cannot ignore the fact that how you buy will have an impact on the price. Buying semiconductor parts in bulk will help you get the best prices.
Regulations and standards
Like most electronic products, semiconductor parts are also standardized and regulated by various bodies. Before buying one, you need to ensure that it meets all the regulations by various organizations.
Quality and safety standards are designed to ensure that the parts are safe for use in electronic applications. Check out the documentation of the product if it has quality marks of satisfaction.
There are also environmental requirements that manufacturers of the semiconductor parts have to meet before they supply their products to the market. Additionally, there are energy regulatory bodies that also monitor and regulate the production of the semiconductor components.
Read the datasheet and documentation on semiconductor parts
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Before you make the final decision on buying semiconductor parts, you need to take time and read the product documentation and datasheet. They provide some form of technical support that you will need when it comes to implementing the component on the semiconductor chip.
Technical documentation will have all the technical data about the parts. It will also have full instructions on how to handle and install the components onto the semiconductor chip.
Conclusion
Now you now the basics of the semiconductor parts. With this information, it will be possible to undertake electronic projects, especially if they entail creation of a fully functional semiconductor chips.
Also, we have clearly outline the functions of each electronic component in the semiconductor chip and the role that it plays. So, before you buy that part, you will already have an idea of what it will do.
And if you are planning to buy semiconductor parts in China, this guide will still come in handy. You will get some surefire tips that will be relevant when it comes to choosing the right suppliers and manufacturers.
If you want to find more Electronic Components Distributors, please check out the following articles:
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Electronic Components Distributors In India
Electronic Components Distributors In Singapore
Electronic Components Distributors In Malaysia
Electronic Components Distributors In Vietnam
Electronic Components Distributors In South Korea
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