Semiconductors – The Heart of Modern Electronics
Semiconductors – The Heart of Modern Electronics Semiconductors are materials that have electrical conductivity between that of conductors (like metals) and insulators (like rubber). This unique property allows them to control the flow of electricity, making them crucial in nearly every electronic device we use today — from smartphones to computers and even solar panels. What Makes Semiconductors Special? Intermediate Conductivity: Unlike conductors that allow electricity to flow freely or insulators that block it entirely, semiconductors can be controlled to either conduct or resist electric current. This controllability is what makes them so valuable in electronics. Doping – Tuning Electrical Properties: The electrical behavior of a semiconductor can be altered by adding small amounts of impurities in a process called doping. N-type Semiconductors have extra electrons. P-type Semiconductors have “holes” or missing electrons. This modification allows for the creation of diodes, t...