Introducing the types of semiconductor elements
A semiconductor element is an electronic component made from semiconductor material. Semiconductors are materials with properties intermediate between those of a conductor, which easily conducts electricity, and an insulator, which does not. Taking advantage of these properties, semiconductors are used for controlling, amplifying, and switching electric current and voltage.
This time, we will focus on the types of “structures” of semiconductor elements, which are classified in various ways according to materials, shapes, applications, etc., and explain the four main categories: discrete, integrated circuits (ICs), sensors, and optoelectronics.
Discrete
A discrete device is a semiconductor element that has a single function. It is specialized for a specific purpose and is composed of elements with individual functions, rather than having multiple circuits like an integrated circuit.
They are particularly useful where high reliability and cost efficiency are required, and are used in power conversion and control circuits, switching power supplies, etc. They are also essential for controlling the rectification and switching operations in power supply circuits.
The following semiconductor elements are primarily classified as discrete devices:
diode
A semiconductor element with a rectifying function that allows current to flow in only one direction. It is used in power supply circuits and power conversion equipment because it can convert AC current to DC current.
They also have a Zener function that stabilizes the voltage by conducting at a specific voltage when a voltage is applied in the reverse direction.
Thyristor
A thyristor is a four-layer semiconductor device that conducts electricity under certain conditions and can be controlled by a gate signal. It is used to control large currents and high voltages.
Like diodes, thyristors have a rectifying function and can be turned on and off with a small control signal, so they are widely used in industrial power control and motor control. They can also be used for switching functions, and by applying a short pulse to the gate, a thyristor can be turned on and a large current can flow.
Transistor
A transistor is a three-layer semiconductor element that can control current and voltage. It has the function of switching and amplifying current and voltage. It can control small currents and voltages and output larger currents and voltages.
The integrated circuits introduced below are semiconductor elements that incorporate MOSFETs, a type of transistor.
Integrated Circuits (ICs)
An integrated circuit is a semiconductor device that integrates multiple elements (transistors, resistors, capacitors, etc.) on a single chip. Integrated circuits have more functions than discrete devices.
Broadly speaking, there are analog ICs and digital ICs, each with their own characteristics as follows:
Analog ICs
Analog ICs that process continuous signals are primarily used in circuits that handle analog signals, such as amplification and filtering. If the input signal changes smoothly over time, an analog IC can process that change.
For example, an audio amplifier boosts an audio signal so that it can be played by a speaker.
Digital ICs
Digital ICs are integrated circuits that process digital signals. They have micro logic and memory, each with different functions and uses.
logic
Logic circuits are integrated circuits that perform logical operations. They perform basic digital processing and use logic gates (AND, OR, NOT, etc.) to perform operations such as comparing, adding, subtracting, and shifting data.
Micro
Micro refers to microprocessors and microcontrollers.
A microprocessor is an integrated circuit that functions as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and performs calculations and data processing in computers and electronic devices. A microcontroller is a device that integrates a CPU, memory, input/output ports, timers, etc. on a single chip.
This integration allows for the creation of compact and efficient systems that can directly control external devices.
Memory
Memory is an integrated circuit that stores and records data. It can hold programs and data temporarily or permanently and can read and write data when needed.
Sensors
A sensor is a semiconductor device that converts physical quantities into electrical signals. It detects various physical and environmental factors such as temperature, pressure, light, and acceleration, and converts that information into electrical signals for processing.
For example, there are temperature sensors that detect temperature, pressure sensors that detect pressure, and acceleration sensors that detect movement and vibration.
Optoelectronics
Optoelectronics is a combination of optics and electronics, and is a field of technology that utilizes the interaction of light and electricity.
Devices include elements that convert light energy into electrical signals and vice versa. Major devices include light-emitting devices, light-receiving devices, and optical communication devices. A typical example is the light-emitting diode (LED), which is an element that emits light when electric current flows through it, and is used in lighting, displays, car lamps, etc.