Semiconductors include all those material that has electrical conductivity between those of a conductor and an insulator. In the engineering and scientific industry, semiconductors are known to be the heart of microprocessor chips as well as transistors. In short, all those equipments that depend on electronics microwaves and RF signals are indirectly dependent on these semiconductors as well. The main materials with which these semiconductors are manufactured is silicon that by adding other materials can be turned into a conductor as well.

Types of Semiconductors

There are various types of semiconductors present in the electronics and engineering world. Following is the brief description of some of them.


Analog and Mixed Signals – All the integrated circuits which is known to fabricate many discrete logic and analog components on a single chip of semi conductive material are included in the analog and mixed signals category. They are usually packaged in a single case to form a functional unit.

Communication Ic – These members of the semiconductor industry includes those integrated circuits that are installed in general telecommunication electronic modules and act instrumental in enabling the transmission, reception and analysis of data and signals.

Ic Passive Components – These types of semiconductors are not known for amplifying signals and hence do not require any power to operate. Passive Ic components includes resistors, inductors, potentiometers, and capacitors.

Programmable Logic Devices – Programmable logic devices are known to have configurable logic and flip-flops that are linked together by various inter connections. They perform the function of logic performs and incorporate memory cells to keep track of the working of various logic functions.

Sensors Ic – All those integrated circuits or dies that are used in the semiconductor markets to detect or respond to changes related to some physical parameter and further convert it to an electrical signal are known as sensors Ic.

Other than the above mentioned types of semiconductor, there are other that too deserve to be mentioned. Timing Circuits, Power and Power Management Ic, Microprocessors and Micro Controllers, Memory Chips, Logic Devices, Passive Devices, Ic Interface Devices and discrete devices are some of them.

Industry Growth

The semiconductor industry has seen growth by leaps and bounds in the year 2008. Expected to grow to 8.6%, up further from the projected target of 8.5%, the growth of the semiconductor industry is determined by six major factors vis global economic health, electronic equipment production, chip supply/demand balance, capital investment, industry and individual company profitability and competition. These ares will play the major stumbling block in the coming times if not dealt with proper care. The manufacturers and suppliers of these semiconductors are aiming to achieve a total revenue of US$219.2 billion. They are projecting the industry to grow by 6.4% in 2010 and this trend will further be followed by growth of 10.8% in 2011.

Applications

All the equipments that runs on electricity, are bedecked with the presence of semiconductors. Almost all commercial product that we use install these semiconductors as their key component. The wide array of functions performed by these semiconductor have helped them in further widening their uses in many industries. Besides these trivial areas, various industries that are into the manufacturing of important radars, communication, and airborne equipment too incorporate these semiconductors in order to work efficiently.

Major Market Players

The global semiconductor industry is dominated by countries like Taiwan, South Korea, USA, and Japan. Despite the on going recessing which has tightly gripped the world, in the semiconductor markets all across the world, Japan has emerged as a leader with profits running in million. USA, is struggling to regulate exports and certain uses of some types of semiconductors due to their potential dual use in military applications. China on the other hand has also emerged as the third largest manufacturer and supplier of semiconductors. A few major players in this segment are Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, United Microelectronics Corporation, Intel, Toshiba, NEC, Sony, IBM, Samsung, Texas Instruments, ST Microelectronics, NXP Semiconductors, Freescale, Infineon and ISSI.

Semiconductors Publications

Semiconductor International – This is part of Reed Elsevier, the world's largest provider of business-to-business information, and home of the world's most extensive collection of specialized electronic industry publications. Semiconductor International serves the needs of both semiconductor engineers and industry suppliers through a wide range of products and services, including magazines, web casts, pod casts, directories, trade show guides, e-newsletters, specialized supplements, original research, industry seminars, industry awards.

Journal of Electronic Material – This archival publication reports on the science and technology of electronic materials, while examining new applications for semiconductors, magnetic alloys, electrical insulators, and optical and display materials. It is published by the Electronic, Magnetics & Photonic Materials Division of The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). It is issued on a monthly basis.

Semiconductors Associations

Semiconductor Industry Associations – The mission of Semiconductors Industry Association is to provide the US semiconductor industry with forums and voice to advance the global competitiveness of the $118 billion U.S. microchip industry. They have a wide network of corporate CEOs and working committee that helps to shape public policy on issues critical to the industry. They perform the functions of educating and recruiting highly skilled forces, maintaining America's world leadership in semiconductor technology and promoting open and fair trade.

India Semiconductor Association – The India Semiconductor Association (ISA), is the trade body representing the Indian semiconductor industry worldwide. The main aim of this this organization is to establish India as the preferred global hub for excellence in creation of semiconductor products through technology leadership. The primary objective of ISA is to act as a catalyst for the growth of the semiconductor industry in India.

Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International – SEMI is the global industry association serving the manufacturing supply chains for the microelectronic, display and photovoltaic industries. SEMI is engaged in nearly all of the major technology regions and its member companies are the engine of the future, enabling smarter, faster and more economical products. This organization has been committed to helping members grow more profitably, create new markets and meet common industry challenges.