Science & Technology
Semiconductor
Material of moderate electrical conductivity
Overview
A semiconductor is a material with electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator. Its conductivity can be modified by adding impurities ("doping") to its crystal structure. When two regions with different doping levels are present in the same crystal, they form a semiconductor junction. The term "semiconductors" is sometimes used to refer to semiconductor devices such as microchips and computer processors, which work using the physical properties of semiconductors.
Source: Wikipedia — Semiconductor (CC BY-SA)
Key concepts
How Semiconductor connects to the ideas, people and events around it.
In physics, electrical resistivity and electrical conductivity are two intrinsic properties of materials that measure a material's local, intrinsic ability to conduct electric current. They are reciprocals of each other, so each can be deduced from the other.
In physics and electrical engineering, a conductor is an object or type of material that allows the flow of charge in one or more directions. Materials made of metal are common electrical conductors.
An electrical insulator is a material in which electric current does not flow freely. The atoms of the insulator have tightly bound electrons which cannot readily move. Other materials—semiconductors and conductors—conduct electric current more easily.
In semiconductor production, doping is the intentional introduction of impurities into an intrinsic (undoped) semiconductor for the purpose of modulating its electrical, optical and structural properties.
In crystallography, crystal structure is a description of the ordered arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules in a crystalline material.
A p–n junction is a combination of two types of semiconductor materials, p-type and n-type, in a single crystal. The "n" (negative) side contains freely-moving electrons, while the "p" (positive) side contains freely-moving electron holes.
A semiconductor device is an electronic component that relies on the electronic properties of a semiconductor material for its function. Its conductivity lies between conductors and insulators.
An integrated circuit (IC), also known as a microchip or simply chip, is a compact assembly of electronic circuits formed from various electronic components, such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors, and their interconnections.
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Flashcards and a quick quiz, built from this map.
Questions about Semiconductor
What is Semiconductor?
A semiconductor is a material with electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator. Its conductivity can be modified by adding impurities ("doping") to its crystal structure. When two regions with different doping levels are present in the same crystal, they form a semiconductor junction.
What are the key concepts related to Semiconductor?
The main concepts connected to Semiconductor include Electrical resistivity and conductivity, Electrical conductor, Insulator (electricity), Doping (semiconductor), Crystal structure, P–n junction, Semiconductor device, Integrated circuit. Each is linked on the map above with its own summary.
Which exams cover Semiconductor?
Semiconductor is part of Science & Technology, which appears in the syllabus of UPSC CSE, UPSC CAPF, NDA, CDS, AFCAT, RRB NTPC and 32 more exams.