What is Silicon Semiconductor?

Encyclopedia
08/26/2024


What is Silicon Semiconductor?


Silicon Semiconductor Definition


A silicon semiconductor is defined as a material that has an electrical conductivity value between that of a conductor and an insulator, and whose conductivity can be altered by introducing impurities or applying external fields or light. Silicon is the most widely used semiconductor material in modern electronics, especially in power devices, integrated circuits, photovoltaic cells, and transistors.

 36225301-de03-42c5-8fd7-cdeb4ad1df6b.jpg


Thermal and Electrical Properties


Silicon has a high melting point and a low band gap energy, making it suitable for high-temperature and power applications.

 


Doping for Conductivity


Doping silicon with impurities creates n-type or p-type semiconductors, crucial for electronic devices.

 


Applications in Electronics


  • Power devices: Silicon is used to make diodes, thyristors, IGBTs, MOSFETs, and other devices that can handle high voltages and currents in power conversion, transmission, distribution, and control systems.



  • Integrated circuits: Silicon is used to fabricate microchips that integrate millions or billions of transistors and other components on a single chip. These chips are used for various purposes, such as memory, logic, processing, communication, and sensing.


  • Photovoltaic cells: Silicon is used to convert sunlight into electricity in solar cells. Silicon-based solar cells are the most common and efficient type of photovoltaic devices.



  • Transistors: Silicon is used to make bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) and metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), which are the basic building blocks of modern electronics. These transistors can amplify or switch electrical signals in various circuits and systems.

 


Advantages of Silicon


  • It is compatible with various fabrication techniques, such as lithography, etching, doping, oxidation, deposition, and bonding.



  • It has a high-quality crystalline structure and purity, which reduces defects and improves performance.



  • It has a large market share and economy of scale, which lowers the cost and increases the availability of silicon-based devices.



  • It has a wide range of applications and functions, which makes it versatile and adaptable to different needs and demands.

 


Conclusion


A silicon semiconductor has intermediate electrical conductivity, modifiable by doping or external stimuli. It is the most widely used semiconductor in modern electronics due to its availability, durability, conductivity, compatibility, quality, cost-effectiveness, and versatility. Silicon semiconductors are used in power devices, integrated circuits, photovoltaic cells, transistors, and more, with applications in communication, computing, control, sensing, and energy conversion.


Encyclopedia

The Electricity Encyclopedia is dedicated to accelerating the dissemination and application of electricity knowledge and adding impetus to the development and innovation of the electricity industry.

Does a grid-connected inverter need a grid to operate?
Does a grid-connected inverter need a grid to operate?
Grid-connected inverters do need to be connected to the grid to function properly. These inverters are designed to convert direct current (DC) from renewable energy sources, such as solar photovoltaic panels or wind turbines, into alternating current (AC) that synchronizes with the grid in order to feed power into the public grid. Here are some of the key features and operating conditions of grid-connected inverters:The basic working principle of grid-connected inverterThe basic working principl
Encyclopedia
09/24/2024
Advantages of infrared generator
Advantages of infrared generator
Infrared generator is a kind of equipment that can produce infrared radiation, which is widely used in industry, scientific research, medical treatment, security and other fields. Infrared radiation is an invisible electromagnetic wave with a wavelength between visible light and microwave, which is usually divided into three bands: near infrared, middle infrared and far infrared. Here are some of the main advantages of infrared generators:Non-contact measurement No contact: The infrared generato
Encyclopedia
09/23/2024
What is a Thermocouple?
What is a Thermocouple?
What is a Thermocouple?Thermocouple DefinitionA thermocouple is a device that converts temperature differences into an electric voltage, based on the principle of the thermoelectric effect. It is a type of sensor that can measure temperature at a specific point or location. Thermocouples are widely used in industrial, domestic, commercial, and scientific applications due to their simplicity, durability, low cost, and wide temperature range.Thermoelectric EffectThe thermoelectric effect is the ph
Encyclopedia
09/03/2024
What is a Resistance Temperature Detector?
What is a Resistance Temperature Detector?
What is a Resistance Temperature Detector?Resistance Temperature Detector DefinitionA Resistance Temperature Detector (also known as a Resistance Thermometer or RTD) is an electronic device used to determine the temperature by measuring the resistance of an electrical wire. This wire is referred to as a temperature sensor. If we want to measure temperature with high accuracy, an RTD is the ideal solution, as it has good linear characteristics over a wide range of temperatures. Other common elect
Encyclopedia
09/03/2024
Inquiry
Download
Experts Electrical is dedicated to serving the personnel in the global power industry.
Join Experts Electrical, not only can you discover power equipment and power knowledge, but also canhnd like - minded friends!