Semiconductor Chip Manufacturing Technology

• 09 Apr 2024

For Prelims: Semiconductors, Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Critical Information Infrastructures, Industry 4.0, Production-Linked Incentive (PLI)

For Mains: Significance of semiconducting devices in Indian economy, Need for promoting electronics and semiconductor industry, Role of electronics industry in making India self-reliant

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, the TATA Group collaborated with Taiwan's PSMC to establish a 300 mm (millimetre) wafer fabrication plant in Gujarat, with plans to launch its initial 28 nm (nanometer) chip in 2026.

• The Indian Government has also recently sanctioned two assembly and test plants in Gujarat and Assam.

What is a Semiconductor Chip?

• About:
  • Semiconductor: Semiconductors possess electrical conductivity properties intermediate between conductors and insulators, which can be modified by introducing dopants.
  • Semiconductor chips, transistors, fabrication technology, and wafers are interdependent components essential for electronic device functionality.
    • Transistors serving as the building blocks of semiconductor chips fabricated on wafers using specific technologies, enabling the creation of complex devices powering modern technology.
  • Semiconductor Chips:
    • It is a tiny electronic device made of semiconductor material (usually silicon or germanium) which serves as the basic building block of most electronic circuits.
    • These chips can contain billions of microscopic switches on a chip smaller than a fingernail.
    • The basic component of a semiconductor chip is a silicon wafer etched with tiny transistors that control the flow of electricity according to various computational instructions.
    • It performs various functions, such as processing data, storing information, or controlling electronic devices.
    • They are a critical part of almost every modern electronic device, including smartphones, computers, and integrated circuits.
  • Transistor:
    • Transistors are fundamental components of semiconductor devices that amplify or switch electronic signals and electrical power.
    • They are the building blocks of modern electronic devices and are used in various applications, including amplifiers, switches, and digital circuits.
  • Fabrication Technology:
    • Fabrication technology refers to the process of creating semiconductor devices like chips and transistors. It involves several key steps, including wafer preparation, photolithography, etching, doping, and packaging.
  • Wafer:
    • A wafer (also called a slice or substrate) is a thin slice of semiconductor material, such as crystalline silicon, used for the fabrication of integrated circuits.
    • A semiconductor chip is produced by printing an array of chips on a circular semiconductor wafer, similar to how postage stamps are printed on a sheet and then cut out individually.
    • Larger wafer sizes in the industry enable more chips to be printed on a single wafer, accelerating and reducing the cost of chip production, despite the technical challenges and initial capital expenses involved.

What is the Status of India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem?

• India is actively pursuing the development of a robust semiconductor ecosystem. With its large market potential, talent pool, and government support. India aims to reduce dependence on imports and establish domestic manufacturing capabilities.
• India's established chip design industry since the 1990s will aid its semiconductor manufacturing efforts, offering opportunities for various professionals beyond electronics and computer engineers.
• Key Advantages:
  • Market Potential: India’s rapidly growing population and burgeoning middle class create a strong demand for semiconductor products.
    • India’s semiconductor market is projected to reach $55 billion by 2026, reflecting its focus on domestic manufacturing.
  • Talent Pool: India emphasises skill development and innovation, encouraging domestic chip design skills.

• Initiatives Taken by the Government for the Semiconductor Sector:
  • Production Linked Incentive scheme (PLI)
  • Digital RISC-V (DIR-V) program for the production of microprocessors.
  • Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (M-SIPS) for Semiconductors.
  • Chips to Startup (C2S) Programme to train high-quality engineers.

Drishti Mains Question:

Q. Explore the obstacles, policy suggestions, and potential changes needed to enhance growth in India's semiconductor sector.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims:

Q. Which one of the following laser types is used in a laser printer? (2008)

(a) Dye laser 
(b) Gas laser
(c) Semiconductor laser 
(d) Excimer laser

Ans: (c)