Real Life Applications of Semiconductor

The most important use of semiconductor is in electronics industry where we need small amount of current to operate devices. Semiconductors are materials that have conductivity between the conductors and insulators. In this article, we’ll explore some real-life applications and experiments involving semiconductors, highlighting their significance in today’s world.

Applications of Semiconductors in Daily Life

Semiconductors, due to its unique property is widely used in various devices that we use in our daily lives. The real life applications of semiconductors are mentioned below:

Electronics Industry

Semiconductors form the foundation of modern electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, and televisions. Silicon is the most widely used semiconductor material and is crucial for manufacturing integrated circuits (ICs) and microchips. These components are essential for processing and storing information, enabling the functioning of electronic gadgets. They are also used to make memory devices.

Energy Generation

Semiconductor-based solar cells convert sunlight directly into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. Silicon-based photovoltaic cells are the most common type used in solar panels. When sunlight hits the semiconductor material, it excites electrons, generating an electric current. This clean and renewable energy source has revolutionized how we generate electricity and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

LEDs

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are semiconductor devices that emit light when an electric current passes through them. The LEDs are highly energy-efficient and have replaced the traditional incandescent and fluorescent lights in the various applications including the residential lighting, automotive headlights and streetlights. The semiconductor material determines the color of emitted light making the LEDs versatile for the different lighting needs. Indium Gallium Nitride, Aluminum Gallium Indium Phosphide etc. are some semiconductors used in making of LEDs

Transistors

Transistors are semiconductor devices that amplify or switch electronic signals. Transistors are used as microcontrollers, switch and digital logic circuits. Most of the transistors are made using silicon. However, germanium and gallium arsenide are other two options of semiconductors that are used in transistors.

RFID Tags

Radiofrequency Identification Tags are used to check in and check out in metro stations, used in contact less payment and electronic toll collection. The semiconductors receive data in the form of radio signal and process the information.

Defense System

In defense system, semiconductors are used in drone technology, radar system and navigation system. They are integral components in radar systems, which detect and track aircraft, missiles, ships, and other objects. Semiconductor-based radar systems provide long-range detection capabilities, high-resolution imaging, and advanced signal processing for target identification and tracking.

Real Life Experiments of Semiconductors

The real life experiments of semiconductors are discussed below:

Diode Testing

One common experiment involves testing semiconductor diodes to the understand their behavior. By connecting a diode to the power supply and measuring the voltage across it and students can observe the diode’s forward and reverse the bias characteristics. This experiment helps demonstrate the diode’s rectifying properties essential for the electronic circuits.

Transistor Amplification

Another experiment involves using the transistors to amplify signals in the electronic circuits. The Students can build simple transistor amplifier circuits using the common semiconductor components and observe how changes in the input voltage result in the amplified output signals. This experiment illustrates the transistor’s role as the key component in the signal processing and amplification.

Check, Intrinsic Semiconductors and Extrinsic Semiconductors

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of semiconductor materials?

The Silicon, germanium and gallium arsenide are among the most common semiconductor materials used in the electronic devices. Each material has unique properties and applications.

How do semiconductors differ from conductors and insulators?

The Semiconductors have conductivity levels between the conductors and insulators. Their conductivity can be controlled by the external factors such as the temperature and voltage.

What is doping in semiconductors?

Doping is the process of the intentionally introducing the impurities into the semiconductor materials to the alter their electrical properties. This technique is commonly used to the create n-type and p-type semiconductors essential for the building electronic devices.