Understanding Semiconductors: A Technical Guide for Non-Technical People

This book provides a comprehensive technical primer to semiconductor technology, covering design, manufacturing, and basic physics. It combines an accessible, conversational style with over 100 diagrams and illustrations to explain complex concepts in a way that is relevant to the real world. With examples and analogies, it is suitable for a wide range of readers, from technical professionals to curious individuals.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 301 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2022
Publisher: APress

Understanding electronic systems and their constituent parts is crucial for anyone interested in technology. This comprehensive book serves as a technical primer to semiconductor technology, spanning from the origins of the semiconductor industry to the present day. It provides a comprehensive base of understanding, from transistors to iPhones, covering design, manufacturing, and the basic physics of electricity.

Written in an accessible and conversational style, the book is packed with over 100 diagrams and illustrations to help clarify technical concepts. It goes deep enough to explain key vernacular, mechanisms, and basic processes without getting lost in supporting theories or the theories that support the supporting theories. Concepts are tied to the real world with crisp analysis of industry dynamics and future trends.

To make the content more engaging, the book is liberally sprinkled with apt analogies that elucidate difficult concepts. For example, when describing the relationship between voltage, current, power, and the flow of electricity through an electronic system, the book draws a parallel to a hot shower and the water utility system. Most of these analogies are paired with clear visuals, giving readers the best chance possible to absorb the concept at hand before moving on to the next topic.

Whether you are a narrowly technical person or have no prior knowledge of silicon, working directly in hardware technologies and wanting to know more, or simply a curious person seeking hard information about the technology that powers the modern world, Understanding Semiconductors will be an informative and dependable resource.

In this book, you will learn:

- Charge, electricity, and basic physics: Gain a fundamental understanding of the building blocks of electronic systems.
- Semiconductor industry origins. Explore the origins and evolution of the semiconductor industry, from the discovery of semiconductors to the development of modern technologies.
- Design and manufacturing. Learn about the processes involved in designing and manufacturing electronic components, from transistors to integrated circuits.
- Basic physics of electricity. Understand the principles of electricity, including voltage, current, power, and resistance, and how they apply to electronic systems.
- Transistor. Learn about the basic structure and operation of transistors, the fundamental building blocks of electronic devices.
- Integrated circuits. Explore the development and applications of integrated circuits, which combine multiple transistors into a single device.
- Microelectronics. Understand the microelectronic manufacturing process, including lithography, etching, and deposition.
- Digital electronics. Learn about the principles of digital electronics, including logic gates, flip-flops, and memory.
- Analog electronics. Explore the principles of analog electronics, including amplifiers, oscillators, and filters.
- Power electronics. Learn about the design and applications of power electronics, including power supplies, inverters, and motor drives.
- Communication technologies. Explore the various communication technologies, including wireless communication, optical communication, and wired communication.
- Computer architecture. Understand the architecture of modern computers, including the CPU, memory, and I/O systems.
- Embedded systems. Learn about the design and development of embedded systems, which are small, low-power devices that are embedded in other devices.
- Future trends. Gain insights into the emerging trends in electronic systems, including artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and renewable energy.

By gaining a comprehensive understanding of electronic systems and their constituent parts, you will be well-equipped to navigate the complex world of technology and contribute to its development. Whether you are a student, professional, or simply a curious person, this book will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to succeed.

Weight: 482g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781484288467
Edition number: 1st ed.