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Even a three-year-old can learn about semiconductors

We saw the enormous potential of microchips and semiconductors — and how limited and scattered the learning resources still are. That is why Project Chíp Chíp exists.

Microchips — the closest thing we have to alien technology. · The Closest Thing We Have to Alien Technology

Start with the simplest things

The most fundamental semiconductor concepts, explained thoroughly, accurately and visually for every reader.

Four topics, from zero to the whole semiconductor industry

Each topic is one continuous read: what a semiconductor is, how transistors and microchips work, where they turn up in daily life, and how far the industry has come. No prior knowledge needed — start with the first one.

What semiconductors are, and why they underpin almost every electronic device.

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Who does what in the chip supply chain?

One chip takes many kinds of companies: those who build the machines, design, manufacture and package it.

Equipment

Builds the machines that make chips

  • ASML
  • Applied Materials
  • Lam Research
  • KLA
  • Tokyo Electron
  • Axcelis
  • ChipMOS

Foundries

Manufactures chips designed by others

  • TSMC
  • GlobalFoundries
  • Texas Instruments
  • SMIC
  • UMC

Integrated makers (IDM)

Designs and manufactures its own chips

  • Intel
  • Samsung

Design only (Fabless)

Designs chips, hires others to make them

  • NVIDIA
  • Apple
  • Qualcomm
  • Broadcom
  • AMD

Packaging and testing (OSAT)

Cuts, packages and tests finished chips

  • Amkor
  • ASE
  • SPIL

Diagram redrawn by the project for illustration; names and logos belong to their respective companies.

Semiconductors are a global story

A single chip crosses many countries before it reaches you. These are the names behind that industry.

Taiwan

  • TSMC

China

  • SMIC

South Korea

  • Samsung
  • SK hynix

Netherlands

  • ASML

Company names and logos are the property of their respective owners and are used here for educational and informational purposes.

Still not convinced? Try learning from video.

Every clip is either chosen with care or translated and produced by us.

Fundamentals
Transistors
History

From the blog

The latest analysis and writing from the community.

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