Author: La Tabla/Plataforma de Periodismo de Datos 7 AUGUST 2025
Semiconductors
These are materials (like silicon) that have electric conductivity between insulators and metals. By using “doping,” they can control current flows. They’re essential for building chips. Devices that use them include:
– Electronic devices: Transistors, diodes, LEDs.
– Energy solutions: Solar panels, inverters.
– Sensors: Digital thermometers, pressure gauges.
Without semiconductors, basic circuits and energy-light conversion would not be possible.
Chip
Miniaturized integrated circuits (silicon wafers) that process and compute data. They contain billions of interconnected transistors. Key types and usages are:
– Microprocessors: The “brains” of computers, smartphones, and servers.
– Memory (RAM, flash): Temporary and permanent storage in all digital devices.
– GPUs: Graphics processing (gaming, AI).
– Specialized chips: Used in cars (engine control), home appliances, and medical equipment.
Without chips, the digital era would collapse, affecting everything from phones to energy grids.