The semiconductor industry is one of the most important and strategic industries in the world, participating in the design and fabrication of semiconductors and semiconductor devices, such as transistors and integrated circuits (ICs). Semiconductors are prominent in modern technology having, as a unique property, an electrical conductivity between an insulator and conductor, enabling them to manipulate electrical signals. They are essential components of modern electronics, and used in a wide range of products, including computers, smartphones, TVs, cars, industrial equipment, and medical devices.
The semiconductor industry is divided into two main segments: design of integrated circuits and manufacture of chips. Integrated device manufacturers (IDMs), do both design and manufacturing. The industry is research-intensive, with companies investing heavily in R&D. Developing new materials, devices, and processes to improve the performance, reliability, and cost of semiconductors, as well as developing new applications for semiconductors in a wide range of industries.
As a key contributor to global economic growth and innovation, the semiconductor sector is expected to continue to grow rapidly due to the increasing adoption of emerging technologies.
PI-KEM plays an important role in this by supporting the development of new and innovative technologies, providing customers with semiconductor focused materials and equipment to enable their projects to progress.
Industry Insights
- Increasing demand for high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI): Driving the demand for more powerful and efficient semiconductors
- Rise of the Internet of Things (IoT): Creating new demand for semiconductors in a wide range of devices, such as sensors, actuators, and wearables for applications including medical devices, consumer electronics, transport, and communication
- New technologies: Includes 5G and self-driving cars, is also driving demand for more advanced semiconductors
- Increased investment in the semiconductor industry and associated research: Governments and businesses are investing heavily to reduce their reliance on imports and strengthen their supply chains
- Growth of the compound semiconductor market: Compound semiconductors are made from two or more elements. Their advantages over traditional semiconductors, include improved performance and higher efficiency
Innovation Trends
- New materials: Able to operate at higher speeds and temperatures and are more resistant to radiation and other environmental factors
- New devices: Smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient devices including transistors, memory chips, and sensors
- New processes: Producing chips more quickly and cost-effectively for example, photolithography, etching, and deposition
- New applications: Covering a wide range of industries, including electronics, automotive, aerospace, and healthcare. Examples include artificial intelligence, self-driving cars, and medical implants
Academic/ Industrial Partnerships
The semiconductor industry is essential to the modern world. Semiconductors are used in a wide range of products, and they play a vital role in our everyday lives. Both UK and European governments are investing heavily in this sector and supporting research and industry innovation with large levels of funding.
- The UK government has published a national semiconductor strategy, which outlines plans to invest £1 billion in the industry over the next three years. Click here to read article
- The European Chips Act plans to invest €43 billion in the European semiconductor industry over the next decade. Click here to read article
- The Compound Semiconductor Centre (CSC), a world-leading research centre based at Cardiff University that is focused on developing new compound semiconductor materials and devices for a range of applications, including electronics, photonics, and renewable energy. Click here to read article
- Eindhoven University of Technology is working with NXP Semiconductors to develop new semiconductor technology that enables significantly higher bandwidths than are the case today. The goal is to achieve communication at high frequencies, above 300 GHz and provide new wireless technology for applications including Internet of Things and Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality. Click here to read article
