While the physical realm of human activity contains an array of languages, the digital realm is founded on just one fundamental binary language: the 1s and 0s, also called the bits of data. Computers represent these bits as electrical signals and this forms the foundation of modern computing, communication, social media, robotics, and artificial intelligence. The 0s and 1s constantly shape the way we interact with technology and with each other on a daily basis – and the beating heart of this binary revolution is the semiconductor device.
What are semiconductors?
Semiconductors represent a distinct class of materials that possess some of the electrical properties of both conductors and insulators. Like a faucet can be used to control the flow of water, semiconductors can be used to control the flow of electric currents, and with exquisite precision.
