Understanding Semiconductors: A Technical Guide for Non-Technical People

by Corey Richard

Gain complete understanding of electronic systems and their constituent parts. From the origins of the semiconductor industry right up until today, this book serves as a technical primer to semiconductor technology. Spanning design and manufacturing to the basic physics of electricity, it provides a comprehensive base of understanding from transistor to iPhone. 



Melding an accessible, conversational style with over 100 diagrams and illustrations, Understanding Semiconductors provides clear explanations of technical concepts going deep enough to fully explain key vernacular, mechanisms, and basic processes, without getting lost in the supporting theories or the theories that support the supporting theories. Concepts are tethered to the real world with crisp analysis of industry dynamics and future trends.    



As a break from the straight-ahead scientific concepts that keep the world of semiconductors spinning, Understanding Semiconductors 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 are paired with clear visuals, giving you the best chance possible to absorb the concept at hand before moving on to the next topic.  



Whether you’re narrowly technical or don’t know silicon from silly putty, working directly in hardware technologies and want 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, dependable resource.  




What You'll







         Charge, Electricity, and Basic Physics          What are Semiconductors         The Semiconductor Value Chain and Design Trade-Offs         Transistors and Other Common Circuit Building Blocks         Semiconductor Design from Concept to Tapeout          Wafer Fabrication and Semiconductor Manufacturing Process         Integrated Circuit (IC) Packaging and Signal & Power Integrity (SIPI)         Common Circuits and System Components          RF and Wireless Technologies         System Architecture and Integration         The Semiconductor Industry - Challenges, History, and Trends         The Future of Semiconductors and Electronic Systems


























Who This Book Is  



People working directly in the semiconductor, electronics, and hardware technologies fields or in supporting industries, hobbyists and new electrical engineering enthusiasts with minimal technical experience or pre-existing qualifications, and curious individuals interested in learning more ab

Genres: Technology

441 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 29, 2022

Reviews

[George Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Makes the complex readable and approachable

Corey breaks down some very difficult and technical topics into concepts that a lay person can understand. Very helpful for someone who has been working in tech in non-technical roles for many years. Very informative!

[Alexander Parady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tremendous read. I'd say this is one of the best encompassing deep dives into the semiconductor industry. It really helped me cover some bases, especially in the foundry processes side, that were blind spots for me even while being inside of Intel. The book reads very well and is compelling given its focus on what you should take away from each section. I've already recommended this one to several colleagues of mine.

[Grant Joslin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book would have greatly benefitted from having an editor.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe how helpful this book has been, clear 5 stars for me

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent textbook on all things semis from design to IC to packaging and more