Forum › Category: Layout › Why is silicon such a popular choice for making computer chips?
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AvatarDigitalWorld asked 4 months ago
I find silicon to be an excellent material for computer chips mainly because it has a band gap of 1.1 eV, which is just right for most electronic applications. This means silicon doesn't conduct electricity until it gets really hot, which is useful for preventing unintended conduction in typical conditions. I also like that silicon can be easily formed into large, pure crystals. This is important because it ensures the chips are made with a uniform material, reducing potential issues with unwanted currents. The production process, where silicon is melted and a seed crystal is used to grow a monocrystal, seems pretty efficient too. Silicon
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AvatarCircuitDesigner answered 4 months ago

We use silicon for most chips because it’s not only a good conductor of heat, which helps in managing power loss, but also because it has a stable band gap that works well for many applications. The fact that silicon dioxide can be easily used as an insulator makes silicon even more attractive. In the production process, silicon is first purified and then grown into a monocrystal, either by pulling it from a melt or by zone melting. I think this method of growing large, defect-free crystals is key to making reliable and efficient chips.

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Avatarsemiconductor answered 4 months ago

You’ll see that silicon is popular for chips because it has a good balance of properties. Its band gap is ideal for most electronic uses, and it can handle heat well, which is crucial for small, high-power devices. The way silicon is produced is fascinating—it's purified from sand, then melted and grown into a monocrystal using processes like Czochralski or zone melting. These methods ensure the silicon is very pure and consistent, which is essential for making reliable chips.