The difference between Semiconductor and Conductor

Semiconductors and conductors play critical roles in the functioning of multiple electronic devices and components that underpin modern technology.
While they might sound similar, they have essential differences that serve various purposes in electronic systems.
Understanding these differences can help us appreciate the technology we use every day.

What Is a Conductor?

To understand the difference between semiconductors and conductors, we first need to know what a conductor is.
A conductor is a material that allows the easy flow of electric current.
This means that electrons can move freely within the material, making it very effective at transmitting electrical energy from one point to another.

Common Conductors

You might be familiar with common conductors used around you.
These include metals like copper, aluminum, gold, and silver.
One of the most widely used is copper, primarily because it offers a good balance of conductivity and cost.
Electric wires, cables, and electrical circuits typically use these materials.

What Is a Semiconductor?

Semi means “half,” and conductor means a material that can pass electricity.
A semiconductor is a material that can either conduct electricity under certain conditions or not conduct electricity under others.
This variable conductivity is crucial for many electronic devices.

Common Semiconductors

The most commonly used semiconductors are silicon and germanium.
Silicon, in particular, is prevalent due to its excellent properties and abundant availability.
You’ll find silicon in practically every electronic device you use, from computers to smartphones.

Key Differences Between Semiconductors and Conductors

Now that we know what each material is, let’s discuss the key differences between semiconductors and conductors.
These distinctions define their unique roles in the world of electronics.

Electrical Conductivity

The primary difference between semiconductors and conductors is their electrical conductivity.
Conductors have high electrical conductivity, meaning electrons can move freely and quickly throughout the material.
This allows for a seamless transfer of electrical current.

Semiconductors, on the other hand, have lower electrical conductivity.
Their ability to conduct electricity can be controlled and altered based on the conditions they are under.
This dynamic characteristic makes them incredibly useful for specific applications, such as transistors and other electronic components.

Temperature Sensitivity

Conductors and semiconductors also differ in how they react to temperature changes.
For conductors, an increase in temperature usually results in a decrease in conductivity.
The metal atoms vibrate more vigorously, impeding the free flow of electrons.

In semiconductors, the opposite happens. When the temperature rises, the electrical conductivity also increases.
This is because more electrons gain enough energy to jump from the valence band to the conduction band, thus making more charge carriers available for conducting electricity.

Applications in Technology

Both conductors and semiconductors are integral to various technological applications.
Their diverse properties make them suitable for different functions in electronic devices.

Applications of Conductors

Conductors are mainly used to transmit electrical power.
Copper and aluminum wires are used in electrical grids, household wiring, and electronic circuits.
Gold and silver are used in specialized applications, including in aerospace and certain types of connectors, because of their superior conductivity and resistance to corrosion.

Applications of Semiconductors

Semiconductors are the cornerstone of modern electronics.
They serve as the building blocks for components like diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits (ICs).
These components are found in various devices, including computers, smartphones, radios, and more.
Additionally, semiconductor technology enables the functioning of solar cells and light-emitting diodes (LEDs), thereby playing a pivotal role in renewable energy solutions.

How Semiconductors Are Made

The semiconductor manufacturing process is intricate and requires precision.
The most common semiconductor material, silicon, undergoes several stages before it becomes a functional electronic component.

Purification

The first step is purifying silicon.
Natural silicon contains impurities that need to be removed.
This is achieved through processes like the Czochralski method, which produces highly pure silicon crystals.

Wafer Production

Once purified, the silicon is shaped into wafers.
These wafers serve as the foundation for electronic circuits and components.
The wafers must be exceptionally flat and clean to ensure proper functioning.

Doping

Doping is a crucial step in the semiconductor manufacturing process.
This involves adding specific impurities to the pure silicon to alter its conductive properties.
For instance, adding phosphorus creates an n-type semiconductor, while adding boron results in a p-type semiconductor.

Photolithography

The next step involves creating intricate patterns on the silicon wafer using a technique called photolithography.
These patterns define the areas where different components will be fabricated.

Etching and Deposition

After photolithography, etching and deposition processes are used to remove material from and add material to the wafer.
This further refines the patterns needed for the functioning of the semiconductor device.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between semiconductors and conductors helps us appreciate their individual importance in the realm of electronics.
Conductors allow for the efficient flow of electrical current, making them suitable for powering devices and transmitting energy.

Semiconductors, with their variable conductivity, are integral to modern electronic components, enabling a wide range of functionalities.

While they might seem similar at first glance, their distinct properties make each essential for the technological advancements we enjoy today.

Whether it’s the power line that supplies electricity to your home or the smartphone in your hand, the interplay between conductors and semiconductors is at the heart of modern technology.