of Silicon Wafers
This site will introduce the basic knowledge of silicon wafers.
They are used in various electronic components and have become a familiar presence in our lives.
They are components utilized in information terminals such as smartphones and computers, as well as in home appliances like TVs and air conditioners.
They are also adopted in vehicles such as cars and trains, with semiconductor devices being used in almost all nearby electronic devices.
These parts require high precision in a clean environment, and only those that have been cleaned and passed stringent inspections are used.
Silicon wafers are used in memories (elements that store information) and logic (elements that perform calculations).
Image sensors (electronic components using semiconductors) and other semiconductor devices are reshaped using silicon wafer manufacturing methods. These semiconductor devices are used in all kinds of items around us that operate on electricity.
The component is made by crystallizing a lump of high-purity silicon and then cutting it thin.
They are used as cutting-edge devices and can also be adapted to individual semiconductor elements specialized for specific functions, such as diodes and transistors.
The types of devices vary, including integrated circuits that combine millions to tens of millions of elements within a few square centimeters.
Most of them are made from silicon wafers and are incorporated into part of our lives.
Silicon wafers are components made from silicon and are extremely thin and disk-shaped.
The surface is flat, which is related to the high performance of the silicon wafer.
In the manufacture of semiconductors, various printing and imaging techniques are used, and the initial stage of work involves writing circuits within the silicon wafer.
In terms of the performance of electronic devices, it is required to write as many circuits as possible inside.
Improving performance is linked to enhancing the performance of all electronic devices, and special knowledge is required to handle these components.
The development and manufacturing technology of silicon wafers has rapidly advanced.
Silicon wafers are components used in various types of products, including IC chips, solar cells, and cars.
There are cases where manufacturers are investing in further technological innovation for manufacturing.
The main ingredient, silicon, is made from a mineral called quartz, and high-purity polycrystalline silicon with a nearly zero impurity content is required.
Polycrystalline silicon is melted in a high-purity quartz crucible by refining the mined quartz.
It is possible to produce it by crystallizing it while applying crystal growth technology.
The product of this process is called a single-crystal ingot, which is the prototype for silicon wafers.
Integrated circuits (ICs) are essential for the manufacture of electronic devices. These circuits are tiny and complex electronic components formed on the surface of a semiconductor, manufactured using a photolithography optical technology. This technology enables mass production without the need for assembling fine elements and wiring separately, making it indispensable for computers and digital devices. ICs consist of electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, and transistors mounted on a single board. Silicon wafers, circular plates made of silicon, are used as the substrate for ICs. Elements with functions such as resistors, capacitors, and transistors form circuits on the silicon wafer. A Large Scale Integration (LSI) is an even more highly integrated version of an IC. LSIs, also known as large-scale integrated circuits, are components that integrate transistors, diodes, and passive elements to achieve complex functions and are typically composed of semiconductors such as silicon.
Silicon wafers are produced by cutting high-purity silicon ingots to about 1mm thickness. They are most commonly used in the manufacture of integrated circuits. Impurities that serve as acceptors or donors are introduced into the silicon wafer, and semiconductor devices can be created by forming insulating films and wiring. The more chips that can be obtained per wafer, the lower the cost, so there is a trend towards larger diameter ingots. Large-diameter wafers are used for large-chip CPUs and memory devices that need to be mass-produced at a low cost. Integrated circuits used in electronic devices form circuits with components such as capacitors, resistors, and transistors on silicon wafers. Silicon wafers are indispensable for the manufacture of various electronic devices. However, from a long-term perspective, prices are on a downward trend. If we set 2015 as 100, the import price index in 1990 was 213. The import price index dropped to 83.8 in 2016, but has been rising since then, reaching 108.4 in 2020.
A silicon wafer is a semiconductor material made from silicon and is typically cut to a thickness of 1mm. It is known as an indispensable item in shaping modern society, with a steadily increasing demand. It serves as a necessary foundation not only for manufacturing items such as PCs, smartphones, and cars that support our daily lives, but also for essential items in solar cells and electronic equipment. Therefore, its need is expected to remain high in the future. It holds a significant global market share, with manufacturers around the world competing fiercely. While Japanese companies boast a high share, the rise of companies in Taiwan and other regions is anticipated, hence, intense competition is expected between Japanese and Taiwanese companies. Notably, as of the early 2020s, there have been reports of a shortage of silicon wafers in some areas, indicating that securing a steady supply will be crucial for many companies in the future.
Semiconductor devices are utilized in various electronic devices including smartphones, computers, televisions, air conditioners, automobiles, and trains. While silicon wafers are not commonly seen in everyday life, they are indispensable in the manufacturing of all electronic devices. These wafers are produced by slicing a high-purity silicon ingot into roughly 1mm thickness. In integrated circuits (ICs) and large-scale integrations (LSIs), silicon wafers are used to connect electronic components such as capacitors, resistors, and transistors on a single substrate. LSIs, which increase the integration density of ICs, incorporate transistors, diodes, and passive elements to achieve complex functions. Silicon wafers play a crucial role in making our lives more comfortable through the use of ICs and LSIs.
Silicon wafers are components used in semiconductors. Their ultra-thin, perfectly round surfaces are extremely smooth, ideal for printing circuits to create IC chips, CPUs, memory, and solar panels. GaN (Gallium Nitride), a compound of gallium and nitrogen, is gaining attention as an alternative to silicon wafers. It achieves high insulation resistance and low conduction resistance like silicon wafers, and is expected to enable further miniaturization. However, the future prospects for silicon wafers remain high. This is primarily because an efficient production system has already been established, and production costs are extremely stable. Even though technological limits are becoming apparent, the global demand for semiconductors continues to grow with the trend of digitization and digital transformation. Silicon wafers are undoubtedly the only entities that can meet this demand. Furthermore, although GaN has emerged as a competitor, the advancement of miniaturization technology, such as the realization of 3-nanometer advanced semiconductors, demonstrates steady technological development. Therefore, it's safe to say that silicon wafers will remain secure for the foreseeable future.
In today's digital society, every household has at least one device such as a computer, video game console, or tablet. Particularly, smartphones, the modern version of mobile phones, are owned by 95% of the population, making them indispensable in our daily lives.
Despite their palm-sized compactness, one may wonder how these devices achieved such a small form factor. The key lies in a component called the silicon wafer. Developed by a major Japanese company in 1988, this component is crucial in electronic devices. Silicon wafers are thin sheets that include IC chips, and are made entirely of synthetic resin, serving as the main board for CPUs and the like. Because silicon wafers are made to be about the size of a fingernail, they allow for a significant reduction in the overall design of the device. Today, they are installed in electronic devices all over the world.
Semiconductors are installed in everything from digital devices and household appliances to automobiles. They are indispensable for constructing modern society, and the same goes for silicon wafers, the material from which semiconductors are made. With the global proliferation of smartphones and the advancement of digitalization, their importance is expected to increase even more in the future. However, along with the rapid increase in demand, there is a concern about a shortage of semiconductors.
With the increased production of digital devices and electric vehicles worldwide, the supply shortage is spreading globally, causing various problems such as rising prices of household appliances. The reason for the shortage is the decline in the supply of silicon wafers, the raw material. Japanese companies hold more than half of the world market share of silicon wafers. They tend to be reluctant to invest in facilities based on past experiences, and tend to hold back on investments unless they see a clear path to profitability. The key to solving the problem is whether or not silicon wafer production can be increased.
Silicon wafers, which are necessary for producing semiconductors used in various fields such as PCs, smartphones, and IoT devices, have been in high demand due to the uncertainty of global circumstances, rising raw material and fuel costs, and the acceleration of demand for remote work, remote education, and entertainment during stay-at-home times. Additionally, there was a global shortage due to factories stopping production in response to the need for non-contact situations, but signs of recovery are now beginning to appear.
The thorough review of the procurement and transportation processes and the subsequent movement to build new supply chains, along with the establishment of remote work that can be performed without contact, and furthermore, the easing of regulations have allowed people to start returning to factories. These developments have created a new virtuous cycle, with silicon wafers beginning to be introduced into the market that was once short of supply. It is no exaggeration to say that the improvement of the global situation hinges on silicon wafers, and there is great attention being paid to future trends.
ICs (commonly known as "semiconductors", which refers to the material's characteristics) have been swept by manufacturers in Taiwan, South Korea, the United States, and other countries, and Japanese companies have almost been eliminated. However, the share of materials and manufacturing equipment still remains high. One of the main materials of these ICs is a silicon wafer, which is a very thin, cut plate of silicon. In 2021, Shin-Etsu Chemical, a Japanese company, ranked first with about 30%, and another Japanese company, SUMCO, ranked second with about 23%. Together, they hold a high share of over 50%.
GlobalWafers, a Taiwanese silicon wafer manufacturer, holds a significant stake in the global market with approximately 17% share, ranking third. In 2020, it caught worldwide attention when it announced its intention to acquire Siltronic, a fourth-ranked German company. The combined market share post-acquisition was expected to surpass 30%, potentially exceeding the second-ranked SUMCO. However, the deal was abandoned this year due to the failure to obtain approval from the German government. The conflict between the West and China is believed to have influenced this outcome. Please note, I will translate all subsequent Japanese texts into English based on these standards unless instructed otherwise.
Silicon wafers, also known as silicon, are thin, disc-shaped slices. The term "wafer" was named for its resemblance to a wafer. Silicon wafers are indispensable for the production of integrated circuits like ICs, making them an essential item in computer manufacturing. In today's society, where various things, from precision equipment and home appliances to vehicles, are computer-controlled, it's true to say that it couldn't function without silicon wafers. The need for advanced technology limits the environments in which they can be manufactured, contributing to their scarcity.
Silicon wafers are all round in shape, which is due to the nature of the silicon single crystal itself being round. By processing the single crystal without damaging its form, it results in a disc shape. The disc shape allows for uniform pressure from all sides, making it ideal for maintaining stable quality. In the manufacturing of precision equipment components, where even slight quality variations are not permissible, a disc shape could be considered the ideal form.
Silicon wafers, used as the foundation for semiconductor devices, demand advanced technology and high quality.
The track record of silicon wafers is an indicator of their quality and reliability. Companies with extensive manufacturing experience and advanced technical capabilities are often able to provide products of stable quality. This builds trust with customers and enhances competitiveness in the market.
Companies with past successful cases and high customer satisfaction can be in an advantageous position when acquiring new customers or participating in new projects. Companies with a track record of success can showcase their reliability and expertise, potentially expanding opportunities for new business.
Additionally, investment in product quality improvement and technological innovation is indispensable. In a highly competitive industry, it's necessary to continually pursue new achievements and meet customer expectations.
In summary, in the silicon wafer manufacturing industry, past successes can be a source of trust and competitiveness. To provide high-quality products over the long term and to generate new business opportunities, companies should strive to improve their track record.
Silicon wafers are extremely important in the semiconductor industry. They are used as the base for creating IC chips (integrated circuits), which could be considered the heart of electronic devices. How exactly are these wafers made?
The most important material for making silicon wafers is the element 'silicon', which is abundant in nature. Silicon makes up about 28% of the Earth's crust and is the second most abundant element after oxygen. However, pure silicon does not exist in nature, so a process is needed to extract pure silicon from ore.
To obtain pure silicon, silicon dioxide (sand or quartz) is first extracted from ore and then reduced at high temperatures to create crude silicon.
To further refine this crude silicon and obtain high-quality silicon, it needs to be melted at high temperatures and then crystallized. This creates a cylindrical crystal (ingot), which serves as the base for the silicon wafer.
This ingot is cut into thin plates and then undergoes a process to form fine circuits, ultimately creating the silicon wafer.
Silicon wafers are used in various electronic devices around us, from smartphones and computers to automobiles and household appliances. Thanks to silicon wafers, our daily lives have become more convenient and comfortable.
The global silicon wafer market is concentrated in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in countries such as Taiwan, China, and Japan. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that companies in these regions hold a large portion of the global market share.
Looking at the top companies in the world for silicon wafers, one of them is located in Taiwan. This manufacturer, known as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, is commonly referred to by its initials, TSMC.
As the world's largest semiconductor foundry, this company also holds a large share in the production of silicon wafers. It is characterized by advanced manufacturing technology and supplies many semiconductor companies.
Mitsubishi Materials, a well-known Japanese manufacturer, is also a global semiconductor material manufacturer. They are known for providing high-quality products and play a significant role in this industry.
Shin-Etsu Semiconductor, based in Taiwan, is also known as a leading manufacturer. They also provide high-quality wafers and have strong connections with semiconductor foundries.
In the manufacturing process of silicon wafers, even the slightest dust or dirt that can't be seen with the naked eye is not allowed, and a constantly clean state is required. When workers enter the factory, they pass through a gate that blows off dust and dirt attached to their work clothes with a strong wind pressure.
On the other hand, high-purity water is indispensable in the manufacturing of silicon wafers, and the surface is cleaned by high-pressure washing from a nozzle. Tap water can contain impurities or chemicals such as chlorine, so pure water with nothing mixed in is necessary.
Many silicon wafer factories are often built in mountainous areas, and it is essential for production that there are water veins nearby where it is said that delicious water can be collected.
The silicon wafers manufactured through these delicate processes have precise circuits integrated into them, and are used in computer chips and many other applications that benefit people's lives. It's worth remembering that behind all this, there is the presence of extremely high-purity water.
Silicon wafers are thin, disk-shaped plates made from high-purity silicon. They are used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices and are indispensable in every electronic device we use in our daily lives.
Technological advancements in silicon wafers include size expansion, thinning, surface smoothing, impurity control, and automation of the manufacturing process. These advancements have dramatically improved the performance of semiconductors.
This has greatly contributed to the improvement of semiconductor performance. In recent years, the size of silicon wafers has increased, enabling them to accommodate more transistors. As a result, the performance of semiconductors has improved dramatically.
Furthermore, not only have electronic devices such as smartphones and computers become smaller and more powerful, but they have also started to be incorporated into automobiles and household appliances. This has led to an increase in the use of a wider range of electronic devices.
This technology is expected to continue advancing in the future, further improving our lives by making them more convenient and comfortable.