How Semiconductors are at the heart of Christmas

22/12/2023

It is interesting to think about how the semiconductor industry is so closely intertwined with our daily lives

Before I started this job, I wouldn’t have thought of the amazing engineers and technical work that is behind some of our favourite Christmas presents.If you are interested in finding out how semiconductors have helped to form some of our favourite Christmas presents, read on!

Smartphones

At the top of many wish lists are smartphones. These are the best example of how semiconductors have changed our daily lives. At the heart of every smartphone lies a powerful processor, which is often built using advanced semiconductor technology. These chips have undergone tremendous innovation, packing more computing power into smaller spaces. They enable lightning-fast performance that allows us to navigate between apps, stream videos, play games, and perform a myriad of tasks with remarkable speed and efficiency. Then thinking about tablets and laptops (which are increasingly interchangeable) These are on the list of children from a younger and younger age nowadays.

Memory storage

In addition, we can see the presence of memory design, to enable smartphone/ipad/pc memory storage. These memory chips, such as NAND flash and DRAM, are the backbone of data storage in smartphones. They store our vast libraries of photos, videos, apps, and documents, ensuring quick access to information while maximizing storage capacities.

Phone cameras

With the explosion of social media, phone cameras keep improving in quality to meet the demands of its consumers. Although, it could be argued that the advancements have been driven by camera capabilities. Image sensors, often made with semiconductor materials like silicon, enable higher resolutions, better low-light performance, and advanced image processing algorithms that produce stunning photos and videos.

Gaming

Whether it's the latest PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo console, semiconductor technology fuels the immersive gaming experiences we love. Within these gaming consoles, we can see the presence of the hard work undertaken by engineers including Graphic Processing Units (GPUs). These specialized semiconductor chips are dedicated to rendering stunning graphics, lifelike environments, and realistic characters. They employ advanced rendering techniques, high resolutions and sophisticated shading technologies to deliver breathtaking visuals that captivate players. This is AI, VR and XR blur the lines between real life and computer graphics.

Smart devices

Throughout recent years we have observed an increased presence of smart devices in and outside our homes. From Alexa to Siri, and smart light bulbs to smart plugs. Our households have been forever changed by the rise in smart devices. They rely on chips for Wi-Fi connectivity, sensors, and processing power, allowing us to control our environments with a simple voice command or a tap on our smartphones. Are our robot hoovers driving a convenience crisis, where everything is at our fingertips?

Smart homes

When investigating further into home security systems we can observe an array of sensors present. For example, motion sensors, temperature sensors, and more. These sensors, integrated with semiconductor technology, gather real-time data about our environment. For instance, they detect movement, monitor temperature changes, and assess air quality, enabling us to automate tasks or receive alerts based on these inputs.

Cars

Outside of the house we can’t fail to mention the developments in the automotive industry, from electric cars with the latest tech, to cars that can drive themselves - this is one area that we haven’t scratched the surface on and can expect to see much evolution in the next 5 / 10 years.

Wearable tech

Another popular gift at Christmas is wearable technology such as Fitness trackers and smartwatches. These devices often house miniaturized chips that enable features like heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking, and wireless communication. When looking at the health tracking element within these we can see the presence of Semiconductor-based sensors. These sensors work by emitting light into the skin and measuring the reflected light to detect changes in blood volume, providing accurate and real-time heart rate data. This feature enables users to gauge their exertion levels during exercise and track resting heart rates, offering useful insights into cardiovascular health. The latest in the wearable technology area is the health tracking ring. Smaller and more compact than a smartwatch this really is pushing the boundaries on how small and advanced we can go with technology.

As we exchange gifts over the festive period, it's incredible to appreciate how semiconductor products have revolutionised the way we interact with technology. Their continual innovation and integration into various devices not only enhance our experiences but also shape the future of gift-giving. It is amazing to think of the evolution that is still to come!