04 Sep Prelims Bits: India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and topic details of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)
Syllabus mapping:
GS-3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Recent development in the field of computer and communication technology.
For Prelims:
What are semiconductors, its properties, and applications in various areas? What is the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), its objectives and ISM Division? What are the recent locations approved for semiconductor manufacturing?
Why in the news?
Cabinet Approves New Semiconductor Unit in India: Approval: The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the proposal for Kaynes Semicon Pvt Ltd to establish a semiconductor unit in Sanand, Gujarat.
What Are Semiconductors?
Semiconductors are materials with electrical conductivity between that of conductors (like metals) and insulators (like glass). They play a crucial role in modern electronics, including in devices like transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits. The conductivity of semiconductors can be modified by adding impurities in a process called doping.
Common Semiconductor Materials:
Silicon (Si): Widely used in electronic devices; a fundamental material in the semiconductor industry.
Germanium (Ge): Used in high-speed electronics and infrared detectors.
Gallium Arsenide (GaAs): Used in high-frequency and optoelectronic applications, such as LEDs and solar cells.
Silicon Carbide (SiC): Known for high-temperature and high-voltage applications.
Indium Phosphide (InP): Used in high-speed and high-frequency electronics.
Differences Between Semiconductors, Insulators, and Conductors
| Property | Semiconductors | Insulators | Conductors |
| Electrical Conductivity | Intermediate; can be controlled by doping and temperature | Very low; does not conduct electricity under normal conditions | High; readily conducts electricity |
| Band Gap | Moderate band gap (0.1 to 4 eV); allows control over electrical properties | With the large band gap (typically > 4 eV); electrons cannot easily jump to the conduction band | Small or no band gap; electrons flow easily |
| Examples | Silicon, Germanium, Gallium Arsenide | Glass, Rubber, Plastic | Copper, Aluminum, Silver |
| Applications | Electronics (transistors, diodes), solar cells, LEDs | Electrical insulation, protective coatings, safety equipment | Electrical wiring, conductive components |
| Doping | Doping modifies electrical properties (e.g., adding Phosphorus or Boron to Silicon) | Not typically doped as they are used for their insulating properties | Not doped; inherently have high conductivity |
Applications of SEMICONDUCTORS:
1. Consumer Electronics:
Smartphones: Microprocessors, memory chips, and touchscreens.
Computers and Laptops: CPUs, GPUs, memory (RAM), and storage devices (SSDs and hard drives).
Televisions and Audio Equipment: Integrated circuits for processing audio and video signals.
2. Telecommunications:
Networking Equipment: Routers, switches, and modems rely on semiconductors for data processing and transmission.
Cellular Base Stations: Semiconductors in base stations handle signal processing and communication with mobile devices.
3. Automotive Industry:
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): Sensors, cameras, and radar systems for features like automatic braking and lane-keeping.
Engine Control Units (ECUs): Microcontrollers and processors for managing engine performance and emissions.
4. Industrial Automation:
Robotics: Microcontrollers and sensors for controlling robotic arms and machinery.
Process Control: Semiconductors in programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and industrial sensors for managing and monitoring industrial processes.
5. Medical Devices:
Diagnostic Equipment: Semiconductors in imaging devices like MRI machines and ultrasound systems.
Wearable Health Monitors: Chips used in devices that monitor vital signs and other health metrics.
6. Energy Sector:
Renewable Energy Systems: Semiconductors in solar inverters and wind turbine controllers for converting and managing energy.
Smart Grids: Integrated circuits for monitoring and managing electrical grids and energy distribution.
7. Aerospace and Defense:
Navigation Systems: Semiconductors in GPS and avionics systems for accurate positioning and navigation.
Radar and Communication Systems: Chips used in military radar systems and secure communication devices.
8. Consumer Appliances:
Home Appliances: Semiconductors in devices like refrigerators, washing machines, and microwaves for control and automation.
Smart Home Devices: Chips in smart thermostats, security systems, and connected home devices for enhanced functionality and control.
What is the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)?
The Union Cabinet approved the Semicon India programme in 2021 with a total financial outlay of INR 76,000 crore. This comprehensive initiative aims to develop a robust and sustainable semiconductor and display ecosystem in India.
Organization:
ISM operates as an independent Business Division within the Digital India Corporation, ensuring focused and autonomous execution of its goals.
Objectives
The Semicon India program is designed to provide attractive incentive support to companies and consortia involved in various sectors, including:
1. Silicon Semiconductor Fabs: Facilities for producing silicon-based semiconductor chips.
2. Display Fabs: Production units for display technologies like TFT LCD and AMOLED.
3. Compound Semiconductors / Silicon Photonics / Sensors: Advanced fabs for specialized semiconductor materials and sensors.
4. Semiconductor Packaging (ATMP / OSAT): Facilities for assembling, testing, marking, and packaging semiconductors.
5. Semiconductor Design: Support for the development and design of semiconductor chips and systems.
Key Features
The program aims to boost semiconductor and display manufacturing by facilitating:
Capital Support: Financial incentives to encourage investment in semiconductor and display fabs.
Technological Collaborations: Partnerships and collaborations to advance technological capabilities and innovations within the sector.
Leadership: The mission is spearheaded by global experts from the semiconductor and display sectors, providing high-level guidance and expertise.
Role: ISM serves as the central authority for the strategic and efficient implementation of the Program for Development of Semiconductor and Display Ecosystem.
Coordination: The mission works in close collaboration with various government ministries, departments, agencies, industry stakeholders, and academic institutions to ensure a cohesive and effective deployment of semiconductor initiatives.
Consultation: ISM integrates inputs from diverse stakeholders to refine strategies and facilitate the smooth advancement of semiconductor and display manufacturing projects.
India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) Core Strategies
Strategy: Formulating a comprehensive, long-term strategy for semiconductor and display manufacturing and design. This involves consultation with government bodies, industry leaders, and academia to develop and implement effective policies and frameworks.
Supply Chain: Facilitating the adoption of secure electronics by ensuring a reliable supply chain for semiconductors and displays. This includes managing raw materials, specialty chemicals, gases, and manufacturing equipment to support robust and secure production processes.
Design & Start-up: Supporting the growth of the Indian semiconductor design industry through Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools, foundry services, and mechanisms tailored for early-stage start-ups. This aims to foster innovation and expansion within the sector.
Intellectual Property: Promoting the generation of indigenous Intellectual Property (IP) and incentivizing the transfer of technologies (ToT). This strategy enhances the country’s technological capabilities and fosters innovation within the semiconductor industry.
Partnership: Facilitating collaborations and partnerships with national and international agencies, industries, and institutions. This approach is aimed at driving collaborative research, commercialization, and skill development to strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem.
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PRELIMS QUESTION:
Q. Consider the following materials:
1. Silicon
2. Glass
3. Copper
4. Germanium
How many of the given- above materials are used as semiconductors?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. Only three
D. All four
ANSWER: B.
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