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There are two types of chips produced by semiconductor companies. Generally, chips are classified according to their function. However, they are sometimes divided into different types depending on the integrated circuit (IC) used.
In terms of function, the four main categories of semiconductors are memory chips, microprocessors, standard chips, and complex systems on a chip (SoC). According to the type of integrated circuit, chips can be divided into three types: digital chips, analog chips, and hybrid chips.
From a functional point of view, semiconductor memory chips store data and programs on computers and storage devices.
Random access memory (RAM) chips provide temporary work space, while flash memory chips store information permanently (unless it is erased). Read Only Memory (ROM) and Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM) chips cannot be modified. In contrast, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) and electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM) chips are replaceable.
A microprocessor contains one or more central processing units (CPUs). Computer servers, personal computers (PCs), tablets and smartphones may have multiple processors.
The 32-bit and 64-bit microprocessors in today’s PCs and servers are based on the x86, POWER, and SPARC chip architectures that were developed decades ago. On the other hand, mobile devices such as smartphones usually use the ARM chip architecture. Less powerful 8-bit, 16-bit, and 24-bit microprocessors (called microcontrollers) are used in products such as toys and vehicles.
Technically, a graphics processing unit (GPU) is a microprocessor capable of rendering graphics for display on electronic devices. Introduced to the general market in 1999, GPUs are known for delivering the smooth graphics that consumers expect from modern video and gaming.
Prior to the advent of the GPU in the late 1990s, graphics rendering was performed by the central processing unit (CPU). When used in conjunction with the CPU, the GPU can improve computer performance by offloading some resource-intensive functions, such as rendering, from the CPU. This speeds up application processing because the GPU can perform many calculations at the same time. This shift also allows the development of more advanced and resource-intensive software and activities such as cryptocurrency mining.
Industrial integrated circuits (CICs) are simple microcircuits used to perform repetitive processing procedures. These chips are produced in high volume and are often used in single purpose devices such as barcode scanners. The market for commodity integrated circuits is characterized by low margins and is dominated by large Asian semiconductor manufacturers. If an IC is made for a specific purpose, it is called an ASIC or Application Specific Integrated Circuit. For example, bitcoin mining today is done with the help of an ASIC, which performs only one function: mining. Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are another standard IC that can be customized to manufacturer specifications.
SoC (system on a chip) is one of the newest types of chips and the most popular with new manufacturers. In an SoC, all the electronic components required for the entire system are built into a single chip. SoCs are more versatile than microcontroller chips, which typically combine a CPU with RAM, ROM, and input/output (I/O). In smartphones, SoCs can also integrate graphics, cameras, and audio and video processing. Adding a control chip and a radio chip creates a three-chip solution.
Taking a different approach to classifying chips, most modern computer processors use digital circuits. These circuits usually combine transistors and logic gates. Sometimes a microcontroller is added. Digital circuits use digital discrete signals, usually based on a binary circuit. Two different voltages are assigned, each representing a different logical value.
Analog chips have been largely (but not completely) replaced by digital chips. Power chips are usually analog chips. Wideband signals still require analog ICs and are still used as sensors. In analog circuits, voltage and current are continuously changing at certain points in the circuit.
Analog ICs typically include transistors and passive components such as inductors, capacitors, and resistors. Analog ICs are more prone to noise or small voltage changes, which can lead to errors.
Semiconductors for hybrid circuits are typically digital ICs with complementary technologies that work with both analog and digital circuits. Microcontrollers may include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to interface with analog microcircuits such as temperature sensors.
In contrast, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) allows the microcontroller to generate analog voltages to transmit audio through an analog device.
The semiconductor industry is profitable and dynamic, innovating across many segments of the computing and electronics markets. Knowing what types of semiconductors companies produce such as CPUs, GPUs, ASICs can help you make smarter and more informed investment decisions across industry groups.
Post time: Jun-29-2023