Chips vs Semiconductors vs Integrated circuits: What's the difference?

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Chips, semiconductors, and integrated circuits are common concepts that always get attention in the world of electronics. Whether you are building an electronic product from scratch, repairing electronics, or buying complete electronic products, you will have to pay attention to these three terms. Are they used to refer to the same thing? If not, what's the difference between them?

If you have been asking yourself these questions, then we have the right answers. In this guide, we are going to discuss the differences between chips, semiconductors, and integrated circuits. By the end of the guide,  you will be in a perfect position to tell how they are related.

What is a chip?

Also known as microcircuit, integrated circuit (IC), or microchip, the term chip refers to a silicon chip that houses an integrated circuit. It is a tiny electronic component that is usually embedded as part of an electronic device or even other major electronic component.

In most cases, the term chip is used as a collective name for all semiconductor products and components.   Other than hosting an integrated circuit, it is also divided into several wafers. Each wafer has an integrated circuit that is designed to perform a specific role in a device or application.

Besides being an IC carrier, a chip also contains millions of electronic components designed to perform different tasks.

What are semiconductors

A semiconductor is a material whose conductivity sits between a pure conductor and an insulator. This means that it is neither a full conductor nor an insulator. However, an addition of impurities to the material is what triggers the conductivity of a semiconductor material. This is an addition to the exposure to the right conditions such as temperatures

Semiconductors can be pure elements such as germanium or silicon or can be compounds such s arsenide and cadmium selenide. They have defined electrical properties that allow them to be used in electronic devices and appliances.

In most electronic applications, semiconductors comprise four major components which are discrete devices, sensors, integrated circuits, and optoelectronics.  Since their discovery, semiconductors have been the building blocks of modern electronics.  Technically, all electronic components and products that are used in the modern world are based on semiconductor materials.

What are integrated circuits?

 An integrated circuit tiny electronic circuit that comprises electronic components and other semiconductor devices connected. Each component has a unique role to play in the overall functioning of the circuit.

Integrated circuits (ICs)  can be an integration of analog and digital circuits on a single chip to form a single circuit that will execute a specific function. Such kind of integration is done with high levels of precision to ensure that the device will be accurate in whatever task that it will execute.

Based on the product types, integrated circuits are divided into four major categories. These are logic devices, analog devices, microprocessors, and memory devices. A collection of all these IC product types ends up forming chips.

All the components in an integrated circuit are connected using special wires and other techniques until they form complete circuits. Various thermal protection measures are then put in place to prevent cases of overheating, something that can easily cause serious damage to the IC. Also, special attention is given to the technical specifications of each semiconductor component. This is the only way of ensuring that the IC will be relevant and functional in its application area.

Difference in production methods

Since the three are completely different products or components, different production methods are used to produce, design, and manufacture them.

Chip manufacturing starts with the collection of raw materials such as silicon gallium and arsenide. The next procedure entails doping the materials to enhance their conductivity. Advanced machines and equipment are used for producing chips.

Integrated circuits, on the other hand, are made of different electronic components. This also means that different approaches are used for manufacturing them. It starts with the selection of all the electronic components They are shrunk and then connected through special wiring materials to form complete circuits.  Unlike in chip manufacturing, etching is not needed here. 

Difference in packaging

 Chips, integrated circuits, and semiconductors also differ in the ways that they are packaged.

DIP (dual in-line packaging) is the most common packaging type that is used on chips It is characterized by the use of not more than 100 pins.

For the integrated circuits, a protective layer must be included to protect the delicate components that make up the IC.

Semiconductor materials are quite versatile and don’t require special packaging materials. Also, the type of semiconductor will define the kind of packaging that is used.

Relationship between chips, semiconductors, and integrated circuits

From the definitions that we have given, it is possible to establish a connection or relationship between these three products and components.

We can confidently state that semiconductors are the building blocks for both integrated circuits and chips. This is because all the components of ICs and even chips will be housed on a semiconductor

On the other hand, chips are regarded as carriers of integrated circuits. A combination of integrated circuits ends up forming a chip or microchip. On the other hand, multiple electronic components that are combined or connected form integrated circuits. 

Conclusion

Now that you know the difference between chips, semiconductors, and integrated circuits, you can make a sound decision when it comes to buying either of them. The first step is to outline the requirement specifications of your products or applications. From there, you will know the exact component or product that you will need.

Once you have made up your mind, your next requirement is choosing the right supplier.  They should have the reputation and capacity to supply ICs, semiconductors, and integrated circuits. This is where ICRFQ comes in. We are a reputable electronic components supplier in China that is committed to helping customers around the world find the right products. Contact us for bulk orders of semiconductors, chips, and integrated circuits for sale.