Semiconductor Fabrication
Semiconductor fabrication, also known as semiconductor manufacturing or chipmaking, is the process of creating integrated circuits (ICs) on semiconductor wafers, typically made of silicon. It involves a complex series of steps including photolithography, etching, doping, and deposition to build transistors and interconnects at microscopic scales. This process is fundamental to producing microprocessors, memory chips, and other electronic components used in computers, smartphones, and various devices.
Developers should learn about semiconductor fabrication to understand the hardware foundations of computing, enabling optimization of software for specific chip architectures and performance characteristics. It is particularly relevant for those working in embedded systems, hardware-software co-design, or fields like AI and high-performance computing where chip capabilities directly impact application efficiency. Knowledge of fabrication processes also aids in debugging low-level issues and appreciating the physical constraints of modern electronics.