The Hidden Technology Powering Everyday Life

In modern society, semiconductors are no longer components confined to a specific industry. Unseen and often unnoticed, countless semiconductor chips are quietly integrated into our lives, and these small technological powerhouses have become the core engine that drives our daily routines. A world without semiconductors is now hard to imagine, as they are present in nearly everything around us.

Technology to Start Your Day: Smart Appliances

From the moment we begin our day, we are accompanied by semiconductor technology. From the mood lamp and alarm clock in the bedroom to the appliances in the kitchen, semiconductors are essential.

• Kitchen Appliances: Simple devices like toasters and coffee makers contain an average of two or more chips each to precisely control temperature and timing.
• Bathroom Gadgets: Automatic soap dispensers, sensor faucets, electric toothbrushes, and electric shavers are powered by two to three chips that manage sensor activation and motor control.

Securing and Simplifying Your Home: Smart Home Technology

The safety and convenience of our homes are also built upon a foundation of semiconductor technology.

• Security and Access: An electronic doorbell contains an average of three chips, while a smart door lock typically incorporates  five to handle security and authentication.
• Network Devices: Smart speakers and Wi-Fi routers, which keep our homes connected, are each powered by around 10 chips to manage the network and link our devices.

The Hub of Work and Learning: Personal IT Devices

The personal IT devices at the center of our work, learning, and communication are showcases of integrated semiconductor technology.

• Smartphones and Laptops: As staples of modern life, smartphones and laptops utilize typically 70 and 80 semiconductor chips, respectively, to power complex calculations and enable diverse functions.
• Peripheral Devices: Various other devices, such as smartwatches (avg. 25 chips), tablet PCs (avg. 35 chips), and LED monitors (avg. 15 chips), also rely on numerous chips to function seamlessly.

A Leap into the Future: Mobility and Infrastructure

Beyond personal daily life, semiconductors are now a critical component in building society’s infrastructure and pioneering future technologies.

• Electric Vehicles: A modern electric vehicle equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems and infotainment features requires over 1,000 semiconductor chips.
• Data Centers: In the era of cloud and AI, a single server in a data center uses approximately 1,500 chips to process massive amounts of data.
• Aerospace Technology: Thousands of high-performance, high-reliability semiconductors are essential for space technologies operating in extreme environments-from Mars rovers (avg. 2,500 chips) to artificial satellites (avg. 4,000 chips).

As demonstrated, semiconductors are the core technology working behind the scenes to make our lives more convenient, safe, and prosperous. More than just simple electronic components, they are the essential, invisible infrastructure that defines modern society and unlocks the future.