What is the technology behind manufacturing a semiconductor chip?

• Semiconductor chip manufacturing capabilities are currently limited to very few regions in the world.
• With supply chain disruptions during the pandemic and recent geopolitical tensions, many companies and countries including India, have realised the importance of investing in chip manufacturing infrastructure.

How are Semiconductor Chips Made?

• The process resembles creating postage stamps.
• Hundreds of chips are etched onto a circular wafer, similar to a sheet holding many stamps.
• This wafer is then sliced, giving us individual chips.
• Each chip needs a protective shell with tiny wires for power, data, and signals.

India's Semiconductor Scene

• The TATA group is teaming up with Taiwan's PSMC to build a cutting-edge chip factory in India.
• This facility will focus on 28nm chip production by 2026.
• Since chip-making involves many fields, it opens doors for a wide range of professionals like process engineers and data scientists.

Prelims takeaway

• Semiconductor
• Taiwan's