system on a chip

Where It All Began: The History of Microsystems and the Semiconductor Industry

The microsystems and semiconductor industry changed the world with innovations and breakthroughs in the fields of aeronautics, automotive, manufacturing, and medicine.

 

Without this innovation, the world of modern technology will not be the same, from healthcare to cellphones to cars. Thus, the U.S. receives credit for creating the semiconductor.

 

What are Microsystems?

 

The development and manufacture of components having dimensions in the range of a micrometer is microsystem technology. Microsystems contain structures comparable to the diameter of human hair.

 

Innovative sensors and actuators play a vital role in miniaturized and distributed control systems with integrated intelligence because of the trend in automation towards faster, smaller, and more intelligent systems.

 

Microsystems are miniature devices fabricated with the use of micromachining techniques. Such is common in various areas of application, including automotive, biomedical, consumer electronics, and industrial measurements, among others.

 

Silicon materials were useful in fabricating microsystems because the processing equipment was already available in microelectronics foundries. At the same time, it was because of the thorough understanding of the properties that the impressive development of electronics made possible in the 1950s and 60s.

 

History of the U.S. Semiconductor Industry

 

The innovation and contribution of the U.S. to the world of modern technology are undeniable. In fact, its creation of the semiconductor has made a huge difference. The U.S. also continues to lead in the industry in terms of research, design, and more.

 

Everything from healthcare technology to cars to mobile phones sees an impact from the semiconductor industry. That said, the U.S. can be considered the leader in the development of technology for many years.

 

In fact, the U.S. has been leading the advancement and growth of the industry since the 1990s. The invention production of computers directly relates to the U.S. federal government investing in the industry.

 

The semiconductor industry also greatly contributed to the U.S. military. As a result, a huge initial investment in research for the industry was done in the beginning. That said, the growth of the semiconductor industry has given new opportunities overall for economic growth as well as the development of other industries.

 

In a more recent update, the U.S. continues to lead the semiconductor industry for the development and advancement of artificial intelligence and 5G technology. The semiconductor industry has indeed contributed much to the technological advancements and economic growth of the country.

 

Keeping up with the global competition

 

The competitiveness of the semiconductor industry is an important part of the economic growth and national security of the U.S. One of the things that have given a competitive edge to the country is education, as people travel from around the globe to study at American universities.

 

In addition, the manufacturing jobs in the U.S. also pay better compared to other manufacturing jobs, encouraging people to work and stay in the industry.

 

Moreover, a House bill approved in early 2021 included additional funding for the investment in the semiconductor industry. All of this sums up to stay on top of global competitiveness.

 

Learn more about our work in the industry at LinearMicrosystems.com.


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