The global semiconductor industry is poised for a decade of growth and is now projected to become a trillion-dollar industry by 2030. Approximately 70 percent of growth is predicted to be driven by only three industries: automotive, computers & data storage, and wireless. (McKinsey.com)

FACT: Japan leads the world with 102 semiconductor fabrication plants. Taiwan follows closely with 77 plants, which includes the world’s largest independent semiconductor foundry, while the US has 76 plants. (KPMG.com).

At ERD we support the semiconductor industry on the repair side, and we have watched the ebb and flow of supply and demand and its impact on our customers.

Why is this industry critical to our future?

Let’s talk about the power of the chip within our infrastructure.

• Environmental Power: The use of semiconductors continues to make electronic devices more energy efficient which reduces environmental waste and the use of resources that are quickly disappearing.

• Energy Efficiency Power: The use of semiconductors has increased the efficiency of lighting and heating and cooling in our homes.

• News and Entertainment Power: Semiconductors supply components for signal processing in both the radio and TV arenas.

• Medical Equipment Power: Most of the advanced medical diagnostic equipment which allows for early detection and treatment relies on semiconductor technology.

• Automotive and Transportation Power: Most modern vehicles, including electric cars and trucks depend on semiconductors for many functions including navigation and safety.

• Computer Power: Without Semiconductors there are no computers. No computers mean no online shopping, no e-mail and no internet.

• Security Power: Home security devices depend on semiconductor technology to function.

• The Beloved Smartphone: Semiconductors make smartphones possible.

• In-Home Power: In addition to smartphones and computers all microwaves, refrigerators washing machine rely on semiconductors for their functionality.

• Economic Power: The semiconductor industry is projected to become a trillion-dollar industry by 2030.

• Emergence of New Technologies: Several new technologies are on the horizon that could have a significant impact on the semiconductor industry in 2024. These include neuromorphic computing, quantum computing, and new materials such as gallium nitride (GaN). AI’s rapid development has fueled a surge in demand for new and improved semiconductor products. As AI algorithms become increasingly more complex, the need for high-performance and specialized AI chips continues to grow, the landscape of semiconductor manufacturing and design will change drastically. New AI technologies have not only accelerated technological advancements but has also led to the creation of new market opportunities within the semiconductor industry.

Semiconductors exist in every facet of our lives and are now the backbone of our society. Take a step back today to appreciate the mighty semiconductor and enjoy the benefits of this truly amazing technology.