Microelectronics and Nanoelectronics

Definition

Basic kinds

• Microprocessors and integrated circuits: Components used in computers, mobile devices, and control systems, enabling efficient information processing.
• MEMS sensors: Microscopic mechanical devices that can measure physical parameters, such as pressure, temperature, and acceleration, used in medicine, automotive, and automation.
• Nanometer transistors: Key components used in modern processors that offer higher performance and lower power consumption thanks to miniaturisation.
• Non-volatile memories (e.g. Flash, MRAM): Components that store data without the need for constant power, used in phones, computers, cars, and IoT devices.

Main roles

• Consumer electronics – televisions, laptops, mobile devices and many other devices using microprocessors play a variety of roles in people’s daily lives.
• Automotive – microelectronics has played a key role in the development of advanced engine control systems, safety systems, navigation, communication and entertainment systems in vehicles. Also, the operation of autonomous cars is based on the use of advanced microelectronics.
• Medicine – microelectronics allows the production of various advanced devices that are used to monitor and control various vital functions.
• Aerospace – microelectronics is essential for controlling and monitoring aerospace systems, rockets, satellites and other devices.
• Renewable energy – the controllers and inverters used in photovoltaic panels, windmills and other renewable energy systems rely on microelectronics.
• Telecommunications – telecommunications relies on advanced microelectronics for both wired and wireless networks.
• Defence industry – microelectronics is used in advanced communication systems, radars, drones and armaments. This helps to enhance defence and strategic capabilities.
• Automation and robotics – microelectronics is essential in industrial automation and robotics, allowing precise control of industrial robots, manipulators, and manufacturing process control systems.
• Electronics industry – the very process of manufacturing integrated circuits and microelectronic components is a key sector of the electronics industry.
• Biotechnologies – microelectronics and nanoelectronics enable the development of advanced tools for the study and manipulation of biological materials at the molecular level.
• Smart buildings – microelectronics is used in building management systems to save energy and enhance security.
• Digital security – microelectronics and nanoelectronics are contributing to the development of advanced digital security systems, such as quantum cryptography and biometric identification technologies.
• Film industry – advanced microelectronics is used in the production of special effects, computer animation, 3D cameras and other technologies related to the film industry.
• Wearable technologies – microelectronics is enabling the development of increasingly advanced technologies such as augmented reality glasses, biometric fitness bands and other health and activity trackers.

Basic elements

• Transistors and integrated circuits: Transistors are the basic components that, when combined, form integrated circuits (ICs) responsible for processing and storing data. Nanoelectronics enables the creation of nanometer transistors that increase the computing power density in processors.
• MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) sensors: Microscopic devices that combine mechanical and electronic components. MEMS sensors measure environmental changes, such as acceleration, humidity, and vibration, and are used in phones, cars, and medical devices, among others.
• Systems on a chip (SOCs): Integrated circuits that combine various functions, such as processing, memory, and input/output control in a single chip. SOCs are used in smartphones, embedded systems, and IoT devices, enabling miniaturisation and energy efficiency.
• Flash memory and modern non-volatile memory (NVM): Non-volatile memories store data without requiring power. Nanoelectronics enables the development of MRAM, PRAM, and ReRAM, which offer better performance and durability and are used in mobile devices and embedded systems.
• Nanolayers and nanostructures: Nanolayers used in nanoelectronics make it possible to create materials with special properties, such as conductivity or heat resistance. Nanostructures are used in lithography processes, enabling the production of more advanced electronic components.
• Lithographic technologies (EUV – extreme ultraviolet lithography): Technologies that enable the creation of miniature structures on semiconductor substrates, which is crucial for the production of transistors and integrated circuits at the nanoscale.

Mechanism of action

• Circuit design: Designing integrated circuits and other components requires creating electronic diagrams and simulating operation based on advanced models. Designers use CAD tools to create precise circuits, which are then transferred to the physical level.
• Semiconductor technology manufacturing: Microelectronics and nanoelectronics use semiconductor technologies, such as silicon, in manufacturing processes that include exposure, etching, and the deposition of semiconductor nanolayers and structures.
• Lithography and nanoscale: Lithographic processes, especially EUV, allow nanostructures to be deposited on substrates, which makes it possible to create transistors and other components at the nanometer scale, increasing computational density and energy efficiency.
• Testing and quality control: Manufactured circuits are tested for proper operation and compliance with the design. Tests include checking electrical parameters and simulating operating conditions to ensure that components meet durability and performance requirements.
• Integration with systems: Microelectronics and nanoelectronics enable integration with other electronic systems, enabling the development of complex devices, such as smartphones, embedded systems, and IoT devices. SOCs and MEMS sensors are assembled into final products, which then go to users.
• Energy optimisation: As they deal with small size, microelectronics and nanoelectronics focus on energy efficiency, which is particularly important in mobile devices and IoT. Thanks to miniaturisation, these devices consume less power and thus run longer on battery power.