The history of semiconductors
Introduction
Semiconductors are the heart of modern technology. From phones to advanced weapons, everything depends on these tiny chips. But how did this revolution begin?
Based on Chip War by Chris Miller and other historical sources, here is the full story—told in a simple way with a casual touch.
The Beginning: The Transistor in 1947
It all started in 1947 in the United States. At Bell Labs, three brilliant scientists—William Shockley, John Bardeen, and Walter Brattain—invented the transistor. This small device replaced vacuum tubes, which were large and used a lot of energy. The transistor made electronics smaller, more efficient, and cheaper. It was the first step toward modern chips.
- Country: United States
- Company: Bell Labs
- Leaders: William Shockley, John Bardeen, Walter Brattain
- Impact: It changed electronics forever.
The Integrated Circuit: 1958
In 1958, the industry made another giant leap. Jack Kilby, working at Texas Instruments, and Robert Noyce, at Fairchild Semiconductor, invented the integrated circuit almost simultaneously. This breakthrough allowed multiple electronic components to be placed on a single chip. It was like moving from building houses brick by brick to using prefabricated blocks.
- Country: United States
- Companies: Texas Instruments, Fairchild Semiconductor
- Leaders: Jack Kilby, Robert Noyce
- Impact: The Foundation of Modern Chips
The Birth of Silicon Valley
In 1957, a group of engineers known as the "Traitorous Eight" left Shockley Semiconductor to found Fairchild Semiconductor. Among them were Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore. Fairchild became the heart of what we now call Silicon Valley. In 1968, Noyce and Moore founded Intel, which released the first microprocessor in 1971—the brain of modern computers.
- Country: United States
- Companies: Fairchild Semiconductor, Intel
- Leaders: Robert Noyce, Gordon Moore
- Impact: Silicon Valley became the world’s technology hub.
Japan Enters the Game: 1970s–1980s
In the 1970s and 1980s, Japan became a semiconductor giant. Companies like Toshiba and NEC dominated the memory chip market, which was used in calculators and computers. Japan invested heavily in technology and production, challenging the leadership of the U.S.
- Country: Japan
- Companies: Toshiba, NEC
- Leaders: Corporate teams, not specific individuals
- Impact: Japan led in memory chips
Taiwan and the Foundry Model: 1987
In 1987, Morris Chang founded TSMC in Taiwan. TSMC didn’t design chips; it only manufactured them for other companies. This model, called the “foundry” model, changed the industry. Companies like Apple and Nvidia could design chips without owning factories. Today, TSMC produces nearly 50% of the world’s chips.
- Country: Taiwán
- Company: TSMC
- Líder: Morris Chang
- Impact: It revolutionized chip manufacturing.
South Korea: Samsung and SK Hynix
South Korea entered the market strongly in the 1980s and 1990s. Samsung became a leader in memory chips, competing with Japan. SK Hynix also grew, specializing in memory for devices like phones and computers. Today, Samsung is one of the largest semiconductor producers.
- Country: South Korea
- Companies: Samsung, SK Hynix
- Leaders: Corporate teams
- Impact: Dominance in memory chips
China: The New Competitor
China entered late but with strength. It depends heavily on imported chips—it spends more on chips than on oil. Companies like SMIC are growing but are still behind TSMC and Samsung. The Chinese government is investing billions to become self-sufficient, which worries other countries, as detailed in Chip War.
- Country: China
- Company: SMIC
- Leaders: State teams
- Impact: Geopolitics and Global Competition
Historical and Geopolitical Context
According to Chip War by Chris Miller, semiconductors are not just technology—they are power. During the Cold War, the U.S. used advanced chips to surpass the Soviet Union in precision weapons. Today, chips are key in the rivalry between the U.S. and China. Controlling chip production means controlling the economy and global security.
Summary Table: Semiconductor Milestones
| Year | Country | Company | Leaders | Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1947 | U.S. | Bell Labs | Shockley, Bardeen, Brattain | Invention of the transistor |
| 1958 | U.S. | Texas Instruments, Fairchild | Kilby, Noyce | Integrated circuit |
| 1968 | U.S. | Intel | Noyce, Moore | Founding of Intel |
| 1970s | Japan | Toshiba, NEC | Corporate teams | Dominance in memory chips |
| 1987 | Taiwán | TSMC | Morris Chang | Foundry model |
| 1980s | South Korea | Samsung, SK Hynix | Corporate teams | Leadership in memory |
| 2000s | China | SMIC | State teams | Massive investment in chips |
Conclusion
Semiconductors began as a laboratory invention and became the foundation of modern technology. From the U.S. to Asia, visionary companies and leaders have driven this industry. Today, chips are more than technology—they are a geopolitical battleground, as explained in Chip War. This story continues to evolve, and the future promises more competition and advancements.
EN 
ES