UK Semiconductors Industry

An analog integrated circuit mainly refers to an integrated circuit in which analog circuits composed of capacitors, resistors, transistors, etc. are integrated to process analog signals. Mixed signal consists of analog and digital signaling on the same IC.

A digital integrated circuit (IC) is a semiconductor device that combines various digital logic circuits or systems on a single chip. These circuits process discrete digital signals, primarily represented by binary values (0s and 1s).

Products such as diodes and transistors that are designed to perform a single electrical function.

Photonic integrated circuits use photons to process and distribute information. These photonic chips incorporate optical components such as waveguides, lasers, polarizers, and phase shifters to achieve efficient light-based communication and computation.

Power semiconductors are specialized transistors and diodes. They start, stop, and adjust the voltage in electronic systems. They are able to operate at higher voltages.

RF (Radio Frequency) involves the integration of radio-frequency, analog, and digital electronics on a mixed-signal CMOS (complementary MOS) circuit chip. RF CMOS technology is widely used in modern wireless telecommunications.

Sensors are semiconductor devices that detect and measure physical quantities such as temperature, pressure, light, motion, or magnetic fields. They convert these real-world signals into electrical signals that can be processed by electronic circuits.

Compound refers to materials used in semiconductor devices made of two or more elements.

Emerging material is non-traditional, novel materials used more recently in semiconductor devices to improve performance

Silicon is raw material used in the production of silicon based semiconductor.

Semiconductor companies involved in design of chips. These are often called “fabless”.

Foundries which create and etch chip designs onto silicon wafers. The fabrication process can include front-end processing, die-banking, back-end processing, and warehousing of finished goods.

Electronic Design Automation tools facilitate the development and integration of specialised software tools that allow the simulation, design and verification of chips.

Emerging materials companies in the semiconductor sector focus on developing and supplying novel materials that enhance semiconductor performance.

Companies specialised in the development and production of equipment used in semiconductor manufacturing.

IP core companies specialising in creating intellectual property (IP) cores. These cores include reusable units of logic, cells, or integrated circuit layouts that serve as building blocks for chip design.

Companies that designs, manufactures and integrates ICs in its own fabs. Typically, they sell these chips to companies that make end products, although some may integrate chips into their end products. 

Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) companies are third-party vendors that provide assembly and testing services, including packaging integrated circuits and wafer and final testing.

Specialized material companies in the semiconductor sector focus on producing and supplying critical materials used during semiconductor fabrication. These materials include chemicals, gases, photoresists, polishing slurries, and substrates.