The Essential Guide to Semiconductors

by James Turley and Jim Turley

Semiconductors are the building blocks of computing. They are the electronic chips that are in every computer and device on the market. Cellphones, cars, computers (of all kinds), gaming systems, machines - anything with hardware has an electronic (or semiconductor) component. This is the professional's guide to the business and technology of semiconductor design and manufacturing. The semiconductor industry lends itself very well to a book of...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 013046404X
• ISBN13: 9780130464040
• Release Date: December 2002
• Publisher: Pearson
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.92 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.5" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

The Essential Guide to Semiconductors

This is a very readable book that provides an excellent overview of the semiconductor industry. It avoids a lot of technical jargon in discussing a very technical industry.

Semiconductors Simplified

Jim Turley's book, The Essential Guide to Semiconductors, is a GREAT read for anyone interested in learning about the building block technologies that power so much of our world. The book offers a truly comprehensive overview of semiconductors, encompassing easy to understand, "byte-sized" technology definitions and interesting chapters regarding the evolution of semiconductor design and manufacturing. Turley also presents interesting big picture perspectives of global market trends, supported by recent data. The reader is guided through the evolution of semiconductor technology, from component parts to integrated circuit technology with relevant concepts explained along the way. What makes the book especially enjoyable is Turley's insider perspective which allows him to make humorous anecdotal observations. All text is well-organized and clearly written. Graphics aid in understanding. Overall, the book offers a solid foundation of knowledge for the non-technical reader and can also be used as an up-to-date refresher course for seasoned practitioners and engineers.

Great Book for first time semiconductor lovers

Simple, easy to read and to understand, good pictures at appropriate places to help you visualize the details. This is a great book for first time semiconductor lovers. The author takes you through a time line of the semiconductor industry and also talks about the industry trends etc. The books talks about semiconductor components and its functions in an "easy to understand" format. It's a good read especially if you are new to the semiconductor industry and want to get a good understanding of the industry.

WOW - I feel 10 times smarter right now...

This book is a must read for anyone in the technology industry - even a software guy like me found the content and processes explained fascinating! I would also urge anyone investing in public companies like Intel, Sun, etc.... to read this and truly understand what those companies do. There were several points in the book where the author would explain something, and the curious side of my brain would question "hrm, I wonder why it's called that... or how that came to be" - and without fail... the next paragraph of the book knew exactly what my curiosity would be and spelled it out. A HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BOOK!

Best book for quickly getting the basics that I am aware of

The title and editorial reviews live up to their billing (with one very minor exception - see below). As a former CEO of a software company who has been asked to consult to a fabless semiconductor design company, I needed to get up to speed on the basics of semiconductor technology as well as the value chain of the industry. This book provided the technology basics and then related it all to the general business world, something that is important to me as the company is supported by venture capitalists whose focus is both technology and economic success.The author explains technology concepts in a very readable fashion for the layman. For example, in describing FPGAs, he writes, "Programmable logic chips are like electronic Etch-a-Sketches, ready to use but not really finished. Customers imprint their own design onto them, making their own semicustom chips. . . Like a Etch-a-Sketch, you can erase the chip and start over any time you want, so there's no risk."This book provides a great overview and starting point. I've searched and bought several books related to the basics of semiconductors and found most of them to be too high-level or too much like a text book with a lot of math exercises. This one delivers what is claimed. In fact, I rated another book 1-star, so my 5-stars for this book indicates an uninflated opinion of its helpfulness to me.A minor drawback is the editorial review claims it is sufficiently detailed for technical readers. Technical readers who want to understand the business of semicon or aspects outside of their direct field of work will likely find this book valuable, but if they are seeking technical details, there are better books out there.There are a few things I wish the book covered in more depth, such as more about specific applications that the author believes is going to be hot; however, that is more of a personal preference and I would not downgrade the book on this account.Finally, this book is part of a library of books in the Essential Guide Series by Prentice Hall. Other titles include Essential Guide: - to XML, - to Storage Area Networks, - to Telecommunications, etc. I will know where to look next time I need overviews on industries I am unfamiliar with.