Discrete Semiconductor Products

Discrete semiconductor definition

Discrete semiconductor products are electronic components that are independent, individually packaged devices rather than integrated on a chip.
These electronic components perform specific functions, such as controlling electrical current, amplifying signals, or switching circuits. They are commonly used in various electronic devices such as power adapters, mobile phones, TVs, etc. to perform various tasks. Unlike integrated circuits (ICs), discrete semiconductor products are independent components that come from different families, each with their own specialized uses.

What are discrete semiconductors made of?

Discrete semiconductor products are usually made from semiconductor materials (mainly silicon) through specific process steps to manufacture different types of electronic components such as diodes, transistors, etc. These components are used to control current and voltage and are critical parts of electronic equipment.

Where are discrete components used?

Discrete components are widely used in electronic products to amplify current and adjust circuit functions. Almost all electronic products contain at least one or two discrete components, such as resistors or capacitors. They play a vital role mixed with other components on the circuit board.

Discrete components can be divided into

1. Active (requires power to operate))
Light emitting diodes, transistors, temperature sensors

2. Passive (no power required to operate))
Resistors, capacitors, inductors, switches

The difference between discrete components and integrated circuits

A discrete component is a single independent electronic component such as a transistor, diode or resistor. An integrated circuit (IC) is a miniaturized electronic circuit made up of transistors, capacitors, resistors, and other electronic components, all bonded together to form a single component.
ICs are generally much smaller than discrete components and are used to create more complex electronic circuits.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Discrete Circuits

Advantages of discrete circuits:
Easy to understand and design: Discrete circuits are usually composed of individual components, so they are relatively simple to design and understand. This makes them very useful in education and prototyping.
Serviceability: Because discrete components exist individually, if one of the components fails, it can be replaced or repaired relatively easily.
Customizability: Circuits can be built using a selection of discrete components to meet specific application requirements.
Lower Cost: Discrete components are generally cheaper than integrated circuits because they are less expensive to produce and purchase.

Disadvantages of discrete circuits:
Take up more space: Discrete circuits generally require more physical space because each component exists individually.
Higher power consumption: Discrete circuits generally require more power to complete the same task and are therefore not as power efficient as integrated circuits.
Limits complexity: Building complex circuits can become complex due to the connections required for each component, making it unsuitable for highly complex applications.
Greater weight: Discrete circuits generally require more material and are therefore heavier in weight.

Discrete Semiconductor Type

Diode: A semiconductor component used to control the direction of current, including ordinary diodes, rectifier diodes, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
Transistor: A semiconductor component widely used to amplify electronic signals or serve as an electronic switch, including bipolar transistors (BJTs) and field-effect transistors (FETs).
Resistor: A discrete component used to limit the flow of current, often used in electrical circuits as resistors, voltage dividers, and voltage distribution.
Capacitor: Semiconductor component used to store charge and electrical energy, including electrolytic capacitors, ceramic capacitors, and multilayer chip capacitors (MLCC).
Zener Diode: A diode used to provide precise voltage stabilization.
Diode Rectifier: Used to convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC).
Variable Resistor: A resistor that allows manual adjustment of the resistance value.

The difference between discrete devices and IC

Discrete devices are individual electronic components suitable for specific functions and easy maintenance, while integrated circuits (ICs) are highly integrated and suitable for complex functions and small devices.

What are some examples of discrete devices?

Field-Effect Transistor (FET): A semiconductor device used to amplify and control electronic signals.
Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT): Another semiconductor device used to amplify and control electronic signals, with two types: NPN and PNP.
Transistor Array: Multiple transistors grouped together to perform complex circuit functions.
Transistors with internal resistors: Transistors have built-in resistors, reducing the need for external components.
NSAD Series and NNCD Series: May be a specific model or series of semiconductor components, usually provided by the manufacturer.
R&D Series: May be a group of semiconductor components that are undergoing R&D or development.
Triac: A semiconductor switch used to control electric current.
Trigger: A device used to trigger or control a semiconductor component, typically used in applications such as controlling electronic switches.

What are discrete power devices?

Discrete power devices are individual components in electronic circuits that are used to control and process electrical energy. These components include transistors, diodes, resistors, capacitors, etc., which exist independently and are not integrated together like integrated circuits.
These devices play a key role in the field of electronics and can be used for various tasks such as managing power, signal amplification, switching control, voltage regulation, etc. They can typically handle high voltages and currents, making them suitable for high-power applications.
Different discrete devices have different characteristics, and electronic engineers can choose appropriate devices according to project needs to meet design requirements. These devices offer great design flexibility and can be combined and configured as needed.

Are semiconductors discretely manufactured?

There are some important differences when it comes to discrete manufacturing and semiconductor manufacturing. Discrete manufacturing usually refers to the production of various independent products (such as cars, appliances, etc.) that are composed of different parts and then assembled on an assembly line. Each product is individually manufactured.
Semiconductor manufacturing is a continuous process that typically creates millions to billions of transistors and electronic components on a single semiconductor chip. The process is highly automated and requires high-precision equipment and controls to ensure consistent performance from chip to chip. Semiconductor manufacturing focuses more on the production of large-scale integrated circuits rather than the assembly of discrete products.
Therefore, discrete manufacturing and semiconductor manufacturing are two different production methods with different focuses.