The two companies I have been assigned to both apply modern technology to improve standard of living and the convinience for the average man. Of course, this resonates with the usual teenage dreams (no, not the one in the song) of making the world a better place.
On this post, I shall be focusing on Intel Corporation, the main company in my journey. Intel is one of the early developers of microprocessor chips, which made up a large portion of its business once the use of the personal computer (PC) became widespread. Since then, they have strived to make the chips even more efficient, leading to the rapid growth of the computer industries. Recently, with the hype of solar energy, Intel has begun to develop transistors to aid in photovoltaics.
However, there are many allegations and evidence that Intel carries out anti-competitive practices such as paying companies such as Acer, Dell, HP, to exclusively use Intel chips in their computers. This mainly effects other semiconductor manufacturers such as AMD, whom which Intel has a longstanding rivalry. Here is one of the many lawsuits AMD threw at Intel.
This has given me the impression that Intel is like the genius that wins by putting others down. Prior to my research, I had always imagined that Intel was merely a dispensor of useful gadgets. Perhaps both my impressions are right, maybe both are wrong, the journey should give me a clearer picture of the true situation.
Like many semiconductor manufacturers, Intel applies the physical properties of certain elements and compounds. Silicon is used most commonly due to abundance and thus economic viability. Its electronic properties and conductivity can be altered by adding impurites in a controlled manner. Impurities such as boron or phosphorous are added through the method of doping (i.e add impurities to the melt and let it solidify).
In the end, there is much to do, and much to think before and after this journey, for I expect to be inspired.
Wah, so pro
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