Our phones, our computers, our lives are dependent on rapid computations, backed by processors at the heart. Processors and Microprocessors are small but have the most important job to help our phones and computers function. But what are they? What are their physical characteristics, what are their functions, and how do they work?
CPUs are made up of silicon. The first stage is the melting of the polysilicon. Once the temp has been reached the silicon seed crystal is lowered into the melt. Once the melt cools to the correct temp the crystal starts to form around the seed. While the growth goes on the seed is pulled out of the melt. As it is being pulled it is slowly rotated. This is the complex process. After that wafers are cut from the ingot. Then the edges are rounded. Then the wafers are ground and polished. The wafers are then inspected with lasers for any defects. If defects are found the wafer is heated. Then a layer of oxide is put on the wafer. A layer of organic photoresist is also put on the wafer. A mask is then applied with a UV light shown through. The unhardened mask is then removed. Hydrofluoric acid is then used to etch away the silicon oxide. The CPU is then implanted in the motherboard.
The processor of a computer, or CPU, acts as its brain and allows it to perform calculations and other functions associated with any programming on the computer. The processor turns the information entered into a binary code consisting of zeros and ones. Once converted, this information goes to the CPU, which uses its Arithmetical Logical Unit, or ALU, to perform any mathematical or logical operations. In addition, a CPU needs other systems within the computer housing to help it remain functional. One of the biggest enemies of a CPU is the heat generated from performing all the functions associated with running a computer, so they use fans to cool the processor, though some high-end gaming computers use water-cooling systems to help remove excess heat from the CPU.