Most people know that microchips are essential for computers, cell phones, automobiles, aircraft, and… well, all of today’s advanced technology. So what is a chip, really? It’s an important thing to understand if we want to know why China has lost the chip war and why that will be a factor, besides its geography, and demographics, that will disintegrate China during this decade.
Great insight and information. All over my head of course, but I try to stay informed. One question: where is the silica processed into quartz? It seems that process would take buku energy, more than any wind or solar panel farm could produce.
You are right, quartz crystal production is like making aluminum from bauxite ore. It takes LOTS of power. China has those refinery plants and because it is simple work, produced the fine Quartz crystals used for chips. However, the pure silica sand that is needed is mined in North Carolina, so if the Dept of Commerce sanctions exports to China, those expensive smelters are useless.
Great insight and information. All over my head of course, but I try to stay informed. One question: where is the silica processed into quartz? It seems that process would take buku energy, more than any wind or solar panel farm could produce.
You are right, quartz crystal production is like making aluminum from bauxite ore. It takes LOTS of power. China has those refinery plants and because it is simple work, produced the fine Quartz crystals used for chips. However, the pure silica sand that is needed is mined in North Carolina, so if the Dept of Commerce sanctions exports to China, those expensive smelters are useless.