Skip to main content

How are microchips made? - George Zaidan and Sajan Saini

304,167 Views

580 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Globally, we produce more than a trillion computer chips every year. Which means about 20 trillion transistors are built every second— and this process is done in fewer than 500 fabrication plants. How do we build so many tiny, intricately-connected devices, so incredibly fast? George Zaidan and Sajan Saini explore how photolithography helps build these devices and its environmental impact.

Create and share a new lesson based on this one.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Sajan Saini , George Zaidan
  • Director Tolga Yıldız, Kozmonot Animation Studio
  • Narrator George Zaidan
  • Music Tolga Yıldız, Kozmonot Animation Studio
  • Sound Designer Tolga Yıldız, Kozmonot Animation Studio
Avatar for Mary Holzer
Lesson in progress

The production of computer chips is essential for modern technology, but it comes with significant environmental costs, such as high electricity and water usage, chemical waste, and greenhouse gas emissions. As our demand for technology grows, can we balance the need for advanced computing with the imperative to protect our environment? What are the potential solutions and trade offs?

More from How Things Work