Technological development is driven by human needs. In the early twentieth century, the invention of vacuum tubes propelled the development of radio, long-distance call, radiotelegraphy, radar and computer; however, as vacuum tubes are large and energy-consuming, Bell Laboratories created the ever-smaller transistor during World War II as a replacement. Later, due to the increasing necessity for smaller, thinner and lighter electrical devices, the integrated circuit was born. Over the last fifty years, electronic components have evolved from minimeter- to micrometer- and nanometer-sized scales; space needed nonetheless, their performances have increased significantly despite the size reduction. The information industry has also transformed from PC and Internet era into the new era of intelligent mobile devices, foreseeing an explosive evolution.
Einstein once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Going through the three phases of vacuum tubes, transistors and integrated circuits, the evolution of the semiconductor can be best described as boundless imagination and infinite dreams of technology. Corresponding to the characteristics, applications and evolution of semiconductors, the exhibition consists of five themes: Atom Playroom, Discovering Bell Labs, Micro-world Exploration, Photoelectric Dream Factory and Infinite Future and Beyond. With the help of multi-media and mechanical devices, visitors can explore the fascinating world of semiconductors through interactive gaming.