Microchip shortage continues
GLOBALLY, the technology industry has been suffering a shortage of microchips all year. This has had a huge impact on the manufacture of cars and other products.
WHAT ARE MICROCHIPS?
Microchips, short for microprocessor chips, are like the brains in our electronic devices. All electronic devices and machines need a microchip to work. This includes cars, technology like your cellphone and computer, as well as appliances such as fridges and washing machines.
Every microchip has billions of transistors inside. These transistors are like small gates that allow electrons (subatomic particles that have an electric charge) to move through. It’s similar to the neurons in our bodies that allow the brain to convey messages to the body.
WHY IS THERE A SHORTAGE?
The shortage of microchips began before the Covid-19 pandemic. But it got worse when factories had to shut down due to lockdown rules.
The scarceness first started when the materials used to make microchips were no longer available.
