Semiconductors and Chips: Foundations
How chips are made, why supply chains are fragile and what the US buildout means for you
Chips power everything from tractors and hospital monitors to AI data centers, and the US is investing billions to make more of them at home. This free course from the Enterprise Technology Association (ETA) explains semiconductors in plain language: how chips are designed and made, why supply chains are concentrated, what the CHIPS and Science Act funds, how fab projects really unfold and which careers are opening. You'll leave with ETA's Chip risk check for your organization.
What you'll learn
- What chips and transistors are, the main kinds of chips and the latest market figures
- The chip value chain: design, fabrication, assembly test and packaging, equipment and materials
- Why EUV lithography, advanced packaging and mature-node chips matter
- Supply chain concentration, export controls and national security
- The CHIPS and Science Act, TSMC Arizona and Intel Ohio One, and what fabs mean for regions
- Chip careers and ETA's Chip risk check
Who it's for
Professionals, leaders, students and career changers, especially in manufacturing, procurement, IT, workforce development, economic development and education. No engineering background is needed.
How it works
Two modules with a short Try it exercise in every lesson, a knowledge check at the end of each module and a final assessment. Score 80% or higher on the final assessment to complete the course (1 credit hour). Pair it with Deep Tech Fluency: Foundations.
The chip industry and public programs change quickly. Facts in this course are current as of late 2026; check the sources for the latest.