1. Introduction to Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing
The fundamentals of advanced semiconductor manufacturing focus on transforming raw silicon wafers into functional microchips through a complex multi-step process. This chapter highlights the significance of semiconductor technologies in driving modern electronic devices and the industry's evolution from the 1940s to present advancements such as EUV lithography. Key aspects, including challenges faced and technological trends, are also examined.
Sections
Navigate through the learning materials and practice exercises.
What we have learnt
- Semiconductor manufacturing is crucial for the production of integrated circuits and microchips used in various electronic devices.
- There has been a significant evolution in manufacturing technologies, resulting in smaller and more efficient devices guided by Moore's Law.
- The industry faces challenges including high costs, precision issues, material limitations, and supply chain risks.
Key Concepts
- -- Semiconductor Manufacturing
- The process of turning raw silicon wafers into functional microchips through a series of precise steps.
- -- Moore's Law
- The observation that the number of transistors on a chip doubles approximately every two years, leading to increased performance and efficiency.
- -- EUV Lithography
- Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography, a cutting-edge technology used for patterning integrated circuits with high precision at extremely small nodes.
- -- CMOS Technology
- Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor, a technology used for constructing integrated circuits and known for its efficiency and low power consumption.
- -- 3D ICs
- Three-dimensional integrated circuits, which stack silicon chips vertically to improve performance and density.
Additional Learning Materials
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.