For Integral and all forum members - semiconductors industries

In summary, the issue of wafer size in the semiconductor industry is an economic one. While some big companies have invested in transitioning from 300 millimeters diameter wafers to 450 millimeters diameter wafers, there have been recent rumors that this process has been halted and all industries will stick to 300 millimeters diameter wafers. Upon researching, it can be seen that the decision to move to larger wafers is on hold due to economic factors and the need for demand before building new fabrication plants and equipment. The advantages of larger wafers include higher chip production per wafer, but the industry is currently waiting for the right timing to make this transition. Ultimately, for those not involved in the industry, the
  • #1
iii
48
0
Hello Integral and all the forum members,
Before approximate 8 months I read that some big companies begin to invest a lot of money in change the wafer size from 300 millimeters diameter to 450 millimeters diameter, in these days one friend tell me that he hear that all the industries in semiconductors stop all these processes and all the semiconductors industries will stay with wafers that have 300 millimeters diameters, because I am not sure that it is true and I don't understand what happen so I try to find in google some articles that will confirm it or disprove and will give information and details for these two options (confirmation or disprove) like:
1. If it was stop so why the semiconductors industries stop to the research and development to move from 300 millimeters diameter wafers to 450 millimeters diameter wafers?
2. If it was not stop so what are the advantage and disadvantages from moving from 300 millimeters diameter wafers to 450 millimeters diameter wafers?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wafer_(electronics)

The issue of wafer size is an economic one. Increasing wafer size requires equipment to be replaced with larger equipment. It is better to keep running the old plant while building another plant. The economy is not strong, so manufacturers are probably waiting until they need to build a new fabrication plant, with new larger equipment. The manufacturers of the larger equipment will also be waiting for demand before building the next generation equipment.

Why bigger wafers? The number of steps and the process time will remain the same, but the number of chips produced will be higher per wafer. 300 to 450 gives 2.25 times the wafer area.

If you are not in the industry then the wafer size is quite irrelevant to you. There will always be rumours about an industry, if you follow 1% of them, you will be wasting your lifetime.
 
  • #3

1. What are semiconductors?

Semiconductors are materials that have electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator. They are used in electronic devices to control the flow of electricity.

2. How are semiconductors made?

Semiconductors are typically made from silicon, which is purified and then grown into a single crystal. This crystal is then cut into thin wafers and processed with different layers of materials to create the desired properties for specific electronic components.

3. What are the main applications of semiconductors?

Semiconductors are used in a wide range of electronic devices, including computers, smartphones, televisions, and solar panels. They are also used in industrial applications such as power supplies, lighting, and motor control.

4. How do semiconductors impact the tech industry?

Semiconductors play a crucial role in the tech industry as they are the fundamental building blocks of electronic devices. The advancements in semiconductor technology have allowed for the development of smaller, faster, and more efficient devices, leading to the rapid growth of the tech industry.

5. What are some challenges facing the semiconductor industry?

One major challenge facing the semiconductor industry is the constant need for innovation and development to keep up with the ever-changing demands of the tech market. Other challenges include increasing competition, rising production costs, and environmental concerns related to the production and disposal of semiconductor materials.

Similar threads

Wafers handling robotics arms
    • General Engineering
Replies
7
Views
3K
Physics Physics Degrees and Semiconductor Industry (IC Design?)
    • STEM Career Guidance
Replies
6
Views
3K
Programs Switching from Law to Integrated Circuit Design/Semiconductors at Low Cost?
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
25
Views
1K
Effects of a rapidly developing, unknown nearby civilization
    • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
18
Views
2K
Writing: Input Wanted Building a Generation Ship: The SFV Exodus
    • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
3
Replies
96
Views
6K
Planning to work in the Semiconductor Industry
    • STEM Career Guidance
Replies
2
Views
9K
Powder activated carbon transfer method
    • General Engineering
Replies
15
Views
5K
Calculate Reimbursement for Multiple Plans: A Healthcare Guide
    • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
Schools Is ASU's Online BSEE Program a Good Option for a Traveling Engineer Like Shane?
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
2
Views
2K
Engineering I’m having second thoughts about my job position. How can I proceed with it?
    • STEM Career Guidance
Replies
13
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top