Semiconductor & MEMS Fabrication News

To provide "instant-on" capability in electronic systems with no power consumption, the Air Force Research Laboratory has developed magnetic memory technology that can be incorporated into a CMOS manufacturing process. The approach allows powering down a subsystem while remembering the system's state, permitting subsequent power-up and continued operation in mere milliseconds. The Pac-Man-shaped magnetic tunneling junctions (MTJs) also allowed developing on-chip passive components — resistors, capacitors, inductors, and transformers — for analog subsystems, allowing users to set their values electronically, and thereby creating a new kind of programmable analog circuit.

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SUSS MicroTec's mask aligner solutions for volume production of HB-LEDs offer an industry leading throughput of 145 wph with reduced cycle times. Proximity exposure for high resolution down to 0.7 µm maximizes yield and cost-efficiency. Innovative multi-size tooling for 2 in./4 in. and 4 in./6 in. processes. Find out more!

Our metrology markets span general scientific research to semiconductor, data storage, MEMS, and optoelectronics manufacturing — a range of industries that measure surface topography to control their process or research new materials. Products range from benchtop stylus and optical profilers to automated high resolution profilers for advanced IC production.

GTI's all new simple analog output MEMS gyro with low noise of 0.007/sec/√Hz combined with exceptional short-term bias stability of 0.005/sec, enables the G50Z-LN to offer best-in-class performance. Unmodelled bias over temperature of 0.3/sec, low weight of 32 g and ultra low power consumption at 60 mA.

Product introductions from chip vendors at November's Electronica offered one common characteristic — efficiency. In an attempt to reduce power consumption in electronic systems, many companies showed upgraded versions of common devices. This roundup from EDN showcases numerous examples, including microcontrollers, data converters, and LED drivers. One company is taking advantage of the transition to change its sales focus from particular parts to specific applications.

Can an electronic device change state because of mechanical strain rather than an electrical signal? Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a device that creates a switching field by deforming zinc oxide nanowires, generating an electric field through the piezoelectric effect. The new devices can be combined into self-powered, intelligent, and autonomous nanoscale systems.

One of the chief impediments to widespread adoption of photovoltaics to produce electricity has been the cost and manufacturing challenges of producing the electrodes from indium-tin oxide. If only you could use inexpensive carbon instead! Presto! Another promising application for graphene. MIT researchers have finally overcome the chief obstacle — finding a way to deposit a graphene layer on an organic solar cell.

As devices get ever-smaller and functional demands of electronic products continue to skyrocket, how will the devices themselves change? According to this guest editorial from Solid State Technology, companies will migrate toward metal instead of semiconductor gates, and there will be greater pressure to create 3D stackable chips with the layers connected by through-silicon vias (TSVs).

CBI has been supplying their customers with quality refurbished equipment at a great value since 1987. With over 2,000 items in stock from Silicon Etchers and Lithography Equipment to Vacuum Pumps and Chillers, our entire inventory can be viewed on our Web site. All equipment is refurbished and sold with a warranty.

Mettler-Toledo Thornton introduces its UniCond™ sensors for M300 ISM transmitters. Their dynamic range expansion allows resistivity and conductivity measurement from ultrapure water to brine with consistently high accuracy, especially in microelectronics applications. In addition, UniCond™ sensors feature simple plug and measure technology! Learn More...

In what sounds like a soap opera, the battle for control of the IC test industry has taken some interesting turns. Late last year Verigy announced plans to buy rival LTX/Credence. Shortly thereafter, Advantest put in a bid for Verigy. This item from EE Times and the accompanying comments may not clarify the process very much, but they offer an interesting perspective on the issues involved.

The biggest challenge to testing ball bonds on overhanging die in a semiconductor package is making sufficient contact for a reliable test without deforming the die and thereby compromising the bond itself. This white paper presents one solution that incorporates a particular test sequence, test software, a special toolset, and a self-damping anti-vibration system.

When you think of prominent hubs for semiconductor manufacturing, south Asian locations like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore come to mind. Now, thanks to AMD spinoff Global Foundaries and government-owned Advanced Technology Investment Company, Abu Dhabi is about to join them. Plans have emerged to build a plant costing between 6 and 7 billion dollars that will begin manufacturing state-of-the-art 12 in. wafers by about 2015.

Another display revolution is on its way, according to one manufacturer. This video demonstrates a mirasol display, based ona reflective technology that can provide full-color, fast-responding images even in direct sunlight. It offers the long battery life of e-readers and the superior brightness of conventional flat-panel LCDs without the disadvantages of either one.

A noteworthy development in polymer chemistry, Master Bond EP21TDC-2LO is an adhesive/sealant and encapsulant that meets NASA low outgassing specifications. This unique room temperature curing compound offers exceptional resistance to chemicals, thermal shock, and impact. The hardened composition is also an excellent electrical insulator.

Learn more about adhesives for the Electronics Industry...

Optimizing the utility of a thermal sensor is a critical success factor in every heater application. Thermal Circuits' engineers are experienced and trained to integrate state-of-the-art temperature sensing, controlling and limiting componentry to assure accuracy, repeatability, and quality.

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Pressure has been growing in many companies to adjust work schedules of both men and women to more easily accommodate family responsibilities. This blog entry from The New York Times advocates the practice based on the exorbitant cost of employee turnover and that therefore such flexibility ultimately saves the company money. The accompanying comments, however, suggest that the situation may not be as rosy as it first appears.

The ubiquitous lead-acid battery still used by most of today's cars was invented in 1860. Yet chemists could never figure out why it worked at all. Apparently, it's all relative. The missing link in the chemists' analysis until now was that the speed of electrons around a lead atom approach relativistic levels, increasing their mass and changing the way they interact.

How Flex is Your Time?

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