Semiconductor Supply Chain
Knowledge

Semiconductor Supply Chain

Semiconductor supply chain include all kinds of semiconductor manufacturing and design industries, such as IC manufacturing, IC packaging and testing, IC design, and discrete component manufacturing.
Published: Apr 25, 2023
Semiconductor Supply Chain

What Is in the Semiconductor Industry?

In the production process of IC chips, the designed circuit diagram is first transferred to the semiconductor wafer. Through a series of procedures, an integrated circuit (IC, Integrated Circuit) is formed on the surface of the wafer, which is then cut into a piece called Dies. These Dies are finally wrapped in a protective shell, forming the final chip.

The upper, middle, and lower reaches of the semiconductor supply chain

  • Upstream: IC design. Production of IC design drawings.
  • Midstream: IC manufacturing. The actual manufacturing of the integrated circuit on the design drawing.
  • Downstream: IC packaging and testing. After passing testing, the wafer is cut into bare crystals, and the shell is added to package the chips.

Upstream of the Semiconductor Industry: IC Design Process

A chip is a complete circuit system used to process information. Before manufacturing a chip, engineers must first plan the functions that the chip needs to have according to requirements, and which areas on the chip to distribute these functions. Hardware Description Language (HDL) Describes the chip's functions and puts it into program code. An Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tool allows the computer to convert the program code into a circuit diagram.

Chips can be divided into 4 categories according to their functions:
  1. Memory IC: Used to store data. Divided into ICs that will either continue or not continue to hold stored data after the power supply is stopped.
    •  Volatile: Data will disappear when power is turned off, including Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DRAM).
    • Non-Volatile: Data will continue to be stored after power is turned off, including Ready Only Memory (ROM) and Flash.
  2. Micro Component IC: a component with special data processing functions.
    • Micro Processor Unit (MPU): Processing complex logic operations, such as Central Processing Unit (CPU); or microprocessor, such as Instruction Set Architecture (ISA).
    • Micro Controller Unit (MCU): It is equivalent to a microcomputer, which integrates the basic components of the computer: CPU, memory, and input and output interfaces (I/O) on an IC chip. Also known as Single-Chip Microcomputer.
    • Digital Signal Processor (DSP): Processing and computing Digital Signal.
    • Micro Peripheral (MPR): Support MPU, MCU circuit components. Used to process the chips of computer peripheral equipment.
  3. Logic IC: IC that performs logic operations.
    • Standard Logic IC: Perform basic logic operations, such as AND, OR, etc., mass-produce and sell IC standard products to different customers.
    • Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC): IC tailored for special purposes or a single customer, with the characteristics of customization, differentiation, and small quantity, and is used in markets with fast industrial changes and high integration requirements.
  4. Analog IC: An IC that processes analog signals, mainly used in Power Management, Amplifier, and Converter.

In the IC design industry, when engineers design ICs, in addition to the IC design itself, they also use IC design tools, which are also part of the IC design upstream of the semiconductor supply chain.

Midstream of the Semiconductor Industry: IC Manufacturing Process

When the IC design is completed, it will enter the production stage, that is, IC manufacturing. This stage is the midstream segment of the industrial semiconductor supply chain. In simple terms, IC manufacturing means that the foundry must transfer the designed circuit diagram to the semiconductor wafer.

IC manufacturing process: The IC manufacturing process of transferring the design drawing to the wafer is roughly divided into 6 stages, in order: wafer, target sputtering, coating photoresist, photomask lithography, etching, and photoresist removal.

IC manufacturing plants that manufacture chips need to use a variety of IC manufacturing equipment in the process of transferring circuits to wafers; there are also some important IC manufacturing materials in the process, such as basic material wafers, sputtering on the wafer as a metal thin film target for circuits, photomasks for transferring circuit diagrams, and chemicals such as photoresist. These IC manufacturing equipment and IC manufacturing materials are also part of the IC industry.

Downstream of the Semiconductor Industry: IC Packaging and Testing Process

When the circuit on the design drawing is placed on the wafer to form the IC, then it is necessary to test and package it, that is, to test whether these ICs can work, and then cut the IC on the wafer into a piece of die/ Die. Because these bare dies are very fragile, if the IC is usable after testing, it must be protected by wrapping it in a shell. This encapsulated Dai is now the final finished "chip".

Packaging involves wrapping the IC die into a chip. There needs to be a carrier that the die can be fixed to. This component is responsible for carrying the die and allowing the die to be connected to the outside. There are two main types of carriers: IC carrier board and Lead Frame. After the die is placed on the IC carrier board or lead frame, it is protected by a case.

IC packaging and testing manufacturers also use chip testing equipment and chip packaging equipment when conducting chip testing and chip packaging. Chip packaging can use various chip packaging materials, such as IC carrier plates, lead frames, solder balls, gold wire, and molding materials such as packaging glue and packaging shell.

Development of the Semiconductor Industry

The explosion of emerging technology applications such as 5G, high-performance computing, and the Internet of Things, coupled with the strong demand for automotive electronics, has driven wafer foundry production capacity to continue to rise. The machinery and equipment industry has benefited from semiconductor and 5G-related industries. In addition, the epidemic has accelerated the pace of manufacturers to install automation equipment. The production capacity of general-purpose production machinery and parts, linear slides, electronics and semiconductor equipment and parts, and metal manipulator tools has increased, to meet the strong global demand for chips and related semiconductor products.

Published by Apr 25, 2023 Source :stockfeel

Further reading

You might also be interested in ...

Headline
Knowledge
Precision in Rotation: Indexing Plates in Metal Machining
Rotary Indexing Plates are precision components of milling machines that facilitate the precise angular positioning of workpieces and cutting tools. They are used in both metal machining and woodworking, and while they share a fundamental purpose, there are notable differences in their design, capabilities, and applications due to the distinct characteristics of the materials and processes involved.
Headline
Knowledge
Sheet Metal Fabrication Machines: An Overview
Sheet metal machines are widely used in various manufacturing industries for shaping, cutting, and forming sheet metal into different components. Some of the industries that extensively utilize sheet metal machines include light industries such as electrical and medical equipment, all the way up to heavy industries such as automotive, rail, oil and gas, as well as wind power generation.
Headline
Knowledge
The Significance of Planing Machines in the Machining Tool Industry
Metal and wood planing machines are essential tools in the machining industry. Wood planers use a rotating cutterhead equipped with sharp blades to smooth and size workpieces, ensuring uniformity in woodworking projects. Metal planers use a cutting tool mounted on a reciprocating tool head to remove excess material from metal surfaces, achieving precise dimensions in components. Both types of planning machines enhance efficiency, precision, and the overall quality of finished products. Understanding the key features of the various types of planing machines will help you choose the right machine best suited for your machining needs.
Headline
Knowledge
Stamp Press Technology and Manufacturing in Taiwan
Nestled in the heart of East Asia, Taiwan has emerged as a powerhouse in the global stamp press industry, with a robust manufacturing ecosystem, and cutting-edge technology. With a rich manufacturing tradition and a focus on precision engineering, Taiwanese companies meet the demands of diverse sectors, ranging from electronics and automotive to medical devices and aerospace, supplying high-quality stamp press solutions to a diverse range of markets worldwide.
Headline
Knowledge
Introduction to Stamp Press Technology
Stamp press technology, also known as stamping or pressing, is a manufacturing process that utilizes a press to shape or cut materials into desired forms. This process involves the use of a die and a punch to form or cut the material, creating intricate shapes with high precision. Widely employed for mass production due to its speed, accuracy, and repeatability, this process is a crucial part of modern manufacturing.
Headline
Knowledge
Mechanical Reducers in Industrial Manufacturing
Speed reducers are powerful mechanical devices generally used in machining tools to multiply the force or torque generated by an input power source, thereby increasing the usable force, enhancing the performance and precision of the machining tool. They are also used in material handling systems such as conveyor belts and lifting mechanisms to control the speed of material transfer and manage heavy loads efficiently. By multiplying the available output force, they enable the use of a reduced input power source, resulting in cost savings for machine tool investments. When choosing the appropriate speed reducer, the torque, speed, and horsepower of the input, as well as the mounting configuration, efficiency, and required lifetime all need to be considered. The quality of the machine chosen will also be reflected in the amount of backlash, transmission error, torsional rigidity, and inertia experienced during machining.
Headline
Knowledge
Introduction to Stamp Press Technology
Stamp press technology, also known as stamping or pressing, is a manufacturing process that utilizes a press to shape or cut materials into desired forms. This process involves the use of a die and a punch to form or cut the material, creating intricate shapes with high precision. Widely employed for mass production due to its speed, accuracy, and repeatability, this process is a crucial part of modern manufacturing.
Headline
Knowledge
Innovations in Sawing Technology
The traditional image of saws as just cutting tools is being reshaped by cutting-edge advancements that integrate automation and robotics in sawing technologies, paving the way for greater precision and efficiency of sawing technology in manufacturing.
Headline
Knowledge
The Fundamentals of Drilling Machines
Drilling machines play a pivotal role in the manufacturing industry, using rotary motion to create precise holes in a variety of materials. Whether it's metal, wood, plastic, or composites, drilling machines are versatile and essential for producing components in countless applications.
Headline
Knowledge
Hybrid Milling in Manufacturing: Integrating Additive and Subtractive Processes
The integration of additive manufacturing (AM) and subtractive milling processes has emerged as a transformative manufacturing process known as hybrid milling. This technique combines the strengths of both 3D printing and traditional subtractive milling, opening up new possibilities and diverse applications for creating complex geometries with improved material efficiency.
Headline
Knowledge
Features and Mechanics of Industrial Saws
Industrial saws shape raw materials into precise components that form the backbone of countless products. Understanding the mechanics of sawing, examining the fundamental principles, cutting mechanisms, and essential aspects of safety and maintenance will ensure the most efficient and safe operation of industrial saws.
Headline
Knowledge
Understanding the Diversity of Industrial Saws
Industrial saws play a pivotal role in processing a wide range of materials with precision and efficiency. Taiwan is a major supplier of industrial saws to the automotive, aerospace, and construction, as well as the metal fabrication industries. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the diverse industry of industrial saws, exploring their types, structures, applications, and the crucial role they play in various industries.
Agree