What Goes Wrong In Advanced Packages


Advanced packaging may be the best way forward for massive improvements in performance, lower power, and different form factors, but it adds a whole new set of issues that were much better understood when Moore's Law and the ITRS roadmap created a semi-standardized path forward for the chip industry. Different advanced packaging options — system-in-package, fan-outs, 2.5D, 3D-IC — have a... » read more

Meeting The Challenges Of 5G RF Production Test Services


Implementation of the 5G radio frequency (RF) standard is increasing rapidly [1]. Over the past four to six quarters, there has been an increased focus on publications and products that have been introduced to the marketplace. Some of the more popular RF eco-system applications include cellphone, Wi-Fi, automotive, Internet of Things (IoT), location services, and more. Wi-Fi and cellphone servi... » read more

Chip Board Interaction Analysis Of 22nm FD-SOI Technology In WLP


Recently, Wafer Level Packaging (WLP) has been in high demand, especially in mobile device applications as a path to enable miniaturization while maintaining good electrical performance. The relatively inexpensive package cost and simplified supply chain are encouraging other industries to adapt WLP capabilities for radio frequency (RF), communications/sensing (mmWave) and automotive applicatio... » read more

Week In Review: Manufacturing, Test


Government policy The National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence (NSCAI) this week submitted its final report to Congress and the President. The goal is to develop a national strategy to maintain America’s AI advantages related to national security. As part of the long and complex report, the NSCAI came to a sobering conclusion: “The U.S. government is not prepared to defend t... » read more

Week In Review: Auto, Security, Pervasive Computing


Automotive/Mobility Chip-telemetry company proteanTecs has joined TSMC’s IP Alliance Program, which puts proteanTecs’ Universal Chip Telemetry (UCT) IP into TSMC’s catalog of production-proven IP. UCT is a monitoring system designed directly into chips to pull measurements from inside the chip throughout its lifecycle, including after placement in systems in the field. Monitoring the hea... » read more

Week In Review: Manufacturing, Test


Chipmakers and OEMs Several chipmakers have not resumed production in their fabs in Texas for the second consecutive week. This follows power outages due to a major winter storm. As reported, a severe winter storm hit many parts of the United States, including Texas. Last week, utility providers began to prioritize service to residential areas in Austin, Texas. As a result, electricity and ... » read more

Week In Review: Auto, Security, Pervasive Computing


Automotive/Mobility Toyota Motor Corporation developed a hydrogen fuel cell (FC) system packaged in a compact module. Toyota plans to start selling it in the spring of 2021. The module can be used by other companies developing products powered by fuel cells. Micron is sampling an ASIL D level LPDDR5. The low-power memory is qualified for automotive safety applications. Samsung Foundry ce... » read more

Shortages, Challenges Engulf Packaging Supply Chain


A surge in demand for chips is impacting the IC packaging supply chain, causing shortages of select manufacturing capacity, various package types, key components, and equipment. Spot shortages in packaging surfaced in late 2020 and have since spread to other sectors. There are now a variety of choke points in the supply chain. Wirebond and flip-chip capacity will remain tight throughout 2021... » read more

WLFO For High-Performance Low-Cost Packaging Of RFMEMS-CMOS


Navigating the trade-offs between performance, size, cost and reliability can be a challenge when considering integrated circuit (IC) packaging and the end-application. The integration of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), either monolithic or heterogeneous, introduces yet another level of complexity that has only recently been a major focus of multi-device packaging. Wafer-level fanout (W... » read more

Week In Review: Manufacturing, Test


Chipmakers The U.S. Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) and several chip executives have sent a joint letter to President Biden, urging the administration to include substantial funding for semiconductor manufacturing and research in the U.S. As reported, the share of global semiconductor manufacturing capacity in the U.S. has decreased from 37% in 1990 to 12% today. “Semiconductors pow... » read more

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