From Reactive to Predictive: AI-Driven Optimization for ATE Performance & Reliability


As ATE systems become increasingly complex and data-intensive, traditional rule-based optimization methods struggle to keep pace. In this Semicon Korea presentation, Cohu's Wai-Kong Chen will be exploring how artificial intelligence enables a paradigm shift from reactive troubleshooting to predictive and self-optimizing ATE systems. Read more here. Fig.1: Sweet spot inference.  Sourc... » read more

Agentic AI In Chip Manufacturing


Agentic AI — breaking AI into individual agents that can work together and collaboratively — will be the real game changer for AI in chip manufacturing. By taking humans out of the loop, these agents can be programmed using natural language to automatically solve problems and improve efficiency. Jon Herlocker, vice president and general manager of software analytics at Cohu, talks  about w... » read more

Chip Industry Week in Review


Government funding/defunding NIST is terminating funding for the SMART USA Institute, a CHIPS Act research center focused on digital twins, prompting congressional concern that the decision disrupts active awards and weakens U.S. semiconductor R&D commitments. Korea Zinc was awarded $210M in CHIPS Act funding towards a new $6.6B Tennessee advanced smelter and minerals processing facility,... » read more

Generative AI In Chip Manufacturing


Generative AI is a natural-language or text-based query, predicting patterns based on a massive set of data. While most of the attention has been focused on chatbots and copilots, it also can be used to identify small, transient aberrations in semiconductor manufacturing that are otherwise difficult to find. Jon Herlocker, vice president and general manager of software analytics at Cohu, talks ... » read more

Advanced Process Control In Semiconductor Manufacturing


Fifth in a seven-part series: Advanced process control for semiconductor wafers is evolving in ways that can significantly improve yield and reduce scrap. As dimensions shrink, the need to improve manufacturing processes and reduce variability requires more precision. "Classic" APC was a step in the right direction, identifying problems in a process chamber, for example, and automating adjustme... » read more

Ensuring Reliability Becomes Harder In Multi-Die Assemblies


Multi-die assemblies are bringing together a variety of materials and processes with distinctly different physical properties, creating significant challenges in manufacturing and packaging that can impact yield at time zero and reliability in the field. What passes electrical screening at the end of the line may look good on paper, but these devices can still fail once exposed to rapid and ... » read more

Digital Twins For Packaging: Bridging Design, Fab, Test, And Reliability


Digital twins dominated discussions at SEMICON West this year, appearing in keynote presentations, panel sessions, and workshops. The conversation reflected a noticeable shift in how the industry views the technology. What once was mainly associated with design exploration now spans the manufacturing lifecycle. In packaging and assembly, digital twins are emerging as a way to connect design ... » read more

New Frontiers In Fault Detection And Classification


IC manufacturers are increasingly relying on intelligent data processing to prevent downtime, improve yields, and reduce scrap. They are integrating that with fault detection and classification (FDC) to trace faults to their cause. Today’s FDC systems feature better sensors, variability control, and both predictive and prescriptive modeling. In the future, FDC will enable real-time decisio... » read more

Smarter Packaging: How AI is Reshaping Assembly and Materials Control


When a multi-die package worth $500 fails final test because of a defect that originated three process steps earlier, the economics of advanced packaging become painfully clear. Each excursion carries downstream costs that ripple across assembly, final test, and even system qualification. As packaging margins tighten, the industry is betting on artificial intelligence (AI) to catch those pro... » read more

Virtual Metrology In Semiconductor Manufacturing


Fourth in a seven-part series: Virtual metrology may never be 100% perfect because of the almost unlimited number of changes in a fab tools and the unique chip and wafer designs they're being used to process. But there are places where virtual metrology does make sense. Jon Herlocker, vice president and general manager of software analytics at Cohu, talks about why virtual metrology will never ... » read more

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