SEMI Teams with Cornell University to Accelerate Technology Development Using Machine Learning and AI
June 28, 2019 | SEMIEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
SEMI has announced a research and development (R&D) project to speed technology progress and problem-solving in microelectronics manufacturing and across the supply chain by driving new efficiencies using machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). Under an agreement with SEMI, Cornell University will optimize and accelerate two critical process steps—lithography and plasma etch. Supported through SEMI’s R&D program with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL), the project aims to help accelerate the adoption of data-driven AI methodologies to streamline microelectronics operations.
The project will lay the foundation for SEMI to establish data transfer and management standards crucial to the trusted exchange of trade secrets, IP and other sensitive information. New standards and protocols are vital as the industry moves into the era of big data.
Semiconductor manufacturing is extremely complex due to the intricate interdependencies among various processes, environments, tools, and materials. This complexity deepens with the rise of new technologies and makes existing analytical approaches such as statistical process control (SPC) and design of experiments (DOE) more challenging. In addition, analyzing cleanroom data is now harder because of varying formats and lack of physical models for categorizing the data. Consequently, identifying root causes of manufacturing problems is much more difficult, slowing the development of new technologies.
“Streamlining manufacturing processes across the microelectronics supply chain to address the rising complexity of technology development is key for the industry to keep pace with market demand and drive growth,” said Ajit Manocha, SEMI president and CEO. “The microelectronics industry has been slow to adopt ML and AI due, in part, to IP and data security concerns that impede data-sharing. SEMI’s agreement with Cornell, supported by ARL, is an important step in using ML and AI techniques to tackle this and other issues and bring new technologies to market faster.”
Tools and materials from several SEMI members will be used for the project at Cornell University’s NanoScale Science & Technology Facility (CNF).
The budget for the year-long project is provided by the ARL grant, SEMI, and through in-kind contributions from companies in the form of materials and testing services. The principal investigators from Cornell University are Dr. Christopher K. Ober, professor of Materials Engineering and Director of the CNF, and Dr. Amit Lal, professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Dr. Peter Doerschuk, Dr. Ed Suh, and Dr. Don Tennant will also support the project with expertise spanning computer systems, high-performance software and facilities management.
About SEMI
SEMI connects more than 2,100 member companies and 1.3 million professionals worldwide to advance the technology and business of electronics design and manufacturing. SEMI members are responsible for the innovations in materials, design, equipment, software, devices, and services that enable smarter, faster, more powerful, and more affordable electronic products. Electronic System Design Alliance (ESD Alliance), FlexTech, the Fab Owners Alliance (FOA) and the MEMS & Sensors Industry Group (MSIG) are SEMI Strategic Association Partners, defined communities within SEMI focused on specific technologies.
Suggested Items
Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Tools, Training, and Trends in Manufacturing Engineering
04/25/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOGuest Editor Kelly Dack and Product Specialist Erik Bateham of Polar Instruments discuss Polar's latest technology, including their role in aiding manufacturing engineers. They highlight the advanced capabilities of Polar's tools and the critical role of signal integrity analysis, as well as the importance of accurate modeling in board manufacturing. Polar's unique training approach and demonstration contact details are also explored.
TTM Celebrates the Grand Opening of Its First Manufacturing Facility in Penang
04/25/2024 | TTM Technologies, Inc.TTM Technologies, Inc., a leading global manufacturer of technology solutions including mission systems, radio frequency (RF) components and RF microwave/microelectronic assemblies, and quick-turn and technologically advanced printed circuit boards (PCBs), officially opened its first manufacturing plant in Penang, Malaysia with an investment of USD200 million (approximately RM958 million).
Listen Up! The Intricacies of PCB Drilling Detailed in New Podcast Episode
04/25/2024 | I-Connect007In episode 5 of the podcast series, On the Line With: Designing for Reality, Nolan Johnson and Matt Stevenson continue down the manufacturing process, this time focusing on the post-lamination drilling process for PCBs. Matt and Nolan delve into the intricacies of the PCB drilling process, highlighting the importance of hole quality, drill parameters, and design optimization to ensure smooth manufacturing. The conversation covers topics such as drill bit sizes, aspect ratios, vias, challenges in drilling, and ways to enhance efficiency in the drilling department.
Elevating PCB Design Engineering With IPC Programs
04/24/2024 | Cory Blaylock, IPCIn a monumental stride for the electronics manufacturing industry, IPC has successfully championed the recognition of the PCB Design Engineer as an official occupation by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). This pivotal achievement not only underscores the critical role of PCB design engineers within the technology landscape, but also marks the beginning of a transformative journey toward nurturing a robust, skilled workforce ready to propel our industry into the future.
Fujitsu, METRON Collaborate to Drive ESG Success
04/24/2024 | JCN NewswireFujitsu Limited and METRON SAS, a French cleantech company specializing in energy management solutions for industrial decarbonization, today announced a strategic initiative to contribute to the realization of carbon neutrality in the manufacturing industry.