Three years, two months to 2012
10/01/2008
We’re pleased to be bringing you this special issue, the result of a collaborative effort between ISMI and Solid State Technology, initiated last year. Of all the topics addressed, perhaps none are as controversial as the move to 450mm wafer sizes in the 2012 timeframe, just a little more than three years away.
I salute Scott and his colleagues at ISMI for their efforts in this regard, and for their ability to tread what I imagine is sometimes a fine line in trying to fulfill the needs of diverse member companies, each with different goals and strategies. Proponents of 450mm would like to see a pilot line established by 2012. Others say???some quite adamantly???that the semiconductor industry should focus its limited resources on improving the efficiency of existing factories (typically labeled as 300Prime or NGF efforts).
As you’ll see, work on 450mm is already well underway at ISMI, as is work to improve 300 mm fab efficiency. What struck me as I read the various articles in this issue is that these are not competing technologies. Just the opposite: one goal of the 450mm program is to apply the efficiency lessons learned???and still being learned???through the NGF program.
Another common theme through this issue is that these efforts require a high level of involvement from the equipment and materials supplier community. “Early engagement with the industry and suppliers has been a lesson learned from 300mm and a focus of the 450mm program, along with analysis of ESH challenges and the drive towards “green”manufacturing,”notes Tom Abell in his 450mm update. Similarly, Olaf Rothe and co-authors say an important ISMI effort is the outgoing message to the supplier community identifying the types of changes and improvements that are necessary to support the success of the NGF.
So read on and enjoy this special issue. Thanks to all at ISMI that made it possible, best wishes for continued success and I hope you can all make the ISMI Manufacturing Week Conference, to be held October 24-27, 2008 in Austin, Texas.
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Pete Singer
Editor-in-Chief