Thursday 29 September 2011

Find The Silicon Wafers You Need

By Margaret Gonzalez


Those who work in the semiconductor industry are aware that integrated circuits are made with silicon wafers. The microcircuits that are found in microchips are the reason modern day electronics are so prevalent. However, it's important to find the exact wafers you need for your own specific applications.

Sizes can vary from 50mm to 300mm, and they can be square or round. With larger sizes, more fabrication steps can be achieved on a higher number of chips on the wafer. Costs will vary, and tend rise at a slower rate as size increases. However, technology must stay abreast of the higher demand for larger sizes; it is not a simple matter to create the furnaces and systems necessary for this process.

Arsenic, phosphorus, and boron are examples of different dopants that are used for processing. Other products are processed with material deposition, etching, and ion implantation. It is also possible to request that your wafers be polished or etched.

Silicon is very pure, but consistency of the products is still quite important. When you speak with a manufacturer, be sure to ask about quality control. Slicing of the material must be performed with great care and professionalism. Sometimes the subsequent cleaning, texturing, and etching can leave unwanted particles, but this will be handled at the place of manufacture.

The right supplier will respond to your scheduling requirements, and they may also offer additional process steps to reduce your time investment. One example is a thin film process which can handle not only substrates, but other materials, as well. Most manufacturers will also offer products that are both prime and test devices. Your supplier only needs to know what you require in order to deliver.

It's also possible to work with manufacturers who will adapt to the quality and quantity of your requirements. Some maintain an inventory of standard wafers that are available for immediate use. You can often find products that are thick or thin, and available in a variety of grades. Rush jobs on customized orders are also offered by suppliers.

The way to create a superior microelectronic product is when you start with the best silicon wafers. Those who are involved in the fast-paced technological industry can find what they're looking for. Costs are important, and also speed of delivery. However, the most significant aspect of the products is high quality. Explore the market before choosing your supplier, and you'll learn that the wafers you need can be made available to you.




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