The Different Skills And Responsibilities Of A Semiconductor Validation Engineer

The post-silicon tape-out phase in semiconductor product development involves rigorous testing to ensure that the manufactured devices meet their intended specifications and perform reliably in real-world applications. This phase is critical because it represents the first opportunity to evaluate the physical samples of the semiconductor devices.

While ATE-based testing is the most widely known way to validate a silicon chip, board-specific validation types are also crucial in ensuring the device meets all the specifications.

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THREAD

Tower Semiconductor is renewing its efforts to establish a semiconductor fabrication plant in India, proposing a 40nm and 65nm FAB after its initial plan was shelved due to a failed merger with Intel. This second attempt, potentially with a new business partner, signifies a strategic move to position India as a key player in the global semiconductor industry. The project's timing is critical, as 2024 is an election year in India, suggesting that a swift decision may be forthcoming. If successful, this venture could catalyze the development of a robust semiconductor research and development ecosystem in India, marking a win-win for both Tower Semiconductor and the country.

The upcoming 2024 general election in India introduces a critical timeframe for the approval of semiconductor manufacturing proposals, including a significant 40nm/65nm FAB and various OSAT initiatives. With the Model Code of Conduct prohibiting gain-based political announcements once election dates are set, there's an urgent window for action. Failure to announce India's first semiconductor FAB and other OSAT projects before this period could stall semiconductor manufacturing activities in the country for at least the year 2024, highlighting the intersection of political processes and technological ambitions in India's quest to become a semiconductor manufacturing hub.

Bridging the gap between academic theory and the practical knowledge demanded by the semiconductor industry involves engaging in hands-on projects, securing internships for direct experience, and utilizing online courses to apply theoretical knowledge practically. Additionally, attending workshops and seminars offers insights into current trends and networking opportunities, while joining professional associations provides access to specialized resources. Collaborating on research projects with faculty or industry professionals can also offer practical experience in solving real-world problems. These strategies remain relevant and effective for students looking to transition successfully into the semiconductor industry, ensuring they are well-prepared for the practical challenges they will face.

Addressing concerns about AI impacting semiconductor jobs, the key is understanding how AI integrates into semiconductor design and manufacturing. AI and advanced algorithms assist process engineers in decision-making, while human expertise remains crucial for engineering judgments in the challenging domain of semiconductor manufacturing. In design, AI enhances engineers' capabilities, aiding in various aspects from block design to quality assurance. Students should focus on learning how AI complements semiconductor technology, especially in Electronic Design Automation (EDA) and evolving manufacturing processes. Awareness of where human intelligence is irreplaceable, despite automation, prepares individuals for future roles in the industry, ensuring adaptability and relevance.

When reviewing resumes, especially from students in India, it's advisable to omit high school details, photos, date of birth, languages spoken, and personal interests or hobbies. Keeping the resume to a single page, avoiding decorations like logos/graphics, and excluding addresses, declarations, and unnecessary contact details can make it more professional. Importantly, emphasize projects with quantifiable outcomes, use relevant terminology, and avoid repetition. Despite not being a recruitment expert, these tips aim to refine a resume's focus on substantive content. Continuously seek diverse feedback, recognizing the evolving nature of professional documentation and the enduring importance of resumes/CVs in job applications.

VLOG

Watching this insightful video on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the semiconductor industry provides a comprehensive overview of how AI is reshaping this critical sector. It highlights the transformative effects of AI on job roles, efficiency, and innovation within semiconductor design and manufacturing. Students can gain insights into the practical applications of AI, including predictive maintenance, optimization of chip architecture, and enhanced quality control, which surpass human capabilities.

The video also discusses the necessity of reskilling for professionals to adapt to AI-driven changes, emphasizing the growing demand for skills in AI and data analysis alongside traditional semiconductor engineering. By watching, one can understand the dual nature of AI's impact: the challenges of job displacement and skill shifts, and the significant opportunities for personal growth, efficiency gains, and leading-edge innovation.

This knowledge is crucial for anyone interested in the future of technology, semiconductor industry professionals seeking to stay relevant, and students or educators aiming to align their curriculum with industry trends.

GOVERNMENT

U.S. announces preliminary terms with GlobalFoundries to strengthen domestic legacy chip supply for U.S. auto and defense industries. U.S. Department of Commerce and GlobalFoundries (GF) have signed a non-binding preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) to provide approximately $1.5 billion in direct funding under the CHIPS and Science Act to strengthen U.S. domestic supply chain resilience, bolster U.S. competitiveness in current-generation and mature-node (C&M) semiconductor production, and support economic and national security capabilities. The proposed funding would support a new state-of-the-art facility, significant capacity expansion, and the modernization of GF’s U.S. manufacturing sites in New York and Vermont, which produce essential automotive, communications, and defense semiconductor technologies.

U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs, awarded a $13.8 million cooperative agreement (CA) to Arizona State University (ASU) under the International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) Fund, created by the CHIPS Act of 2022.  This new initiative will bolster the assembly, testing, and packaging (ATP) capabilities in ITSI partner countries in the Americas and Indo-Pacific, enhancing a resilient supply chain for U.S. semiconductor manufacturers.

INDUSTRY

Singapore-based Silicon Box specializes in chiplets, an increasingly popular way of making high-performing semiconductors by packing smaller chips tightly together and shortening their electrical connections. The three-year-old startup recently raised $200 million in a Series B round from industry giants and its own billionaire cofounders. The fresh capital will go towards Silicon Box’s manufacturing capabilities and global expansion. Last July, Silicon Box cut the ribbon on a 750,000-square-foot semiconductor fab in Singapore’s eastern region of Tampines, home to several important industrial parks. Three months later, in October, the $2 billion facility began producing chiplets. Silicon Box declined to disclose its customers but said its chiplets are used in hot AI fields such as large language model and generative AI, high-performance computing, mobile computing, data centers and electric vehicles. 

Infineon and Wolfspeed Extend Partnership for Silicon Carbide Wafer. To address the projected surge in demand for SiC devices until 2030, Infineon has implemented a multi-source strategy for silicon carbide wafers, specifically focusing on 150mm and 200mm formats. This strategic move holds immense significance in ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply chain for SiC wafers, critical components in the production of high-performance power electronics.

ACADEMIA

The University of Cambridge is a partner in the new £11m Innovation and Knowledge Centre (IKC) REWIRE, set to deliver pioneering semiconductor technologies and new electronic devices. Semiconductors, also known as microchips, are a key component in nearly every electrical device from mobile phones and medical equipment to electric vehicles. They are increasingly being recognised as an area of global strategic significance due to the integral role they play in net zero, AI and quantum technology. The IKC will accelerate the UK’s ambition for net zero by transforming the next generation of high-voltage electronic devices using wide/ultra-wide bandgap (WBG/UWBG) compound semiconductors.

RESEARCH

Researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed a new integration technique for efficient integration of III-V compound semiconductor devices and silicon, paving the way for photonic integration at low cost, large volume, and high speed and throughput that could revolutionize data communications. Unlike conventional integrated circuits, or microchips, that use electrons, photonic integrated circuits use photons, or particles of light. Photonic integration combines light and electronics to speed up data transfer. Silicon photonics (Si-photonics), in particular, is at the forefront of this revolution as it enables the creation of high-speed, low-cost connections that can handle massive amounts of data at once.

TOOLS

KiCad EDA: KiCad is an open source software suite for Electronic Design Automation (EDA). The programs handle Schematic Capture, and PCB Layout with Gerber output. The suite runs on Windows, Linux and macOS and is licensed under GNU GPL v3.

The goal of the KiCad project is to provide the best possible cross platform electronics design application for professional electronics designers. Every effort is made to hide the complexity of advanced design features so that KiCad remains approachable by new and inexperienced users, but when determining the direction of the project and the priority of new features, the needs of professional users take precedence.

JOBS

LSI Expert has a page with list of open VLSI jobs. Students and professionals based out of India can use this portal to find relevant job openings.

LET US CONNECT

Whether you are a student with the goal to enter semiconductor industry (or even academia) or a semiconductor professional or someone looking to learn more about the ins and outs of the semiconductor industry, please do reach out to me.

Let us together explore the world of semiconductor and the endless opportunities:

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