Optical Transmission of Germanium Wafers
A semiconductor engineer requested a quote for the following.
I am looking for optical transmission of the Ge wafers in 4 um-12um range. I would really appreciate if you could e-mail me the part nos and optical transmission of your Ge wafers (undoped, n-type and p-type). Also, the transmission with AR coating if you have any data.
I would appreciate if you include other electro-optical characteristics too, but the main parameter is the transmission.
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4H Silicon Carbide Dummy Grade Substrates
A lead semiconductor engineer requested a quote for the following.
We are loooking for 2 boxes ( ~ 50 wafers) of 4 inch ( 100 mm diameter) of 4H-SiC ( i.e silicon carbide) dummy grade mechanical substrates with 2 standard SEMI flats. Can you please give us a quotation.
Reference #301679 for specs and pricing.
What is Advanced Semiconductor Engineering?
Advanced Semiconductor Engineering (ASE) refers to sophisticated, high-tech processes involved in semiconductor manufacturing, particularly in IC packaging, assembly, and testing. ASE is also the name of one of the world's largest providers of outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) services.
As a field:
Advanced semiconductor engineering encompasses cutting-edge techniques and technologies including:
As a company:
Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc. (ASE Group) is a global leader headquartered in Taiwan. It specializes in offering integrated solutions for semiconductor assembly, testing, and packaging, supporting industry giants and enabling innovation in sectors like automotive, communications, computing, healthcare, and IoT.
Applications of ASE Technologies:
- Smartphones and wearables
- High-performance computing (HPC)
- Automotive electronics (e.g., ADAS)
- IoT and sensor integration
- 5G and RF front-end modules
- Advanced medical and industrial electronics
In short, advanced semiconductor engineering involves highly specialized techniques essential to meeting modern demands for miniaturization, higher performance, power efficiency, and reliability in electronic devices.
What is Semiconductor Engineering?
Semiconductor engineering is a specialized branch of engineering dedicated to the design, development, manufacturing, testing, and optimization of semiconductor devices and systems. Semiconductors—primarily silicon-based—form the critical foundation of nearly all modern electronic devices, from smartphones and computers to automobiles, medical devices, sensors, and even spacecraft.
Core Areas of Semiconductor Engineering:
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Device Physics and Materials Science:
- Understanding fundamental properties of semiconductor materials (silicon, gallium arsenide, silicon carbide,
gallium nitride, etc.).
- Studying and optimizing how electrons and holes behave in different conditions.
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Wafer Fabrication (Front-end Process):
- Growth of crystalline semiconductor materials.
- Photolithography and patterning techniques.
- Oxidation, diffusion, ion implantation, deposition, and etching processes.
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Device Design and Modeling:
- Designing transistors, diodes, sensors, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), RF devices, optoelectronics, solar cells, and power electronics.
- Performing simulations using CAD software to optimize device performance.
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Integrated Circuit (IC) Design:
- Creating circuits using CMOS and other semiconductor technologies.
- Digital IC design, analog/mixed-signal design, RF circuit design, and system-on-chip (SoC) integration.
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Packaging and Assembly (Back-end Process):
- Encapsulating and protecting semiconductor chips.
- Designing packages to ensure thermal management, reliability, mechanical robustness, and electrical connectivity.
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Testing and Characterization:
- Verifying electrical performance, reliability, and quality assurance of semiconductor devices.
- Ensuring compliance with design specifications and industry standards.
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Yield Enhancement and Process Optimization:
- Improving manufacturing processes to maximize yield, reduce defects, and lower production costs.
- Analyzing data to diagnose and resolve problems in fabrication.
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Equipment Engineering:
- Designing and maintaining highly specialized semiconductor fabrication tools and facilities.
- Ensuring cleanliness, accuracy, and high throughput of equipment.
Applications of Semiconductor Engineering:
- Consumer Electronics: Smartphones, computers, televisions, wearable devices.
- Automotive Electronics: Sensors, power management, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), electric vehicles.
- Communications and Networking: RF devices, high-speed communication chips, optical fiber systems.
- Healthcare and Biomedical: Implantable electronics, biosensors, lab-on-chip devices, diagnostic equipment.
- Energy and Environment: Solar cells, power electronics for renewable energy, energy-efficient electronics.
- Military and Aerospace: Radiation-hardened electronics, high-temperature semiconductor devices, secure communication systems.
Importance and Future Trends:
Semiconductor engineering plays a critical role in enabling technological advancement and innovation. Key future trends include:
- Miniaturization (continued Moore's law scaling)
- 3D integrated circuits and advanced packaging
- Wide-bandgap semiconductors (GaN, SiC) for power and high-frequency applications
- Quantum computing and quantum technologies
- Advanced sensors, AI-driven smart systems, and IoT devices
In essence, semiconductor engineering is a multidisciplinary, dynamic, and foundational field that directly enables virtually all of modern technology.
What are the most common job titles associated with semiconductor engineering?
The most common job titles associated with semiconductor engineering can vary depending on the specific focus area, seniority level, and company structure. Here’s a comprehensive overview categorized by roles:
1. Design and Development:
- Semiconductor Device Engineer
- IC (Integrated Circuit) Design Engineer
- Analog/Mixed-Signal Design Engineer
- Digital Design Engineer
- ASIC Design Engineer
- RF/Microwave Engineer
- MEMS Engineer
- Optoelectronics Engineer
- Power Electronics Engineer
- CAD/EDA Engineer (Electronic Design Automation)
2. Fabrication and Process Engineering:
- Process Integration Engineer
- Photolithography Engineer
- Process Development Engineer
- Diffusion Engineer
- Etch Process Engineer
- Thin Film Deposition Engineer
- CMP (Chemical-Mechanical Planarization) Engineer
- Device Yield Engineer
- Equipment Engineer
- Semiconductor Manufacturing Engineer
3. Materials and Device Characterization:
- Semiconductor Materials Engineer
- Device Characterization Engineer
- Reliability Engineer
- Metrology Engineer
- Failure Analysis Engineer
4. Packaging and Assembly:
- Packaging Engineer
- Assembly Engineer
- Advanced Packaging Engineer
- Thermal Management Engineer
- Flip-Chip Packaging Engineer
5. Testing and Quality Assurance:
- Test Engineer
- Product Engineer
- Quality Engineer
- Validation Engineer
- Yield Engineer
6. Management and Leadership:
- Semiconductor Engineering Manager
- Process Engineering Manager
- Device Engineering Manager
- Fab Manager (Fabrication Facility Manager)
- Technical Director / VP of Engineering
- Chief Technology Officer (CTO) – Semiconductor
7. Support and Operations:
- Equipment Maintenance Engineer
- Facilities Engineer
- Semiconductor Operations Engineer
- Supply Chain Engineer
- Manufacturing Planner/Scheduler
8. Research and Innovation:
- Semiconductor Research Scientist
- R&D Engineer (Research and Development)
- Technology Development Engineer
- Postdoctoral Researcher (Semiconductor)
These roles can differ slightly based on the company’s size, specialization, or whether it’s involved in fabrication, design, research, or manufacturing support. Semiconductor companies typically structure teams according to specialized processes and stages, leading to diverse opportunities within the industry.
Detailed Description of Job Duties and Required Skills for Each Major Semiconductor Engineering Position
1. Semiconductor Device Engineer
Duties: Design, simulate, and optimize semiconductor devices (transistors, diodes, sensors); perform electrical characterization; analyze device physics; troubleshoot and resolve fabrication issues. Skills: Semiconductor physics, TCAD simulation tools, electrical characterization, data analysis, problem-solving.
2. IC Design Engineer
Duties: Develop integrated circuit layouts, schematics, and specifications; conduct simulations and verification of IC designs; optimize chip performance, power consumption, and reliability. Skills: IC design software (Cadence, Synopsys, Mentor Graphics), CMOS design techniques, circuit simulation, strong analytical skills, attention to detail.
3. Analog/Mixed-Signal Design Engineer
Duties: Design analog and mixed-signal circuits (amplifiers, ADC/DAC, PLLs); model and simulate analog performance; test prototypes and validate designs. Skills: Analog electronics, mixed-signal design principles, circuit simulation tools, lab equipment proficiency, precision and accuracy in design.
4. Digital Design Engineer
Duties: Develop digital circuits and logic designs; create RTL code (Verilog/VHDL); simulate and verify digital functionality; support physical implementation and timing closure. Skills: Digital logic design, Verilog/VHDL coding, FPGA/ASIC experience, logic simulation tools, problem-solving.
5. ASIC Design Engineer
Duties: Develop Application-Specific Integrated Circuits; perform RTL coding, synthesis, layout support, verification, and validation; ensure design meets performance and manufacturing requirements. Skills: RTL coding (Verilog/VHDL), ASIC design flow, synthesis and timing analysis tools, excellent debugging skills, detail-oriented mindset.
6. RF/Microwave Engineer
Duties: Design and develop RF/microwave semiconductor components and circuits; perform electromagnetic simulations; test and characterize RF performance; optimize RF designs for production. Skills: RF design principles, microwave simulation software (ADS, HFSS), hands-on test equipment experience, EM theory knowledge, excellent analytical ability.
7. MEMS Engineer
Duties: Develop Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems; perform MEMS device design, fabrication, and characterization; run mechanical/electrical simulations; resolve MEMS integration challenges. Skills: MEMS device physics, fabrication processes, finite-element analysis (COMSOL/ANSYS), cleanroom techniques, creativity, and problem-solving.
8. Process Integration Engineer
Duties: Integrate and optimize semiconductor fabrication processes; improve device yields and reliability; coordinate with process engineers to troubleshoot fabrication issues. Skills: Semiconductor processing knowledge, integration skills, data analysis, strong communication, analytical troubleshooting.
9. Photolithography Engineer
Duties: Develop and optimize lithography processes; maintain photoresist coating, exposure, and development; ensure high resolution and yield; resolve process defects. Skills: Photolithography techniques, optics, familiarity with lithography equipment, analytical mindset, problem-solving skills.
10. Diffusion Engineer
Duties: Develop and optimize diffusion and doping processes; manage furnace operations; analyze doping profiles; ensure accurate dopant distribution. Skills: Diffusion physics, furnace operations, SIMS measurement techniques, process control, detail-oriented analytical skills.
11. Thin Film Deposition Engineer
Duties: Manage thin-film deposition processes (CVD, ALD, sputtering); maintain equipment, monitor deposition uniformity, troubleshoot quality issues. Skills: Deposition techniques, vacuum systems knowledge, characterization tools (XRD, SEM), methodical troubleshooting skills.
12. Etch Process Engineer
Duties: Optimize dry and wet etching processes; maintain plasma etch equipment; analyze etch rate and profiles; solve etching-related yield issues. Skills: Etching chemistry, plasma physics, equipment maintenance, problem-solving, attention to detail.
13. Device Yield Engineer
Duties: Analyze wafer test data; identify defect sources; optimize manufacturing processes to improve yield; collaborate with fabrication teams for root cause analysis. Skills: Statistical analysis, yield enhancement methods, defect characterization, strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
14. Packaging Engineer
Duties: Design and develop semiconductor packages; ensure thermal and mechanical integrity; perform package simulations; optimize package reliability and cost. Skills: Thermal/mechanical simulations, packaging materials knowledge, CAD software, excellent analytical and organizational skills.
15. Test Engineer
Duties: Develop test plans and programs for semiconductor products; conduct device characterization; analyze test data; maintain and calibrate test equipment. Skills: Automated test equipment (ATE) familiarity, scripting/programming, data analysis, methodical troubleshooting approach.
16. Quality Engineer
Duties: Ensure semiconductor devices meet quality standards; conduct reliability testing; maintain quality documentation; lead failure analyses and corrective actions. Skills: Quality control practices, reliability testing methods, statistical process control (SPC), excellent communication, detail-oriented mindset.
17. Semiconductor Engineering Manager
Duties: Manage teams of engineers; coordinate engineering projects; monitor schedules, budgets, and performance metrics; interface with stakeholders. Skills: Leadership, semiconductor industry knowledge, strong communication, project management, strategic decision-making skills.
18. Equipment Engineer
Duties: Maintain, install, and troubleshoot semiconductor manufacturing equipment; optimize tool performance; coordinate preventative maintenance activities. Skills: Equipment maintenance expertise, mechanical/electrical troubleshooting, semiconductor processing familiarity, attention to detail.
19. Metrology Engineer
Duties: Operate and maintain metrology equipment; develop and validate measurement techniques; analyze wafer inspection data; support process characterization. Skills: Measurement techniques, equipment proficiency (AFM, SEM, profilometers), statistical analysis, attention to detail.
20. Reliability Engineer
Duties: Perform reliability testing and assessments; analyze product lifetime; investigate failures; develop and implement reliability improvement plans. Skills: Reliability engineering methods, statistical modeling, accelerated life testing, strong analytical skills.
These descriptions provide a clear snapshot of the responsibilities and skills required for common roles in semiconductor engineering, helping professionals and employers match expertise with suitable job positions.