Demystifying the semiconductor fabrication: Free online course from Purdue Univ

Date: 17/01/2024
You not only find electronics and semiconductors inside so called electronics systems such as phones and computers and home entertainments systems but nearly in every electric powered devices and systems. Electronics is getting into every engineering system including medical equipments and farming tools. Semiconductor chips are the brains in all these systems.

For those who don't know IC chips, they think it's tough thing to learn. To simplify the learning on how chips are made and work, US based Purdue University, in collaboration with the University of Texas at Austin and Intel Corp., presents a free online course called Semiconductor Fabrication 101. This self-paced educational journey, supported by leading global partners, caters to students and professionals alike, offering a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental processes that underpin the digital age.

Semiconductor Fabrication 101 is a three-to-five-hour course encompassing engaging content on industry-standard semiconductor fabrication processes. Developed with contributions from luminaries in academia and industry, the course provides a certificate jointly issued by Purdue, the University of Texas at Austin, and Intel upon completion. Aimed at anyone keen on delving into semiconductor fabrication, the lectures are designed to be accessible, offering foundational knowledge in this critical domain.

CHIP FAB COURSE


Funded by Intel and developed by Professors Muhammad Hussain and Xiuling Li, the course integrates expertise from institutions such as the University of California, Berkeley; Stanford University; the Georgia Institute of Technology; Pennsylvania State University; ASML; and Tokyo Electron Ltd. The curriculum covers semiconductor basics, chip design, oxidation, thermal diffusion, ion implantation, etching techniques, lithography, thin film deposition, chemical mechanical polishing, interconnects, and advanced packaging.

Participants in Semiconductor Fabrication 101 are treated to video tutorials showcasing real equipment and process technologies. The immersive experience extends to vFabLab, a semiconductor fabrication virtual reality simulation developed by Professor Hussain. Similar to flight simulators for pilot training, vFabLab offers a detailed view of a modern cleanroom environment, guiding users through the intricate processes involved in fabricating semiconductor devices. Accessible from any computer or mobile device, this simulation promises hands-on learning in a virtual space.

Semiconductor Fabrication 101 not only demystifies the complex world of semiconductor manufacturing but also equips individuals with practical knowledge. With a focus on hands-on experiences and a certificate endorsed by esteemed institutions, the course stands as a valuable resource for those looking to deepen their understanding of the foundational technologies driving the digital revolution. This collaborative effort aligns with Purdue's Semiconductor Degrees Program, contributing to the development of a skilled workforce essential for the burgeoning semiconductor manufacturing landscape in the United States. To embark on this educational journey, interested individuals can find more information and register: Course Link/Registration

Other contributors to the course include:

Chenming Hu, professor emeritus, University of California, Berkeley, and U.S. National Academy of Engineering member.
Sanjay Banerjee, the Cockrell Family Regents Chair in Engineering, Chandra Family Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Texas at Austin.
Subhasish Mitra, the William E. Ayer Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering and Department of Computer Science, Stanford University.
Suman Datta, the Joseph M. Pettit Chair in Advanced Computing, Georgia Institute of Technology.
Madhavan Swaminathan, the William E. Leonhard Endowed Chair and head of the Department of Electrical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University.
Tahir Ghani, Intel senior fellow and U.S. National Academy of Engineering member.
Ronald Goossens, adjunct professor, Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University and strategic consultant, ASML.
Raney Terrizzi, process manager, Tokyo Electron Ltd.

Source: Purdue University