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by Morgan Zealear on 10/5/22 9:00 AM
Semiconductor manufacturing is a delicate process. Each layer of a semiconductor needs to be gently placed in its precise location. In addition, the temperature of the process needs to be properly controlled. Even the smallest particle of dust that infiltrates the process can result in a damaged semiconductor chip.
To achieve the highest level of purity and environmental control, semiconductor fabs in Northern California must source high-quality components for fabrication. These components should be long-lasting, prevent fabrication issues, and allow for control throughout the process.
In this article, we discuss high-quality components that help you keep semiconductor fabrication cost-effective.
The Role of High-Quality Components for Semiconductor Fabrication
High-quality components are important for cost-effective semiconductor fabrication. Whereas poor quality components may result in the fabrication of faulty semiconductors, high-quality components will ensure product integrity. Below, we discuss the role of high-quality components in equipment for semiconductor fabrication:
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Component |
Role |
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Insulated hoses, tubing, and lines
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Insulated hoses, tubing, and lines prevent the dissipation of heat. By limiting heat dissipation, they prevent semiconductor damage. The flow and pressure of gas and liquids is related to their temperature. Having high-quality insulated hoses, tubes, and lines not only prevents direct damage to semiconductors but allows for more precise control of substances in the semiconductor fabrication process. Swagelok provides insulated options (pictured) for temperatures ranging from -325°F to 1000°F (-200 to 537°C). |
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High-quality fittings limit the leakage of gas and liquids, prevent heat dissipation, and reduce excess waste due to excess emissions. Semiconductor fabrication is a delicate process whereby even small contaminants and small changes in temperature can result in the poor fabrication of semiconductors. Semiconductor OEMs in Northern California often utilize customized fittings and tubing to prevent leaks and protect them from contaminants. Swagelok has several high-quality fittings (pictured) and can work with local semiconductor OEMs to customize fittings to exact specifications. |
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Valves play an important role in controlling the flow of gasses and liquids. The flow of gasses and liquids is related to the pressure and temperature of the substances throughout the system. Though high-quality valves need to limit leaks, it is also extremely important that valves are able to shut off flow. Often when replacing substances, valves need to be able to completely limit the flow of substances or leaks will result that are both potentially damaging to the environment and to the health of employees in the area. Swagelok has many valve options (pictured) that can allow for a continuous or non-continuous flow of substances depending on needs. |
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Measurement sensors (e.g. flow sensors)
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High-quality sensors play an important role in the semiconductor fabrication process. Measurement sensors must be able to detect small changes in temperature, flow, and pressure. Sensors may indicate that leaks are occurring or that machinery is not running properly. When issues arise, the real-time data collected by high-quality sensors can be quickly analyzed utilizing computer software and operators and maintenance personnel alerted to potential problems. Swagelok has high-quality sensors to quickly detect issues with temperature, flow, and pressure, that could be occurring during the semiconductor fabrication process. |
By leveraging high-quality components like these, you can reap the benefits that lead to cost savings.
The Benefits of High-Quality Components for Semiconductor Fabrication
Over 100 years ago Emmert Wolf wrote “A man is only as good as his tools.” Emmert was referring to the quality of construction being related to the tools being used. The same can be said when it comes to semiconductor fabrication—the process is only as good as the components used for fabrication. There are numerous benefits to using high-quality components for semiconductor fabrication. These benefits include precision, reliable gas and fluid delivery, temperature and pressure control, and protection from contaminants.
Precision
Semiconductor chips are comprised of dozens of layers. It's important that etching is precise to prevent damage to the underlying layers of a multilayer microchip structure or—if etching is intended to create a cavity in the structure—to ensure the depth of the cavity is exactly right. High-quality components provide support for precision by eliminating component irregularities.
Reliable Gas and Fluid Delivery
Gas and fluid delivery systems play an important role in semiconductor fabrication. Gases and fluids are used to prevent contaminants from entering the fabrication process, helping to maintain the integrity of the semiconductors during production. Components should be tightly sealed to prevent leakage and product loss.
Temperature Control
Related to the distribution of gas and fluid, the temperature needs to properly be controlled during the semiconductor fabrication process. Failure to control temperature will prevent the layers from properly adhering. High-quality components can provide insulation to prevent heat dissipation and keep substances at the requisite temperature.
Pressure Control
Semiconductor fabrication components have requisite pressure ranges. When operated within these pressure ranges, high-quality components will not leak and will be able to last through their expected service lifespan. Poor quality components are likely to result in leaks, loss of pressure, and shorter lifespan—which can adversely affect the process.
Protection from Contaminants
Semiconductor fabrication can easily be ruined by contaminants entering the fabrication process. Components need to form tight seals, preventing leakage to the surrounding atmosphere. Further, these components need to maintain their tight seals even when temperature changes and thermal expansion occur. In addition, these components need to maintain their seals when pressure increases.
High-quality components that provide these benefits will also reduce product recalls and lead to a greater return on your investment. With precision, reliable gas and fluid delivery, temperature and pressure control, and protection from contaminants, there’s less room for errors to occur during the semiconductor fabrication process. Reduced errors during fabrication lead to:
- fewer defects,
- less product recalls, and
- increased service life of semiconductor fabrication equipment.
From limiting damage to semiconductor machinery to efficient production of usable semiconductors, high-quality components benefit your bottom line. While they may require a larger initial investment when compared to others, high-quality components offer benefits in production and machinery service that lead to a greater return.
Swagelok Provides Cost-Effective, High-Quality Components for Semiconductor Fabrication
Swagelok Northern California is a local provider of components and solutions for semiconductor fabs. For more than 50 years, we have been on a mission to develop high-quality components to help semiconductor fabs meet production goals and keep expenses in line. Our top-of-the-line equipment can provide exact thermal regulation during the production process to prevent heat dissipation that could lead to damaged semiconductors. Our gas and fluid delivery systems keep production contaminant-free. Our sensors can detect small changes in flow and temperature and alert operators to make the necessary adjustments. And, our insulated and bundled lines are designed to prevent heat dissipation.
Our team of experts is here to assist you with component selection and implementation. We provide expert, on-site consults to determine the exact configuration and components needed for cost-effective semiconductor fabrication.
To find out more about how Swagelok Northern Californiacan you choose cost-effective solutions for semiconductor fabrication, contact our team today by calling 510-933-6200.
About Jason Burns| Technical Services Manager
Morgan holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from University of California at Santa Barbara. He is certified in Section IX, Grab Sample Panel Configuration and Mechanical Efficiency Program Specification (API 682), and he is well versed in B31.3 Process Piping Code. Before joining Swagelok Northern, he was a manufacturing engineer at Sierra Instruments, primarily focused on capillary thermal meters for the semiconductor industry (ASML).