Semiconductor processor

Semiconductor processors manufacture electronic semiconductors as well as semiconductor devices, such as microchips or integrated circuits (IC’s). They may also repair, test, and review the products. Semiconductor processors work in cleanrooms and therefore need to wear a special lightweight outfit that fits over their clothing to prevent particles from contaminating their worksite.

Excludes people performing the design of semiconductors or integrated circuits (IC).

The following job titles also refer to semiconductor processor:

semiconductor assembler
microchip fabricator
semiconductor packages sealer
integrated circuit technician
microchip assembler
assembler of semiconductors
integrated circuit operator
microchip manufacturing technician
semiconductor manufacturing technician
semiconductor processing practitioner
micro chip assembler
semi conductor manufacturing inspector
integrated circuit inspector
semiconductor manufacturing inspector
semi conductor processor
processors of semiconductors
processor of semiconductors

A high school diploma is generally the minimum required to work as a semiconductor processor.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Semiconductor processor is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to semiconductor processor.

surface-mount technology machine operator
wave soldering machine operator
automated optical inspection operator
printed circuit board assembler
battery assembler

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of semiconductor processor. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of semiconductor processor with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

microelectronics engineering technician
microsystem engineering technician
computer hardware test technician
sensor engineering technician
electronics production supervisor

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of semiconductor processor.

• Integrated circuits: Electronic components, made up from a set of electronic circuits which are placed on semiconductor material, such as silicon. Integrated circuits (IC) can hold billions of electronic components on a microscale and are one of basic components of electronic devices.
• Microelectronics: Microelectronics is a subdiscipline of electronics and relates the study, design, and manufacture of small electronic components, such as microchips.
• Electronics: The functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications. Apply this knowledge to ensure electronic equipment runs smoothly.
• Microassembly: The assembly of nano, micro or mesoscale systems and components with dimensions between 1 µm to 1 mm. Because of the need for precision on a microscale, micro assemblies require reliable visual alignment equipment, such as ion beam imaging systems and stereo electronic microscopes, as well as precision tools and machines, such as microgrippers. The microsystems are assembled according to techniques of doping, thin films, etching, bonding, microlithography, and polishing.
• Semiconductors: Semiconductors are essential components of electronic circuits and contain properties of both insulators, such as glass, and conductors, such as copper. Most semiconductors are crystals made of silicon or germanium. By introducing other elements in the crystal through doping, the crystals turn into semiconductors. Depending on the amount of electrons created by the doping process, the crystals turn into N-type semiconductors, or P-type semiconductors.

These skills are necessary for the role of semiconductor processor.

• Wear cleanroom suit: Wear garments appropriate for environments that require a high level of cleanliness to control the level of contamination.
• Inspect semiconductor components: Inspect the quality of used materials, check the purity and molecular orientation of the semiconductor crystals, and test the wafers for surface defects using electronic testing equipment, microscopes, chemicals, X-rays, and precision measuring instruments.
• Monitor machine operations: Observe machine operations and evaluate product quality thereby ensuring conformity to standards.
• Imprint circuit design onto wafers: Imprint the electronic circuit design onto the wafers through a process known as photolithography. First, wafers are coated with photosensitive chemicals that harden when exposed to UV light. In sealed dark rooms light is shone through the image of the design through a miniaturising lens and on to the coated wafer. When the chemical is washed off the design remains. The wafers are built up layer by layer, repeating the photo etching process in each new layer. Some layers are cooked, some layers ionised by plasma, and some are baked in metal. Each treatment changes the properties for that layer.
• Read assembly drawings: Read and interpret drawings listing all the parts and subassemblies of a certain product. The drawing identifies the different components and materials and provides instructions on how to assemble a product.
• Carry out measurements of parts: Operate measurement instruments to measure parts of manufactured objects. Take into consideration specifications of manufacturers to perform the measuring.
• Remove defective products: Remove defective materials from the production line.
• Monitor manufacturing quality standards: Monitor quality standards in manufacturing and finishing process.
• Slice crystals into wafers: Operate wire saw machines to slice the silicon crystals into ultra thin wafers of approximately 2/3 millimeters thick.
• Clean wafers: Clean semiconductor wafers using appropriate cleaning equipment, such as automated wafer cleaners, blow-off wands, and chemical baths.
• Meet deadlines: Ensure operative processes are finished at a previously agreed-upon time.
• Produce semiconductor crystals: Load raw semiconductor materials, such as polysilicon, into furnace. The resulting lake of melted silicon is then spun in a crucible and a silicon seed crystal is put into it while spinning in the opposite direction. When the melted polysilicon is allowed to cool, the seed crystal is slowly withdrawn. The result is a single semiconductor crystal with a diameter of approximately 200 millimeters.
• Report defective manufacturing materials: Maintain required company records and forms in order to report any defective materials or questionable conditions of manufacturing machinery and equipment.
• Load electronic circuits onto wafers: Load transistors and other electronic circuit elements onto the finished silicon wafers and slice wafers into individual integrated circuits (IC’s) or microchips.
• Polish wafers: Operate robotic machines to clean, buff, and polish the wafers using a process called lapping. The result is wafers of silicon with a surface roughness of less than one millionth of a millimeter.
• Ensure conformity to specifications: Ensure that the assembled products are conform to the specifications given.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of semiconductor processor. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Circuit diagrams: Read and comprehend circuit diagrams showing the connections between the devices, such as power and signal connections.
• Integrated circuit types: Types of integrated circuits (IC), such as analog integrated circuits, digital integrated circuits, and mixed-signal integrated circuits.
• Waste removal regulations: Know and understand the regulations and legal agreements governing the performance of waste removal activities.
• Quality standards: The national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of semiconductor processor. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Inspect quality of products: Use various techniques to ensure the product quality is respecting the quality standards and specifications. Oversee defects, packaging and sendbacks of products to different production departments.
• Resolve equipment malfunctions: Identify, report and repair equipment damage and malfunctions; communicate with field representatives and manufacturers to obtain repair and replacement components.
• Apply coating to electrical equipment: Prepare and apply coating, such as conformal coating, to electrical equipment and its components to protect the equipment against moisture, high temperature, and dust.
• Oversee logistics of finished products: Ensure that the processes of packing, storage and shipment of finished products meet the requirements.
• Dispose of hazardous waste: Dispose of dangerous materials such as chemical or radioactive substances according to environmental and to health and safety regulations.
• Ensure public safety and security: Implement the relevant procedures, strategies and use the proper equipment to promote local or national security activities for the protection of data, people, institutions, and property.
• Replace defect components: Remove defective parts and replace them with functioning components.
• Carry out shipping orders for parts: Transfer tools, materials and equipment to warehouse locations for shipping.
• Apply technical communication skills: Explain technical details to non-technical customers, stakeholders, or any other interested parties in a clear and concise manner.
• Keep records of work progress: Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.
• Test semiconductors: Use semiconductor automated test equipment (ATE) to check and diagnose malfunctions in semiconductors and their components, such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors. Apply different testing techniques for different components, such as wafer testing.
• Operate precision machinery: Operate machinery used for the making of small systems or components with a high level of precision.
• Apply health and safety standards: Adhere to standards of hygiene and safety established by respective authorities.
• Adjust manufacturing equipment: Regulate and monitor the manufacturing equipment settings and process parameters, such as its temperature and power level. Review the manufacturing process and equipment and suggest improvements.
• Repair electronic components: Repair, replace or adjust damaged electronics components or circuitry; use hand tools and soldering and welding equipment.

8212 – Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers

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References

1. Semiconductor processor – ESCO