 |
|
In This Issue for November 2009
Did You Just Buy a Fake Product? Improving Security of Electronic Component Supply Chain
First Collaboration of Korea and Taiwan FPD Committees
SEMI Announces Three Recipients for 2009 European Standards Awards
PV EIS Task Force Receives SEMI Europe Standards Merit Award
Energy Conservation: Utility-Consumption Test Conditions and Report Formats - Call for Participation
MEMS Young's Modulus and Step Height Standards Validated
Standards Related Programs at SEMICON Japan 2009
Sign Up for a Free Trial of SEMIViews - Online Access to Standards
Japan Regional Standards Committee Planning Meeting Summary
Join Our Mailing List
Don't miss out on news of importance to the SEMI International Standards community. Click here to subscribe.
|
|
|
|
 From the Director's Desk
James Amano
Supply Chain Integrity—Taking Action against Counterfeiters
Counterfeiting of consumer goods is a widespread problem, and the issue also impacts the semiconductor supply chain. The component supply chain today is often contaminated by counterfeit goods. The potential of procuring contaminated goods increases when certified sources run out of product, which may occur with supply shortfalls or terminated ("end-of-life") products. Purchasing policy may also force procurement from non-certified distributors, introducing the possibility of contamination. Until recently, the semiconductor industry could not validate the integrity of goods from non-certified distributors and suppliers, leaving purchasers at risk when using these channels.
While the SEMI Standards Program's traditional areas of work—semiconductor materials, equipment, and safety guidelines—are well known, this month's spotlight is on a vital activity taking place in the Traceability Committee. This committee's Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force, with active participation from key device makers, has developed the SEMI T20 suite of standards. (Click here for the article)
The SEMI T20 Standards address product authentication for the electronic component supply chain. While these standards were originally developed for semiconductors, the procedures can also be applied to other types of products, including photovoltaic modules, an area where counterfeiting is becoming of more concern.
The SEMI Standards Program was initially formed in 1973 to standardize silicon wafer dimensions to make more efficient use of the available supply of silicon, but it has expanded over the years. Growing both regionally and technologically, the Program has adapted to serve the ever-growing needs and interests of SEMI members and their customers. In addition to the semiconductor industry, the Standards Program is now active in the FPD, MEMS, and PV industries. It defines interfaces and improves communication in the supply chain— resulting in cost reduction and acceleration of product development.
As evidenced by these vital new anti-counterfeiting Standards, the SEMI Standards Program is responsive to the ever-changing needs of the industry. Future possibilities for standardization include LEDs, flexible electronics, and 3D integrated circuits, and I'm certain that several other fields will emerge in the coming years. To find out about what's on the horizon in your region, contact your local Standards staff, and to register for participation in the program, please visit: www.semi.org/standardsmembership.
|
|
|
