Pioneering Progress: The Formation of the Newly Approved SEMI Standards FHE North America TC Chapter
By Laura Nguyen, SEMI
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, standards will play a pivotal role to enable further the large-scale adoption of FHE products designed for each specific application. The recent establishment of the SEMI Standards Flexible Hybrid Electronics (FHE) North America Technical Committee (TC) Chapter is a testament to the commitment of industry leaders to push the boundaries of technology while maintaining rigorous standards.
The Rise of Flexible Hybrid Electronics
Flexible hybrid electronics takes advantage of high-performance packaging and printing technologies to integrate multiple silicon circuits and sensors onto a flexible substrate. This technology continues to revolutionize industries as diverse as healthcare, automotive, consumer electronics, and more. As FHE applications continue to expand, the need for standardization becomes increasingly vital.
SEMI: A Leader in Standards
SEMI, a global industry association serving the electronics manufacturing and design supply chain, has long been a standard-bearer in the semiconductor and microelectronics industries. Since its creation in the early 1970s, the SEMI International Standards Program has evolved along with the industries that SEMI supports. Recognizing the transformative potential of FHE, SEMI has taken a proactive step by establishing a dedicated chapter for North America, with chapters already established in the Taiwan and Japan regions.
The Birth of the SEMI Standards FHE North America TC Chapter
The formation of the SEMI Standards FHE North America TC Chapter marks a significant milestone in expanding industry standards development efforts. Approved at the Standards Meetings held in conjunction wtih SEMICON West 2023, the new FHE North America TC Chapter aims to develop global standards for flexible hybrid electronics spanning design rules, manufacturing flow, test verification methods, specifications, guidelines, and practices, while bringing together industry experts, innovators, and leaders who are passionate about advancing FHE technologies while ensuring their reliability and interoperability.
Objectives of the Chapter
The SEMI Standards FHE North America TC Chapter is not just about creating standards; it's about fostering collaboration and driving innovation. Here are some key objectives of the chapter:
- Develop Industry-Wide Standards: The chapter will work collaboratively to develop, refine, and maintain standards that address the unique challenges and opportunities presented by FHE technologies.
- Promote Interoperability: Ensuring that FHE devices and systems between users and suppliers can seamlessly work together is crucial. It will seek to support the supply chain and ecosystem needs for improving FHE product / process yield and quality.
- Foster Innovation: By providing a platform for industry leaders to share knowledge and insights, the chapter will inspire new ideas and accelerate the development of groundbreaking FHE technology related standards.
- Enhance Design Integrity and Capability: Prioritize standards that bolster design accuracy and capabilities to improve manufacturing efficiency and performance.
Collaboration and Expertise
The strength of the SEMI Standards FHE North America TC Chapter lies in its collaborative approach and the expertise of its members. Representatives from various sectors, including academia, research institutions, and industry giants, join forces to drive the development of FHE standards. This diversity of perspectives ensures that standards are comprehensive and forward-looking.
Join Us
The inaugural SEMI Flexible Hybrid Electronics (FHE) North America Standards Meeting will be held virtually this upcoming Monday, September 18, 2023. Please click here for event details and registration.
Get Involved
The SEMI Standards Program is continuously looking out for new opportunities in emerging markets and technologies to further the growth of the industry. Technical Committee and Task Force meetings are held throughout the year in all major manufacturing regions. For more information, contact your local Standards staff, or visit the SEMI Standards Web site. For a listing of Standards relevant to FHE manufacturing, visit the SEMI FHE Standards web page.
Standards Watch
SEMI
www.semi.org
September 14, 2023