IMPORTANCE OF DEVELOPING ALTERNATE SUPPLIER AND QUALIFICATION STAGES IN SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY

Abstract

Developing the supply chain for critical components in the semiconductor industry is a challenging endeavor. This task becomes even more difficult for parts that have already been qualified for use in a product. Critical parts in the semiconductor industry refer to those that are in close proximity to the wafer and are subjected to the same process conditions, such as chamber pressure, temperature, and chemistry. Since their functionality directly impacts the performance of the product, utmost care must be taken in their design and manufacturing.The desire for cost reduction has led many companies to manufacture various parts in different regions of the world. By producing a part in the Asian region, for example, companies can lower costs and increase profit margins. However, cost reduction is not the only reason for developing new suppliers. It is also important to prevent supply chain disruptions and reduce lead times. The shrinking node size in semiconductor technology has also reduced the development time for products, which in turn affects the manufacturing time of the parts. In some cases, existing suppliers may cease operations for various reasons, making it necessary to find new suppliers who can produce the required parts.Nevertheless, it is not an easy task to find a vendor capable of manufacturing critical parts. There are several parameters and requirements that must be followed to ensure the quality and reliability of the parts.