3D InCites Podcast

Andrew Mathers, Principal Product Line Manager at Nordson Test and Inspection, discusses the revolutionary advancements in 3D x-ray inspection technology and how they're improving semiconductor manufacturing quality.

• X-ray inspection requires high resolution, speed, and cost-effectiveness to drive better product quality
• Traditional 2D radiographic imaging is being replaced by 3D imaging for more stringent manufacturing requirements
• Planar CT imaging suffers from artifacts when inspecting flat electronic components like circuit boards and wafers
• Dynamic Planar CT takes more images from different angles with a wider field of view, reducing artifacts
• New technology operates twice as fast as traditional methods while reducing x-ray dose to sensitive components
• Automated inspection systems integrate directly into manufacturing lines with no human interaction required
• Common applications include detecting voids in ball grid arrays and micro bumps in flip chip devices
• The technology supports Quality 4.0 initiatives by providing feedback to improve manufacturing processes
• Nordson's systems are in use worldwide with an install base exceeding 2000 automated x-ray inspection systems

Learn more about Dynamic Planar CT and Nordson's x-ray inspection solutions at nordson.com or on their YouTube channel.

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The IEEE MTTS International Microwave Symposium attracts over 9,000 attendees and 500+ exhibitors to share cutting-edge developments in RF, microwave, and advanced packaging technologies. Tim Hancock and Jim Buckwalter from the IMS committee explain why this premier event, taking place in San Francisco's Moscone Center from June 15-20, has become increasingly relevant to professionals in advanced packaging and heterogeneous integration.

• Approximately 15% of accepted papers directly address packaging and heterogeneous integration topics
• Papers undergo rigorous double-blind review with an in-person committee meeting to ensure highest quality content
• Technical focus includes laminate technology, chip stacking, thermal management, and other critical packaging technologies
• Special workshops address 3D heterogeneous integration, millimeter-wave phased arrays, and advanced packaging solutions
• Exhibition floor features 500+ companies providing networking opportunities and technology discovery
• Student programs include design competitions, volunteer opportunities, and dedicated sessions for underrepresented groups
• Early bird registration ends May 16th with regular registration continuing at ims-ieee.org

Register at ims-ieee.org to secure your spot and book accommodations before they fill up.

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Acoustic inspection stands as a silent sentinel in semiconductor manufacturing, detecting microscopic defects that could lead to catastrophic failures in high-value applications. Bryan Schackmuth, Senior Product Line Manager at Nordson Test and Inspection, reveals how this technology has evolved from laboratory tools to production-line essentials.

When ultrasound encounters even the tiniest air gap—we're talking hundreds of angstroms—it reflects completely, making acoustic imaging uniquely powerful for evaluating bonds between materials. While optical inspection shows surface defects and X-ray reveals density variations, acoustic inspection peers between layers, identifying delamination and other hidden flaws that might otherwise escape detection until field failure.

The challenges of advanced packaging have driven significant innovation in acoustic inspection technology. As manufacturers stack more die, create complex interconnects, and push toward heterogeneous integration, the value of each wafer increases dramatically. Nordson's SpinSam system represents a breakthrough in this space, replacing traditional raster scanning with a rotational approach that achieves 41 wafers per hour—eight times faster than previous generation technology—while maintaining resolution down to 10 microns.

Beyond pure speed, the system's spinning scan technology offers unique advantages for edge inspection where defects are more common due to coefficient of thermal expansion effects. The modular design allows maintenance on individual scanners while others continue operating, maximizing uptime in production environments. Most exciting is the integration of AI and machine learning for defect detection, moving beyond simple thresholds to analyze complex multilayer images simultaneously.

Want to see how your inspection strategies might benefit from these advances? Check out Nordson's SpinSam technology at nordson.com and discover how acoustic inspection is helping manufacturers achieve higher yields and more reliable products in today's most demanding semiconductor applications.

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The 3D InCites Podcast celebrates microelectronics industry innovation with a special episode featuring this year's award winners in heterogeneous integration and chiplet technology.

• SallyAnn Henry, Jim Straus and David Wang, ACM Research, describe a horizontal rotation plating system for panel-level packaging with superior uniformity across square substrates
• Eric Gongora, of MacDermid Alpha, explains how NovaFab fine-grained copper enables hybrid bonding with customizable annealing times and improved electron migration resistance
• Chuck Woychik, NHanced Semiconductors, talks about how the company brings hybrid bonding capabilities onshore with expertise in wafer processing for both defense and commercial applications
• Keith Felton, Siemens Digital Industries Software, introduces Innovator 3DIC for hierarchical device planning that automatically propagates design changes throughout chiplet interfaces
• Kazuyuki Mitsukura explains how Resonac builds collaborative consortia in Japan and the US to solve complex advanced packaging challenges through shared resources
• Rex Anderson from Micross shares his engineering journey and passion for mentoring the next generation of technologists
• Ron Huemoeller and Eelco Bergman discuss how Saras Micro Devices addresses AI power challenges with embeddable S-Tile capacitors. They also talk about Saras corporate culture.

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Navigating today's complex manufacturing landscape demands unprecedented supply chain resilience. This eye-opening conversation with Barry O'Dowd (Kuehne+Nagel) and Kamal Ahluwalia (Resilinc) reveals why robust supply chains matter more than ever—particularly for semiconductor capital equipment.

The semiconductor industry operates at extraordinary precision, with equipment working at scales as small as five nanometers—roughly 1/18,000th the width of a human hair. This precision makes these multi-million dollar tools exceptionally vulnerable during transport, requiring meticulous handling across tens of thousands of miles between manufacturing and installation. With leading-edge fabs costing up to $20 billion, equipment failures or delays can trigger catastrophic financial consequences.

Our experts explain how companies are reimagining resilience through sophisticated data analysis, multi-tier visibility, and proactive risk management. Barry shares how Kuehne+Nagel's risk mitigator tool brings together all supply chain stakeholders to identify vulnerabilities and implement mitigation strategies—expertise developed during their flawless delivery of over 2 billion COVID vaccines. Meanwhile, Kamal describes how Resilinc helps organizations leverage AI to anticipate disruptions across 40 different risk categories, from natural disasters to financial instability.

The conversation offers practical advice for strengthening your own supply chain: understand your end-to-end process, engage with experienced partners, and adopt a first-principles approach to reimagining resilience with current technology. As global uncertainties continue mounting—from geopolitical tensions to extreme weather events—supply chain resilience isn't merely about risk avoidance; it's becoming a strategic competitive advantage.

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The 3D InCites Member Spotlight episode features exclusive conversations with industry leaders at IMAPS Device Packaging Conference 2025, exploring the cutting-edge of semiconductor packaging innovation and domestic manufacturing expansion.

• Rex Anderson of Micross details their RESHAPE program funding and Integra acquisition, establishing them as North America's largest domestic OSAT
• Calvin Cheung of ASE explains how advanced packaging enables AI infrastructure while reducing power consumption by 40-60% through vertical power delivery. He also describes silicon photonics emerging as a game-changer for data transmission, using light instead of electrons for faster, more energy-efficient signal integrity
• Keith Felton of Siemens discusses digital twin technology allowing early predictive analysis during package prototyping to prevent costly downstream engineer change orders - or ECOs.
• Vahid Akhavan highlights PulseForge's photonic debonding technology partnerships for clean, high-yield wafer release
• Bernd Krafthoefer and Florian Lechner, ERS Electonic representatives,  share insights on their new European competence center and sub-micron photonic debonding capabilities for 300mm wafers.

Join us next week as we explore supply chain resilience in the semiconductor capital equipment sector with Barry O'Dowd from Kuehne+Nagel and special guest Kamal Aluwalia, CEO of Resilinc. Learn more about member benefits at 3DInCites.com/memberships.

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Arizona is transforming into the "Silicon Oasis" of America through an unprecedented collaboration that's reshaping semiconductor education from high school through graduate studies. At the heart of this revolution is a groundbreaking partnership between the University of Arizona and Chandler Unified School District, launching the nation's first high school career and technical education program focused on semiconductor manufacturing.

Starting July 2025, forty students will begin a two-year journey learning on industry-grade equipment—not "glorified children's toys" but actual mechatronic systems, universal robots, and PCB printing technology. What makes this program revolutionary is its design for multiple pathways; graduates can either enter the workforce immediately as technicians or continue to higher education with college credits already earned.

Meanwhile, Arizona State University is building the advanced end of this educational pipeline through CHIPS Act-funded initiatives like the Southwest Advanced Prototyping Hub and the SHIELD project. Graduate courses in semiconductor packaging have exploded in popularity, growing from just 27 students to over 175 in two years. The university is getting creative with outreach too, developing a "Packaging on Wheels" mobile facility to bring semiconductor education to schools nationwide.

The strength of Arizona's approach lies in its extensive industry involvement. Fifteen major companies form the steering committee for the high school program, providing real-world problems and case studies. Students from diverse backgrounds—electrical, mechanical, materials science, and chemical engineering—all find pathways into this multidisciplinary field.

As one industry expert notes, students with hands-on, industry-specific training demonstrate markedly better performance both during interviews and on the job. This educational ecosystem is creating not just the chips of tomorrow, but the workforce that will design, build, and innovate them. 

Contact Our Guests on LinkedIn: 

• Scott Hayes, NXP
• Liesl Folks, University of Arizona
• Janet Hartkopf, Chandler Unified School District
• Chris Bailey, ASU
• Pallavi Praful, ASU 
• Rohit Gandhi, ASU 

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What happens when AI diagnoses patients better than doctors? Where does artificial intelligence truly stand on the hype cycle? Is all this computational power actually benefiting society? These critical questions frame our fascinating discussion recorded live at IMAPS Device Packaging Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. 

Join our expert panel featuring Hemanth Jagannathan (IBM Research), Mark Kuemerle (Marvell), and Kimon Michaels (PDF Solutions) as they tackle AI's most pressing challenges and opportunities. Their collective expertise reveals surprising insights about how AI is transforming industries while raising important considerations about its implementation.

The conversation explores AI's evolution from specialized technical applications in semiconductors to today's consumer-facing generative tools. Our experts draw fascinating parallels between AI and previous technological breakthroughs like laser technology, suggesting we've only scratched the surface of potential applications. They provide compelling examples from healthcare where AI systems demonstrate superior diagnostic capabilities by processing complex datasets beyond human capacity.

While acknowledging concerns around data accuracy, power consumption, and appropriate boundaries, the panel remains optimistic about AI's future. They emphasize that today's implementations represent merely the beginning of a transformative technology whose full impact remains largely unanticipated. Yet they also agree on applications where human judgment should remain primary – including, amusingly, matchmaking.

Dive into this thought-provoking conversation to understand why organizations must either leverage AI effectively or risk being outpaced by competitors who do. Subscribe to 3D IncItes Podcast for more cutting-edge discussions on technologies shaping our future.

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Explore the transformative world of microelectronics packaging with industry visionaries Amy Lujan, Tim Olson, and Jan Vardaman as they share their journey at the IMAPS Annual Device Packaging Conference (DPC). With the conference relocating to the vast Wild Horse Pass, expect an enriched experience with expanded technical tracks and exhibitor opportunities reflecting the rising interest in this field. Get ready to embrace the future of packaging with insights that redefine its significance in the semiconductor industry.

Uncover the critical challenges facing AI infrastructure in a thought-provoking panel discussion with experts from IBM Research, Intel, and leading OSATs. We'll tackle whether today's infrastructure can keep pace with AI's explosive growth, especially concerning energy-efficient chip designs and packaging solutions. Learn about groundbreaking advancements and the potential to alleviate data center power consumption concerns through innovative packaging techniques. Beyond the tech talk, we'll highlight the vibrant networking scene at the conference, featuring events like the Backyard Olympics and a charity golf tournament, ensuring a perfect blend of professional growth and community building. Join us for a chance to network, learn, and potentially reshape the future of microelectronics packaging.

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The episode explores the key insights from the recent SEMI ISS event, focusing on the semiconductor industry's journey toward a trillion-dollar market by 2030. It discusses the significant themes of uncertainty and the transformative impact of AI, while also addressing industry challenges and emerging trends.

Additionally, SEMI's Market Intelligence team dive into the revised 2024 equipment forecast and World Fab Forecast, discussing trends influenced by AI technology and geopolitical factors, especially those linked to China. 

As we detail the upswing in equipment sales, driven by Chinese investments and AI progress, we also spotlight the trends shaping both front and back-end equipment markets. From the resurgence of advanced packaging to the anticipated rebound in test equipment, this episode provides a thorough look at the semiconductor industry's current state and its promising future, including insights into the world fab forecast and its implications for the automotive and power sectors.

Highlights:

• Overview of SEMI ISS and its significance in the semiconductor industry 
• Highlights on this year's theme: Ready, Set Ramp! and its implications 
• Insights on overcoming market uncertainties and challenges 
• AI's transformative role in driving semiconductor innovation 
• Discussion of upcoming semi events and their importance for networking 
• Market intelligence updates on forecasts and growth opportunities

Contact Our Guests on LinkedIn: 

• Joe Stockunas, President, SEMI Americas
• Christian Dieseldorf, Senior Analyst, SEMI MIT
• Inna Skvortsova, Market Analyst, SEMI MIT 

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