OBIRCH (Optical Beam Induced Resistance Change) is a laser-based fault-localization technique used in semiconductor failure analysis to identify electrically abnormal regions such as resistive shorts, leakage paths, defective vias and interconnect problems.
The technique works by scanning a focused laser across an electrically biased semiconductor device. Local laser heating changes the ...
Hsinchu, Taiwan -- June 24, 2025 -- Faraday Technology Corporation (TWSE: 3035), a leading ASIC design service and IP provider, today announced the availability of its 10G SerDes IP on UMC’s 22nm process technology. Designed to meet the increasing demands of high-speed data transmission, the new SerDes IP supports a broad ...
Focused Ion Beam (FIB) technology is one of the most versatile tools used in semiconductor failure analysis and microelectronics characterization. A FIB system directs a tightly focused beam of ions onto a sample. By controlling the beam current, energy, position and scanning pattern, engineers can remove material from extremely specific locations, ...
Silicon Valley, CA (Feb 9, 2021) - Integra Technologies, a world leader in semiconductor packaging, assembly, test, characterization and related services, today announced the successful implementation of a high accuracy fiber array waveguide attachment system focused on the Silicon Photonics market. This latest set of tools is based on the double-sided HexNano ...
Palo Alto, CA - 25 March 2025. Sarcina Technology, a global semiconductor packaging specialist, is excited to announce the launch of its innovative AI platform to enable advanced AI packaging solutions that can be tailored to meet specific customer requirements. Leveraging ASE’s FOCoS-CL (Fan-Out Chip-on-Substrate-Chip Last) assembly technology, this platform ...
Scanning Acoustic Microscopy (SAM) is a non-destructive imaging technique widely used in semiconductor failure analysis to inspect structures and interfaces hidden inside IC packages. Unlike optical microscopy, which relies on visible light, or X-ray inspection, which relies primarily on differences in material density and X-ray absorption, SAM uses high-frequency acoustic waves. This ...
Many semiconductor failure-analysis techniques require direct access to structures that are hidden inside an IC package. The semiconductor die, bond pads, bond wires and other critical components may be completely covered by epoxy molding compound or other packaging materials. Before these structures can be examined using techniques such as optical microscopy, emission ...
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is one of the most important imaging techniques used in semiconductor failure analysis. While optical microscopes remain extremely useful for initial inspection, many semiconductor defects are simply too small to characterize adequately with visible-light microscopy. SEM uses a focused beam of electrons rather than light, allowing engineers ...
What is a Circuit Edit?
A circuit edit is when you need to modify an existing ASIC or integrated circuit for whatever reason. This is usually done with the help of an ion beam that is focused onto the chip to modify it as per the request of the designer. Engineers ...
