Apple, ASML, Microsoft and other major manufacturers join the Belgian Microelectronics Sustainable Semiconductor Research Program

　　The Belgian Microelectronics Research Centre (imec), an innovation hub for nanoelectronics and digital technologies, announced at Future Summits 2022 this week that its Sustainable Semiconductor Technologies and Systems (SSTS), research programme has successfully brought together key players in the semiconductor value chain , From technology giants such as Apple and Microsoft, to semiconductor equipment manufacturers such as ASM, ASML, Japan KURITA, Japan SCREEN and Tokyo Electron, all participated.

　　Imec pointed out that in order to promote sustainable development and assist the semiconductor industry to reduce its carbon footprint, this research program was established in 2021. The addition of these new partners in 2022 will facilitate comprehensive talks, and in the process, it will also be possible to use imec's expertise and knowledge to reduce the environmental impact of the semiconductor industry.

　　Imec emphasized that the semiconductor industry is booming and the market demand is unprecedented. As an integral component of smart mobile devices, IoT systems, and computing systems, chips have been deeply embedded in modern life. However, semiconductor manufacturing has its downsides, consuming a lot of energy and water, and generating hazardous waste. To solve this problem, the entire value chain must be mobilized to make concerted efforts, and the idea of introducing ecosystems will be the key. While system integrators and fabless chip companies are committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 or 2040 and continue to invest in carbon reduction measures in their supply chains and products, they often lack a Contributing to the right insights is difficult because of the limited data available on life cycle analysis.

　　With this in mind, imec, through its SSTS research program, calls on all members of the semiconductor value chain to work together to reduce the carbon footprint of the semiconductor industry on the environment. Combining imec's strong partner ecosystem with expertise in process technology, infrastructure and machinery, the program provides semiconductor value chain partners with unique insights into what makes specific choices in the definition and manufacturing stages of chip technology. environmental impact. Apple joined the SSTS research program with imec in 2021. It is the first public partner, and now several large system integration companies such as Microsoft are also following suit.

　　The SSTS research program assesses the environmental impact of new technologies, identifies high-impact issues, and defines semiconductor manufacturing solutions that increase environmental awareness. Lars-Åke Ragnarsson, SSTS research program leader, said, "The current introduction of more advanced technologies in semiconductor IC manufacturing has a data gap in terms of environmental footprint, which is why we will now assess the environmental impact first. Use this information to make choices when it comes to next-generation technologies.” Equipment, material and tool suppliers are key to early planning, for example, they can design more environmentally friendly processes and production tools for these new future Major problems that technology can bring. In addition, several fabs are currently being contacted to assist in validating and measuring these assessments. By bringing the entire semiconductor value chain together in this way, the SSTS research program can maximize its impact.

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