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Manufacturing modern computer chips
Study materials
English notes, a quiz, flashcards and a PPT outline are available below the player.
Slides are a PPT outline, not a finished slide deck.
Overview
A HOPE09 talk on how modern computer chips are manufactured, from 22nm transistors to ultra-clean fabs and the tricks used to pattern tiny features with light. It frames chipmaking as hacking electrical engineering and physics.
Why HN discusses it
HN repeatedly calls it the best in-depth introduction to IC manufacturing, a sense-of-awe talk by an independent engineer, while wishing for an updated version.
Before you watch
General curiosity about electronics is enough to begin. Basic ideas about transistors help; this 2012 recording explains fabrication principles rather than today’s leading process specifications.
A way to study this video
Sketch the major manufacturing stages and explain what each contributes to a chip. Treat the historical dimensions as context, and distinguish enduring fabrication principles from details that need newer sources.
Semiconductors & chip manufacturing · Hacker culture & free software
Newest first
In discussion: Standard cells: Looking at individual gates in the Pentium processor
It takes years just to figure out how to use the machines to produce actual working chips. They're the most specialized, intricate, expensive machines in the world. They're operated in enormous clean rooms that only allow for 1 half-micron sized particle per cubic foot. No fab is going to run them without exactly following the procedures they have spent billions developing and testing. They are also going to avoid…It takes years just to figure out how to use the machines to produce actual working chips. They're the most specialized, intricate, expensive machines in the world. They're operated in enormous clean rooms that only allow for 1 half-micron sized particle per cubic foot. No fab is going to run them without exactly following the procedures they have spent billions developing and testing. They are also going to avoid potential delays as much as possible because these machines have to be running for as much of their useful life as possible to recoup the vast expense. The level of risk-averseness is insane, but warranted. If you haven't watched this video, I highly recommend it: Indistinguishable From Magic: Manufacturing Modern Computer Chips [VIDEO] It's a little outdated now, but very comprehensive and gives you an idea of how totally nuts the chip business is.
In discussion: Transistors are civilization’s invisible infrastructure
This talk on how silicon chips are manufactured, called "Indistinguishable from Magic" shows just how magical they are: [VIDEO]
In discussion: 200TB SSDs could come soon thanks to Micron's new chip
Magic (at least as far as I'm concerned). I would love to see an updated version of this video: [VIDEO]
In discussion: ASML, a $300B Dutch firm, makes the machines that make semiconductors
This video is in the same vein, and does a great job putting this machine into perspective in teh chip making process, but it's sadly a decade old now. [VIDEO]
In discussion: Light-shrinking material lets ordinary microscope see in super resolution
Yes that's pretty similar to what is used. Each mask takes days to get simulated. It is getting "old" but this great video is covering it [VIDEO]
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