Semiconductor Supply Chain “Eco System” Overview (video)

At the end of 2023 the semiconductor market had increased from $532 Billion in 2023 to $611 B mid-year 2024. This growth is viewed positively in the light of the recent Covid pandemic and ongoing supply chain disruptions. Since disruptions (all kinds) in the semiconductor supply chain are not going away, the semiconductor companies must ensure that their entire supply chain (SC) “eco system” is complete, efficient and resilient. Many SC experts use a pyramid to highlight the critical segments of the chip manufacturing fabrication process. Through the use of a SC pyramid, process experts highlight the essential needs and requirements, beginning to end, of the chip fabrication process eco system. The resulting pyramid notes the intersection of the many entities involved, upstream and downstream suppliers, associated manufacturing equipment companies, and all vendors and distributors for each segment. The eco system includes chip design, chip design verification, wafer manufacturing, key essential raw materials, packaging, and assembly and test regardless of the entity type (foundry, OSAT facility, or IDM). The final chip is then designed into a sub-assembly, device, or a system that can be sold to consumers and government agencies. A discussion of the equipment tools key to the chip fabrication process will also be presented. This will include design verification and test tools, deposition equipment, and lithography equipment. Covered: The semiconductor supply chain ecosystem; Pyramid illustration of 6 segments describing the chip fabrication process; Associated main player companies for each of the segments; Semiconductor fabrication equipment suppliers and their market share.