DR. ISMAIL KASHKOUSH, chief technology officer at JST Manufacturing
As we look ahead to 2025, we’re seeing three major trends: a growing compound semiconductor market, the resurgence of wet bench technology and growing workforce development needs.
First, there is an increasing need for SiC and GaN equipment and process development to support the fast-growing AI, IOT, automotive, and aerospace markets – industries that are poised for growth. Process requirements for compound semi manufacturing are relatively less stringent than for a typical IC fab, which gives tool makers a golden opportunity to be strategic and develop tools specifically for this market. It also means equipment suppliers need to get creative by finding ways to reduce the cost of ownership while also making tools and processes more sustainable.
Second, while single wafer tools in state of-the-art 300 mm IC fabs are established in many process steps, there are still applications being performed in batches such as photoresist stripping, nitride etch, and wafer reclaim. Wet benches aren’t going away for one simple reason: cost of ownership. Process flows in 150 and 200 mm CMOS fabs are still using batch processing to meet high throughput requirements (>250 wph). Many of these fabs are still using old tools quickly becoming obsolete, making parts and support hard to find, if the original tool makers still exist. This means these tools must be replaced. Again, tool makers must be innovative and develop new systems that use less water, require less exhaust, have smaller footprints, consume less energy and have a lower carbon footprint to meet increasing sustainability demands.
Third, talent acquisition is a prominent issue for the industry, especially in the U.S. and Europe markets, where product demand is high. Many new fabs are starting to ramp and in need of engineers, scientists, and technicians. With talent coming from a wide range of backgrounds, companies need to beef up their efforts to fill open positions and accelerate training programs so new hires are workforce ready. At JST Manufacturing, we’re forging partnerships with technical colleges and universities as part of our recruitment solution with a focus on internships. This approach lays the foundation for students to meet their future employers and become familiar with the job quickly, and at a reasonable cost to us.
For us, we see these challenges as opportunities. Working with our customers will ensure we can support the growing needs for compound semiconductor manufacturing tools and new and improved wet bench and single wafer technologies, while working with our communities will help us fill the talent gap. With our lineup of single wafer and batch tools, we’re excited to see where 2025 takes us.
Click here to read the 2025 Executive Viewpoints in Semiconductor Digest
