Compound semiconductors
Which correctly describes the typical diameter of wafers for compound semiconductors such as GaAs?
- A300 mm, the same as silicon, is mainstream
- B450 mm, larger than silicon, is mainstream
- CDiameters smaller than silicon wafers (about 150 mm or less) are mainstream
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. Diameters smaller than silicon wafers (about 150 mm or less) are mainstream
Growing large, low-defect single crystals of compound semiconductors is difficult, so GaAs wafers are typically about 150 mm and InP wafers even smaller. Compared with 300 mm silicon, fewer chips come from each wafer, which is one reason costs are higher.