Semiconductor industry and market
Which is the main reason the price per processed wafer has risen sharply as leading-edge process generations advance?
- ABecause the wafer diameter doubles every generation
- BBecause the number of process steps and masks has grown and expensive tools such as EUV exposure systems are needed
- CBecause silicon raw material is in short supply
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Because the number of process steps and masks has grown and expensive tools such as EUV exposure systems are needed
As scaling advances, multiple patterning and complex transistor structures increase the number of process steps and masks, and very expensive tools such as EUV exposure systems are required. Manufacturing cost per wafer has therefore risen sharply, and the decline in cost per transistor has slowed compared with the past.
- A. The wafer diameter remains 300 mm.
- B. Correct. More complex processing and pricier tools are the main reasons.
- C. A shortage of silicon raw material is not the main reason.