Navigating Three Decades of IC Materials and Failure Analysis: What I Learned
Speaker - David Su - Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Inc., Taiwan (Retired)
This talk reflects on my journey in the IC industry, emphasizing persistence, curiosity, openness, and authenticity. After completing a PhD in Chemical Engineering with a focus unrelated to IC processing, I began teaching Materials Science at San Jose State University. An unexpected opportunity led me to Philips Semiconductors, where I helped launch a commercial materials analysis lab. Our team was later acquired by Accurel, and in 2000, I joined TSMC in Taiwan. Over 18 years at TSMC, I led the failure and materials analysis group through major technological transitions, including the shift to Cu metallization, high-k dielectrics, metal gates, and FinFET technology. My career, marked by both successes and challenges, taught me that hard work, technical expertise, and empathy can lead to a fulfilling career in a demanding industry.
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Nicole Hale
Director, Membership & Affiliates
ASM International
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