The changing role and future challenges of quality and reliability in the foundry industry

Pure-play integrated circuits (IC) foundries, companies whose business is exclusively to manufacture ICs for other companies, have been in existence for about 15 years now, and have been one of the success stories of the semiconductor industry. Over this period of time, foundries have transformed from technology-trailing companies into technology-leading manufacturers. Many changes occurred to make this happen. As the dedicated. foundry concept matures, new challenges arise that will require further transformations. In particular, this article focuses on the changes in the role of the quality and reliability (QR) organization in foundries, and the driving forces that will signify more future changes.