Manufacturing of Semiconductor Chips: From Their Origins to the Current Automotive Chip Crisis

This article addresses the birth of manufacturing integrated circuits (ICs) to the current high technological advancements in their fabrication process. ICs are used in various modern electronic gadgets. Moreover, research shows that manufacturing uses high-tech machines and costs around USD 10 billion over five years to set up a semiconductor fabrication plant. The demand for these tiny chips on the market is exceptionally high due to their various applications. However, the shortage of ICs in the current market is real, especially in the automotive industry. Consequently, this article provides an overview of how the manufacturing of ICs was started in the past, investigates the state-of-the-art manufacturing process, and suggests how the current automotive chip shortage of chips can be overcome in the coming year. The study can assist stakeholders, including global semiconductor companies, academic researchers, and policymakers, in planning an effective strategy for their businesses.