Overcoming Semiconductor and Electronics Crises With IRDS: Planning for the Future

Every couple of decades a major semiconductor crisis arises like clockwork. Typically, some clues on the origin of the crisis could have been predicted in advance by those who were looking for them since usually the weakness and vulnerability of the technical or economical semiconductor supply chain are always quite evident, and possible solutions can be identified in advance. However, it is human nature to avoid addressing a problem before it dramatically arises. The International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors (ITRS) and its evolution to the International Roadmap for Devices and Systems (IRDS) have provided leadership and continue to play a key role in guiding implementation of the most viable solutions. (See International Roadmap for Devices and Systems, IEEE,
https://irds.ieee.org
.) Four semiconductor crises that occurred over the past 60 years are notable. This narrative provides a historical perspective; it reviews the good and the bad lessons learned from these crises and makes recommendations. The development and evolution of the semiconductor road map and its vital role in guiding the industry are presented.