Foundations of Semiconductor Technology

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Course Enrollment

Duration
11 Weeks, 5-6 hours a week
Form
100% Self-paced. Online
Cost
$1,800 or 5 installments of $360
Start Date
Begins every month. Please enroll now to select your start date.

Who is this program for?

This credential in Foundations of Semiconductor Technology provides a thorough introduction to the essential concepts and practices in the field. The program begins with an exploration of semiconductor physics and devices, followed by an examination of fabrication processes. Learners will learn about cleanroom and lab protocols, as well as CAD tools for integrated circuit (IC) design. The curriculum includes a study of semiconductor materials and device characterization. Additionally, it covers the mathematics essential for understanding semiconductors and discusses microelectronics and circuit theory. This program equips participants with the foundational knowledge needed to excel in semiconductor technology.

At the end of this credential, you will be able to:

Close-up of Silicon Die are being Extracted from Semiconductor Wafer and Attached to Substrate by Pick and Place Machine.
  • Analyze the crystal growth techniques such as Czochralski process, Bridgman process.
  • Explain BJT, MOSFET, CMOS, FINFET.
  • Describe the fundamentals of photolithography and its role in semiconductor fabrication.
  • Explain photoresists and their properties.
  • Explain how cleanrooms contribute to product quality and yield in semiconductor fabrication processes.
  • Identify cleanroom classifications according to ISO standards.
  • Identify the key components that constitute an IC.
  • Discuss CAD Tool Categories and Functions.
  • Define and differentiate between intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors.
  • Describe various types of semiconductor materials.
  • Use DLCP to investigate the distribution of defects and impurities in semiconductors.
  • Analyze current-voltage (I-V) characteristics to evaluate the electrical behavior and performance of semiconductor devices.
  • Discuss combinational logic circuits and their classification.
  • Analyze timing and signal propagation.
  • Examine IC design and technology.
  • Review passive components and active components

Representative Job Titles

  • Facilities Maintenance Technician
  • Technician
  • Preventative Maintenance (PM) Technician
  • Technical Specialist
  • Semiconductor Design Engineer
  • Semiconductor Reliability Engineer
  • Semiconductor Field Service Engineer
  • Smart Factory Automation Specialists

Why Choose a Career in Semiconductor Manufacturing?

The U.S. semiconductor industry could face a shortage of about 70,000 to 90,000 workers over the next few years, according to a Deloitte report. The shortage spans various professions - electrical engineers, technicians, and production workers, with a particular scarcity in Very-Large-Scale Integration (VLSI) design. The rise of big-data technologies like machine learning has heightened the demand for next-generation computing platforms. According to a McKinsey report, sales in the semiconductor industry has grown but fabrication facilities struggled to scale up the worker supply at the same rate. Over the next decade, further innovation in semiconductor technology will enable a host of transformative technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous electric vehicles, and the internet of things (IoT).

The Importance of Semiconductors

Lays the Groundwork for Lifelong Learning
Vital to the Well-Being of Young Children
Support the Personal, Academic, and Social Development of Children

Course Overview

Develop a basic understanding of semiconductor device physics. Get equipped with basic theoretical knowledge on how different software tools are utilized in semiconductor fabrication. Learn about characterization tools and the working principles on techniques used in the semiconductor industry. Review best practices and cleanroom protocols in the clearnroom. Get an overview of CAD tools and learn how these tools are utilized in semiconductor industries. Develop a basic understanding on common semiconductor materials. Gain knowledge on the working principle of characterization techniques. Deepen your understanding of logic gates and microelectronic components.
14 - Learning Videos
37 - Quizzes
1 - Virtual Lab Experience

There is a massive shortage of technical workers in the U.S who know how to install and operate specialized equipment in a semiconductor-grade facility. Skills of electricians, pipefitters and welders; technical engineers, maintenance personnel and smart factory automation specialists; and graduate electrical engineers to design chips and the tools and manufacturing processes that make the chips are in high demand.

Semiconductor chip companies consider expediting hiring diverse skills for both building and automating their manufacturing facilities and designing chips and tools.

Production and engineering jobs make up more than half of the domestic semiconductor workforce, but the industry also employs workers in management, business and financial operations, mathematics, sales, administrative support, maintenance, transportation, and more.

This credential covers the topics of:

  • Module 1: Semiconductor Physics and Devices
  • Module 2: Fabrication Processes
  • Module 3: Cleanroom and Lab Protocols
  • Module 4: CAD Tools for IC Design
  • Module 5: Semiconductor Materials
  • Module 6: Device Characterization
  • Module 7: Mathematics for Semiconductors
  • Module 8: Microelectronics and Circuit Theory

This credential includes videos, quizzes, simulations, and case studies with the goal of providing students with a strong overview of semiconductor industry.

This program will equip learners with the following work competencies:

  • Basic understanding of semiconductor device physics.
  • Utilize software tools in semiconductor fabrication.
  • Implement cleanroom best practices and protocol.
  • Understand the use of CAD tools in semiconductor industries.
  • Basic knowledge on common semiconductor materials.
  • Knowledge on the working principle of device characterization techniques.
  • Understand the use of logic gates.
  • Knowledge on microelectronic components.

Pricing

Pay All At Once

$1,800
By paying the total cost of the Microcredential upfront, you'll gain full access to the course content, ensuring financial simplicity and peace of mind. Enjoy comprehensive support throughout your learning journey and receive a certificate of completion upon successfully finishing the program.
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Installment Plan - Over five installments

$360
Opting to divide the total cost into equal monthly payments provides you with payment flexibility while maintaining full access to the course content. You'll receive complete support throughout the program and a certificate of completion once the course is successfully finished.
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Still Have Questions?

What is the duration of the program and how much time is required each week?

This is an 11-week program that will require about 5 to 6 hours of dedicated time per week.

Will this micro-credential be transferrable for credit-hours?

No. Micro-credentials are not transferrable for credit. These are skills-based training programs that differ from a traditional college course.

Are there assignments and deadlines?

No, there are no assignment deadlines. There is, however, a prescribed pace for timely completion as learners will have a set number of weeks to complete the credential.

Do I have to attend classes at the same time each week?

Micro-credentials are self-paced and do not require the learner to attend class at a certain time each week. Learners should expect to spend 5-6 hours per week engaging with the course at their own pace. Select weeks will have optional webinars featuring industry experts.

What do I receive upon completion of this micro-credential?

Students will receive a certificate of completion.

Who do I contact if I have additional questions?

Please feel free to use any of these options to reach out to us. We would love to hear from you!

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