Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology

Associate in Applied Science Degree

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This program prepares students for careers in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. Typical technical titles include manufacturing and process technician, maintenance and installation/facility support technician and quality control and metrology technician. Individuals working in this industry require a solid foundation in mathematics and physical sciences as well as technical knowledge and good problem solving and teamwork skills.

Goal 1 Develop basic skills to prepare the student for a career in the semiconductor industry

  • Students are able to employ measurement techniques and laboratory apparatus for verification of circuit operation.
  • Students will be able to find employment in an associated career field.

Goal 2 Develop the ability to work effectively as part of a technical team

  • Students will develop an understanding of the global aspects of the semiconductor industry.

Goal 3 Develop the ability to present technical materials in oral and written form

  • The student will be able to present technical reports in oral and written form in a clear and concise manner.

Goal 4 Develop the ability to apply basic mathematical, scientific and technical concepts to the solution of electronic and mechanical systems

  • Students will be able to analyze and implement basic circuitry and electromechanical systems, and perform troubleshooting.

Goal 5 Develop the ability to interpret data and participate in the development of corrective action plans

  • The student will utilize statistical methods to interpret data and improve efficiency and quality.

Goal 6 To prepare students to demonstrate information literacy

  • Students will use traditional and contemporary information technology.
  • Students will identify, access, and appropriately use authoritative sources of information.

Total Credit Hours: 63 - 63.5

First Semester

This course is an opportunity for students to develop the skills necessary to be successful in college. Students learn the importance of the faculty-student and advisor-advisee relationship, develop time management techniques, apply effective study skill techniques, recognize the implications of living in a diverse society, utilize college resources, and explore career and transfer requirements. Collaborative projects are included. Students matriculated in a degree program must take this course in their first term of study.

This course focuses on several kinds of writing-self-expressive, informative, and argumentative/persuasive, and others. A minimum of five essay compositions are required. The course emphasizes the composition of clear, correct, and effective prose required in a variety of professions and occupations. Prerequisites: Appropriate high school GPA or placement test score or EN090 Basic Writing Skills or SL116 ESL4: Advanced Composition or SL145 ESOL Advanced Composition

This course introduces the fundamentals of DC circuit analysis including the definition of various electrical quantities and their relationships. Topics include series and parallel circuits, Kirchhoff’s Laws, Thevenin’s Theorem, Norton, super positioning, maximum power transfer, and nodal and mesh analysis. Proper usage of laboratory equipment is stressed. Corequisites: ET153 Introduction to Electronics and MA121 Fundamentals of College Mathematics 1 or MA122 Fundamentals of College Mathematics 2, or MA125 College Algebra & Trigonometry, or MA150 Pre-calculus, or MA151 Calculus 1.

This course provides the basic theory of electrical and electronic devices with elementary applications, familiarization with laboratory test equipment, and construction of an electronic power supply project. It covers the practical aspects of resistors, capacitors, inductors, transformers and voltage regulators. Both AC and DC theory is discussed as well as the use of power supplies, function generators, digital multi-meters and the oscilloscope. The course concludes with the assembly and testing of a DC power supply. (Fall semester) Corequisites: ET151 Circuits or ET101 Technical Electricity 1.

This course uses a high-level programming language and examines the available structure on a typical personal computer platform. Programming techniques and algorithm development are presented with real-world examples from the electrical field. The programming techniques may be used to solve practical problems in other EET courses. The course introduces the use of schematic capture and electrical circuit simulation software. This is a foundation course in computer programming for students in the Electrical Engineering Technology program. No previous programming knowledge is assumed. Corequisites: ET151 Circuits or ET101 Technical Electricity 1.

This is the first of a two-course sequence for students in programs that require mathematics through polynomial calculus. Algebraic manipulations, graphing skills and problem solving are emphasized. Topics include systems of linear equations including Cramer’s Rule, quadratic equations, variation, factoring and fractions, vectors and oblique triangles, and an introduction to trigonometry and applications. Prerequisite: Appropriate high school GPA or placement test score or MA115 Intermediate Mathematics.

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Second Semester

This course encourages a deeper understanding of human nature and the human condition through the study of ideas and values expressed in imaginative literature. Emphasis is placed on the use and development of critical thinking and language skills. Library-oriented research is required. Prerequisite: EN101 English 1: Composition or EN105 English Composition for Speakers of Other Languages or EN106 English 1: Composition & Reading.

This course covers AC circuit analysis. Topics include Phasor representation of sinusoidal voltage, currents, impedance, power solution of RLC circuits, frequency response, and series and parallel resonance. Three phase power transformers and Fourier analysis of complex waveforms are introduced. The use of computer solutions in problem solving is included. Prerequisites: ET151 Circuits 1, or ET153 Introduction to Electronics, or ET154 Computer Programming. Corequisite: MA122 Fundamentals of College Mathematics 2, or MA150 Pre-calculus, or MA151 Calculus 1.

The theory and applications of modern transistors are introduced; both the bipolar junction transistor and the field effect transistor are examined. Applications include usage in small and large signal class A amplifiers, as well as in class B power amplifiers. Voltage control FET applications are studied. Problem solving techniques involving digital computers are discussed. Corequisites: ET152 Circuits 2.

This introductory course presents fundamental topics in digital systems. Topics include numbering systems and coding schemes used in digital logic; combinational logic devices at a functional level; concepts of Boolean algebra and logic analysis and methods for logic circuit simplification; and arithmetic circuits. Sequential circuits including latches and flip-flops are analyzed and their applications in basic coutners and registers are presented. Corequisite: ET152 Circuits 2.

This is the second of a two-course sequence for students in programs that require mathematics through polynomial calculus. Topics include complex numbers, exponential and logarithmic functions, analytic geometry, limits, derivatives and integrals of polynomial functions, applications of the derivative, and area under a curve. Prerequisite: MA121 Fundamentals of College Mathematics 1.

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Third Semester

This course introduces to the field of chemistry for science and engineering students. Topics include dimensional analysis, stoichiometry, periodicity, atomic structure and bonding, the states of matter, solutions, and acid and base concepts. The laboratory exercises exemplify chemical principles and develop individual problem-solving abilities. The laboratory experience includes preparation of the laboratory report and notebook. Prerequisites: High School Chemistry; and appropriate high school GPA or placement test score, or MA121 Fundamentals of College Mathematics 1, or MA139 College Algebra, or a corequisite of MA125 College Algebra and Trigonometry.

This course introduces vacuum fundamentals, units, and terminology commonly found in low pressure environments. Topics include pumps, gauges, hardware components, vacuum systems, leak detection methods, thin film deposition, and etch processes, including sputtering and evaporative deposition. Additional topics include aspects of current practice in RF and plasma systems. Prerequisite: ET161 Linear Electronics. Corequisite: CH141 General Chemistry 1.

This course includes the theory and use of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical devices to activate and regulate the displacement and position of machine components, basic energy principles applied to mechanical and electrical systems, relay ladder logic, and motor circuits. Prerequisite: MA106 Technical Mathematics 2 or higher level mathematics course containing algebra.

This course covers basic functions and challenges of managers in the manufacturing and business environment, focusing on lean manufacturing, small businesses, and entrepreneurship. Topics include: Total Quality Management, continuous improvement, value-added activities and analysis, waste analysis, Just-In-Time, applications of Statistical Quality Control, and other current management methods and techniques. Lab activities may include off-site projects. Prerequisites: MT114 Manufacturing Processes or MA121 Fundamentals of College Mathematics 1.

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Fourth Semester

This course introduces the theory, operation, applications, adjustment, and control of AC/DC motors using single & three phase electrical power. It covers a variety of discrete devices, transformers, DC and AC motors, AC motor frequency drives, industrial networking, and motion control using PLCs. The components and characteristics of control systems are studied. Prerequisite: ET152 Circuits 2.

This course introduces the processes, materials, and equipment used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices. Topics include atomic theory, crystal structure, and properties of semiconductor materials, and manufacturing processes. It covers wafer preparation, thermal oxidation, doping, lithography, thin film deposition, metrology, testing, and packaging. Cleanroom safety and protocol are discussed. Prerequisites: ET161 Linear Electronics, and ET181 Digital Electronics 1. Corequisites: CH141 General Chemistry 1, and MT129 Statistical Quality Control. (Fall semester)

This course presents the biological and evolutionary history of humans. Basic concepts of evolutionary theory, human genetics, human biological adaptation and diversity, and the hominid fossil record are explored. It includes the behavior and ecology of living non-human primates.

This course introduces economic theory and its relevance to daily life in a market economy. Topics include scarcity, supply and demand, choice, economic growth, taxation, and the role of government in the economy. Attention is given to current economic issues and their impact upon everyday life.

This course introduces the geographical and demographic attributes of the world, such as environment, cultural differences, ethnic make-up, and diversity. Emphasis is placed on developing a more global outlook on the emerging world community.

This course introduces the discipline of political science through the study of American government. Topics include the concept of the political system, democracy in theory and practice, the historical background and content of the Constitution, Federalism, and the role of the Supreme Court in civil rights. It stresses these aspects of the American political system: public opinion, voting behavior, the electoral system, political parties, and modern campaigning techniques.

This course introduces the many and varied facets of psychology. Emphasis is on interactions of individuals in their cultural, social, and economic environments as determined by their cognitive, behavioral, and emotional experiences and training.

This course gives an understanding of and a feeling for the society in which we live. The concepts and theories discussed relate to humanity, its culture and society, and to those forces that contribute to the smooth operation of this society as well as those forces that contribute to conflict and social problems. Topics include culture, socialization, stratification, population, and patterns of social organization.

This course is a study of the types, applications, and use of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). It includes methods for developing PLC ladder programs, PLC installation, wiring, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Experience is provided using Allen Bradley MicroLogix, SLC500, and Compactlogix PLCs, as well as the Logixpro PLC Simulator. Prerequisites: ET151 Circuits 1 and ET153 Introduction to Electronics or ET104 Systems Diagrams.

This course introduces basic principles of systems encountered by technicians employed in highly automated manufacturing environments. Topics include manufacturing sequences, remote access, cycle time, and production flow analysis. Gant charts and other planning tools, troubleshooting, and routine/preventative maintenance procedures are presented. Manufacturing execution systems and applications of statistical process control are discussed. Prerequisites: MA106 Technical Mathematics 2 or MA121 Fundamentals of College Mathematics 1.

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Preparation for this program should include:

Two high school mathematics courses, or the equivalent

One laboratory science (physics and chemistry are recommended)

(a) GE Social Science courses: AN101 Biological Anthropology, BM101 Survey of Economics, GE101 Essentials of World Geography, PS101 American National Government, PY101 Introduction to General Psychology, or SO101
Introduction to Sociology.

(b) Program Electives: ET141 Programmable Logic Controllers, ET291 Fundamentals of Highly Automated Manufacturing Systems.