Wafer Handling Equipment for Semiconductors Education and Training

Learn more about wafer handling equipment and procedures

By Leah Kuriluk
Using semiconductor wafer equipment is required for some jobs in the electronics manufacturing industry, as well as computer chip design. In addition to general mechanical and electrical engineering knowledge, you'll need to know cleanroom procedures to use wafer handling equipment for semiconductors.

You can find information about wafer handling though classes, online or by attending industry events. However, many jobs dealing with wafer handling require electrical engineering degrees. If you're considering getting wafer handling equipment for semiconductors education and training, think about the following:
  1. Take classes at a college or trade school to learn how to operate wafer handling equipment.
  2. Attend workshops, conferences and trade shows to learn about the latest and greatest wafer equipment technology advances.
  3. Learn more about wafer handling equipment operation and procedures online.

 

Enroll in electrical or mechanical engineering classes to learn more about wafer handling systems

Many electrical engineering programs and some mechanical engineering classes cover wafer handling procedures and equipment. This type of instruction generally includes clean room precautions, wafer handling equipment operation and may also include wafer equipment repair and design. Depending on what type of program you enroll in, the classes will focus on either the hardware or software aspect of the equipment. Many classes will also provide electrical engineering certification.
Try: Take the SemiZone Cleanroom Protocol class covering wafer handling equipment operation in a clean room environment, or enroll in the electrical engineering program at the University of Washington.

Go to wafer handling system conferences, trade shows and workshops to continue your education

Industry events like trade shows, conferences and seminars can help you learn more about emerging wafer handling system technologies and new wafer handling tools. Workshops allow you to learn new installation, repair and operation skills and brush up on old ones. In addition, industry events allow you to discuss problems and solutions with others in your industry. Some events will also provide certification for specific skills in the industry.
Try: Get training in wafer handling systems and wafer transfer tools at events listed by the American Electronics Association, or attend the IEEE International Interconnect Technology Conference to take one of their workshops on wafer handling.

Learn more about wafer handling equipment online

You can learn more about wafer handling equipment and the manufacturing process with online resources. Industry associations and wafer manufacturers often have educational information, including videos, articles and diagrams, on the production process and equipment required. You can learn basics, like how wafer handling equipment is used during manufacturing, or simply concentrate on a single aspect of the process.
Try: Learn how wafer handling equipment is used in the manufacturing process with the educational guide to Silicon Wafer Production Process at Covalent Materials Corporation, or check out the Single Crystal Growing for Wafer Production article at SiliconFarEast.com.