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  • CA DREAMS - Technical Seminar Series

    Fri, Apr 25, 2025 @ 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM

    Information Sciences Institute

    Conferences, Lectures, & Seminars


    Speaker: Brian Thibeault and Steve Zamek, UCSB and PDF Solutions

    Talk Title: Analytics for Semiconductors: From Megafabs to Nanofabs

    Series: CA DREAMS - Technical Seminar Series

    Abstract: This joint talk will provide an overview of advanced data analytics for semiconductor manufacturing and application thereof in R&D environment. The first part of the talk, by Steve Zamek from PDF Solutions, will provide an overview of end-to-end data analytics used by 100+ semiconductor companies. Big Data analytics enables faster yield ramp, improved efficiency, lower manufacturing cost and facilitates root cause analysis in a timely manner. The second part of the talk, by Brian Thibeault, the UCSB Nanofab Director, will discuss the small-business enabling R&D Nanofab environment. The UCSB Nanofab, a leading and accessible university nanofabrication facility, has been at the center of a semiconductor startup ecosystem for over 20 years. Brian will introduce Nanofab’s operation in the context of this vibrant ecosystem that bridges university research and commercialization. Several examples of successful lab-to-fab transition stories will be provided. Brian will also cover the recent collaboration between UCSB and PDF Solutions to improve process reproducibility, leveraging the Exensio® software within a technology-diverse, multi-user fabrication environment.

    Biography: Brian Thibeault, UCSB Brian Thibeault has been UCSB Nanofab Technical/Operational Director for 6 years, where he is responsible for all aspects of facility advancements and operations, and the senior Nanofab staff scientist for 24 years.  From 1996 to 2000, Brian worked on GaN-based LED and RF HEMT development for WiTech, LLC, founded by Steve DenBaars and Umesh Mishra and purchased by CREE Inc. in June of 2000.  Brian holds a PhD from UCSB in Electrical and Computer Engineering (1997), where his research focused on Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser design, growth, and fabrication.  Steve Zamek, PDF Solutions Steve Zamek is a Director of Product Management at PDF Solutions Inc. Steve is responsible for the Big Data Analytics platform deployed in 100+ leading customers – foundries, IDM’s, OSAT’s and fabless companies. Prior to his current role, Steve held a variety of roles at KLA, a leading provider of inspection and metrology equipment for the semiconductor industry. Steve holds a PhD from UCSD, MSc from BGU, BSc from the Technion – all in Electrical Engineering. He had Internships with Cymer (now ASML) and Sun (now Oracle).

    Host: Dr. Steve Crago

    More Info: https://www.isi.edu/events/5740/analytics-for-semiconductors-from-megafabs-to-nanofabs/

    Webcast: https://usc.zoom.us/j/97017422125?pwd=Dbrt8MNMrmBV3xalKQJcAiNsggFJjJ.1&from=addon

    WebCast Link: https://usc.zoom.us/j/97017422125?pwd=Dbrt8MNMrmBV3xalKQJcAiNsggFJjJ.1&from=addon

    Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

    Contact: Amy Kasmir

    Event Link: https://www.isi.edu/events/5740/analytics-for-semiconductors-from-megafabs-to-nanofabs/


    This event is open to all eligible individuals. USC Viterbi operates all of its activities consistent with the University's Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.


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