More than 70 years have passed since the invention of the transistor, which is a representative of semiconductors.
Initially, transistors were the mainstream alternative to vacuum tubes to amplify minute signals.
Since then, it has made great progress as a switching element that processes and stores digital signals, and is now an indispensable part of our daily lives.
The rapid development of IoT(Internet of Things), big data, AI(artificial intelligence), DX(digital transformation), green innovation, etc. is about to change the shape of the industry.
Among them, the applications of semiconductors such as information communication, memory, optical devices, sensors and actuators are increasing more and more, and their applications are not limited to industry and daily life, but also include automobiles, environment /energy saving, medical /health, and education.
In addition, the evolution of semiconductors has diversified, and not only the pursuit of miniaturization called More Moore, but also Beyond CMOS by introducing new principles and More than Moore by combining new elements are being developed.
On the other hand, in order to produce semiconductors, there are an extremely large number of manufacturing processes, and state-of-the-art expensive manufacturing equipment is required, and a large-scale factory that can install them has become necessary.
Terefore, mass production was required to reduce the cost per chip, and diameter of wafers was increased.
As a result, huge capital investment funds are required, and the number of companies that can produce semiconductors has been limited to a few in the world.
Now it has evolved into an economic security issue.
And, it is not suitable for high-mix low-volume production, and there is a problem that the cost will be high if a small amount is used.
Under these circumstances, in order to respond to the diversification of semiconductors, the Minimal Fab concept was proposed and realized with the aim of realizing high-mix low-volume production with a small capital investment instead of mass production by megafabs.
We have established a general incorporated association "Minimal Fab Promotion Organization" with the aim of establishing a completely new production method called this minimal fab and initiating a process revolution from Japan.
Furthermore, our greatest mission is to further expand the application fields of Minimal Fab.
The AIST Consortium Fab System Study Group, which has been the promotion body for minimal fabs, has been integrated into the Organization since April 2017, and the number of members has increased to about 150.
As a strong promotion body, we will work with everyone in the industry on activities for the promotion and development of Minimal Fab.
We are sincerely asking you a cooperation and support to the Minimal Fab.
Shozo Saito, Representative Director