This winter, I’ve been invited to moderate panels at two 3D industry events. The first will be at the European TSV Summit, which takes place January 22-23, 2014 in Grenoble, and the second is during the DATE 2014 3D Integration Workshop, March 28, 2014 as part of DATE 2014, which takes place this year in Dresden. It got me thinking, what better time to visit European companies working on 2.5D and 3D IC technologies? So Monday (January 13, 2014) I will embark on the first of two visits to bring you Europe in 3D.
My first stop will be to Nordson DAGE in Colchester, UK. The plan was hatched back in October at the IEEE 3D Test Conference, when I spoke with my old friend, David Bernard, who alerted me to a tool in development at DAGE for X-ray inspection of 3D TSVs that the company is targeting for launch early in 2014. We both thought it would be a great idea for me to come and see the tool in action, and a visit was scheduled to coincide with my trip to Grenoble.
From Colchester, I will head off to Munich to spend a day with Peter Ramm, head of Department of Heterogeneous System Integration, Fraunhofer EMFT, where I hope to learn more about Fraunhofer EMFT’s work in 3D system integration, meet partners the EU’s e-BRAINS project, and tour the facility. We’ve been talking about this visit for quite a few years. In the past, I’ve toured other European research centers for 3D integration technologies including imec, Fraunhofer IZM-ASSID, and CEA Leti. This will be my first visit to the Munich research institute, and I’m excited about it.
Part one of the Europe in 3D tour, before heading off to Grenoble for the European 3D TSV Summit, will conclude with a visit to my good friends at EV Group. This will be my third visit to the company’s world headquarters located in Schaerding, Austria. The last time was in 2012 after the opening of the expanded manufacturing facility. This time, I’m told there’s been further expansion of the facilities, and a number of new processes to see first hand.
You can follow my adventures here on 3D InCites, as well as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN as the trip unfolds. Fasten your seatbelts – it’s going to be a fun few weeks! ~ F.v.T
PS – Part 2 of Europe in 3D is still in the planning stages and there are openings for companies wishing to schedule site visits. There is a nominal sponsorship fee to participate. Details are available here or contact me to discuss the details.
