Semiconductor Assembly Test Automation and Standardization Research Association Plans, Goals and Simulation Results

The SATAS (Semiconductor Assembly Test Automation and Standardization) Research Association was kicked off in April 2024. [1] SATAS is supported by the Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and includes 23 member companies, all with the joint goal of transforming conventional assembly test manufacturing by developing strategies to automate the manufacturing process. The consortia will initially develop standards to support the equipment, systems and interfaces necessary for automation. The new concepts will then be implemented in a pilot line to evaluate and demonstrate the standards and automation systems, as well as measure the labor savings and manufacturing efficiencies that automation enables. This paper describes the overall SATAS concepts, plans and goals, initial simulation results of the new automation concepts, as well as the goals and progress to date developing industry standards that will support the overall SATAS goals.