Balancing semiconductor innovation vs sustainability

Find the Latest SoC Solutions
for... Automotive... IoT... Security... Audio... Video

In an increasingly digitized global economy, semiconductor devices have become the keystone of technological advancement, powering everything from smartphones to autonomous vehicles and sophisticated computing systems. However, the production of these critical components is no small task -it's an energy-intensive and environmentally taxing process.

electronics360.globalspec.com/, Aug. 21, 2023 – 

With escalating concerns over a mounting carbon footprint, extensive water consumption, and the use of hazardous materials that negatively impact our environment, the semiconductor industry stands at a pivot point. It's faced with a pressing call to balance the demand for rapid, cost-effective performance with a greater emphasis on environmental sustainability.

In response to this call, the dawn of green semiconductor manufacturing is beginning to break. Industry-wide shifts are visible, with the initiation of energy-efficient practices, reduction in carbon emissions, adoption of eco-friendly materials, and implementation of waste reduction strategies. Our shared goal? Pioneering a more sustainable future for the industry and the planet.

Charting the course of sustainability in semiconductor manufacturing

The history of sustainability in semiconductor manufacturing spans several decades, with the industry's focus shifting from early awareness to proactive initiatives. In its nascent stages during the 1960s and 1970s, environmental concerns were not a primary consideration. However, as the industry expanded, resource efficiency gained attention during the 1980s and 1990s. Engineers and manufacturers worked to reduce energy consumption, conserve water, and improve waste management.

The late 1990s and early 2000s marked a significant transition to lead-free initiatives and Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) compliance, aiming to eliminate these kinds of materials from semiconductor products. In the mid-2000s, there was an upsurge in research for eco-friendly materials, leading to the adoption of sustainable packaging and low-toxicity dielectric materials. Starting from the late 2000s, energy conservation took center stage, with the integration of renewable energy sources and the implementation of green practices.

click here to read more...

 Back