IMEC at Semicon West 2000, San Francisco, July 10-12, booth #4402, Esplanade Hall, Moscone Center

Today, a new comprehensive, state-of-the-art training program in the practice, fundamentals, and emerging trends of silicon wafer processing for deep sub-micron devices was announced by IMEC and MEA (Microelectronics Education Associates). The course will be directed towards both new semiconductor industry professionals and experienced engineers who are facing the biggest technological challenges ever seen.

The strong upturn of semiconductor consumption and the more than 30 % growth forecasted for 2000 has given rise to a large number of new IC fab projects over the next two years. “This will imply an unprecedented shortage of semiconductor processing professionals to fill the fabs,” according to Professor Gilbert Declerck, president and CEO of IMEC. “Providing such a top-level course on ULSI processing in close collaboration with Dr. Richard Tauber (president of MEA), who has over 36 years of experience in semiconductor devices and processes, will help in supplying a pool of processing engineers.”

“IMEC, as one of the largest independent R&D centers in microelectronics and ICT (Information and Communication Technology) is well suited to organize such an intensive course,” states Dr. Richard Tauber. “World-class specialists from universities, industry and IMEC will present the latest technologies and study trade-offs among various approaches.”

The first course is scheduled from October 23-26, 2000, at IMEC in Leuven, Belgium. Fundamental aspects (litho, etch, CVD, …) of silicon processes and some integration aspects will be fully explained.

IMEC has historically offered a variety of individual training programs. IMEC’s training center, MTC, covers the whole spectrum of microelectronics and ICT, from integrated system design to processing and packaging. Courses are designed to meet the requirements of operators, technicians and engineers, including process engineers. In addition introductory courses in chip technology are regularly scheduled for engineers and other professionals operating in related fields. The courses are available to companies, institutions and universities worldwide.

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Notes to Editors:

About IMEC

IMEC was founded in 1984 and today is Europe's leading independent R&D center for the development and licensing of microelectronic and ICT technologies.  IMEC is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, and employs about 950 people, of whom 75 percent are highly qualified scientists and engineers. Its $90 million revenue is derived from agreements and contracts with government agencies, aerospace and semiconductor industry companies worldwide. IMEC’s activities concentrate on design of integrated information and communication systems; silicon process technology; silicon technology and device integration; microsystems, components and packaging; advanced training in microelectronics. IMEC has a sub 0,25-micron 200-mm pilot line and is ISO 9001 certified. News from IMEC is located at www.imec.be.

For further information please contact:

Marianne Van den Broeck

Public Relations and Marketing Communications Manager

IMEC, Kapeldreef 75

B- 3001 Leuven, Belgium

http://www.imec.be/

Tel +32 16 28 14 91 Fax +32 16 28 16 37

Email: Marianne.Vandenbroeck@imec.be