US-based Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) Global says, “Compared to the previous quarter, silicon wafer shipments increased 3.3 percent to 3,649 million square inches in the 3Q21”, which set a new record for the industry.
According to the SEMI Silicon Manufacturers Group’s (SMG) quarterly analysis of the silicon wafer industry, shipments of silicon wafers increased 16.4% in 3Q21 compared to 3,135 million square inches in the same quarter the previous year.
Silicon wafers are the fundamental building blocks for most semiconductors, which are essential components of all electronics, including computers, telecommunications equipment, and consumer electronics.
The highly engineered thin discs, which can be up to 12 inches in diameter, are used as the substrate material for most semiconductor devices, or chips.
SEMI SMG chairman and Shin Etsu Handotai America vice-president of product development and applications engineering Neil Weaver say, “In 3Q21, silicon wafer shipments hit a new high, with higher shipments in all diameters to support the wide range of semiconductor devices required in today’s economy.
“Demand for silicon wafers is expected to remain high in the coming years as many new fabs start up,” he said.
