Tip for Problem 2

Your supervisor is holding a chip that measures 3x3 inches in one hand, and a bunch of resistors, capacitors, and diodes in the other. They ask you "Someone told me that this thing has 100,000 electric components and is only 0.5in x 0.5inches. I figured this out because they told me they could make 500 of these on a 12 in wafer of Si. OK, how do they get these things (the components) into this (the chip) and I figured they can only get 12 of these (the chips) into a 12in diameter circle. What is going on?" Answer their question.

To help you prepare the answer consider the following.

• You must write this as you were responding to a question from someone with standing in your company. While I appreciate humor, it is not appropriate here.
• Just because someone does not understand what we do does not mean you can call them an idiot.
• Why do you think the person is legitimately confused?
• What is the difference between and IC and an IC Package?
• Is the chip they are holding most likely and IC or an IC Package?
• Explain enough of the IC fabrication process to satisfy the person. Make a list of what is necessary.
• I strongly suggest 1) creating a bullet list of ideas (maybe copied and pasted from your notes or the book), 2) organizing the list, 3) turning the organized list into the answer. Copy and Paste, Copy and Paste.