Core Viewpoint - The global semiconductor materials market is projected to grow by 3.8% in 2024, reaching $67.5 billion, driven by the recovery of the overall semiconductor market and increasing demand for advanced materials in high-performance computing and high-bandwidth memory manufacturing [2] Semiconductor Materials Market Summary - In 2024, wafer manufacturing materials revenue is expected to grow by 3.3% to $42.9 billion, while packaging materials revenue is projected to increase by 4.7% to $24.6 billion [2] - The chemical mechanical planarization (CMP), photoresist, and photoresist auxiliary equipment segments are experiencing strong double-digit growth due to the complexity and number of processes required for advanced DRAM, 3D NAND flash, and cutting-edge logic ICs [2] - All semiconductor material segments, except silicon and silicon-on-insulator (SOI), are expected to show year-on-year growth [2] - Demand for silicon remains weak due to ongoing inventory digestion, leading to a projected 7.1% decline in silicon revenue in 2024 [2] Regional Market Insights - Taiwan continues to be the largest semiconductor materials consumer region with revenue of $20.1 billion for 15 consecutive years [3] - Mainland China is expected to achieve $13.5 billion in revenue, maintaining year-on-year growth and ranking second in 2024 [3] - South Korea ranks third with $10.5 billion in revenue, while all regions except Japan are expected to achieve single-digit growth in 2024 [3] Advanced Semiconductor Packaging Market Forecast - The advanced semiconductor packaging market is valued at $18.09 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $29.8 billion by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% [5] - The shift in value creation from front-end miniaturization to back-end integration is anticipated to drive strong double-digit growth in the advanced semiconductor packaging market by 2030 [5] - Demand for heterogeneous chip architecture, high-bandwidth memory stacks, ultra-thin fan-out modules, and automotive-grade power packaging is continuously increasing [5] Packaging Technology Developments - Flip-chip packaging technology is replacing long wire bonding, providing improved thermal performance and enabling higher power ranges without compromising performance [6] - Fan-out wafer-level packaging (FO WLP) offers ultra-thin packaging suitable for space-constrained devices, enhancing economic viability for mid-range smartphones and IoT sensors [7] - Advanced packaging technologies are being adopted in automotive applications to meet stringent AEC Q100 standards, driven by the need for high reliability and durability [7] Market Drivers and Trends - The transition from monolithic scaling to heterogeneous integration is driving demand for advanced packaging, integrating logic, memory, analog, and photonic chips into single system-in-package solutions [8] - The proliferation of 5G base stations and edge AI gateways relies on advanced packaging methods to meet thermal and signal integrity requirements [8] - The demand for AI accelerators and high-performance computing is pushing OSAT manufacturers to develop larger organic substrates and advanced filling materials, leading to higher average selling prices and long-term capacity investments [9] Consumer Electronics and Wearable Devices - The growing demand for smartphones, AR glasses, and health monitoring wearables is prompting OEMs to shift towards WLP, FO PLP, and molded embedded packaging [10] - The reduction in the number of discrete components per circuit board is freeing up battery space and enhancing waterproof performance, while also shortening design cycles [10]

Core Viewpoint - The semiconductor industry is transitioning from "device scaling" to "architectural innovation," with advanced packaging technologies like Fan-Out Wafer Level Packaging (FOWLP), Chiplet heterogeneous integration, and 3D stacking becoming essential for overcoming performance bottlenecks [1][3]. Group 1: Advanced Packaging Technologies - Advanced packaging technologies are critical for enhancing performance in the semiconductor industry, especially as traditional scaling approaches reach physical limits [1]. - The demand for advanced packaging materials is driven by the rapid growth in AI and automotive electronics, necessitating higher density, lower power consumption, and improved thermal management [3][5]. Group 2: Innovations in Packaging Materials - Henkel has introduced LOCTITE® ECCOBOND LCM 1000AG-1, a low-stress, ultra-low warpage liquid compression molding material suitable for wafer-level packaging and FOWLP, specifically designed to support AI chips [5]. - The company has developed a liquid molding bottom fill adhesive that simplifies processes by merging filling and encapsulation steps, enhancing packaging efficiency and reliability [5]. - Henkel's new capillary bottom fill adhesive for system-on-chip applications optimizes high flow performance, ensuring uniform flow and rapid filling while reducing stress damage during packaging [5][6]. Group 3: Automotive Electronics - The rise of electric vehicles and autonomous driving technologies has created new challenges for semiconductor packaging materials, requiring high thermal conductivity and reliability under extreme conditions [7][9]. - Henkel has launched several innovative solutions for automotive applications, including LOCTITE® ABLESTIK ABP 6395TC, designed for high reliability and thermal conductivity, suitable for power devices and automotive electronics [9]. - Another product, LOCTITE® ABLESTIK ABP 8068TH, utilizes pressure-less silver sintering technology, offering low stress and high thermal conductivity, making it ideal for semiconductor packaging [9][10]. Group 4: Sustainability and Localization - Henkel is committed to sustainability, developing tools to assess carbon footprints and promoting eco-friendly packaging solutions, such as 100% PCR resin tubes [11]. - The company is enhancing its local operations in China, with significant investments in R&D and production capabilities, including the recent establishment of a new factory in Yantai [11]. - Henkel's focus on material innovation and local partnerships aims to strengthen its position in the advanced packaging market and contribute to the sustainable development of the semiconductor industry [11][12].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emerging concepts of "chiplet" and "heterogeneous integration," highlighting the lack of standardized definitions and the implications for the semiconductor industry [2][3][4]. Summary by Sections Chiplet Definition and Characteristics - Chiplets are discrete components that can be integrated into a single package, differing from traditional multi-chip modules (MCM) [3][4]. - A key feature of chiplets is the direct connection between chips through standardized interfaces, which enhances performance and efficiency compared to MCMs [4][5]. - The economic rationale for chiplets stems from the high costs associated with advanced nodes and the inability to produce larger chips [4][5]. Standardization and Interoperability - The standardization of interfaces, such as UCIe and Bunch of Wires (BoW), is crucial for ensuring interoperability among chiplets from different sources [5][6]. - There is a debate on whether a chiplet must have a standardized interface to qualify as such, with some experts arguing that the presence of a die-to-die interface is essential [12][19]. Heterogeneous Integration - Heterogeneous integration involves combining different types of chips within a single package, which can include various nodes and materials [13][14]. - The definitions of heterogeneous integration vary, with some emphasizing the need for different functionalities among the chips involved [13][17]. - The complexity of integrating analog and photonic chips adds further challenges to the standardization of definitions in this area [10][18]. Industry Implications - The lack of consensus on definitions may hinder interoperability and complicate the development of advanced packaging processes [19]. - As the industry evolves, the need for clear definitions will become increasingly important for decision-making and market differentiation [19][20].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential of 3D-IC technology and small chip integration in revolutionizing the semiconductor industry, highlighting the current challenges and the gap between leading companies and the broader market [1][9]. Group 1: 3D-IC Technology and Market Readiness - 3D-IC and small chip concepts are seen as the next phase in the IP industry, but technical difficulties and costs limit widespread adoption [1]. - The adoption of 3D-IC is driven by the increasing number of important but non-differentiated content, with applications like 6G wireless communication being particularly suitable [1][9]. - There is a growing gap between companies that must adopt small chips to remain competitive and those that are merely interested in doing so [1][9]. Group 2: Advantages and Challenges of 3D-IC - 3D-IC technology offers advantages such as improved performance, reduced power consumption, and miniaturization, making it applicable across various sectors from mobile devices to AI and supercomputing [1][9]. - Major challenges include the complexity of integrating different technologies and the need for significant R&D investment, which is currently only feasible for larger, vertically integrated companies [1][5][9]. Group 3: Cost and Economic Viability - Data centers are less price-sensitive and are investing heavily in large 3D chips for AI applications, but other sectors are still hesitant due to economic viability concerns [7][9]. - The transition to advanced nodes (5nm to 3nm) is costly, and companies are exploring chiplet designs to mitigate initial non-recurring engineering (NRE) costs [7][9]. Group 4: Future Outlook and Industry Implications - 3D-IC has the potential to transform the IP and semiconductor industry, but it remains an expensive option primarily suited for data centers due to AI demands [9]. - Significant work is needed in areas such as interfaces, standards, tools, and methods before 3D-IC can be widely adopted beyond vertically integrated companies [9].