Core Insights - The article discusses the critical role of advanced packaging and SiC technology in addressing the surging demand for AI computing power, highlighting the industry's shift towards these innovations as a solution to existing limitations in traditional chip packaging [5][7][24]. Industry Overview - The demand for computing power is expected to grow exponentially, with China's intelligent computing scale projected to reach 1037.3 EFLOPS by 2025, increasing by 40% in 2026 [7]. - Traditional packaging methods are unable to cope with the power limits, as chip performance improvements lead to a threefold increase in power consumption for every doubling of performance [7][9]. Advanced Packaging Technology - Advanced packaging techniques, including 2.5D/3D stacking and the use of SiC as an intermediary layer, are essential for overcoming thermal management challenges and enhancing chip interconnect density by over 10 times [9][11]. - The global advanced packaging market is forecasted to exceed $79 billion by 2030, with 2.5D/3D packaging experiencing a growth rate of 37% [9]. SiC Technology - SiC is identified as the optimal solution for intermediary layers due to its superior thermal conductivity (490 W/m·K), hardness (Mohs hardness of 9.5), and ability to support high aspect ratio through-hole designs, improving wiring density and transmission speed by 20% [11][13]. - By 2027, SiC intermediary layer mass production is anticipated, with a projected need for over 2.3 million 12-inch SiC substrates by 2030, indicating a significant supply gap [14]. Market Dynamics - The advanced packaging boom is characterized by a collective resonance across the entire supply chain, including equipment, materials, and OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test) sectors [16]. - Key players in the OSAT space include Changdian Technology and Tongfu Microelectronics, both of which are positioned to benefit from the domestic substitution trend and the growing demand for advanced packaging solutions [16][21]. Investment Opportunities - Four key investment directions are highlighted: SiC materials and equipment, advanced packaging OSAT, critical materials, and mixed bonding/3D packaging technologies [19][20][21][22]. - Companies such as Tianyue Advanced and Sanan Optoelectronics are noted for their advancements in 12-inch SiC substrate production, while equipment manufacturers like Jing Sheng and Huahai Qingke are breaking through overseas monopolies [20][18]. Conclusion - The advanced packaging industry is evolving from a semiconductor backend process to a core component of computing power, essential for AI, data centers, and smart driving applications [24]. - The industry is on the brink of a significant growth phase, driven by the upcoming mass production of SiC intermediary layers and breakthroughs in domestic supply chains [24].

Core Viewpoint - The interposer has transitioned from a supporting role to a focal point in the semiconductor industry, with major companies like Resonac and NVIDIA leading initiatives to develop advanced interposer technologies [1][28]. Group 1: Definition and Importance of Interposer - Interposer serves as a critical layer between chips and packaging substrates, enabling high-density interconnections and efficient integration of various chiplets into a system-in-package (SiP) [3][5]. - The interposer is essential for achieving higher bandwidth, lower latency, and increased computational density in advanced packaging [3][5]. Group 2: Types of Interposers - Two main types of interposers are currently in production: Silicon Interposer (inorganic) and Organic Interposer (Redistribution Layer) [5][6]. - Silicon Interposer has been established since the late 2000s, with TSMC pioneering its use in high-performance computing [6]. - Organic Interposer is gaining traction due to its lower production costs and flexibility, despite challenges in wiring precision and reliability [6][23]. Group 3: JOINT3 Alliance - The JOINT3 alliance, led by Resonac, consists of 27 global companies aiming to develop next-generation semiconductor packaging, focusing on panel-level organic interposers [8][11]. - The alliance plans to establish a dedicated center in Japan for advanced organic interposer development, targeting a significant increase in production efficiency and cost reduction [11][12]. - The shift to organic interposers is driven by the limitations of silicon interposers, particularly in terms of geometric losses and production costs [11][12]. Group 4: SiC Interposer as a New Direction - NVIDIA is exploring the use of Silicon Carbide (SiC) interposers for its next-generation GPUs, indicating a potential shift in materials used for interposers [17][19]. - SiC offers superior thermal conductivity and electrical insulation, making it suitable for high-performance AI and HPC applications, although manufacturing challenges remain [19][25]. Group 5: Competitive Landscape of Interposer Materials - The competition among silicon, organic, and SiC interposers is characterized by their respective advantages and disadvantages, influencing performance, cost, and scalability [20][22][23]. - Silicon interposers are currently dominant but face challenges as chip sizes increase, while organic interposers are expected to gain market share due to cost advantages [22][26]. - SiC interposers, if successfully developed, could become the standard for cutting-edge AI and HPC packaging in the long term [26]. Group 6: Future Trends - In the short term, silicon interposers will remain the market leader, while organic interposers are anticipated to see widespread adoption in the mid-term due to their cost and scalability benefits [26]. - Long-term projections suggest that SiC interposers may emerge as the preferred choice for advanced packaging once manufacturing hurdles are overcome [26].