Who's Who in SMT Education

The SMT book has a rather large listing of semiconductor industry organizations, manufacturers and suppliers. There are at least a couple of hundred links available to these sites through SMT Links.

For the most comprehensive list of SMT training programs in the U.S., refer to the MATEC website. For the most comprehensive industry and university-level semiconductor related web sites, refer to the SISA website.

• Chautauqua Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA. The Chautauqua Program is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the University of Pittsburgh. Chautauqua offers short courses in science and technology for professional teacher development. For more information, refer to the Chautauqua Program website.

• International SEMATECH (ISMT). International SEMATECH is a consortium of international semiconductor manufacturers. ISMT offers many learning opportunities for industry and educators in the way of industry standards, publications, conferences, and workshops. The ISMT web site provides the most comprehensive semiconductor industry dictionary and list of acronyms. Visit the International SEMATECH website.

• International Society for Optical Engineering (SPIE). SPIE is a an excellent source of courses and course materials for engineers, scientists, and technicians. For more information, visit the SPIE website.

• Maricopa Advanced Technology Center (MATEC), Tempe, AZ. MATEC is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Maricopa System of Community Colleges. MATEC can be considered the focal point of information and resources for high schools and community colleges. MATEC is the primary driver of the annual Advanced Technology Education in Semiconductor Manufacturing (ATESM) conference. In addition to this most popular conference, MATEC also provides a comprehensive website with links to most of the colleges, high schools, and universities that support SMT programs. MATEC develops and sells courseware to support SMT.

• MKS Instruments, Andover, MA. MKS Instruments is a supplier of vacuum and gas delivery components for use in semiconductor manufacturing equipment. MKS also provides comprehensive training programs in vacuum technology and gas controls. For more information visit the MKS website.

• PTI Seminars, St. Louis, MO. PTI offers many professional seminars for technicians, engineers and anyone who has an interest in semiconductor manufacturing technology. PTI offers open-enrollment classes, as well as on-site classes. For more information, visit their website.

• Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI). SEMI is an international consortium of semiconductor equipment and materials manufacturers. SEMI has a great number of educational programs and materials that can be useful to industry and public educational institutions. Videos, books, brochures, posters, and courses are available via their website. In addition, SEMI has links to all their member companies.

• Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA). SIA provides leadership and direction for U.S. chip manufactures on the critical issues of trade, technology, environmental protection and worker safety and health. Further information is available through their website.

• Semiconductor Industry Suppliers Association (SISA). The SISA website is an excellent resource for other industry and educational links. SISA was originally called SEMI/SEMATECH. Its mission has been to provide membership to American equipment and materials manufacturers. Its origin is almost at the same time as SEMATECH when it was founded. When looking for almost any information related to SMT and its equipment, consult the SISA website.

• SemiZone, Inc. Launched in September 2000 in partnership with Stanford University's Center for Professional Development, SemiZone, Inc. provides web-enabled educational and training services to the semiconductor and related industries. The SemiZone website contains a large online course library, and new courses are added each month.

• Simonton Associates, Rockport, MA. Robert B. Simonton is the founder and president of Simonton Associates. Simonton, in partnership with Threshold Systems provides high quality professional development courses in semiconductor technology for engineers and managers. Phone: 978-546-5832. Email: rsimonton@msn.com.

• Solid Performance Solutions, Manchester, MA. Educators and industry trainers can develop new expertise in instructional design by participating in the PBET workshop originally designed by International SEMATECH. The PBET (Performance-Based Equipment Training) course is available through Richard Goutal of Solid Performance Solutions.

• Technical Performance Improvement Council (TPIC). TPIC is the annual workshop attended by professional trainers and performance analysts from International SEMATECH and the Semiconductor Industry Suppliers Association. TPIC offers its members many opportunities to collaborate and work together on projects that provide mutual benefit to all its members. Refer to the TPIC website for more information.

• Texas Engineering Exchange Service (TEEX), Texas A&M University. TEEX provides a number of semiconductor processing courses. Open-enrollment courses are available as well as on-site delivery. Consult the TEEX website for more information.

• Threshold Systems, Austin, TX. Jerry Healey is the founder and president of Threshold Systems. Healey, in partnership with Simonton Associates, provides high quality professional development courses in semiconductor technology for engineers and managers. Phone: 435-772-0317. Email: jhealey@infowest.com.

• Varian Vacuum Technologies, Lexington, MA. Varian Vacuum Technologies provides open-enrollment and on-site vacuum technology classes. For more information, call 1-800-882-7426 or visit the Varian website.