MCM infrastructure in Japan and the United States: consumer vs. industrial strategies

Abstract

MCM technology has moved past the proof-of-concept phase, entered the first production phase, and continues into expanding fields of application. Multichip modules are used in supercomputer and mainframe computers, workstations, personal computers, telecommunications, military products, medical, and consumer electronics products. Many of these applications will see additional MCM use in the next few years, but the industry has not grown as fast, or as large, as many projected. Some barriers to MCM use remain. The merchant market has matured and substrate cost have dropped. Known good die (KGD) strategies are being implemented. Additional work is required in MCM testing to lower the system cost, but many companies are developing new or improved test equipment and methods. The remaining question is how does the MCM investment strategy differ between Japanese and US companies, and which set of companies have the winning strategy? This paper seeks to examine the positions of US and Japanese companies with respect to infrastructure development strategies for the MCM market.<>