crown of the modern age. Ultralarge-scale integrated

circuits, built onto silicon chips several millimeters

square, function as the “brains” of mobile phones,

digital cameras, and personal computers. As such,

they perform a highly valuable role in shaping

modern society.

An assessor determines the value of a diamond by

checking for evidence of impurities, number of

carats, and other factors. How do we assess

the value on an LSI, which has circuit wiring less

than 10 microns thick? That is between one-quarter

and one-eighth the thickness of a human hair!

In the case of an LSI, a single fault in the wiring

means that the device cannot function, and thus

has no value. The role of Shinkoh’s Semiconductor

Division is to analyze semiconductor devices and

pinpoint faults.

Responding to customers’ demand for

state-of-the-art LSIs, the Division performs

a host of tests to determine device reliability and

quality. These tests are conducted under varying

temperature, pressure, impact, and other scenarios.

We plan to install equipment in our own factory

that can analyze physical properties and locate

areas of device damage. We will be able to perform

reliability appraisals on a 24-hour basis. In addition

to effectively using leading-edge equipment,

it is important that we support manufacturers by

providing speedy appraisal and analysis of

new devices, especially in the semiconductor market,

which is characterized by intensifying international

competition.

This business relies on technologies invisible to

the naked eye. It also depends on relationships of

trust with all semiconductor manufacturers.

In order to maximize such trust, we are nurturing

human resources with extensive knowledge to

support our business. We also aim to acquire

ISO 9001 certification, an international standard for

quality assurance systems.