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Semiconductor Fabrication & GPU Microarchitecture

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daily Instructor: Dr. Timothy Robinson

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About this Course

Semiconductor Fabrication & GPU Microarchitecture

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the intricate processes involved in semiconductor fabrication and a deep dive into the microarchitectural design of modern Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). It bridges the gap between the theoretical understanding of device physics and the practical aspects of building high-performance computing hardware. This knowledge empowers you to understand the limitations and possibilities of current technology and to contribute to future innovations.

Course Overview

This course begins with an overview of semiconductor materials and their properties, laying the foundation for understanding device behavior. It then moves into the complex realm of fabrication, where we explore each major step in detail, from wafer preparation to packaging. Next, it transitions into the captivating world of GPU microarchitecture, revealing the strategies used to maximize parallelism and throughput for demanding graphics and compute workloads.

Course Objectives

  • Develop a strong understanding of semiconductor physics and materials science.
  • Gain in-depth knowledge of the various steps involved in semiconductor fabrication.
  • Learn about the challenges and limitations of current fabrication techniques.
  • Understand the fundamental principles of GPU microarchitecture.
  • Analyze the design tradeoffs involved in building high-performance GPUs.
  • Acquire the ability to evaluate the performance of different GPU architectures.
  • Explore the latest advancements in GPU technology and future trends.
  • Understand the intersection of fabrication processes and their impact on GPU design.

Detailed Course Outline

  • Semiconductor Materials and Properties: This section covers the fundamental properties of semiconductors, including crystal structure, energy bands, doping, and carrier transport mechanisms. We will discuss silicon, gallium arsenide, and other important materials used in semiconductor devices. This foundational knowledge is critical for understanding how devices work and how they are fabricated.
  • Wafer Preparation: Learn about the initial steps in semiconductor fabrication, including crystal growth, wafer slicing, and polishing. Understanding wafer quality and its impact on device performance is emphasized. Discussions on different wafer types, such as silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers, are included.
  • Thin Film Deposition: Explore different techniques for depositing thin films on wafers, including physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and atomic layer deposition (ALD). Focus is given to understanding the process parameters and their influence on film properties, such as thickness, uniformity, and composition.
  • Lithography: A detailed study of photolithography, the key process for patterning semiconductor devices. Learn about photoresists, exposure systems, and developing techniques. Advanced lithography methods, such as immersion lithography and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, are also explored.
  • Etching: An examination of different etching techniques used to remove unwanted material from the wafer. Discuss wet etching, dry etching (plasma etching), and reactive ion etching (RIE). Understanding the selectivity and anisotropy of etching processes is crucial.
  • Ion Implantation: Learn how ion implantation is used to introduce dopants into semiconductors to control their electrical properties. We will discuss the principles of ion implantation, annealing processes, and damage recovery.
  • Metallization: Explore the techniques used to create metal interconnects that connect different devices on the chip. We will cover sputtering, evaporation, and electroplating. Understanding the properties of different metals and their impact on device performance is crucial.
  • Packaging and Testing: Discover the final steps in semiconductor fabrication, including chip dicing, packaging, and testing. Learn about different packaging technologies and their impact on device reliability.
  • GPU Architecture Fundamentals: Introduces the fundamental building blocks of a GPU, including processing elements, memory hierarchy, and interconnects. Understand the differences between CPUs and GPUs and the reasons for GPU's high throughput.
  • Shader Cores and SIMD Execution: An in-depth look into the architecture of shader cores and the Single Instruction, Multiple Data (SIMD) execution model. Learn how SIMD execution enables massive parallelism in GPUs.
  • Memory Hierarchy and Caching: Exploration of the memory hierarchy in GPUs, including L1 cache, L2 cache, and global memory. Learn about different caching strategies and their impact on performance.
  • Interconnects and Communication: Understanding the interconnect networks that connect different processing elements and memory units in a GPU. Discussion on different interconnect topologies and their impact on bandwidth and latency.
  • Workload Management and Scheduling: Examination of how GPUs manage and schedule workloads to maximize throughput. Learn about thread block scheduling, warp scheduling, and context switching.
  • Power Management and Thermal Design: An overview of power management techniques used in GPUs to reduce power consumption and heat generation. Discuss thermal design considerations for high-performance GPUs.
  • Advanced GPU Architectures: A look at the latest advancements in GPU architecture, including tensor cores, ray tracing cores, and deep learning accelerators.
  • Future Trends in GPU Technology: A discussion on the future of GPU technology, including new materials, fabrication techniques, and architectural innovations. The potential impact of emerging technologies on GPU performance and capabilities are discussed.

    • Course Benefits

    • Career Advancement: This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in the semiconductor industry or the field of GPU architecture. It will enhance your value to potential employers and open doors to new opportunities.
    • Industry Relevance: The course content is highly relevant to the current state of the semiconductor and GPU industries. You will learn about the latest technologies and trends, which will make you a valuable asset to any organization.
    • Problem-Solving Skills: This course will help you develop strong problem-solving skills that are essential for success in any engineering field. You will learn how to analyze complex problems and develop creative solutions.
    • Critical Thinking: This course will challenge you to think critically about the design and performance of semiconductor devices and GPU architectures. You will learn how to evaluate different design tradeoffs and make informed decisions.
    • Enhanced Understanding: Gain a deeper understanding of the technologies that power our modern world. From smartphones to supercomputers, semiconductors and GPUs are essential components of countless devices. This course will give you a newfound appreciation for the ingenuity and complexity of these technologies.
    • Innovation Potential: By understanding the limitations and possibilities of current technologies, you will be better equipped to contribute to future innovations in the field. This course will inspire you to think outside the box and develop new ideas that can improve the performance and efficiency of semiconductor devices and GPUs.
    • Comprehensive Knowledge Base: This course offers a comprehensive knowledge base that covers a wide range of topics related to semiconductor fabrication and GPU microarchitecture. You will gain a solid foundation in both areas, which will enable you to excel in your career.

    Course Features

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    For detailed information about our Semiconductor Fabrication & GPU Microarchitecture course, including what you’ll learn and course objectives, please visit the "About This Course" section on this page.

    The course is online, but you can select Networking Events at enrollment to meet people in person. This feature may not always be available.

    The course doesn't have a fixed duration. It has 20 questions, and each question takes about 5 to 30 minutes to answer. You’ll receive your certificate once you’ve answered most of the questions. Learn more here.

    The course is always available, so you can start at any time that works for you!

    We partner with various organizations to curate and select the best networking events, webinars, and instructor Q&A sessions throughout the year. You’ll receive more information about these opportunities when you enroll. This feature may not always be available.

    You will receive a Certificate of Excellence when you score 75% or higher in the course, showing that you have learned about the course.

    An Honorary Certificate allows you to receive a Certificate of Commitment right after enrolling, even if you haven’t finished the course. It’s ideal for busy professionals who need certification quickly but plan to complete the course later.

    The price is based on your enrollment duration and selected features. Discounts increase with more days and features. You can also choose from plans for bundled options.

    Choose a duration that fits your schedule. You can enroll for up to 7 days at a time.

    No, you won't. Once you earn your certificate, you retain access to it and the completed exercises for life, even after your subscription expires. However, to take new exercises, you'll need to re-enroll if your subscription has run out.

    To verify a certificate, visit the Verify Certificate page on our website and enter the 12-digit certificate ID. You can then confirm the authenticity of the certificate and review details such as the enrollment date, completed exercises, and their corresponding levels and scores.



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