Analytical Testing in the semiconductor Industry

Details

1-day course

CPD Credit: 7 hours; Competence/s: 2

Course Delivery Options

Calendar-icon-blue-resizedOpen CourseAvailable on scheduled dates. Contact cpdtraining@engineersireland.ie or call 01 665 1305, or check our CPD Calendar here.

InCompany-icon-blue-resized638690188664827202In-company TrainingClick here for further information on in-company courses or email incompanycpd@engineersireland.ie for a customised quote.

Course Overview

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to High Purity Services and Analytical Testing in semiconductor manufacturing, highlighting how contamination control, stringent quality standards, and advanced testing methods support the production of increasingly complex microchips. The content covers the design, installation, testing, and maintenance of high‑purity gas, chemical, and ultrapure water systems, as well as the QA/QC frameworks needed to ensure system integrity. It explores current industry challenges such as shrinking device geometries, increasing sensitivity to particles and impurities, stricter SEMI/ASTM/ISO standards, and the need for Build Clean construction practices to protect yield and prevent costly defects. The course also details analytical testing techniques (particle analysis, TOC, ICP‑MS, trace gas analysis, helium leak detection) that verify compliance at ppb/ppt levels

Course Aims

The purpose of this course is to equip delegates with a thorough understanding of how high‑purity systems and analytical testing underpin the reliability, safety, and yield performance of semiconductor manufacturing. As device geometries push into the sub‑5 nm scale, the industry faces unprecedented challenges in contamination control, making precision engineering, strict adherence to standards, and advanced purity verification more critical than ever. Through this course, delegates will learn the key principles of high‑purity system design, Build Clean construction, QA/QC processes, and analytical testing methods. The aim is to ensure participants can support the delivery, validation, and maintenance of ultra‑clean utilities essential to modern fabs.

Course Programme

Include a high-level agenda of the topics to be covered throughout the training course

  • High Purity Fundamentals
  • High Purity System Design, Construction & Build Clean
  • Standards & Regulatory Requirements
  • Quality Assurance & Quality Control (QA/QC)
  • Analytical Testing
  • Practical Competence

Learning Outcomes/Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, delegates should be able to:

High Purity Fundamentals

  • Define the concept of high purity in semiconductor manufacturing and explain why extreme contamination control is required at sub‑5 nm nodes.
  • Describe the different high‑purity systems (UPW, UHP gases, chemical distribution, cleanroom environments) and their function in chip fabrication

High Purity System Design, Construction & Build Clean

  • Explain the steps involved in achieving high‑purity systems, including design, material selection, fabrication, cleaning, testing, and commissioning.
  • Discuss the Build Clean philosophy and evaluate its importance in ensuring contamination‑free installation of piping and components
  • Apply principles of clean material handling, welding control, and environmental segregation during installation activities

Standards & Regulatory Requirements

  • Identify the key standards (SEMI, ASTM, ASME, ISO, NFPA) governing high purity systems and explain their purpose and scope.
  • Interpret client‑specific specifications and evaluate how they influence construction and testing requirements on semiconductor projects

Quality Assurance & Quality Control (QA/QC)

  • Describe the roles of QA and QC in semiconductor project execution and distinguish between their responsibilities
  • Outline QC inspection and testing activities (material verification, weld inspection, leak testing, cleanliness verification
  • Analyse common non‑conformance scenarios and apply corrective action processes to address quality issues
  • Evaluate the importance of documentation, traceability, and audit processes in ensuring compliance and turnover readiness

Analytical Testing

  • Define analytical testing and explain its role in verifying the purity of critical utilities (UPW, gases, chemicals, cleanroom air.
  • Describe major analytical methods including particle counting, TOC analysis, ICP‑MS, FTIR, trace gas analysis, and helium leak detection.
  • Interpret analytical test data to assess system performance against SEMI/ASTM/ISO and client specifications
  • Explain when and why analytical testing is performed during construction, commissioning, and routine fab operations.

Practical Competence

  • Apply knowledge of purging, moisture control, and particle control to real‑world situations in fabrication or commissioning environments.
  • Evaluate the risks and consequences of inadequate contamination control and propose improvement strategies

Who Should Attend

This course is ideal for professionals involved in semiconductor manufacturing, high‑purity systems, contamination control, or quality assurance, including those working directly with UPW, UHP gases, chemical distribution, and cleanroom environments.

It is suitable for:

  • Engineering & Technical Personnel
  • Quality, Compliance & Inspection Roles
  • Project & Construction Management
  • Analytical & Laboratory Staff
  • Operations & Reliability Teams
  • New Entrants to the Semiconductor Industry

Trainer's Profile

Darren Lynch

Darren Lynch is a seasoned specialist in high‑purity construction, semiconductor project delivery, and quality assurance, bringing extensive leadership experience from projects across Europe, Israel, China, and the Bahamas. Currently serving as the European Regional Manager for MSR‑FSR, he has previously led quality assurance and advanced technology programmes at Intel Ireland, supported by senior supervisory roles within the construction industry. A technically trained pipefitter and welder and blends deep practical expertise with high‑level project oversight, making him a highly effective trainer in contamination control, high‑purity systems, and semiconductor industry best practices.

Thomas Mooney

Thomas Mooney has over 27 years of experience in test engineering and high‑tech operations, Tom brings strong technical expertise and proven leadership to semiconductor and high‑purity environments. Currently a Team Lead at MSR‑FSR, they guide operations and support teams while leveraging two decades as a Lead Test Technician on the Intel Ireland Campus, where they developed advanced troubleshooting, organisational, and interpersonal skills. Their practical, people‑focused approach makes them an effective and engaging trainer for technical teams.

Please contact the CPD training team for further information on scheduled course dates and in-company options.