SK hynix Verifies Semiconductor Lifespan Through Accelerated Testing... Expanding the Role of Quality Assurance

The importance of 'reliability'—a measure of whether a semiconductor can stably maintain its performance and functions even in long-term actual usage environments after being delivered to customers—is increasing. As semiconductor processes and product structures become more sophisticated and usage environments diversify, such as in automobiles and AI infrastructure, the role of quality assurance, which manages the entire product lifecycle, is also trending toward expansion.

'Accelerated Testing' that reproduces years of lifespan in a short period

Semiconductor reliability refers to the characteristic of maintaining performance without failure for the required lifespan under specific environments and conditions. Moving one step beyond the concept of 'quality,' which checks whether a product meets specifications, the core is to verify whether performance persists over time. However, it is impossible to verify a product's lifespan, which can span several years, by waiting for the actual time to pass.

To solve this, the semiconductor industry utilizes 'accelerated testing' methods, which artificially apply conditions far more severe than actual usage environments. This method creates extreme stress environments to reproduce degradation and failure factors that could appear over a long period in a short period. Through this, the durability of a product is checked in advance, and potential defect factors are blocked beforehand.

Reliability evaluation consists of various test items that simulate multifaceted stress factors. Representative examples include high-temperature tests that check performance by exposing the product to high temperatures for a long time, and vibration/shock tests that check whether it can withstand shocks and vibrations occurring during transport and use. Additionally, temperature change tests, which check for the expansion and breakage of components by rapidly moving between high and low temperatures, are essential.

In addition, the durability of semiconductors is proven through high-humidity tests to check for corrosion of metal wiring due to moisture penetration, and high-voltage tests that find defects by applying electrical stress beyond the limit.

Quality Assurance managing the entire process from development to shipment

The entity responsible for securing product reliability and managing it to meet strict quality standards is the 'quality assurance' role. Quality assurance diagnoses risk factors that can occur throughout the entire product lifecycle, from the early stages of product development to mass production and final shipment. It does not stop at simply inspecting the output but performs the role of establishing and operating the quality management system itself.

Recently, as the fields where semiconductors are used, such as AI infrastructure and advanced industrial facilities, have expanded, the required quality standards are becoming even stricter. Accordingly, the role of quality assurance, which preemptively verifies potential risks from the development stage, is becoming even more important. SK hynix is increasing product competitiveness by responding to the diverse requirements of various customers based on a systematic quality management system.

Source: news.skhynix.co.kr