Today, computer science engineering and telecommunications are two important areas linked and even inseparable. This is obvious for the user who connects the modem of his computer on his mobile phone or telephone line to access, via the global data network, the information available on the servers. The both domains are evolving rapidly and the development of new architectures of systems dedicated to telecommunications and computing becomes essential. Especially, wireless transmission systems with high data rate. Two parts of these systems should be developed software and hardware. Another area that is renewable energies becomes more attractive for researchers in order to develop new conversion systems with good performances, and a good optimization of energy. For example, in wireless sensor systems, we try to develop new protocols permitting to have a good autonomy in terms of energy.

This publication is a compilation of papers presented at the Semiconductor Device Reliabi lity Workshop sponsored by the NATO International Scientific Exchange Program. The Workshop was held in Crete, Greece from June 4 to June 9, 1989. The objective of the Workshop was to review and to further explore advances in the field of semiconductor reliability through invited paper presentations and discussions. The technical emphasis was on quality assurance and reliability of optoelectronic and high speed semiconductor devices. The primary support for the meeting was provided by the Scientific Affairs Division of NATO. We are indebted to NATO for their support and to Dr. Craig Sinclair, who admin isters this program. The chapters of this book follow the format and order of the sessions of the meeting. Thirty-six papers were presented and discussed during the five-day Workshop. In addi tion, two panel sessions were held, with audience participation, where the particularly controversial topics of bum-in and reliability modeling and prediction methods were dis cussed. A brief review of these sessions is presented in this book.

Volume 1: Packaging is an authoritative reference source of practical information for the design or process engineer who must make informed day-to-day decisions about the materials and processes of microelectronic packaging. Its 117 articles offer the collective knowledge, wisdom, and judgement of 407 microelectronics packaging experts-authors, co-authors, and reviewers-representing 192 companies, universities, laboratories, and other organizations. This is the inaugural volume of ASMAs all-new ElectronicMaterials Handbook series, designed to be the Metals Handbook of electronics technology. In over 65 years of publishing the Metals Handbook, ASM has developed a unique editorial method of compiling large technical reference books. ASMAs access to leading materials technology experts enables to organize these books on an industry consensus basis. Behind every article. Is an author who is a top expert in its specific subject area. This multi-author approach ensures the best, most timely information throughout. Individually selected panels of 5 and 6 peers review each article for technical accuracy, generic point of view, and completeness.Volumes in the Electronic Materials Handbook series are multidisciplinary, to reflect industry practice applied in integrating multiple technology disciplines necessary to any program in advanced electronics. Volume 1: Packaging focusing on the middle level of the electronics technology size spectrum, offers the greatest practical value to the largest and broadest group of users. Future volumes in the series will address topics on larger (integrated electronic assemblies) and smaller (semiconductor materials and devices) size levels.

A team of internationally renowned experts contribute articles which emphasize the reliability and quality issues inherent in all phases of systems design. Coverage includes fundamental failure modes of each of the device building blocks, packaged MMIC modules, current practical aspects of reliability testing and much more.