Indistinguishable From Magic: Manufacturing Modern Computer Chips

What Hacker News said

Strong rec cnvogel · 2016-09 · on “Xerox Alto Restoration Part 5 [video]”

There's a brilliant talk, given in 2009 at HOPE09, NYC titled "Indistinguishable From Magic: Manufacturing Modern Computer Chips". At roughly 36 minutes, there's a cross-section of a (in 2009) modern chip. The topmost layer is the shiny rainbowy topmost metal-layer you see on typical (from the top) die photographs. The very, very small comb-looking bottommost-layer is the individual transistors, and structures there are of the size that give a "xxx nm" process its name. [this video] I very much recommend everyone to watch this video, to get a sense for the complexity that goes into producing a modern CPU. To come back to the thread I'm answering here: The logic analyzer on the Alto (probing micro

Strong rec ahakki · 2018-06 · on “Ask HN: How modern chips are made?”

[this video] This talk on YouTube is the most in depth explanation of IC manufacuring I have seen. I highly recommend it to anyone, no matter their background. You really gain an appreciation of how insanely complex modern computers are. It’s from 2012 but he talks extensivly about how (2012-)future chips will be made. And most of the information is still applicable.

Strong rec manigandham · 2018-08 · on “GlobalFoundries Stops All 7nm Development”

I highly recommend watching this, it's one of the best videos available on how chips are actually built and gives a great overview: "Indistinguishable From Magic: Manufacturing Modern Computer Chips" - [this video]

Strong rec Qub3d · 2018-10 · on “Ask HN: What are some of the best technical talks you've heard?”

Indistinguishable From Magic: Manufacturing Modern Computer Chips [0]. This talk is delivered really well and always leaves me with a sense of awe in how CRAZY it is that humans figured out integrated circuits. Its a bit out of date, but it gives enough of a peek under the hood to understand why Intel has had such difficulties going to 10 and 7mn processes[1]. [0]: [this video] [1]: [LINK]

Strong rec sl-1 · 2019-12 · on “Intel’s Manufacturing Roadmap from 2019 to 2029”

Best resource I have run in to about this is this talk: [this video] It quickly introduces the various hacks we do in order to get ~30nm features on silicon. But the talk is quite dated (early 2010's), but never ceases to amaze me. Semiconductors are indistinguishable from magic indeed.

Strong rec olliej · 2020-03 · on “Intel Video Shows How It Makes a 10nm Processor”

I found this to be basically an ad. My favourite video on them is this one from many years ago, it’s a presentation by an engineer not being paid by a fab: [this video]

Strong rec TrainedMonkey · 2020-04 · on “To make a perfect mirror, physicists confront the mystery of glass”

If you think this is cool, watch this video. I've linked a relevant to the comment portion, but entire video is amazing: [this video] P.S. if anyone knows a more modern version of this talk, I would love to see it.

Strong rec gary_0 · 2024-07 · on “Standard cells: Looking at individual gates in the Pentium processor”

It takes years just to figure out how to use the machines to produce actual working chips. They're the most specialized, intricate, expensive machines in the world. They're operated in enormous clean rooms that only allow for 1 half-micron sized particle per cubic foot. No fab is going to run them without exactly following the procedures they have spent billions developing and testing. They are also going to avoid potential delays as much as possible because these machines have to be running for as much of their useful life as possible to recoup the vast expense. The level of risk-averseness is insane, but warranted. If you haven't watched this video, I highly recommend it: Indistinguishable