3D-Mintegration: The design and manufacture of 3D miniaturised integrated products

Integration on silicon is a mature procedure: well-tried compatible processes and well-characterised design methods routinely turn fantastic ideas into everyday commodities. But whole-product integration is another matter. This paper describes a UK-leading project to identify and develop revolutionary off-silicon manufacturing processes and to foster the insertion of these ground-breaking techniques into industry. Particular emphasis is placed upon the unexpected need for revisions of design philosophy to make the most of the new manufacturing techniques.