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Indistinguishable From Magic: Manufacturing Modern Computer Chips

Andor Gafotas · 209.7K views · 2012-08-02 · 1:01:20

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Overview

A HOPE09 talk on how modern computer chips are manufactured, from 22nm transistors to ultra-clean fabs and the tricks used to pattern tiny features with light. It frames chipmaking as hacking electrical engineering and physics.

On Hacker News

HN repeatedly calls it the best in-depth introduction to IC manufacturing, a sense-of-awe talk by an independent engineer, while wishing for an updated version.

Recommended by 19 HN people across 18 months · HN mentions 2016–2024

Topics

Semiconductors & chip manufacturingHacker culture & free software
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chip fabricationlithographysemiconductorshope conferencetransistors

What people said

gary_0 · 2024-07 · Strong recommendation

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video, I highly recommend it: Indistinguishable From Magic: Manufacturing Modern Computer Chips [VIDEO] It's a little outdated now, but very comprehensive and gives you an idea of how totally nuts the chip business is.

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TrainedMonkey · 2020-04 · Strong recommendation

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

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olliej · 2020-03 · Strong recommendation

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: [VIDEO]

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Sources

Video by Andor Gafotas, played through YouTube.

Data and selection notes

HN summaries and labels may contain AI errors. HN dates refer to discussions, not video publication.

HN Library: HackerTube export (2026-10-31) and open-index/hacker-news. Upstream summaries and classifications may contain AI errors.

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