512
6 Reverse Engineering of Microcircuits
As shown in Fig. 6.4, the first phase (RE-scanning) is always associated with
selecting strategy and methods of this process—methods and technique corresponding to the objects, features of preparing the product and its components for scanning, preparation of specific information that would perform qualitative and quantitative evaluation of all geometric characteristics of both product components and
the product as a whole, including the sequence of implementation of separate steps.
Three-dimensional scanning helps determine any design features of the analyzed
product with considerable accuracy, considering its actual geometric dimensions.
It is clear that the results of this scanning are actually source data for creation of
operation algorithms of the computing complex—a regular computer numerically
controlled (CNC).
It should be noted that one of the two known scanning (analysis) methods is used
here—contact or noncontact.
6.1.3 Features of Modern Machinery Production
Throughout the last decade, a constant decrease in the average profit has been
observed in machinery production. This is due to the fact that too many industrial plants have recently emerged in third-world countries (China, India). Since the
production costs (as well as taxes) in these countries are much lower than in Europe
or America, the competition is extremely tough, and the price of such mass products
and profits from their sales are extremely low.
Therefore, in order to achieve higher profit in modern engineering, it is necessary
to release truly unique products that can be sold for a unique (monopolist) price. In
general case, uniqueness of products is ensured by only two main methods:
– Market segmentation;
– Acceleration of development and production of new product types.
Market segmentation consists in releasing more and more types (modifications) of
various specific products in accordance with the requirements of specific consumer
groups. Moreover, industrial plants move from producing standard products for the
stock to producing custom goods. Therefore, instead of one or two product models,
it becomes necessary to design and produce hundreds of variants of a basic product.
At the same time, the price and delivery terms of the custom-made product shall
not differ significantly from the same product of mass production. Similar processes
occur in the field of production of consumer goods.
Microcircuits are clearly no exception from the rules in this regard. One important
point to note is that the development of new products and technologies turned out
to be much more profitable than mass industrial production, since the connection
between price and quality of products is noticeably non-linear (Fig. 6.5). Medium
quality products can be produced by many plants, the competition among which is
always fierce. Therefore, the price of such products (and, subsequently, profits from
them) will always be extremely low.
6 Reverse Engineering of Microcircuits
As shown in Fig. 6.4, the first phase (RE-scanning) is always associated with
selecting strategy and methods of this process—methods and technique corresponding to the objects, features of preparing the product and its components for scanning, preparation of specific information that would perform qualitative and quantitative evaluation of all geometric characteristics of both product components and
the product as a whole, including the sequence of implementation of separate steps.
Three-dimensional scanning helps determine any design features of the analyzed
product with considerable accuracy, considering its actual geometric dimensions.
It is clear that the results of this scanning are actually source data for creation of
operation algorithms of the computing complex—a regular computer numerically
controlled (CNC).
It should be noted that one of the two known scanning (analysis) methods is used
here—contact or noncontact.
6.1.3 Features of Modern Machinery Production
Throughout the last decade, a constant decrease in the average profit has been
observed in machinery production. This is due to the fact that too many industrial plants have recently emerged in third-world countries (China, India). Since the
production costs (as well as taxes) in these countries are much lower than in Europe
or America, the competition is extremely tough, and the price of such mass products
and profits from their sales are extremely low.
Therefore, in order to achieve higher profit in modern engineering, it is necessary
to release truly unique products that can be sold for a unique (monopolist) price. In
general case, uniqueness of products is ensured by only two main methods:
– Market segmentation;
– Acceleration of development and production of new product types.
Market segmentation consists in releasing more and more types (modifications) of
various specific products in accordance with the requirements of specific consumer
groups. Moreover, industrial plants move from producing standard products for the
stock to producing custom goods. Therefore, instead of one or two product models,
it becomes necessary to design and produce hundreds of variants of a basic product.
At the same time, the price and delivery terms of the custom-made product shall
not differ significantly from the same product of mass production. Similar processes
occur in the field of production of consumer goods.
Microcircuits are clearly no exception from the rules in this regard. One important
point to note is that the development of new products and technologies turned out
to be much more profitable than mass industrial production, since the connection
between price and quality of products is noticeably non-linear (Fig. 6.5). Medium
quality products can be produced by many plants, the competition among which is
always fierce. Therefore, the price of such products (and, subsequently, profits from
them) will always be extremely low.