ASIC :
Acronym for 'Application Specific Integrated Circuit'. Integrated circuit that is custom-designed and built for a specific task.

ASP :
Abbreviation for 'Average Selling Price'.

BIT :
Abbreviation for 'Binary Digit'. A bit is the most basic form of information in the digital world. A bit's value is either 0 or 1.

BLUETOOTH :
Wireless connection technology developed mainly for the mobile handset world. Bluetooth works over short distances and consumes a relatively small amount of power.

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE :
Software that collects, consolidates and summarizes data. Business Intelligence software helps create reports that assist in the business decision-making process.

BYTE :
Grouping of eight bits. One octet is usually used to represent a letter or number.

CAPEX :
Abbreviation of 'Capital Expenditures', or the purchase of property, plant and equipment.

CHIP :
A chip is a flat silicon rectangle upon which a semiconductor element has been etched. Most chips are protected by a casing that allows them to be protected and connected to the system to which they belong. Chips can also be called'die', a term commonly used to refer to an integrated circuit.

CIRCUITS INTEGRES (IC) :
These are circuits with various components etched onto silicon. There are five classes of integrated circuit: SSI (Small Scale integration): MSI (Medium Scale Integration): LSI (Large Scale Integration ), VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) or ULSI (Ultra-Large Scale Integration), with higher levels of integration of components and functionality.

BINARY CODE :
Instruction set of a software program (also called 'source code') transformed into binary language that is understandable by a computer. One can execute a binary code program without understanding the underlying code. A binary code is therefore not easily reproduced.

SOURCE CODE :
Instruction set of a software program (a application like Microsoft Office or SAP), written in a language with a high level of abstraction (C++, C#, Cobol, Java, …). In order to be executed, the source code must be transformed in binary language (see'binary code'). Reading the source code of a program gives the possibility to analyze, modify or replicate the various functions of the program. This is why software companies never divulge the source code of their programs.

CMOS :
Stands for'complementary metal oxide semiconductor'. A variation of the MOS (or metal-oxide semiconductor) process. CMOS circuits feature lower power consumption but have longer switching times.

COMPRESSION :
Digital encoding method that reduces the amount of data required to store content. Encoding and transmission of compressed content reduces the amount of memory required as well as the bandwidth necessary for multimedia transfers.

Examples of compression algorithms :
MPEG2 : DVD
MP3 : audio
DivX, MPEG4 : vidéo
GSM : compresses the analog voice signal. This is the reason for metallic sounds on GSM phones.

COST OF GOODS SOLD, (COGS), COST OF SALES (COS) :
Direct materials and labor costs of a company. Revenues minus cost of goods sold are equal to the gross profit.

CPU :
Stands fo r'Central Processing Unit'. Command center of a computer. Includes a calculation unit and a command unit. The CPU of a computer is usually a microprocessor.

CRM (Customer Relation Management) :
Refers to software that is used for the management of customer relationships.

DRAM :
Stands for 'Dynamic Random Access Memory '- See RAM.

DSO :
Stands for 'Days sales outstanding'- The average age of the accounts receivable of a company for a given period.

DSP :
Stands for 'Digital Signal Processor', high-speed arithmetic unit used to execute operations. DSP's are found in instances where analog (non-digital) information is treated. (Modems, Machine-tool command units, mobile handsets…).

LINUX DISTRIBUTION :
Linux is an open source software (see'Open Source'and'Linux') that is used as an operating system (like Microsoft's Windows and Unix). A Linux distribution is a complete version of Linux including an installation program, documentation and support. Debian, MandrakeSoft, Red Hat, SuSe (Novell) are among the most popular distributions.

EBITDA :
Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization.

E-BUSINESS :
Automation of information flows between business partners.

EDGE :
Evolution of the GSM standard (the next step up after GPRS), with increased throughput. Also called'2,75G'.

EEPROM :
'Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory'. Non-reprogrammable ROM. Also called Flash EEPROM. This memory is reprogrammable by bit and not by block.

E-PROCUREMENT :
Web-based and or software-based automation of purchasing procedures.

ERP :
Abbreviation of 'Enterprise Resource Planning'. Software that automates the business procedures of a business : ( production, human resources, accounting…).

EFEM (Equipment Front end module) :
Stands for Equipment Front End Module. Ultra-clean Mini-environment where a robot loads stacks of silicon wafers of the FOUP (Front Operated Unified Pod), or wafer-carrying equipment, into the process equipment.

FABLESS :
Semiconductor business that does not actually manufacture the semiconductors it sells. The fabrication is contracted to subcontractors called'semiconductor foundries'.

FLASH :
See'Flash memory'.

FLASH MEMORY :
Flash memory associate the high density et le low cost of EEPROM memory (see'EEPROM'). This is the reason why the market for flash memories is one of the most interesting in the semiconductor world. New applications that a reprogramming within a system are fields where flash memory is useful. Theses include cellular handsets, automobile engine control systems, hard disk drives, PC software, PC BIOS for plug-n-play, digital televisions, multimedia decoders, faxes, modems, PC cards and CDROMs. There are two standards : NOR and NAND. NOR is mostly used for cellular handsets. NAND is in electronics and USB memory modules.

FOUNDRY :
Semiconductor manufacturer that produces silicon wafers or chips under a subcontracting agreement.

FREQUENCE :
In electronics, number of complete cycles per second for an alternative current. Frequency is measured in Hertz (hz), Kilohertz (1000 hz), Megahertz (million hz) or Gigahertz (one billion hz).

FOUP :
Stands for (Front Operated Unified Pod). Airtight container weighing about 12kg that can store 25 silicon wafers.

FOUP OPENER :
Robot that opens a FOUP, in a clean room environment.

GPRS (GSM Packet Radio Service) :
Evolution of the GSM standard allowing data transfer rates of up to 11 kilobits per second vs. 9,6 kilobits per second for GSM. Also known as'2,5G'(GSM is called'2G'). In GPRS mode, the network connection is permanent unlike GSM, where the subscriber has to dial a number.

GROSS DAY SALES OUTSTANDING DSO (in days) :
Average age in days accounts payable net of allowance of doubtful accounts.

HOT SPOT :
Wireless access point usually associated with 802.11 or Wi-Fi networks. Hotspots can offer free internet access or charge for it.

IDMs :
to the opposite of a fabless, an IDM (Integrated Device Manufacturer) is a semiconductor vendor that still manufactures in-house.

INTELLECTUEL PROPERTY (IP) :
Refers to the rights over ideas (for example, an invention protected by patent law) or on the expression of ideas (for example, a book or drawings protected by copyrights), that allow the proprietor of these rights to control the licensing of these ideas to be remunerated. Software abides by the rules of copyright law. The use (or license) of software is the authorized transaction method.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT):
The businesses that center around the creation and movement of information in digital form. The categories of IT include hardware, software, IT services, telecommunications services and operators and semiconductors.

JAVA :
Programming environment created by Sun Microsystems. Programs written in the Java language can function on all types of platforms ( PC, MAC, WINDOWS, UNIX…).

JAVA 2 ENTERPRISE EDITION (J2EE) :
Group of standards that allow adequate communications between software components. This is different from the JAVA language. Sun is the promoter of these standards.

KILOBIT :
One thousand bits (see'bit').

LINUX :
Open source operating system (see 'open source'). It is a competitor to Microsoft's Windows operating system, and proprietary Unix operating systems. There are several distributions/versions of Linux (see Linux Distribution) that are used for both PC's and servers and even in embedded applications in appliances.

MEMORY :
Stores necessary data as well as the instructions required to use it and how and when to use it. Each component of memory stores an amount of data often expressed in terms of Kilobits (1024 bits) and a megabit (1 048 576 bits).

METROLOGY :
Science of measurement. In semiconductors this refers to equipment that controls the stages of fabrication of semiconductors in an attempt to improve yields.

MICRON :
A millionth of a meter.

MICROPROCESSOR :
Central Processing Unit that directs the handling of data (logic and arithmetic functions) on PCs and other computers by directing the flow of electrical impulses and coordinating the tasks of other elements of the machine. When the microprocessor receives an instruction, it interprets it and instructs other elements in the computer (disk drives, screen, video, …) on the tasks to perform.

MICRO-CONTAMINATION :
Contamination (particular or ionic) that disturb the electrical properties of the crystalline structure of a semiconductor during the fabrication process. This contamination usually occurs at the atomic level and can irremediably alter the properties of the electronic component.

MOS :
Acronym for Metal-Oxide-Silicon. One of two types of integrated circuit (the other is bipolar). It is rapidly expanding because of its low cost, ease of use and low energy consumption.

NAND :
Flash memory standard (see'Flash memory').

NON-VOLATILE :
Type of memory that keep data when power is turned off. These memories include Flash, ROM and EEPROM.

NOR :
Flash memory standard (see'Flash Memory').

OPEN SOURCE :
Software developed by a community of developers. The license does not have copyright protection (see'Intellectual Property'). The source code of open source software is openly available and can be modified by the user. The list of open source software is long and includes Linux, FreeBSD (an operating system), Apache (a web page server), TomCat et JBoss (an application server), MySQL (a database), Sendmail (an email server), OpenOffice (a Microsoft Office-compatible office productivity suite).

PRICE EARNING TO GROWTH (PEG) :
Price to Earnings Ratio divided by the expected 3-5 year expected growth rate of the company.

PLM :
'Product Life Cycle Management'. Collaborative and digital management of the life cycle of products.

RAM :
Acronym for Random Access Memory. Memory system that requires data to be continually regenerated. RAM memory is generally at the leading edge of semiconductor manufacturing processes and are sold in large quantities.
There are two types of RAM: DRAM and SRAM. SRAM is used as a complement to DRAM. Its use is much less widespread despite their higher speeds because they are more expensive.

ROM :
Acronym for Read Only Memory. Memory used to store static data. Unlike RAM memory, ROM data cannot be modified (used for certain programs, machines, characters…).

SILICON WAFER
Wafers made of silicon or other materials such as Gallium Arsenide are the raw materials that are used to make integrated circuits. These circuits are conceived and made for specific applications. The dimensions of these wafers are either 150 mm or 200 mm. The past few years, there has been technological shift to 300mm wafers.

SMIF ( Standard Mechanical Interface) :
Used for the conditioning of airtight wafer stack containers which are opened when robots introduce wafers into processing equipment.

SOA (Service-Oriented Architecture) :
SOA is a new business application methodology whereas each application fulfils a set of well-defined services. The enterprise information system is then built by agglomerating these SOA-based applications together. The information flows seamlessly from one application to another. The enterprise gains tremendous reactivity and flexibility.

SRAM :
Acronym for Static Random Access Memory. See'RAM'.

COMMERCIAL SOFTWARE :
La most commercial software is proprietary, and is provided in binary code (see'binary code'). The use of commercial software is regulated by copyright law.

SORTER :
Mini-ultra clean environment ultra which consists of a RECIF and several FOUP OPENERs. The sorter aligns and reads the alpha code ( number code engraved on the plaque during the wafer transfers from one FOUP to the other. It is used to take out pre-determined wafers from a FOUP.

SYSTEM ON A CHIP (SOC) :
Modern semiconductor fabrication technology allows for chips with millions of transistors. It is possible to construct one complete system including microprocessors, memory analog circuitry, and power management on a single chip.

SUPPLY CHAIN :
Optimization of the logistics in a supply system.

TRANSISTOR :
Small semiconductor element that amplifies or commutes electrical current. These are called discrete or simple function semiconductor elements. Transistors have replaced vacuum tubes and are at the origin of the semiconductor revolution. Advanced microcircuits can contain hundreds or millions of transistors!

UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) :
International standard for third generation mobile telephones. It is comprised of several non-compatible standards : WCDMA (successor to GSM), CDMA 2000 (successor of Qualcomm's CDMA), TDSCDMA (Chinese standard).

WAFER :
Thin circular cutout from silicon crystal where a matrix and chips are etched. The most ubiquitous size is 200mm or 8 inchs. A technological transition is underway towards 300mm or 12 inchs. 300mm is used for the most advanced integrated circuits and those for which the line width is inferior to 110nm.

WI-FI :
Technology standard used to connect a wireless PC network. Wi-Fi is a generic term for several standards such as 802.11b, 802.11b+, 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11i, 802.11n. Given its high power consumption, Wi-Fi is most commonly used for fixed line or laptop PCs. Wi-Fi can be used for personal or office networks or by an operator to provide internet access (see'Hot Spot') to users with laptops.

802.11b :
The first Wi-Fi standard. Works in the unregulated 2,4 Ghz that is also used by Bluetooth and microwave ovens. The theoretical bandwidth is 11 Mbit/s.

802.11b+ :
A minor evolution of the 802.11b standard. This is the only 802.11 standard that is proprietary. It belongs to Texas Instruments. The theoretical bandwidth is 22 Mbit/s.

802.11a :
An extension of the 802.11b standard with modified coding. The theoretical bandwidth is elevated to 54 Mbit/s. The frequency band used is in the higher 5-Ghz range. As a result, the range is limited compared to 802.11b. Due to its different frequency and coding, this standard is incompatible with the 802.11b standard.

802.11g :
An extension of the 802.11b standard with a theoretical bandwidth of 20 Mbit/s. 802.11g is the latest of Wi-Fi standards. It is currently being normalized but is compatible with 802.11b in general. 802.11g uses the same frequency as 802.11b.

802.11i :
Evolution of the Wi-Fi standard that prevents unauthorized users from accessing a private wireless network.

802.11n :
The latest Wi-Fi standard, still in its definition stage. The theoretical bandwidth is 100 Mbits/s, 4 to 5 times faster than 802.11g and 50 times faster than 802.11b. It should also have a higher range (distance between the base station and the mobile user).