GaAs IC reliability, the next generation

Improvements in semiconductor reliability are constantly being expected and so far, they have been achieved. A historical perspective is presented which provides evidence regarding changes in the way people think about reliability, for GaAs MESFET integrated circuits, in particular. Comparisons to silicon reliability history, and between old and new philosophies are made. Although not intended as a panacea, the direction towards measuring, analyzing, and controlling the variability of all input parameters to reliability is discussed as the key to reaching the next generation.<>