Projections on density, performance and cost attributes of a new technology generation are relatively easy to accomplish. However, defining the reliability attributes is
more problematic, particularly if the technology contains many new process elements or tools. The choices made by a development team for processes, tools, process
sequences and product-layout rules often determine the process defect reliability fail modes of a technology. These process defects define the reliability level of products
rather than classic reliability fail mechanisms such as electromigration, stress migration and corrosion. As such, development teams and their reliability counterparts
need to focus on potential sources of process-defect reliability fail modes and their control.