Gandhinagar: Cleanrooms play a crucial role in semiconductor chip manufacturing, where precision leaves no room for error. The process requires an extremely controlled and hygienic environment, as even the smallest airborne particle can enter a chip and cause damage. Similar controlled facilities are also used in the production of medical devices and medicines. The cleanroom built by Micron Technology at its Sanand facility is among the largest in the world, a press release stated.

According to Sanjay Mehrotra, Chairman, President and CEO of Micron Technology, the cleanroom constructed in the first phase of the Sanand plant spans 5 lakh square feet. The construction required three and a half times the iron used in the Eiffel Tower and concrete equivalent to that used in 100 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Government Extended Strong Support and Encouraged Investment: Sanjay Mehrotra

Sanjay Mehrotra credited the government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for extending strong support and introducing policies that foster greater investment in India. The Sanand project, he noted, has emerged as a flagship initiative for the country, with the company proud to partner with both the Central Government and the Gujarat Government in advancing it.

Cleanroom Air Often Cleaner Than an Operation Theatre

According to the Micron team, the large cleanroom at the Sanand plant has been developed in accordance with global standards. The air inside is often cleaner than that of an operation theatre. Even a single strand of hair can damage a chip, which makes maintaining the highest level of cleanliness essential. To achieve this, filtered air is directed vertically from top to bottom in a uniform and symmetrical flow. The air movement remains steady and controlled throughout the space. The cleanroom floor is slightly raised above ground level, allowing air to circulate beneath it while ensuring uninterrupted cooling, power supply and data operations.

Even a one-degree change in temperature inside a cleanroom can disrupt machine operations, which is why conditions are maintained with exceptional precision. This becomes even more critical as memory tester machines generate substantial heat during functioning. The environment must remain fully controlled, since even a microscopic particle entering a chip can damage the product, with the impact sometimes appearing years later. To safeguard against any interruption, comprehensive backup systems for power, cooling and air circulation have been put in place, ensuring that operations continue seamlessly even if one system is affected.

The cleanroom has been designed in India, aligning with the global gold standard of Micron Technology. With the commissioning of this plant, India further strengthens its position in the global semiconductor sector. The company has been operating in India since 2019, with research and development centres in Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Today, Micron employs around 24,000 people in India, and its India-based teams play a significant role in driving global innovation. Some of the company’s most advanced DRAM memory products have been designed in India in collaboration with teams in the United States. DeshGujarat