1. Context

1.1 System and processor evolution

In the face of progress linked to the growing integration of silicon, the packaging and interconnection of electronic components have long been the poor cousins of computer system architecture. Today, they are considered of strategic importance in guaranteeing the performance of the systems of the future. Moreover, packaging and interconnection play an increasingly important role in the cost of electronic equipment, and make a major contribution to the value-added chain between silicon chips and systems.

In the coming years, the evolution of IT systems and products will be dominated not only by advances in silicon integration and its predominant role in processors (increasingly complex functions, growing chip area and number...