Online information source for semiconductor professionals

Rudolph Technologies has shipped its ‘Wafer Scanner 3880 3D Inspection System,’ multiple ‘NSX’ Macro Defect Inspection Systems and its ‘Discover’ Yield Management Software Suite to a leading semiconductor manufacturer. The customer will use the systems for developing through silicon via (TSV) based processes for advanced 3D IC integration. Read more >>

A leading Asian foundry producer has given FSI International final acceptance of an ‘ORION’ single wafer cleaning system, marking the sixth customer that has adopted the platform and technology. The latest customer qualified the system for 28nm FEOL processes and will use it for all-wet photoresist stripping applications using the high-temperature ‘ViPR’ process. FSI said it expects to recognize revenue for this system in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. Read more >>

Toshiba said it would continue to subcontract power semiconductor assembly and test to its former Malaysian IC assembly and test operations after being acquired by Amkor. Toshiba and Amkor expect to complete the transaction by early January 2012. Read more >>

The usual suspects of slowing global economic growth and excess inventory have set the backdrop for Gartner to completely revise is 5-year CapEx forecast for the semiconductor industry. The slowdown in spending has already started and will decline by 19.2% in 2012 with equipment spending expected to total US$35.2 billion in 2012. Overall capital spending will decline 16.7% next year to US$51.5 billion, down from US$61.8 billion in 2011. Read more >>

A major independent device manufacturer has placed a multi-system purchase order with RAVE for its ‘Rhazer’ haze removal systems for reticles. The orders were given after an extensive in-fab evaluation of the Rhazer haze removal technology, according to RAVE. Read more >>

Days of inventory of semiconductors are at “worrisome levels given current conditions,” according to market research firm, Gartner. The expectation is that an inventory correction is due in late 2011. Gartner also noted that average selling prices (ASPs) were tracking below trend levels, with overcapacity in the foundry industry expected to prolong the pricing weakness. Read more >>

The IMAGINE program for maskless lithography, based on MAPPER’s lithography platform has received a boost with Synopsys joining the program and providing mask-based software solutions. CEA-Leti and MAPPER Lithography launched the program in July 2009. Read more >>

An Asian foundry has selected the Atlas XP+ optical critical dimension (OCD) metrology system from Nanometrics to be used for process control of advanced logic devices. According to Nanometrics the Atlas XP+ platform was selected over competitive solutions after a comprehensive head-to-head evaluation of technical performance on advanced devices. Read more >>

Although semiconductor equipment bookings have seen a rapid fall in the last few months, values remain considerably higher than two years ago. North America-based manufacturers of semiconductor equipment posted US$1.18 billion in orders in August 2011 (three-month average basis) and a book-to-bill ratio of 0.80, according to the August Book-to-Bill Report issued by SEMI. Uncharacteristically, SEMI was downbeat over a near-term recovery, citing demand issues and capex reductions. Read more >>

Two firms rarely in spotlight with TSMC this year are ABB and CAMECA. The metrology equipment supplier has however received a batch of equipment orders this year worth approximately US$17.15 million. TSMC has now placed a batch of facility and engineering equipment with ABB, worth approximately US$11.5 million. Read more >>