Wednesday, 12 March 2008

Tech Semiconductor Picks Vector Express for High Productivity & Improved Performance

Novellus Systems announced yesterday that its VECTOR Express plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) system has been successfully qualified for production at TECH Semiconductor.

The Singapore-based DRAM manufacturer has selected VECTOR Express for its productivity enhancements, low defectivity and high yield at 300 mm.

The shipment also marks a major milestone in Novellus’ rapid growth in the Southeast Asia market – this is the 100th 300 mm tool from Novellus to be placed in the region.

“TECH is pleased with Novellus’ responsiveness and our commitment to improve productivity for a variety of applications, including AHM, TEOS, SiN and SiON films,” said Andrew Goh, president of Novellus’ Southeast Asia operations

According to SEMI, the wafer processing equipment market in Southeast Asia is expected to grow at a rate of more than 7 percent in 2008. Singapore in particular continues to be a high-growth area for semiconductor manufacturing, with the addition of several new fabs and the expansion of existing ones.

“Southeast Asia is expected to be a growth region for semiconductor manufacturing in the coming years – driven largely by memory manufacturers,” said Tom Caulfield, executive vice president of sales, marketing and customer service at Novellus.

“Our focus has always been on providing the highest value in capital productivity to our customers, and introducing the VECTOR Express into this region is another example of our goal to meet our customers’ need for tools with lower cost of ownership.”