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KDF RELEASE 2007

After years of testing and evaluation, KDF has introduced the new i series controller, replacing the Brooks Automation Controller with new technology. This control system has been designed to be retofitable, allowing an easy upgrade path for previous KDF models (“T “, “GT”, and “NT”). Although some older systems may require additional hardware upgrades to maintain compatibility with current and future system enhancements, doing so will bring these field proven systems to an even higher level of performance and reliability.

This i series platform is based on a distributed Rockwell Automation Control System utilizing Devicenet and Ethernet I/P fieldbus technologies. These interfaces dramatically reduce the need for point to point wiring allowing for greatly increased reliability, easier troubleshooting, and a higher level of system integration reducing system part count (and spare part inventory). Easy system upgrade is accomplished with the use of flash memory.

Windows XP Pro^™ industrialized computer using the latest Intel Pentium Processor^™ technology, Large Hard disk drive (80 mb or better) for local recipe and data log storage, and an advanced graphics controller.

Real-time GUI Environment, coupled with a SAW Touch screen and 19″ LCD monitor.Surface Acoustic Wave touch screen technology guarantees virtually 100% optical transmission, and is not affected by the use of gloves.

Context sensitive, multi-step (up to 200 steps / recipe) recipe manager is compatible with Microsoft Access^™ database. Recipe storage is limited only by hard drive space (additional recipes can be stored on network drive). Any lost data that you may experience concerning your hard drive can be restored through places like DriveSavers, to ensure that you can make the most out of this new technology.

Fully integrated package for real-time data display, data logging is fully compatible with Excel^™, Lotus^™ and other windows applications, report generation, remote interface and printing. Secure remote diagnostics and software support available over the Internet (high speed connection required) with local firewall and anti-virus protection.

OPC server interface allows SECS/GEM communication package (optional) and other applications to connect to a common database of machine I/O and system level data such as Datalogs, recipes, RGA data, etc.

Maintenance test suite with full diagnostic and manual process control capability, along with a host of other macro sub routine programs.

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KDF RELEASE 2006

Customers Buy Batch Sputtering Systems for Digital X-ray Technology, Pacemaker Production

KDF today announced that leading original health equipment manufacturers continue to purchase and accept the Company’s 700 and 900 series batch sputtering systems for use in the manufacture of essential digital radiography diagnostic equipment and pacemaker components. The systems are installed and currently in qualification phase.

“The procurement of our tools by two of the world’s largest health equipment OEMs further solidifies our strong relationship with these companies and confirms that our sophisticated technology platforms meet meticulous standards for producing advanced medical devices,” said Todd Plaisted, KDF director of Marketing. “We are proud to be part of a process that advances the quality of health care and treatment for thousands of people around the globe.”

One of the leading health OEMs first purchased two KDF 744NT systems in April 2005. Today, all three tools are being used to manufacture digital X-ray diagnostic equipment that will enhance the diagnostic process for breast cancer doctors and patients, as well as expand medical applications such as fixed and remote diagnosis. The digital approach to diagnosis presents patients with matchless image quality, while also providing instantaneous re-shoots that eliminate the need to schedule additional appointments. The firm has brought in other changes in the past to speed processes, such as ccm software and other communication tools.

“The KDF 744NT provides physical vapor deposition sputtering, or state-of-the-art coating, of the X-ray screens in a high-throughput environment,” Plaisted said. “Additional features like the vacuum loadlock, multiple substrate capacity and two processing pallets continue to enhance the speed and quality of manufacturing.” The 744NT is a large area, four-target, batch-sputtering system, designed for processing high-density interconnect, 200 mm semiconductor wafers, flat panel displays and other applications. The 744NT is equipped with a high-vacuum loadlock configured with a substrate pre-heat that enables the tool’s high throughput. The tool’s pallet area and compact footprint uses less than one-third the floorspace of competing equipment.

Additionally, KDF’s 954NTX in-line sputtering system is being used for the manufacture of pacemaker components by another leading OEM. This marks the second 900NTX product purchased in less than two years by this company, which selected KDF’s tool for its ability to create solid coatings and its Inset style cathodes feature. This cathode design provides extended lifetime and high utilization for thick coatings used on critical pacemaker components. The 954NTX comes equipped with sputter-down capability and easy substrate loading suited for medical applications which produce uniform films with an exacting, but repeatable, high-throughput process.

The customer also recently bought the 954ix tool, a new generation i system from KDF. This 954ix product has integrated the Company’s newly patented Linear Moving Magnetron^™ (LMM) full-face erosion sputter cathode in the Magterial^™. This version has one of the highest material efficiencies for magnetic substances in the industry, providing increased source material lifetime and high performance for design and utilization.

“There is no margin for error in pacemaker manufacturing applications and KDF’s superior coating technology meets these standards,” Plaisted said. “We look forward to continuing our commitment to meet our customers’ needs as medical technology advancements improve and change.”

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KDF RELEASE 2006

KDF announces its role in the opening of a $165 million state-of-the-art digital X-Ray mammography production facility in New York state. The facility is headlined by by one of the world’s largest health equipment OEMs and will manufacture and transfer its innovative technology to healthcare facilities worldwide. KDF, a producer of batch-sputtering systems used in the manufacture of a variety of R&D and production formats, provided two 844i systems that support essential digital diagnostic radiography equipment.

KDF’s 844i systems are used in the development of digital X-ray diagnostic equipment. The radiographic equipment enhances the diagnostic process for breast cancer doctors and patients by providing digital images at a matchless quality, while also providing instantaneous re-shoots, thereby eliminating the need to schedule additional appointments.

The 844i is a large area, four-target, batch-sputtering system, designed for processing high-density interconnect, 300 mm semiconductor wafers, solar photovoltaic cells and flat panel displays. The 844i accommodates glass sizes up to Gen 3. Because of its size, the 844i system is an extremely cost-effective way to run batches of small to large wafers or substrates. The 844i is equipped with a high-vacuum load lock configured with a substrate pre-heat that enables the tool’s high throughput.

The 844i offers a pallet area of 26.5 x 30 inches with a compact footprint that uses less than one-third the floor space of competing equipment. The tool can hold four 300mm wafers or multiple smaller wafers and features two processing pallets, allowing an instantaneous change of wafer sizes and the ability to process both the front and backsides of the wafers.

The system can also be enhanced with scan velocity profiling. The 844i system meets the Semiconductor S2-0200 safety specification as part of the standard system package, a CE option for the European community is available. Pulsed DC sputtering up to 20kw via Advanced Energy Pinnacle Plus is also available. The 844i system has remote PC accessibility allowing for software upgrades and file repair via an Internet/Ethernet connection.

The use of KDF’s 844i systems by one of the world’s largest health equipment manufacturers is a comment on the sophistication of the technology and its capabilities when incorporated into advanced medical devices, such as digital X-ray mammography equipment.

Todd Plaisted, KDF Director of Marketing, comments, “The KDF 844i systems were modified to larger 26.5″ x 30″ pallets to meet new requirements. The system is newly designed to accommodate 90 degree thru-wall clean room interface and roll-around system control cart, saving clean room space. In addition, the systems have new, cost effective pallet-assist loading tools as an alternative to an expensive roboticized system.

Says Plaisted, “It is with great pride that we know our efforts developing quality technology, combined with those of the manufacturer, will result in the care and treatment of an untold number of people around the globe.”

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KDF RELEASE 2006

Multi-Order Includes 654i System, Expands Companies’ Partnership

KDF today announced that Ovonyx, Inc., a Rochester Hills, Mich.-based company specializing in the commercialization of proprietary phase-change semiconductor memory technology, has purchased the new KDF Ci (cluster intelligence) cluster tool for use in support of commercialization programs for its technology. The product, which is expected to ship in the third quarter 2007, marks a first-time cluster tool win for KDF and the company’s entry into a new market.

Non-volatile phase-change memory boasts rapid write and erase speeds, elevated cycling endurance, and superior scaling performance as the industry moves toward newer generations of nonvolatile solid state memory. Ovonyx will continue its programs for Ovonyx Unified Memory (OUM) performance enhancement and cost reduction on KDF’s innovative cluster tool. The customized cluster tool with a hydrogen cleaning station will allow Ovonyx and its customers to develop manufacturing processes in a preproduction environment using a cluster tool that emulates their fab environments.

“KDF has been a very reliable supplier, and through our collaboration with KDF, we will have in hand a cluster tool ideally suited for phase change and associated materials deposition,” said Ed Spall, vice president, Ovonyx. “Our current and future partners will benefit from the new KDF Ci cluster tool’s unique capabilities as we jointly pursue commercialization of OUM phase change technology.”

Ovonyx current licensees include Samsung, BAE Systems, Intel Corp., STMicroelectronics, Nanochip, Inc. and Elpida Memory, Inc. Furthermore, Ovonyx recently bought KDF’s 654i series batch tool to complement the other KDF system it’s currently utilizing, the 643GT in-line, side sputtering batch system.

“Our long-term relationship with Ovonyx signifies the customer’s level of assurance in our technology expertise and manufacturing know-how,” said Kurt Flechsig, president, KDF. “With this versatile process platform, KDF will provide Ovonyx with a superior and unique level of customization for this cluster tool as well as lower cost of ownership.”

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KDF RELEASE 2005

KDF today announced that Beijing Microelectronics Institute (BMI), a leading microelectronics manufacturer in China, has purchased the company’s new 904i in-line sputtering system for use in production as well as research and development. The product, which will ship to BMI in October, helps extend KDF’s market share penetration in the fast-growing Chinese market.

According to researcher IDC, China became the world’s third-largest semiconductor-consuming country in 2004, with revenue from the region surpassing $26 billion. IDC predicts China will grow twice as fast as the entire semiconductor industry over the next five years. Beijing-based BMI chose the 904i system based on its versatility, reliability and ease-of-use.

“As a first-time customer, BMI’s decision to use KDF’s tool speaks volumes about their confidence in our technology leadership. The customizable 904i system also supports a range of BMI’s microelectronics manufacturing needs,” said Kurt Flechsig, KDF president. “Furthermore, the move further solidifies our presence in China as customers continue to ramp up their assembly facilities in that country.”

KDF’s 900 Series of products include dual load lock, in-line, sputter down, batch systems constructed with an optional high vacuum load lock and three or four target positions. Additionally, the 900 series systems can be used in numerous applications where distinctive size, shape, or substrate height is a priority. The 904i is in the preproduction phase and is expected to be available to customers in Q4 2005.

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