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.”
