KDF RELEASE 2004
KDF today announced that the company has received an order for a KDF 954NT in-line sputtering system from the Sichuan Institute of Piezoelectric & Acousto-optic Technology (SIPAT), a leading research and development facility in China. The system will be used in the production of surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices, which are commonly used in the growing wireless and mobile communications market.
SIPAT is a repeat customer and has been using a KDF 943 Series tool for several years. The institute chose the 954NT based on the system’s throughput, versatility, reliability and established history as a production-worthy tool. SIPAT was particularly interested in the 954NT’s uniform, stable deposition of thin films and ability to deposit on various substrate sizes.
“It is always gratifying when a customer returns to buy a second tool from KDF,” said Kurt Flechsig, KDF president. “In doing so, the Sichuan Institute of Piezoelectric & Acousto-optic Technology has demonstrated satisfaction with our technology, service and support. It is also important to note that SIPAT’s purchase represents recognition of the value that the KDF 954NT brings to the production of SAWs and other compound semiconductors. ”
SAW devices are used to control and process electrical signals. Increasingly, SAWs are making their way into in mass market consumer electronics. The proliferation of wireless products and new technologies coming online for wireless data have lead to a dramatic spike in the demand for SAWs. The worldwide market for SAW devices is already worth more than $1 billion, and is projected to continue growing.
The 954NT is a four-target batch sputtering tool for front- and backside deposition. The tool, which is optimized for processing GaAs and other compound semiconductor applications, features a low cost of ownership, and enables high utilization and throughput. Like all KDF 900 Series tools, the 954NT offers users the capability of a production tool with the process flexibility typically found in an R&D system. The 900 Series exceeds requirements for deposition of thin films in application critical devices and other applications requiring the absolute in uniformity.
