I am not sure why it is a secret but there is speculation that MU has bought COHU HBM test equipment. It looks like MU own internal test equipment only does electrical inspections while COHUs equipment does optical inspections.
I have add some AMAT due to the better discounted cashflow valuation, but I will be looking to add to COHU when it crosses the 21.60 level at the 200 day SMA.
Here is my view on the market for the next few month going into spring 2026.
Message 35179067
Market cycle timing model:
Message 35172947
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Perplexity.ai source:
Who makes testing equipment of HBM memory such as that made by MU?
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HBM
HBM: Test & Measurement | Load Cell | Sensor | Strain Gauge
Micron Technology Inc.
High-bandwidth memory
FormFactor, Inc.
High Bandwidth Memory - Testing a Key Component of ...
ADVANTEST CORPORATION
T5503HS2|Memory Test Systems
AMD Fiji GPU, the first to use High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) wikipedia
Several companies manufacture testing equipment specifically for High Bandwidth Memory (HBM), including the type produced by Micron (MU). The key players in this space are:
- FormFactor: They produce advanced probe cards like Apollo and Kepler™, which are designed for wafer-level testing of HBM. These probe cards are essential for ensuring precise contact and measurement, supporting defect-free production and high yields for HBM devices. FormFactor's solutions are tailored to address the challenges of testing HBM's stacked architecture, high data rates, and thermal management needs 3.
- Advantest: Their T5503HS2 memory test system is capable of testing high-speed memory ICs, including HBM. This tester supports advanced features and high parallelism, making it suitable for both current and next-generation HBM devices. The system is scalable and can be upgraded to accommodate future memory technologies, ensuring high productivity and accuracy in HBM testing 4.
- Applied Materials and Lam Research: These U.S.-based companies supply manufacturing and testing equipment for HBM assembly and testing. They have provided gear to companies like CXMT in China, indicating their equipment is used globally in the HBM supply chain 8.
These companies provide the specialized tools required to test the complex, high-speed, and thermally demanding architecture of HBM memory during various stages of production, from wafer-level to final stack testing.
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Who manufactures the testing equipment for HBM memory like MU's products
Who manufactures the testing equipment for HBM memory like MU's products
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Micron Technology Inc.
High-bandwidth memory
Cohu, Inc
Cohu Enters HBM Memory Market with Neon Inspection ...
DIGITIMES Inc.
South Korean equipment makers keen on developing new ...
Chip Stock Investor | Helping investors navigate the complex semiconductor and tech stock landscape while helping invest smarter
An Investor's Guide to HBM (High-Bandwidth Memory) For AI
Several leading companies manufacture testing and inspection equipment for HBM (High Bandwidth Memory) products like those made by Micron (MU):
- Cohu: Cohu has entered the HBM memory market with its Neon Inspection Metrology Platform, which provides full 6-sided optical inspection and measurement of HBM micro-pillars. Their system uses advanced vision technology and AI-based inspection software to improve inspection yield and quality for HBM memory used in AI data centers. Cohu has already received orders from major semiconductor memory manufacturers for this equipment 2.
- South Korean Equipment Makers: Companies such as Hanmi Semiconductor are actively developing and producing cleanroom and process equipment specifically for HBM manufacturing, particularly to support Through-Silicon Via (TSV) processes essential to HBM stacking and integration 3.
These companies provide the specialized tools required for the complex inspection, metrology, and process control needs unique to HBM memory production. Their equipment is used by leading memory manufacturers, including Micron, to ensure quality and yield in HBM products.
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Does Cohu supply the testing equipment used for HBM memory like MU's products
Does Cohu supply the testing equipment used for HBM memory like MU's products
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Cohu, Inc
Cohu Enters HBM Memory Market with Neon Inspection ...
Metrology and Quality News - Online Magazine
Cohu Enters HBM Memory Market With Neon Inspection & ...
Investing.com
Cohu secures order for new AI-driven inspection platform
cohu.com
Industrial and Medical Semiconductor ATE Solution
Yes, Cohu supplies testing and inspection equipment used for HBM (High Bandwidth Memory) devices like those produced by Micron (MU). Their Neon Inspection Metrology Platform is specifically designed for comprehensive 6-sided optical inspection and measurement of HBM micro-pillars, which are critical features in HBM memory stacks. The Neon system integrates advanced vision technology and AI-based inspection software to enhance inspection yield and quality, addressing the specific needs of the HBM market 1 2 3 5.
Cohu has received orders for this platform from leading U.S. semiconductor memory manufacturers for use in inspecting HBM devices utilized in high-performance computing and AI applications, indicating its adoption by major players in the HBM space 2 3 5.
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Does Cohu's Neon platform directly compete with MU's HBM testing equipment
Does Cohu's Neon platform directly compete with MU's HBM testing equipment
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Cohu, Inc
Cohu Enters HBM Memory Market with Neon Inspection Metrology ...
Metrology and Quality News - Online Magazine
Cohu Enters HBM Memory Market With Neon Inspection ...
finance.yahoo
Cohu Enters HBM Memory Market with Neon Inspection Metrology ...
Investing.com
Cohu secures order for new AI-driven inspection platform
Cohu's Neon platform does not compete with Micron's (MU) HBM testing equipment because Micron is a memory manufacturer, not a supplier of semiconductor inspection or testing equipment. Instead, Cohu's Neon platform is used by memory manufacturers—including companies like Micron—for the inspection and metrology of HBM memory devices. The Neon system provides advanced 6-sided optical inspection and measurement of HBM micro-pillars, integrating with factory automation and using AI-based inspection software to improve yield and quality 1 2 5 6.
In summary, Cohu supplies equipment to companies such as Micron, rather than competing with them in the testing equipment market. Their roles in the HBM ecosystem are complementary, not competitive 2 5 6.
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What are the key differences between Cohu’s vision system and MU’s testing methods for HBM
What are the key differences between Cohu’s vision system and MU’s testing methods for HBM
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Cohu, Inc
Cohu Enters HBM Memory Market with Neon Inspection ...
Metrology and Quality News - Online Magazine
Cohu Enters HBM Memory Market With Neon Inspection & ...
cohu.com
Package Inspection Turret and Vision Solutions
cohu.com
Consumer Expertise
Key Differences Between Cohu’s Vision System and Micron’s (MU) HBM Testing MethodsCohu’s Neon Vision System:
- Specializes in optical inspection and metrology for HBM memory, focusing on the physical and structural quality of devices.
- Provides full 6-sided optical inspection and measurement of micro-pillars, which are critical for HBM stacking and electrical connectivity 1 2.
- Integrates with factory automation for efficient sorting and high-throughput inspection processes 2.
- Utilizes AI-based inspection software with deep learning and neural network pattern recognition to detect defects and improve inspection yield 2.
- Designed to deliver accurate and reliable metrology of thousands of micro-pillars distributed over the HBM device 1 2.
Micron’s HBM Testing Methods:
- As a memory manufacturer, Micron (MU) uses a combination of electrical test systems and inspection equipment (often supplied by third parties like Cohu) to validate HBM performance and reliability.
- Focuses on electrical testing to verify memory function, speed, data integrity, and thermal performance, ensuring the HBM meets application requirements.
- Likely employs in-house and commercial test solutions for wafer-level and final device testing, including burn-in, functional test, and reliability screening (specific proprietary details are not publicly disclosed).
Summary Table
AspectCohu Neon Vision SystemMicron (MU) HBM Testing Methods<tbody]| primary="" focus<="" td=""] | optical="" inspection="" &="" metrology="" of="" micro-pillars<="" td=""] | electrical="" and="" functional="" testing="" of="" hbm<="" td=""] | | technology<="" td=""] | 6-sided="" vision,="" ai-based="" defect="" detection<="" td=""] | electrical="" test="" equipment,="" reliability="" tools<="" td=""] | | integration<="" td=""] | factory="" automation,="" output="" sorting<="" td=""] | integrated="" into="" manufacturing="" test="" flow<="" td=""] | | supplier="" manufacturer<="" td=""] | cohu="" (equipment="" supplier)<="" td=""] | micron="" (memory="" manufacturer,="" equipment="" user)<="" td=""] | | inspection="" testing="" type<="" td=""] | physical="" structural="" quality="" (micro-pillars,="" surfaces)<="" td=""] | electrical="" performance,="" data="" integrity<="" td=""] |
In essence:
Cohu’s Neon platform is a vision-based inspection and metrology tool used by memory makers like Micron to ensure the physical integrity and assembly quality of HBM devices, while Micron’s own testing methods focus on electrical and functional validation of the memory products. The two approaches are complementary and address different quality assurance needs in the HBM manufacturing process 1 2.
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How does Cohu’s Neon inspection system differ from MU’s HBM testing methods in approach
How does Cohu’s Neon inspection system differ from MU’s HBM testing methods in approach
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Cohu, Inc
Cohu Enters HBM Memory Market with Neon Inspection Metrology ...
Metrology and Quality News - Online Magazine
Cohu Enters HBM Memory Market With Neon Inspection ...
Electronic Design
What's The Difference Between HBM, CDM, And MM Test?
cohu.com
Neon - Next Generation Inspection Platform - Cohu
Differences in Approach: Cohu’s Neon Inspection System vs. Micron’s HBM Testing MethodsCohu’s Neon Inspection System
- Optical & Metrology Focus: Neon is designed for full 6-sided optical inspection and measurement of HBM micro-pillars, the tiny solder bumps that connect stacked memory dies. Its primary goal is to ensure the physical integrity and precise geometry of these structures, which are critical for reliable HBM assembly and performance 2 5 7.
- AI-Driven Defect Detection: The system uses AI-based inspection software with deep learning and neural network pattern recognition to identify defects and improve inspection yield 2 5.
- Factory Integration: Neon is built for integration with factory automation, enabling high-throughput, automated inspection and efficient output sorting, which is vital for large-scale HBM manufacturing 2 5.
- Physical Quality Assurance: The platform delivers accurate and reliable metrology of thousands of micro-pillars per device, focusing on surface, dimensional, and structural quality rather than electrical properties 2 5 7.
Micron’s HBM Testing Methods
- Electrical Performance Testing: As a memory manufacturer, Micron’s HBM testing methods are primarily aimed at verifying electrical performance, data integrity, speed, and reliability of the final memory product. This includes functional tests, burn-in, and reliability screening.
- Process Integration: Micron uses a combination of in-house and commercial test systems (which may include equipment from suppliers like Cohu) to ensure that HBM devices meet stringent application requirements.
- Comprehensive Validation: Their approach encompasses wafer-level and final device testing, focusing on making sure the memory stacks operate correctly under real-world conditions.
Summary Table
AspectCohu Neon Inspection SystemMicron (MU) HBM Testing Methods<tbody]| main="" focus<="" td=""] | optical="" inspection="" &="" physical="" metrology<="" td=""] | electrical="" functional="" testing="" &="" reliability<="" td=""] | | technology<="" td=""] | ai-driven="" vision,="" 6-sided="" micro-pillar="" inspection<="" td=""] | electrical="" test="" systems,="" functional="" validation<="" td=""] | | output<="" td=""] | structural="" physical="" defect="" detection<="" td=""] | memory="" function,="" speed,="" data="" integrity<="" td=""] | | factory="" role<="" td=""] | inline,="" automated="" inspection="" &="" sorting<="" td=""] | end-to-end="" product="" validation<="" td=""] | | supplier="" manufacturer<="" td=""] | equipment="" supplier="" to="" memory="" makers<="" td=""] | memory="" manufacturer,="" equipment="" user<="" td=""] |
In summary:
Cohu’s Neon system uses advanced vision and AI to inspect the physical structure of HBM memory components, ensuring assembly quality and defect-free micro-pillars. In contrast, Micron’s HBM testing methods are focused on verifying electrical and functional performance, ensuring the memory works as intended in practical applications. The two approaches are complementary, targeting different aspects of HBM quality assurance 2 5 7.
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Does MU buy COHU HBM test equipment?
Does MU buy COHU HBM test equipment?
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Cohu, Inc
Cohu Enters HBM Memory Market with Neon Inspection Metrology ...
cohu.com
Neon - Next Generation Inspection Platform - Cohu
Micron Technology, Inc.
Micron Technology | Global Leaders in Semiconductors | Micron ...
Metrology and Quality News - Online Magazine
Cohu Enters HBM Memory Market With Neon Inspection ...
There is public evidence that Cohu’s Neon inspection and metrology platform has been ordered by “one of the world’s leading semiconductor memory manufacturers” specifically to improve the quality of HBM memory used in AI data centers 1 4. While the statements do not explicitly name Micron (MU), Micron is widely recognized as one of the top U.S.-based HBM memory manufacturers, alongside Samsung and SK hynix.
Cohu’s own press release and industry coverage confirm that the Neon platform was selected by “a leading U.S. memory and data storage technologies customer” for HBM inspection and metrology 4. Given Micron’s status as a leading U.S. HBM supplier, it is highly likely—but not definitively confirmed in public documents—that Micron is among the customers for Cohu’s Neon HBM test equipment 1 4.
No direct public statement from either company explicitly confirms the purchase, but available evidence strongly suggests a business relationship for HBM inspection equipment.
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Does MU currently use Cohu’s Neon platform for HBM inspection or testing
Does MU currently use Cohu’s Neon platform for HBM inspection or testing
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Cohu, Inc
Cohu Enters HBM Memory Market with Neon Inspection Metrology ...
Investing.com
Cohu secures order for new AI-driven inspection platform
Metrology and Quality News - Online Magazine
Cohu Enters HBM Memory Market With Neon Inspection ...
cohu.com
Neon - Next Generation Inspection Platform - Cohu
There is no direct public confirmation that Micron (MU) currently uses Cohu’s Neon platform for HBM inspection or testing. However, Cohu has announced that it received an initial order for the Neon inspection metrology platform from “a leading U.S. memory and data storage technologies customer” specifically for HBM devices used in high-performance computing and AI applications 1 2 3 5. Given Micron’s status as a top U.S. HBM memory manufacturer, it is highly likely that Micron is the customer referenced, but neither company has explicitly confirmed this relationship in public statements.
In summary, while there is strong circumstantial evidence suggesting Micron may be using Cohu’s Neon platform for HBM inspection, there is no definitive public statement confirming this as of now.
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Why hasn't MU adopted Cohu’s Neon platform for HBM inspection yet |
