GW Associates Announces Sale of 300mm Connectivity Software To Axcelis Technologies
SUNNYVALE, Calif., June 13 /PRNewswire/ -- GW Associates announced that Axcelis Technologies (Nasdaq: ACLS - news) has selected GWconX300 connectivity software for its 300mm Ion Implantation and RTP product lines. GWconX300 provides Axcelis' product lines with the required 300mm automated material handling systems- (AMHS-) ready interface fully compliant to the SEMI 300mm standards.
Unlike 200mm equipment, 300mm tools are required to interface directly to the AMHS for the handling of heavy and expensive 300mm wafer carriers. This is a mission-critical element, as 300mm fabs worldwide require full automation with a standards-compliant equipment interface to operate cost effectively. GWconX300 is the software package to implement these 300mm equipment connectivity standards on all types of processing equipment.
``Advanced automation and robust process control are critical to leading-edge manufacturing, and are increasingly important as we approach the 300mm era,'' said David Duff, Director of Marketing, Ion Implantation and RTP, of Axcelis. ``GW's ability to implement and validate full compliance with our customers' 300 mm automation needs results in faster ramp up to volume production, and ultimately higher levels of customer satisfaction.''
``The fact that leading equipment suppliers are coming to us for connectivity software shows the maturation of the 300mm wave,'' said Jack Ghiselli, president of GW Associates. ``The risk of a tool being refused because it does not interface flawlessly with the AMHS is too costly in 300mm. Our ability to provide complete automation standards compliance takes another weight off suppliers in meeting the strict needs for transition to 300mm volume production.''
Ghiselli added, ``For many years we have worked closely with Axcelis to provide them 200mm SECS/GEM software. Now, they join the growing number of equipment manufacturers who have incorporated GWconX300 software. Recently, metrology specialist Therma-Wave announced its successful completion of the first interface project with GWconX300, which took less than seven weeks.''
Last month, GW introduced GWconX300 phase III with all the features that 300mm factories want -- including E90 substrate tracking, E40 control job and E94 process job. These features further reduce equipment idle time so that fab productivity and throughput can be improved and allow advanced process control to achieve greater productivity.
About GW Associates Inc.
Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., GW Associates Inc. was acquired by Asyst Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: ASYT - news) on May 22, 2001. GW Associates is the semiconductor industry's leader in enabling factory integration products that comply with Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) Semiconductor Equipment Communications Standards (SECS) and the SEMI Generic Equipment Model Standard (GEM), as well as the new 300 mm standards. The company also provides computer software and services for factory automation a variety of electronics manufacturing environments. GW Associates is located at 1183 Bordeaux Drive, Suite 27, Sunnyvale, Calif., 94089. Visit GW Associates on the World Wide Web at gwa.com .
About Asyst Technologies, Inc.
Asyst Technologies, Inc. is the leading provider of isolation and automation technologies that enable semiconductor makers to protect their valued assets throughout the manufacturing process while increasing manufacturing productivity. Through this ``Value-Assured Fab'' strategy, Asyst offers a broad range of 200mm and 300mm solutions that enable the safe transfer of wafers and information between the process equipment and the fab line throughout the IC fabrication process, preventing human, environmental, mechanical and chemical harm. Encompassing robotics, portals, wafer and reticle carriers, connectivity and interface products, and transport and loading products, Asyst's modular, interoperable solutions allow chipmakers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to select and employ the value-assured, hands-off manufacturing capabilities that best suit their needs. Asyst's homepage is asyst.com .
About Axcelis Technologies, Inc.
Axcelis Technologies, Inc., headquartered in Beverly, Mass., provides innovative, high-productivity manufacturing solutions for the semiconductor industry. Axcelis is dedicated to the design and manufacture of high current, medium current and high energy ion implantation equipment; rapid thermal processing systems; and photo stabilization and photoresist stripping equipment. Axcelis Technologies has manufacturing facilities in Beverly and Rockville, Md., as well as in Toyo, Japan through its joint venture Sumitomo Eaton Nova. The Company's Internet address is axcelis.com .
SOURCE: GW Associates |
