Is it possible that production problems with the new tool are the cause of the CYMI order slippage?
Is it possible that the "ducks" will eventually be required to license and build the "swan's" step and scan system for, say, $1M a throw?
As with any new generation of process tool, there are bound to be problems that need to be ironed out. Without step and scan, you are at a throughput disadvantage so your assumption about going to new tool configuration is very valid. Bottom line, I now strongly beleive that their is excessive amountas of CYMI components in the pipeline and in inventory. I also believe the DUV systems are falling behind on the implementation curve and the # of units expected to be sold over the next year to 18 months need to be revised downward by both the equipment suppliers and end users.
This whole thing with licensing step and scan has given me a major league headache. One of these days, I will take the time to scan in the patent which I believe ISI holds for step and scan. Maybe as a group we can determine how SVGI is not violating that patent. But whatever the case, Nikon and Canon may be in direct violation like the situation years ago on the projection aligners that seemed to violate the PE scanner patent. All in all, it should be interesting in light of today's article related to the TI lawsuit appeal in Japan relative to the Kilby patent that Japanese companies are infringing on. Apprarently, Japan does not believe they have down anything wrong. To me, it seems cut and dry.
Finally, I did not mean to make you part of the "gruesome group" but members of this thread and a few others seem to have promoted the Micrascan more heavily in discussions than was being done in industry circles. I know I was spending way more time on SVGI steppers on this thread than I was devoting to it as a Photo Engineer looking for the best enabling set of equipment<G>. As a matter of fact, I do not have the Micrascan as one of my top 3 picks for a DUV stepper, when the time comes to buy one. (by the way things are going for me, I do not think I will ever get the chance since I will be leaving the manufacturing environment for greener pastures by year end).
Andrew |
