Epitaxial deposition and process equipment maker Veeco Instruments Inc of Plainview, NY, USA has received multiple orders from a leading foundry in Asia for its Precision Surface Processing (PSP) WaferStorm system (a platform that provides wafer processing solutions for advanced packaging applications).
Veeco's flux cleaning technology will process wafers for fan-out wafer-level packaging (FO-WLP) production. Fluxing is critical to both wafer bumping and joint formation processes because it removes oxide layers and other impurities to ensure a clean metallic interface for the next assembly step. As bump pitches become finer, removing flux residues has become more challenging, says Veeco. The firm adds that its proprietary technology is well suited for removal of flux residues from even the tightest spacing.
In its latest report, market anaysis firm TechSearch International projects that FO-WLP unit volume will grow at a compound rate of 87% over the next five years. According to TechSearch, FO-WLP is an attractive solution that allows companies to continue taking advantage of the powerful economics of die shrink, while also meeting the small-form-factor, low-profile package requirements of mobile devices.
"As the complexity of the packaging process increases, our differentiated technology enables customers to more tightly control the flux removal process resulting in higher yields," says Herman Itzkowitz, senior VP & general manager of Veeco Precision Surface Processing (PSP), formerly Solid State Equipment Corp (SSEC), acquired in December 2014. "As part of Veeco's global reach, we've been successful in penetrating new customers in Asia for advanced packaging applications," he adds. "In addition to securing business with a leading Asian foundry this quarter, we've also received initial system orders from an Asian OSAT [outsourced semiconductor assembly & test] customer and believe that our process flexibility and expertise will enable us to expand the business in 2016."
Since its acquisition, the PSP business continues to promote single-wafer wet etch, clean and surface preparation equipment. Veeco's product portfolio addresses a broad range of advanced packaging applications. The WaferStorm platform offers flexible solutions for thick-film removal, flux clean and through-silicon via (TSV) clean. The WaferEtch system enables selective etching required for TSV reveal, under-bump metallization and redistribution layer processes. Veeco says that its global footprint and customer connectivity, notably in Asia, are helping to capitalize on PSP's growing technology and business.
