ACM Research Launches Furnace Tool for Power Device Industry to Address IGBT Process Challenges

Rhea-AI Summary

ACM Research (NASDAQ: ACMR) has introduced new alloy anneal capabilities for its Ultra Fn Furnace, enhancing its product line for IGBT device manufacturing. This advancement addresses the growing demands for smaller, faster, and more efficient IGBT devices crucial for applications like electric vehicles. The IGBT market, valued at USD 5.4 billion in 2019, is projected to reach USD 9.38 billion by 2025 at a CAGR of 9.66%. The Ultra Fn Furnace is designed for batch processing and can handle up to 100 12-inch wafers.

Positive

• Introduction of alloy anneal capabilities enhances product offering.
• Targets growing IGBT market projected to reach USD 9.38 billion by 2025.
• First tool customized for alloy anneal processing delivered to a manufacturer in December.

Negative

• None.

New Ultra Fn Capability Improves Performance of the Alloy Anneal Process Used in IGBT Device Manufacturing

FREMONT, Calif., Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ACM Research, Inc. (ACM) (NASDAQ: ACMR), a leading supplier of wafer processing solutions for semiconductor and advanced wafer-level packaging applications, today introduced alloy anneal capabilities for its Ultra Fn Furnace tool to extend its furnace product line to power device manufacturers. The new capabilities are critical to meet the ever-increasing production requirements of insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) devices as transistors get thinner, smaller and faster.

According to industry research firm Mordor Intelligence, “The IGBT market was valued at USD 5.4 billion in 2019, and it is expected to reach USD 9.38 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 9.66%, during the forecast period (2020-2025). The broad application range of IGBTs lured several new companies to venture into the market. IGBT activates/modifies electrical energy in several modern appliances, such as cookers, microwaves, electric cars, trains, variable-frequency drives (VFDs), variable speed refrigerators, air conditioners, lamp ballasts, municipal power transmission systems, and stereo systems, which are well-equipped with switching amplifiers.”¹

In addition to rapid end-market growth, manufacturing requirements for IGBT are also increasing as chip technology becomes more advanced. Today’s IGBT applications, particularly EVs, require faster switching capabilities, increased power efficiency, and higher power density.

“Today’s IGBT devices must be smaller, faster and thinner than ever,” said David Wang, CEO of ACM Research. “ACM entered this product category earlier this year with our Thin Wafer Backside Cleaning System. We have built on our experience and understanding of power device manufacturing to add alloy anneal capabilities to the Ultra Fn. This extends our furnace product offering from foundry customers to now include power device customers.”

The Ultra Fn Furnace tool with alloy anneal capabilities is customized to perform anneal processes under protective inert gas, reductive gas conditions or high vacuum conditions down to the micro-Torr level. With the special design in the wafer handling system, process tube and boat, it also can be applied for thin wafers or taiko wafers. The system is intended for batch processing of up to 100 12-inch (300mm) wafers. The applications of the Ultra Fn system also can be extended into the low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) process for SIN, HTO, un-doped poly and doped poly deposition, gate oxide deposition process, ultra-high temperature processes up to 1200°C, and atomic layer deposition (ALD).

ACM delivered its first tool customized for alloy anneal processing early this December to a power device manufacturer in China. Contact ACM to learn how the Ultra Fn Furnace tool can be customized to your specifications.

About ACM Research, Inc.
ACM develops, manufactures and sells semiconductor process equipment for single-wafer or batch wet cleaning, electroplating, stress-free polishing and thermal processes that are critical to advanced semiconductor device manufacturing as well as wafer-level packaging. The company is committed to delivering customized, high-performance, cost-effective process solutions that semiconductor manufacturers can use in numerous manufacturing steps to improve productivity and product yield.

The ACM Research logo is a trademark of ACM Research, Inc. For convenience, this trademark appears in this press release without a ™ symbol, but that practice does not mean that ACM will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, its rights to the trademark.

1. https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/insulated-gate-bipolar-transistor-igbt-market

Media Contact: Eric Lawson Kiterocket +1 480.276.9572 elawson@kiterocket.com	Company Contacts: U.S. Robert Metter ACM Research, Inc.  +1-503-367-9753
	Europe Sally-Ann Henry ACM Research, Inc. +43 660 7769721
	China Xi Wang ACM Research (Shanghai), Inc. +86 21 50808868
	Korea YY Kim ACM Research (Korea), Inc. +821041415171
	Subsidiary Contacts Singapore Adrian Ong +65 8813-1107
	Taiwan David Chang +866 921-999-884

FAQ

What new capability has ACMR introduced for the Ultra Fn Furnace?

ACMR has introduced alloy anneal capabilities, improving its product line for IGBT device manufacturing.

How large is the IGBT market projected to grow?

The IGBT market is projected to grow from USD 5.4 billion in 2019 to USD 9.38 billion by 2025.

When was the first alloy anneal processing tool delivered by ACMR?

The first tool customized for alloy anneal processing was delivered in December 2020.