Magnetic Metrology System is based on MRW200 platform.

Press Release Summary:



Designed for hard disk drive (HDD) and semiconductor memory markets, MRW3(TM) magnetic metrology system delivers magnetic field repeatability of <0.1 oersted. It measures magnetic properties of HDD recording heads and MRAM on product wafers for production control and early detection of detrimental process issues. Other features include GEM/SECS factory automation, 1,000 hr MTBF, and 200 and 300 mm configurations.



Original Press Release:



KLA-Tencor's Newest Magnetic Metrology System Accelerates Development of Next-Generation Data Storage Devices



SAN JOSE, Calif., May 11 / / -- KLA-Tencor (NASDAQ:KLAC) today unveiled the MRW3(TM), its third-generation magnetic metrology system for the hard disk drive (HDD) and semiconductor memory markets. Based on the market-leading MRW200 platform, the MRW3 measures the magnetic properties of HDD recording heads and magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) on product wafers for production control and early detection of process issues that could adversely impact yield. Leveraging a proprietary closed-loop magnet system, the MRW3 delivers best-in-class magnetic field repeatability of less than 0.1 oersted without sacrificing its performance advantage of sub-one second per resistance/magnetic-field transfer curve. In addition, the MRW3 introduces features such as GEM/SECS factory automation, high reliability (1,000 hours MTBF) and both 200-mm and 300-mm configurations making it the first "fab-ready" quasi-static test system on the market today. The MRW3 system has completed an extensive beta evaluation at one of the world's leading semiconductor manufacturing companies.

Advanced HDD recording heads, as well as MRAM, a leading candidate for next-generation non-volatile solid state memory, use magnetic tunnel junctions for their core technology. The MRW3 system incorporates specific features to accelerate the development of this important new technology, including constant-voltage electronics and bit toggle tests. According to Janusz Nowak, a leading researcher in the field of magnetic tunnel junctions, "The KLA-Tencor MRW3 provides essential measurement capability that accelerates the development and production of devices using magnetic tunnel junctions."

"The demand for data storage has accelerated recently due in large part to the consumer electronics segment," stated Jeff Donnelly, vice president and general manager of KLA-Tencor's Growth and Emerging Markets Division. "In order to meet this demand, our data storage and semiconductor customers have invested in advanced magnetic device development. The MRW3 is designed to help our customers accelerate their development and bridge the transition to high-volume production."

KLA-Tencor is currently accepting orders for the MRW3. Shipping will begin this month.

About KLA-Tencor: KLA-Tencor is the world leader in yield management and process control solutions for semiconductor manufacturing and related industries. Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., the company has sales and service offices around the world. An S&P 500 company, KLA-Tencor is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol KLAC. Additional information about the company is available on the Internet at http://www.kla-tencor.com/.

NOTE: MRW3 is a trademark of KLA-Tencor.

Source: KLA-Tencor

CONTACT:
Lisa Garcia, Marketing Communications Manager of KLA-Tencor,
+1-408-875-6033, or
lisa.garcia@kla-tencor.com;

Web site: http://www.kla-tencor.com/

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