Software optimizes solar cell production.
Press Release Summary:
Helping photovoltaic (PV) manufacturers increase cell efficiency, Discover Solar(TM) incorporates database structure and analysis engine optimized for unique requirements of high-volume production. Engineers can monitor health of complete production line, identifying tool and sub-component problems as well as incoming material issues. Fab management software tool offers statistical process control with automated reporting to make sure critical information reaches proper people.
Original Press Release:
Rudolph Introduces Solar Fab Management Software for Photovoltaic Production
First software tool designed specifically to help solar cell manufacturers improve energy conversion efficiency and process yield
FLANDERS, NEW JERSEY (January 12, 2009)-Rudolph Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: RTEC), a worldwide leader in process characterization solutions for the semiconductor manufacturing industry, introduces Discover Solar(TM)-the first fab management software tool designed specifically to help photovoltaic (PV) manufacturers increase cell efficiency and reduce costs.
"At Rudolph, we recognize that increased competitiveness and demand in the solar industry requires PV manufacturers to focus on cell efficiency to maximize margins," said Paul McLaughlin, chairman and chief executive officer. "Our new fab management software, Discover Solar, was designed to help PV manufacturers accomplish this, while at the same time, produce cost reductions that will further help the industry reach 'grid parity'. While it builds on our extensive experience and leadership in integrated circuit manufacturing, Discover Solar was specifically designed to accommodate the critically important differences in the PV fabrication process."
Mike Plisinski, vice president and general manager of the company's Data Analysis and Review Business Unit adds, "Based on our success with Discover(TM) analysis and data management software for the semiconductor industry, Discover Solar incorporates a completely re-engineered database structure and analysis engine optimized for the unique requirements of high-volume photovoltaic production. It provides comprehensive analysis of process performance information, allowing manufacturers to discover and act upon opportunities to improve the energy conversion efficiency of their products. Using Discover Solar, PV process engineers can monitor the health of a complete production line and quickly identify tool and sub-component problems as well as incoming material issues that could impact the line. If even possible, this kind of analysis would take hours to perform without Discover Solar."
Discover Solar accepts all available data from each step in the solar manufacturing process. Statistical process control with automated reporting gets critical information to the right people fast. Discover Solar is available now for purchase. For more information on photovoltaic yield management, go to www.rudolphtech.com.
Rudolph Technologies is a worldwide leader in the design, development, manufacture and support of high-performance process control metrology, defect inspection and data analysis systems used by semiconductor device manufacturers. Rudolph provides a full-fab solution through its families of proprietary products that provide critical yield-enhancing information, enabling microelectronic device manufacturers to drive down costs and time to market. The company has enhanced the competitiveness of its products in the marketplace by anticipating and addressing many emerging trends driving the semiconductor industry's growth. Rudolph's strategy for continued technological and market leadership includes aggressive research and development of complementary metrology and inspection solutions. Headquartered in Flanders, New Jersey, Rudolph supports its customers with a worldwide sales and service organization. Additional information can be found on the company's web site at www.rudolphtech.com.
