Mark LaPedus

  (all posts)
Mark LaPedus is Executive Editor for manufacturing at Semiconductor Engineering.

Author's Latest Posts

Lam To Acquire KLA-Tencor
By Mark LaPedus - 21 Oct, 2015 - Comments: 1

In a major and surprising move in the fab tool business, Lam Research has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire KLA-Tencor for about $10.6 billion in cash and stock. Lam’s proposed move to acquire KLA-Tencor would create a powerhouse in the fab tool industry. The combined company will have approximately $8.7 billion in annual revenue, propelling it to become the world’s second l... » read more

What China Is Planning
By Mark LaPedus - 21 Oct, 2015 - Comments: 1

Over the years, China has unveiled several initiatives to advance its domestic semiconductor industry. China has made some progress at each turn, although every plan has fallen short of expectations. But now, the nation is embarking on several new and bold initiatives that could alter the IC landscape. China’s new initiatives address at least three key challenges for its IC industry: 1. C... » read more

Manufacturing Bits: Oct. 20
By Mark LaPedus - 20 Oct, 2015 - Comments: 0

Singapore opens R&D center The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) has officially opened its new R&D center in Singapore. The center, dubbed Fusionopolis Two, is a $450 million facility, according to Singapore’s A*STAR. It will provide the industry with co-location opportunities for R&D. Anchored at Fusionopolis Two are the following A*STAR research institutes: th... » read more

The Week In Review: Manufacturing
By Mark LaPedus - 16 Oct, 2015 - Comments: 0

Looking to propel the next wave of OLED displays, Applied Materials has rolled out two new systems. The tools enable the volume production of OLED displays for both mobile products and TVs. In addition, Applied Materials has shipped an Applied TopMet roll-to-roll metal deposition system to Jindal Poly Films, a leader in PET and BOPP films for flexible packaging and labeling applications. In... » read more

Manufacturing Bits: Oct. 13
By Mark LaPedus - 13 Oct, 2015 - Comments: 0

Exploring plasmas with lasers The Department of Energy’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory has upgraded its high-power laser system to 200 terawatts of power, roughly 100 times the world’s total power consumption compressed into tens of femtoseconds. The peak power before the upgrade was 30 terawatts. The upgraded laser will be coupled with SLAC's X-ray laser, dubbed the Linac Cohere... » read more

Making Flexible OLED Displays
By Mark LaPedus - 12 Oct, 2015 - Comments: 0

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are supposedly the next big thing in display technology. In fact, over the years, several display makers have spent billions of dollars to build new and large OLED fabs. To be sure, OLEDs enable brighter displays, as compared to traditional LCD technology. OLEDs use a series of thin, light-emitting films, which enables the display to produce brighter li... » read more

The Week In Review: Manufacturing
By Mark LaPedus - 09 Oct, 2015 - Comments: 0

Is the sky falling in the IC equipment market? Not yet, but watch out below. Semi capital spending is expected to reach $60.37 billion in 2015, down 1% from 2014, according to Pacific Crest Securities. “Although we trimmed 2016 capex three weeks ago, we are trimming some more. We now see semiconductor capex down 4% in 2016. However, we do not see capex falling off a cliff in 2016 (i.e., down ... » read more

Manufacturing Bits: Oct. 6
By Mark LaPedus - 06 Oct, 2015 - Comments: 0

Magnetic mass spectrometers The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (National MagLab) has developed a mass spectrometer, based on what the organization claims is the world’s highest field superconducting magnet. The instrument from National MagLab is called a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometer. The mass spectrometer boasts a 21 tesla magnet, which is ... » read more

Gaps Remain For EUV Masks
By Mark LaPedus - 02 Oct, 2015 - Comments: 4

Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography is once again at a critical juncture. The oft-delayed technology is now being targeted for 7nm. But there are still a number of technologies that must come together before EUV is inserted into mass production at that node. First, the EUV source must generate more power. Second, tool uptime must improve. Third, the industry needs better EUV resists. A... » read more

The Week In Review: Manufacturing
By Mark LaPedus - 02 Oct, 2015 - Comments: 0

Upgraded components in the new iPhone 6S Plus from Apple cost $16 more than the components in the earlier iPhone 6 Plus, according to IHS, which also provided a breakdown of the phone. Both Samsung and TSMC are making Apple’s A9 applications processor on a foundry basis, according to ExtremeTech, which cites Chipworks as its source. There are reports that the Chinese government is interes... » read more

← Older posts Newer posts →

  • Sponsors

About

Navigation

Connect With Us

Copyright ©2013-2025 SMG   |  Terms of Service  |  Privacy Policy