White Paper: Profitability Innovation in Legacy Fabs
Strategies for Equipment Life Extension and Next-Gen Efficiency
Executive Summary
As the global semiconductor market bifurcates into leading-edge and legacy segments, efficient operation of existing equipment and transition to next-gen power semiconductors (SiC/GaN) have become core survival strategies. This white paper analyzes FabOptima's technical solutions and the resulting ROI innovation.
1. Global Market Environment Analysis
With major OEMs focusing exclusively on sub-5nm processes, a maintenance gap has emerged for legacy equipment (200mm/300mm Mature nodes) that still accounts for 60% of global wafer production.
Market Gap
Supply Chain Bottlenecks: Increased risks of downtime and rising used equipment costs due to EOL (End of Life) parts.
Strategic Value
Strategic Value: Expansion of essential mature node chip demand for EVs, power control, and industrial sensors.
2. FabOptima Process Optimization Technology
"We go beyond simple maintenance, combining 'Physics-based Digital Twins' with 'Custom Hardware Engineering'."
- CVD/Etch Gas Flow Control: Proprietary showerhead designs improving chamber non-uniformity by 15%.
- IR Sensor-based Precision Mapping: Preventing catastrophic crashes by detecting wafer protrusions in cassettes beforehand.
3. Transition to Next-Gen Power Semiconductors (SiC/GaN)
Providing bridge solutions to upgrade Silicon-based equipment for SiC processes.
Thermal Bowing Correction: Hardware kits to control wafer warping during high-temperature SiC growth.
Particle Trace Control: Byproduct management technology specific to high-temperature SiC processing.
4. Quantitative ROI Expectations
Uptime
Uptime Enhancement: 8% increase in annual availability through proprietary parts replacement and predictive maintenance.
Yield Gain
Yield Improvement: 1.5% - 3.2% gain in key process yields via deviation optimization.
CAPEX Saving
Cost Efficiency: 70% reduction in CAPEX compared to new equipment acquisition.
Conclusion: The Future of Legacy Fabs with FabOptima
Through proven engineering capabilities and flexible business models, our clients' legacy fabs will be reborn from simple assets into powerful cash-generating engines.