January 2007

Karl Lang
Interviewed by Craig Addison, SEMI

To record and preserve the history of the semiconductor equipment and materials industry, SEMI presents oral history archives featuring interviews with industry pioneers. In a continuing series Karl Lang, founder of Thermco Systems, tells his story. 

Read all other interviews.

Karl Lang

 
A Glimpse into the Korean Semiconductor Equipment and Materials Market
by Edwin Hall, Sr. Business Development Manager
Korea has grown significantly as a manufacturer of consumer electronic products resulting in healthy growth in the last few years of the region’s semiconductor equipment and materials. This trend will most likely continue in the years to come.

Industry Forecast Mixed at ISS 2007
Industry analysts forecasted semiconductor equipment revenues to moderate in 2007 compared to robust 2006. Revenue forecasts for the semiconductor device market this year ranged from 7 to 9 percent compared with 10 percent in 2006.

SEMI Embarks on a Global IP Support Program
To address threats and concerns surrounding Intellectual Property (IP), SEMI has undertaken a number of programs to enhance IP value and strengthen IP rights for members worldwide.

SEMI Foundation Announces Ambitious Q1 2007 Schedule for High Tech U Program
With a momentous and action-packed first quarter planned, the SEMI Foundation is getting ready to present High Tech U programs in Japan, France, and Portland, Oregon. Additionally, two High Tech U graduate reunions will be held and the Foundation will release its 2006 Report.

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SEMI Weighs in on Proposed China Licensing Policy
The U.S. government is considering changes to China’s export licensing policy that could significantly affect our industry. SEMI supports the proposed “validated end-user” program and opposes the new controls.

R&D Tax Credit Renewed
Prior to adjournment, Congress extended the R&D tax credit through 2007. Congress also approved retroactive application to its 2005 expiration and an Alternative Simplified Credit starting January 1, 2007.

SEMI Joins Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition
SEMI has joined the Coalition against Counterfeiting and Piracy. This U.S. Chamber of Commerce-led group includes 200+ companies and associations working to promote intellectual property protection.

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Congratulations to Akira Inoue Award Winner—Samsung’s Dr. Chang-Gyu Hwang
Dr. Hwang received the Akira Inoue Award for his exceptional EHS leadership and business performance at the SEMICON^® Japan 30th Anniversary Gala.

FREE Seminar on China-RoHS and REACH
23 January 2007
Veldhoven, The Netherlands
This seminar, hosted by ASML, will provide information and initiate an exchange of best practices on the upcoming implementation of the China-RoHS and REACH legislations. All SEMI Members are invited.

• European Union Council Adopts Final REACH Text
  New EU chemical legislation will come into force on June 1, 2007, placing new obligations not only on chemical manufacturers, but users of chemicals as well. Learn more.

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Flat panel display suppliers from all over the world will present their latest and greatest products. FPD China combines exhibits with industry specific programs that focus on the growing display industry in China.

Europe

20th ISS Europe
February 4–6
Zurich, Switzerland
Join us for this unique 20th edition on the theme of “Mobilizing Europe’s Strengths.” Speakers include the CEO of NXP and Infineon, representatives from Qimonda, ST, AMD, Bosch, Intel, and IBM.

 1^st SEMI Photovoltaic Fab Managers Forum
March 12
Hosted by Q-Cells, Leipzig, Germany
The 1^st SEMI Photovoltaic Fab Managers Forum, an exclusive one-day conference with invited upper management, will be hosted by Q-Cells. This event is differentiating itself through the intimacy of the platform. Registration is limited to 150 participants.

North America

SMC 2007—Expert Insights on Semiconductor Materials
January 10–12
Half Moon Bay, California
Plan now to attend SMC, the only conference that addresses the broad-ranging business opportunities and challenges confronting semiconductor materials suppliers. A discount package is available for attending both SMC and ISS.

SEMI New England Breakfast Forum presents “Alternative Technologies—Emerging Markets”
March 7
N. Billerica, Massachusetts
A panel of experts will discuss alternative market opportunities for equipment and materials suppliers.

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New Standards Watch Newsletter Now Available!

SEMI S1 Update—Five-year Review and Revision in Progress
S1, released in 2001, was a leader in equipment safety labeling, as it created a unified design able to be used anywhere in the world. Follow the committee action and progress as they work to modify the standard in concert with ISO and ANSI changes.

Standards Activities at SEMICON Korea 2007

• Korea FPD Standards Committee Meeting
  The Korea FPD STD Committee is now focusing on standards for LCD BLU (Backlight Unit) and planning to extend to all fields of FPD such as PDP and OLED. The major LCD panel manufacturers and BLU manufacturers are participating in this activity.
• FPD (Flat Panel Display) Workshop: Post LCD Technology
  The workshop will examine the future display technology trends after LCD. Distinguished speakers from industry and academia will discuss e-paper display, OLED, 3D, and flexible display technology.

Attend the North America Standards Spring Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts
March 4–8

Standards Training at North America Spring Meeting Presented by STG

• Equipment Reliability and Productivity Assessment Standards
• Introduction to APC Technology and Standards
• SEMI EDA Technical Review
• SEMI Standards SECS, GEM, and GEM300 Overview

NIST Conducting Adoption and Economic Impact Surveys
Your participation is requested in a survey to determine the impact of measurement and metrology capabilities. This is the first comprehensive analysis of the economic value of the measurement infrastructure supporting the U.S. semiconductor supply chain.

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Market Research & Statistics

FabFutures—January 2007 Edition
Conduct efficient market research, identify target customers and analyze construction easily. FabFutures database focuses on fabs opening next year, includes details about new fab expenditures, capacity, and ramps trends by company.

Flat Panel Fabs—January 2007 Edition
This database provides the latest information on global Flat Panel Display fabs and assembly plants in a user-friendly, compact, yet comprehensive database ideal for your market research needs.

World Fab Watch—January 2007 Edition
This comprehensive database delivers the latest trends on 900-plus fabs worldwide—providing a dynamic range of information and quick-and-easy access of valuable data to empower your market research.

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European SEMI Award 2007
Is there someone whose work you highly value or you have benefited from that would be an ideal candidate for the European SEMI Award of 2007? SEMI is accepting your nominations of worthy candidates through January 10, 2007.

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Vision Summit 2007
February 5–6
Taj Krishna, Hyderabad, India
Vision Summit 2007 is a two-day business conference for the Indian semiconductor and electronics design industry bringing together Indian and global business leaders from industry, venture firms, government and academia. SEMI members receive a 10 percent discount.

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