Science & Technology
Science and Technology
Science and Technology
Mon, January 12, 2009
Rudolph Introduces Solar Fab Management Software for Photovoltaic Production
FLANDERS, N.J.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--[ Rudolph Technologies, Inc. ] (NASDAQ: RTEC), a worldwide leader in process characterization solutions for the semiconductor manufacturing industry, introduces [ Discover Solar ][ ™ ]—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 ][ ™ ] 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 ].
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"). In some cases, you can identify those so-called "forward-looking statements" by words such as "may," "will," "would," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "feels," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," or "continue," or the negative of those words and other comparable words. Rudolph wishes to take advantage of the "safe harbor" provided for by the Act and cautions that actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of various factors, including risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Rudolph's control. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements, include, but are not limited to, the impact of the slowdown in the overall economy, the uncertainty of the current global political environment, the potential for terrorist attacks, the potential for business disruptions due to infectious diseases, changes in customer demands for our existing and new products, the timing, cancellation or delay of customer orders and shipments, the timing of revenue recognition of shipments, new product offerings from our competitors, changes in or an inability to execute Rudolph's business strategy, unanticipated manufacturing or supply problems and changes in tax rules. Rudolph cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. The matters discussed in this press release also involve risks and uncertainties as summarized in Rudolph's Form 10-K report for the year ended December 31, 2007 and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), which are available at [ http://www.sec.gov ], the SEC's website, and at [ http://www.rudolphtech.com ], the Rudolph website. While these factors may be updated from time to time through the filing of reports and registration statements with the SEC, Rudolph does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this press release.
