Jusung Engineering reported a robust financial recovery in the second quarter of 2024, with sales soaring by 207% to 97.3 billion won ($72.0 million) compared to the same period last year, and an operating profit margin of 37%. This turnaround follows a challenging first quarter and is driven by increased orders and deliveries of semiconductor equipment, including a significant contract with SK Hynix for DRAM manufacturing in China. The company's expertise in Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) technology and its expansion into OLED and solar power sectors position it well for continued growth as the semiconductor market rebounds.
Sunday, August 11, 2024
Monday, June 10, 2024
NCD Co., Ltd. has supplied ALD equipment for manufacturing perovskite solar cells to Korea Electric Power Corporation
About NCD Co., Ltd:
NCD Co., Ltd. is a rapidly growing Korean company specializing in the development and manufacturing of ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) and CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) equipment. Founded in 2010 and based in Daejeon, NCD focuses on providing advanced equipment, process development, coating services, and consulting for industries such as solar cells and OLED displays. Their innovative solutions aim to enhance efficiency and productivity in high-volume manufacturing.
For more information, visit their official website: NCD Tech.
Saturday, June 8, 2024
Jusung Engineering to Spin Off Semiconductor Business, Aiming for Market Revaluation and Strategic Growth
Jusung Engineering, a a first in Korea’s chipmaking equipment industry, has announced a significant restructuring aimed at enhancing its market valuation and navigating geopolitical risks. The company will spin off its highly successful semiconductor division into a new entity, marking a strategic move to unlock greater value for its shareholders and position itself for future growth.
Chairman Hwang Chul-ju highlighted the undervaluation of Jusung despite its proprietary technologies and leading market position. By creating a new entity for its semiconductor business, Jusung aims to elevate its market cap, which currently lags behind international competitors. The new semiconductor entity, tentatively named Jusung Engineering, will operate independently, allowing it to focus solely on expanding its technological capabilities and market presence.
The spin-off comes as Jusung's semiconductor division continues to excel with its advanced film deposition technologies, including selective semi-spheric silicon deposition and atomic layer deposition (ALD). These technologies are pivotal in the production of DRAM memory, NAND flash, and logic chips. As the demand for more integrated and smaller semiconductor devices grows, Jusung's ALD equipment is set to become increasingly crucial. Additionally, Jusung’s poly etchers, applicable across various semiconductor products, will play a significant role in diversifying the company’s offerings.
Despite achieving annual sales of 200 billion won ($146 million) and holding a market cap of 1.6 trillion won, Jusung's valuation remains significantly lower than its global peers. For instance, Dutch competitor ASM boasts a market cap of 47.3 trillion won. The spin-off is expected to narrow this gap, potentially achieving comparable sales records within five years.
The decision also aims to mitigate risks from the ongoing US-China rivalry. By separating the semiconductor business, Jusung can better shield its other divisions, including display and solar panel equipment, from potential geopolitical fallout. This strategic insulation ensures that the company’s diverse operations remain resilient in the face of international tensions.
There is speculation about Hwang Eun-seok, the chairman’s son, taking the helm of the new semiconductor entity. With a doctorate in material science and experience at Samsung Semiconductors, Eun-seok is well-prepared for leadership, though Chairman Hwang emphasizes that any succession will be merit-based.
Jusung Engineering's spin-off of its semiconductor business represents a bold move to enhance its market valuation and strategically position itself for sustained growth. By creating a focused, independent entity, Jusung aims to capitalize on its technological strengths and navigate the complexities of the global semiconductor market more effectively. This restructuring is set to unlock new opportunities and reinforce Jusung's standing as a key player in the tech industry.
Sources: Jusung, Undervalued no more: Jusung Engineering to spin off chip business (naver.com)
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Samsung Sets New Industry Standard with 290-Layer V9 NAND employing mutli stack etch - Plans for 430-Layer Chips
Samsung Electronics has initiated mass production of its 9th-generation 1Tb TLC vertical NAND (V-NAND), marking a significant advancement in memory technology. This new generation features the smallest cell size yet, improving bit density by approximately 50% over the previous generation. Innovations like cell interference avoidance and life extension techniques have been introduced to enhance reliability and product quality. By eliminating dummy channel holes, Samsung has also effectively reduced the memory cells' planar area, further emphasizing their commitment to leading the high-density, high-performance solid-state drive (SSD) market, particularly for AI applications.
One standout feature of the 9th-generation V-NAND is Samsung's advanced "channel hole etching" technology. This process involves stacking mold layers and simultaneously drilling through them, allowing for the creation of electron pathways through the industry's highest cell layer count in a double-stack structure. As the number of layers increases, so does the complexity of the etching process, necessitating more sophisticated techniques to efficiently pierce through these higher numbers. This technology not only showcases Samsung's process capabilities but also maximizes fabrication productivity, cementing its position as a leader in the SSD market.
According to Golem, Samsung's latest QLC-V9 memory chip outpaces its competitors in the NAND flash market with a groundbreaking 280-layer configuration that enhances SSD capacity, cost-efficiency, and speed. With a storage density of 28.5 GBit/mm², Samsung surpasses major rivals like YMTC and Micron, who report densities of 20.63 and 19.5 GBit/mm² respectively, and even outperforms Intel's upcoming 192-layer PLC-NAND. This technical superiority not only sets a new benchmark for memory chip performance but also enables Samsung to potentially introduce the first 8 TB single-sided M.2 SSDs, a significant advancement over current double-sided designs. The increase in interface speed to 3.2 GBit/s from the previous 2.4 GBit/s promises enhanced read speeds close to those of high-end SSDs, although improvements in write speed are yet to be detailed.
Market share, Q4 2023 (TrendForce)
Samsung Electronics is set to escalate its lead in the NAND flash memory market by starting mass production of its 290-layer ninth-generation (V9) vertical NAND chips, which promise enhanced performance for enterprise servers and AI and cloud devices. Building on its dominance since 2002, Samsung is also planning to introduce even more advanced 430-layer NAND chips next year to meet the growing demand for high-performance and large storage solutions in the AI era. This move is part of a broader competitive landscape where major chipmakers like SK Hynix and YMTC are also pushing forward with high-density NAND products, with SK Hynix planning to start producing 321-layer NAND chips early next year and YMTC set to unveil 300-layer chips later this year. Samsung's aggressive investment in NAND technology aims to develop chips with over 1,000 layers by 2030, highlighting the intensifying race among global chipmakers to innovate in chip stacking technology to cut costs and improve performance.
Sources:
Rekord bei Speicherdichte: Samsungs QLC-V9-Speicherchip schlägt alle Konkurrenten - Golem.de
Samsung to produce 290-layer V9 NAND to win chip stacking war - KED Global
Friday, December 29, 2023
Samsung Electronics faces challenges in securing tax breaks from the U.S. government for its new chip plant in Taylor, Texas
South Korea's Semiconductor Surge Signals Global Tech Revival
South Korea's semiconductor industry is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, marking a turning point in the global tech sector. In November, chip production leaped by 42%, the highest since 2017, while shipments skyrocketed by 80%, the largest increase since 2002. This upturn is a beacon of hope for giants like Samsung Electronics Co. and SK Hynix Inc. The revival extends beyond national borders, suggesting a broader recovery in global tech demand. Amidst challenges, this surge propels South Korea's industrial output and signals a brighter economic forecast for 2023, with emerging technologies fueling further growth.
Source: South Korea Chip Output Jumps in Sign of Returning Global Demand - Bloomberg
Monday, November 27, 2023
Congratulations to Jusung Engineering on 30 Years of Pioneering Innovation and Market Leadership in ALD, Semiconductor, Display, and Solar Technologies!
Jusung Engineering, celebrating its 30th anniversary, is a leader in semiconductors, displays, and solar equipment. Founded in 1993, the company has seen considerable growth through innovation, achieving record sales and operating profits last year. It specializes in semiconductor equipment for memory and non-memory sectors, leveraging advanced ALD technology. In displays, Jusung is diversifying equipment for various panel sizes, while in solar, it's innovating with high-efficiency solar cells. The company is investing in future growth, with new R&D and manufacturing facilities, focusing on technological independence. It holds over 3,000 patents, with 65% of its workforce in R&D, investing 15-20% of sales in technology development. The CEO attributes their success to relentless innovation and a unique path, with plans to maintain leadership in future technologies and expand into global markets. Despite recent challenges, Jusung remains optimistic, prioritizing innovation and market creation.
The Jusung Engineering headquarters in Gwangju, Korea 출처 : Businesskorea (https://www.businesskorea.co.kr)
Fullarticle and interview:
Friday, June 2, 2023
ASM breaks ground on new state-of-the-art innovation and manufacturing center in Hwaseong, Korea
ASM International N.V. is embarking on the construction of a state-of-the-art innovation and manufacturing center in Hwaseong, South Korea. With a groundbreaking ceremony to be held soon, the expansion project is part of ASM's US$100 million investment plan and follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of South Korea. The investment aims to bolster ASM's research and product development infrastructure and increase manufacturing capacity to meet the growing demand for semiconductors. The company also intends to create job opportunities in engineering, R&D, and manufacturing, contributing to workforce development in Korea.
The ceremony will be attended by ASM's CEO, Benjamin Loh, and other dignitaries, including political figures and business partners. Loh expressed his enthusiasm for the expansion in Hwaseong, highlighting the potential and dedication of the Korean people. The investment signifies ASM's commitment to Korea and its ambition to grow the business while enabling the development of advanced technologies in the semiconductor industry. Hwaseong has played a vital role in ASM's growth, serving as a hub for advanced R&D and technology for both local and global customers.
The existing Hwaseong facility, which currently employs over 450 people, will be expanded to accommodate more employees as the company continues to grow. The new extension will add 31,000 m2 across eight floors, more than doubling the facility's R&D area and nearly tripling its manufacturing area. YK Kim, Chairman of ASM Korea, emphasized that the expansion is an investment in people and the semiconductor ecosystem in Korea, aiming to support the country's semiconductor industry growth in collaboration with the government, customers, and suppliers.
ASM's commitment to Hwaseong demonstrates its dedication to the Korean market and its goal of facilitating domestic semiconductor innovation while meeting global customer demands. The company's local R&D team has been instrumental in developing groundbreaking technologies in the industry, such as ALD QCM quad chamber modules, TENZA™ ALD for high aspect ratio gap-fill, and high-quality PEALD silicon and metal oxides and nitrides for various applications.
Release of TENZA(TM): BALD Engineering - Born in Finland, Born to ALD: ASM International launches TENZA ALD Quad Chambers for silicon oxide gap-fill and liners on the XP8 platform
ASM Korea MOU: BALD Engineering - Born in Finland, Born to ALD: Dutch ALD euipment leader ASM to invest $100 mil. in Korea for facility expansion
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Dutch ALD euipment leader ASM to invest $100 mil. in Korea for facility expansion
Monday, October 10, 2022
NCD’s ALD technology and equipment for oxidation barrier of copper-based substrates
Copper is a metal used widely as the main material of Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and Lead Frame. But it is required to protect the oxidation because copper is easily oxidized in the condition of humidity, temperature, and pH, etc.
Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold (ENIG), Organic
Solderability Preservative (OSP), Immersion Sn or Ag (ImSn or ImAg) is
generally used to prevent oxidation of opened copper area after Solder Masking
in PCBs. The lead Frame is protected from oxidizing by plating Au, Ag, Pd, and Ni
after Lead Frame forming.
Recently, many groups have studied about preventing
oxidation on the surface of copper by various corrosion protection layers of
ALD metal oxides. Especially, Appling Al2O3 layer to the oxidation barrier is
actively being researched.
< Surface images and TEM & EDS of Cu plates coated by ALD thin films after annealing test >
After depositing Al2O3 layers on Cu-plated plates with various film thicknesses and process temperatures, the oxidation and corrosion behavior of the coated copper was examined with different annealing times in the oven. There was no oxidation before annealing, but after annealing for 1hr, as the sample’s thickness lowered and process temperature decreased, the oxidation happened and increased gradually. There was no oxidation on the plates coated with 50~60 ALD cycles and at process temperatures of 70~100℃ after annealing for 5hr, and oxidation didn’t occur only in the case of 60 cycles and 100℃ after annealing for 24hr.
To analyze the change of the structure and confirm the oxidation
behavior, TEM and EDS were measured on 5 and 10nm Al2O3 coated Cu plates at 100℃.
The results showed that a thick Cu oxide layer was built by combining Cu coming
out through the 5nm Al2O3 layer and outer oxygen after annealing.
On the other side, in the case of depositing 10nm Al2O3 film,
the ALD layer was maintained after annealing, so Cu oxide layer wasn’t built on the
surface. Therefore it confirmed that 10nm ALD Al2O3 layer showed an excellent
corrosion barrier.
< ALD equipment for Lead Frame and PCB >
Copper-based PCBs and Lead Frames for semiconductors may have great properties to prevent humidity and oxygen by ALD-coated corrosion barriers.
NCD has high volume and large area ALD equipment and
technology for this kind of application. ALD tools for Lead Frames could be
used by adding a dedicated transfer module on the base of Lucida GSH Series. And
NCD has been developing new ALD equipment, Lucida GP Series, for large and
flexible PCB substrates. NCD would extend the new ALD application area continuously
through constant R&D.
Source:
http://www.ncdtech.co.kr/2018/bbs/board.php?bo_table=eng_board_05&wr_id=57
Tuesday, June 1, 2021
South Korean equipment makers recorded mixed results in the first quarter of 2021
- Fab equipment vendors posted high growth, while display equipment firms underperformed.
- Fab equipment makers benefited from aggressive spending by semiconductor companies.
- CVD/ALD equipment companies showed good growth, see below (Jusung, Wonik IPD, Eugene Technologies
Friday, June 5, 2020
Thermal ALD IGZO Properties for LTPO TFTs by NCD
Recently applications of LTPO (Low Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) TFTs have been increasing to save the powder consumption of mobile and wearable devices. LTPO TFTs are the device combining LTPS TFTs with fast speed and Oxide TFTs with low leakage current. That is, switching uses Oxide TFTs because of being on/off the light fast and operating uses LTPS TFTs due to changing display rapidly with control of the mount of light.
A lot of smart device manufacturers including Apple are using or will use LTPO displays for their latest smart watches because their power consumption can decrease ~40%. Also, many manufacturers like Samsung and Apple have actively been developing their high-end smart phones equipped with the LTPO displays to make the power usage optimized.
IGZO thin films used for Oxide TFTs have typically been processed by sputtering, but this method continuously has been showing lots of issues such as their bad thickness and composition uniformity, degradation of the physical and electrical properties due to plasma damage and the stability problem of targets. However using thermal ALD-IGZO, it is possible to deposit high quality thin films because of no plasma damage in process, low process temperature, and atomic scale controllability of thickness and composition.
It is possible to get exact target atomic compositions of IGZO thin films by controlling the ratios of ALD cycle of respective sources in thermal ALD. Therefore this method could show the superior device properties to that by sputtering because it enables to control easily and exactly the most suitable atomic composition for the respective device structure of customers.
NCD has been developing high throughput batch IGZO-ALD system with its creative technology enabled to adapt the target atomic composition for respective devices. NCD could provide the competitiveness of excellent quality and the high productivity for LTPO TFTs including IGZO thin films using Lucida GD Series ALD which could process many and large area substrates at once.
Source: http://www.ncdtech.co.kr/2018/bbs/board.php?bo_table=eng_board_05&wr_id=51
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
NCD launch new updated website for ALD technology and equipment
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
NCD Contracted with Risen Energy to supply 1.8GW solar cell ALD equipment
This system is (Lucida GS Series + Automation), the main product of NCD's solar division, to increase the efficiency of solar cells by depositing high quality Al2O3 ALD thin films. Lucida GS Series is batch type ALD deposition equipment that forms backside passivation of Al2O3 on multiple wafers and can process more than 4.500 wafers (@ 4nm thickness) of 156mm x 156mm size per an hour. By applying Lucida GS Series in the production of solar cells, customers can dramatically lower the production cost of high efficiency solar cells due to the high-volume productivity, high yield, efficient gas consumption and low maintenance cost compared to competitors.
Lucida GS Series has become the first choice for ALD process in high efficiency solar cell manufacturing, based on its advantages and excellence. NCD expects to record the best sales by the rapid sales growth in the solar sector in 2018.