KLA-Tencor's Newest Magnetic Metrology System Accelerates Development of Next-Generation Data Storage Devices

    SAN JOSE, Calif., May 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- KLA-Tencor (Nasdaq:  
 KLAC) today unveiled the MRW3(TM), its third-generation magnetic metrology
 system for the hard disk drive (HDD) and semiconductor memory markets.
 Based on the market-leading MRW200 platform, the MRW3 measures the magnetic
 properties of HDD recording heads and magnetoresistive random access memory
 (MRAM) on product wafers for production control and early detection of
 process issues that could adversely impact yield. Leveraging a proprietary
 closed-loop magnet system, the MRW3 delivers best-in-class magnetic field
 repeatability of less than 0.1 oersted without sacrificing its performance
 advantage of sub-one second per resistance/magnetic-field transfer curve.
 In addition, the MRW3 introduces features such as GEM/SECS factory
 automation, high reliability (1,000 hours MTBF) and both 200-mm and 300-mm
 configurations making it the first "fab-ready" quasi-static test system on
 the market today. The MRW3 system has completed an extensive beta
 evaluation at one of the world's leading semiconductor manufacturing
 companies.
     Advanced HDD recording heads, as well as MRAM, a leading candidate for
 next-generation non-volatile solid state memory, use magnetic tunnel
 junctions for their core technology. The MRW3 system incorporates specific
 features to accelerate the development of this important new technology,
 including constant-voltage electronics and bit toggle tests. According to
 Janusz Nowak, a leading researcher in the field of magnetic tunnel
 junctions, "The KLA-Tencor MRW3 provides essential measurement capability
 that accelerates the development and production of devices using magnetic
 tunnel junctions."
     "The demand for data storage has accelerated recently due in large part
 to the consumer electronics segment," stated Jeff Donnelly, vice president
 and general manager of KLA-Tencor's Growth and Emerging Markets Division.
 "In order to meet this demand, our data storage and semiconductor customers
 have invested in advanced magnetic device development. The MRW3 is designed
 to help our customers accelerate their development and bridge the
 transition to high-volume production."
     KLA-Tencor is currently accepting orders for the MRW3. Shipping will
 begin this month.
     About KLA-Tencor: KLA-Tencor is the world leader in yield management
 and process control solutions for semiconductor manufacturing and related
 industries. Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., the company has sales and
 service offices around the world. An S&P 500 company, KLA-Tencor is traded
 on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol KLAC. Additional information
 about the company is available on the Internet at
 http://www.kla-tencor.com.
     NOTE: MRW3 is a trademark of KLA-Tencor.
 
 

SOURCE KLA-Tencor