Envisage Systems launches low cost wafer inspection system

Envisage Systems has launched a new, low cost wafer inspection system, which enables electronic component manufacturers producing ceramic or silicon wafers to automatically inspect each wafer optically for faults.

Typical defects such as broken or breached tracks, scratches, extra material or contamination can be detected,  without human intervention and to repeatable exacting company standards. The system is available with or without an integrated faulty chip destruction laser. The complete system including laser will typically cost in the region of $87,000 or $55,000 without the laser.

An operator places each wafer onto an XY inspection table, which is then moved under a high-resolution camera. The camera moves from component to component, building up a map, in memory, of any faulty components. When the inspection is complete, the wafer moves to the destruction position under the laser, which fires a series of tiny pulses to destroy the faulty components and prevent them from continuing in the production process.

According to Mike Phillips, CEO of Envisage Systems, "This new system closes the loop on the inspection process for those companies yearning to produce perfect, zero defect chips."

Further details are available at www.envisagesystems.co.uk