RVSI Gets Order for 2-D Wafer Inspection System

CANTON, Mass., May 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Robotic Vision Systems, Inc. (RVSI) ROBV today said it has received an order for a WS-2500 bumped wafer inspection system from one of Asia's largest electronics companies. The system will be used for two-dimensional defect inspection of semiconductor wafers.

'This order represents a major milestone in application for RVSI's bumped wafer inspection system products,' said Frank L. Jacovino, General Manager of Wafer Level Products at RVSI's Semiconductor Equipment Group in Hauppauge, New York. 'Until now, our typical buyer for the WS-series required either integrated 2-D and 3-D inspection technology, or else 3-D metrology only. This customer's current requirement was exclusively 2-D defect inspection. The acceptance of the WS-2500 as a 2-D only inspection tool by a customer of this stature is an important step forward for this product family.'

Rather than traditional wire bonds, the newest generation of integrated circuits utilizes microscopic-sized solder or gold 'bumps' that are directly deposited on the wafer for electrical connections. RVSI's WS-series improves yield management of bumped wafers and flip chip die, providing a method to maximize yields and profitability by inspecting bump parameters at high production rates. The system's capabilities include inspection of pre-reflow and post-reflow solder bumps and multi-process gold bumps. Depending upon wafer size and other features, the WS-series is priced from $500,000 to $1 million per system.

'We have continually refined our 2-D defect inspection capabilities to the point that we believe we now offer a system that is superior even to products from companies whose traditional strength is automated defect detection,' said Michael Gray, the Semiconductor Equipment Group's Vice President of Sales. 'This order increases our already sizeable lead in installed wafer inspection systems for combined 2-D and 3-D inspection.'

About RVSI

Robotic Vision Systems, Inc. (RVSI) ROBV has the most comprehensive line of machine vision systems available today. Headquartered in Canton, Massachusetts, with offices worldwide, RVSI is the world leader in vision-based semiconductor inspection and media transfer equipment. Using leading-edge technology, RVSI joins vision-enabled process equipment, high- performance optics, lighting, and advanced hardware and software to assure product quality, identify and track parts, control manufacturing processes, and ultimately enhance profits for companies worldwide. Serving the semiconductor, electronics, aerospace, automotive, and pharmaceutical industries, RVSI holds approximately 100 patents in a broad range of technologies.

Forward Looking Statement

Except for the historical information herein, certain matters discussed in this release include forward-looking statements that may involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may vary significantly based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to: the historical cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry, risks in products and technology development, market acceptance of new products and continuing product demand, the impact of competitive products and pricing, changing economic conditions, both here and abroad, timely development and release of new products, strategic suppliers and customers, the effect of the company's accounting policies and other risk factors detailed in the Company's most recent registration statement, annual report on Form 10-K and 10K/A, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.