Araca, Entrepix to offer enhanced CMP R&D capabilities

TUCSON, USA: Araca Inc., a leading provider of analytical products and services for chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) research and development, announced that it has entered into a Master Services Agreement with Entrepix Inc., a global provider of CMP equipment and process services for semiconductors and advanced materials.

Targeting CMP consumables suppliers, commercial device manufacturers, and academic research and development (R&D) organizations, the agreement enables customers to leverage the combined strengths of both companies with in-depth analysis and fundamental research for virtually any aspect of CMP on any material.

Under the agreement, Entrepix will bring Araca's advanced CMP analysis capabilities to its comprehensive CMP foundry services portfolio, thereby enabling an offering that encompasses virtually any aspect of CMP R&D and process development.

Effective immediately, Entrepix' direct sales staff in the US, Singapore, China and Taiwan along with an international network of representatives in other major semiconductor manufacturing regions, will actively market Araca's portfolio of advanced analytical services to customers worldwide.

"Entrepix' established global presence and strong reputation for providing professional CMP services were key factors in our decision to enter into this sales and marketing agreement," stated Dr. Ara Philipossian, president and founder of Araca, Inc. "Partnering with Entrepix gives us an immediate boost in visibility with the types of customers who can benefit most from our unique analytical and research capabilities."

Araca services covered by the Master Services Agreement and now available through Entrepix include the following: CMP process characterization on single-wafer R&D polishers (200 mm and 300 mm), wafer metrology, functional testing of consumables (i.e. pads, slurries, post-CMP cleaning brushes and chemicals, diamond discs and retaining rings), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), slurry particle analysis, active diamond testing and diamond fracture/pullout testing (pad conditioners), numerical modeling/simulation, and advanced analytical techniques.

"Araca's products and services are complementary to Entrepix' core foundry business and enable us to provide an even stronger suite of products to customers needing advanced analytical or modeling services as a component of their CMP technology development efforts," said Jim Mello, vice president of sales and marketing for Entrepix.

"We have worked closely with the Araca team to support mutual customers on many occasions through the years and are confident that offering both sets of services through our coordinated global sales network gives both companies opportunities for future growth."