Cohu, a global supplier of equipment and services to optimize semiconductor manufacturing yield and productivity, recently announced that its Neon platform has been selected by a leading U.S. memory and data storage technology customer for the detection and measurement of high-bandwidth memory devices (HBMs) in high-performance computing (HPC) and generative AI applications.
Features of the Neon platform:
The Neon platform provides an efficient vision system capable of comprehensive 6-sided optical inspection and measurement of micropillars, integration with factory automation, and an efficient output sequencing process to meet the needs of the HBM market in current and future roadmaps. Cohu's vision technology enables accurate and reliable measurement of thousands of micropillars distributed across HBM equipment. The companion AI inspection software leverages proprietary deep learning and neural network-based pattern recognition technology to increase inspection yield. Compared to other HBM inspection equipment on the market, the Neon platform has higher detection accuracy, faster inspection speed, and stronger adaptability. In addition, the Neon platform is more scalable and can adapt to the development of HBM technology in the future. The launch of the Neon platform will promote the development of HBM detection technology and improve the yield and reliability of HBM chips. At the same time, it will also accelerate the application of HBM in more fields and promote the development of related industries.
Growth prospects for the HBM market
The HBM market is expected to reach approximately $23 billion this year and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22% from 2024 to 2029, creating more than $100 million in revenue opportunities for such inspection and measurement systems. As a next-generation memory technology, HBM is playing an increasingly important role in data centers, artificial intelligence, and other fields. However, the complex structure and small size of HBM pose a significant challenge for detection. Traditional detection methods often struggle to meet HBM's requirements for accuracy and speed.
Figure: Cohu enters the HBM memory market
Cohu's Neon platform brings a new solution to HBM inspection. The Neon platform uses advanced image processing algorithms and machine learning technology to perform comprehensive inspection of HBM chips, including die-level and package-level defect detection. Its high-resolution imaging system can clearly capture tiny defects, while powerful defect classification algorithms can accurately identify different types of defects, greatly improving the accuracy of detection.
The strategic significance of Cohu
Luis Müller, President and CEO of Cohu, said: "We are pleased to receive an initial order from the world's leading semiconductor memory manufacturer to improve the quality of HBM memory used in AI data centers. "This is a new market application for Cohu products, and it represents a strategic and substantial growth opportunity aligned with the long-term growth of AI."
Cohu's vision
Cohu is a global technology leader in test, automation, inspection and measurement products and services for the semiconductor industry. Cohu's differentiated and broad product portfolio enables yield optimization and productivity gains, accelerating customers' manufacturing time-to-market.
By entering the HBM memory market this time, Cohu not only expands its business scope, but also demonstrates its technical strength and innovation capabilities in the field of semiconductor inspection and measurement. As the HBM market continues to grow, Cohu is poised to gain significant market share in this emerging market and further strengthen its leadership position in the global semiconductor industry.
