Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: SET, Smart Equipment Technology, Introduces New Automatic Flip-Chip Bonder Dedicated to Device Production: Developed with CEA-Leti in IRT Nanoelec�s 3D Program, NEO HB Combines High Precision, Flexibility, and Short Cycle Time for Direct Hybrid Bonding

The first of a new line of SET flip-chip bonders dedicated entirely to production, the tool combines high precision, flexibility, short cycle time, and creative design. It was developed in collaboration with CEA-Leti as part of IRT Nanoelec�s 3D integration program.

�SET joined IRT Nanoelec in 2016 with the goal to develop a brand-new tool for direct-bonding applications that delivered high accuracy and high throughput, and a high level of cleanliness,� said Pascal Metzger, CEO of SET. �That ambition required a strong collaboration among experts from different disciplines. Today, SET�s team is proud to commercially launch NEO HB, which meets the initial technical targets and will address development and production needs for tomorrow�s chips.�

�This intensive, exciting, and fruitful collaboration allowed us to design a bonding solution adapted to fine-pitch assembly needs,� added Nicolas Raynaud, project manager at SET.

S�verine Ch�ramy, director of IRT Nanoelec�s 3D integration program, said the objective when SET joined the consortium was to provide IC designers with 3D die-to-wafer stacking at an aggressive pitch � less than 10�m � at high speed, at room temperature, and without pressure or underfill.

�Achieving this goal with NEO HB is a major success of the 3D program and highlights the IP and expertise offered by IRT Nanoelec,� she said. �By overcoming daunting technical challenges and building this bonder, the team has opened the huge potential of die-to-wafer direct hybrid bonding technologies for a wide range of applications.�

Hughes Metras, the recently appointed director of Nanoelec, said the institute�s collaboration with SET demonstrates both the success of its mission of technology development and transfer and the strength of its 3D integration program.

�For the past eight years, I was strongly engaged in the promotion of 3D technologies developed within our IRT and I believe this achievement outlines the added value of our institute for the local ecosystem in advanced semiconductor technologies,� Metras said.

About IRT Nanoelec Research Technological Institute (IRT)Nanoelec Research Technological Institute (IRT), headed by CEA-Leti, conducts research and development in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT) and, specifically, micro- and nanoelectronics. Based in Grenoble, France, IRT Nanoelec leverages the area�s proven innovation ecosystem to create the technologies that will power next generations of nanoelectronic components, drive new product development and inspire new applications. The R&D carried out by IRT Nanoelec provides early insight into how emerging technologies such as 3D integration and silicon photonics will affect integrated circuits. Visit www.irtnanoelec.fr.

About SET

SET, Smart Equipment Technology, a French company located in the northern part of the Alps, has designed, assembled and commercialized equipment for the microelectronics and semiconductor markets since 1975. Its core activity is high-end flip-chip bonders, with sub-micron accuracy, proposed with various options (force, temperature, ultrasonic, UV curing, sizes of components�) and configurations (C2C, C2W�). Addressed applications are 3D integration, optoelectronics, memories stacking, sensors or MOEMS. Website: www.set-sas.fr/en/

Contacts:SET

Pascal Metzger, CEO

+33 6 68 79 66 48

IRT Nanoelec � 3D Integration Program

S�verine Ch�ramy

Director of the 3D Integration Program

+33 6 33 66 13 23

IRT Nanoelec

Didier Louis

IRT Nanoelec Communication Manager

+33 6 32 44 64 31