The Increasing Demand for 200mm Manufacturing
Key applications, including MEMS, sensors and compound semiconductor-based power devices, are heightening demand for 200mm equipment. Precision remanufactured systems such as those offered by memsstar can help meet these devices’ cost, performance and reliability requirements.
The “More than Moore” (MtM) paradigm in semiconductor manufacturing extends beyond traditional CMOS scaling, embracing the integration of diverse functionalities onto silicon. This shift has gained momentum with the rise of applications such as the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous systems, power electronics, and MEMS devices. A significant aspect of this transition is the continued reliance on 200mm equipment, especially in non-CMOS fabs. These fabs, often producing MEMS, RF components, power devices, and sensors, operate primarily on 200mm wafers and are key contributors to the expanding MtM market.
Market Forces
Several forces are driving the demand for MtM technologies, and consequently, the need for 200mm manufacturing capabilities. First, with billions of interconnected devices, the IoT requires a vast array of specialized chips, many of which do not follow the traditional CMOS roadmap. The cost-sensitive nature of IoT devices favors the use of existing 200mm fabs and equipment, where established processes can be adapted to produce MEMS, sensors, and power semiconductors with lower upfront investment compared to 300mm or 450mm lines.
Economies of scale in 200mm fabs have been optimized over decades, and many non-CMOS fabs continue to find value in this node. The infrastructure for 200mm is mature, and manufacturers are hesitant to migrate to larger wafers unless there is a clear cost advantage. For many specialized applications, 200mm is not only sufficient but also the most cost-effective solution.
Cost mitigation in semiconductor manufacturing is a perennial challenge. As new markets open up for niche semiconductor applications, there is a need to manage capital expenses. Investing in new, state-of-the-art equipment is often prohibitive for smaller players or for those in less high-volume sectors. This makes remanufactured 200mm equipment an attractive alternative.
The Role of Remanufactured Equipment
According to industry reports, 200mm wafer fab capacity is expected to continue growing, driven by the demand for MtM devices. Some analysts estimate that over 300 fabs worldwide are still operating 200mm lines, many of which cater to MEMS, power semiconductors, and analog components. Furthermore, the market for remanufactured semiconductor equipment has been growing, with experts citing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 7% in recent years.
Remanufactured equipment has become a cornerstone of the 200mm ecosystem, as manufacturers seek to balance performance requirements with budgetary constraints. There is a clear distinction between purchasing “used” equipment and opting for “remanufactured” systems. Used equipment is often resold with minimal refurbishment, which can lead to unpredictable performance, higher maintenance costs, and potential downtime. In contrast, remanufactured equipment undergoes a rigorous overhaul that includes replacing worn components, recalibrating systems, and testing to meet current operational standards.
Remanufactured tools often come with warranties and service contracts, providing manufacturers with greater confidence in their reliability and performance. Moreover, remanufactured systems can be upgraded with modern features, ensuring that even legacy equipment can support contemporary production requirements, such as more advanced sensor technologies or tighter process controls.
Selecting remanufactured 200mm equipment offers benefits for a range of mature devices that require cost-sensitive, customizable, highly reliable fabrication processes. This includes:
- MEMS – The nature of MEMS fabrication, often requiring custom or niche processes, means that manufacturers typically rely on 200mm tools, where there is a wealth of accumulated process knowledge. Since MEMS production does not demand cutting-edge lithography or extreme scaling, remanufactured 200mm equipment is well-suited to handle the necessary etching, deposition, and packaging steps at a much lower cost than new systems. Additionally, MEMS manufacturing often runs at lower volumes, further reinforcing the economic viability of using remanufactured tools.
- Sensors – The IoT boom has led to an explosion in demand for these devices, and many are produced on 200mm wafers using mature processes. With the broad variety of sensor types—each having unique process requirements—remanufactured 200mm equipment offers the flexibility to adapt to different sensor designs without the high investment costs associated with newer tools. This is particularly important as manufacturers strive to stay competitive in fast-growing markets where product differentiation can hinge on cost-effective production.
- Power devices – The need for energy-efficient power devices, particularly for applications like EVs, power converters, and industrial systems, has created significant demand for technologies like silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN)-based power semiconductors. These devices are often fabricated on 200mm wafers due to the unique requirements of wide-bandgap materials. Remanufactured equipment allows power semiconductor manufacturers to keep production costs low, especially as many of these devices are used in high-volume, price-sensitive markets. The ability to remanufacture legacy tools for specific power device processes ensures that manufacturers can maintain robust production lines without the financial burden of purchasing new systems.
- Standard CMOS – Standard CMOS processes at 200mm are stable and well-understood, and many fabs have developed highly efficient manufacturing lines using this equipment. As such, remanufactured 200mm tools continue to play a pivotal role in maintaining and expanding production capacity in this space, offering reliable performance at a fraction of the cost of new equipment.
memsstar’s Role
memsstar is a key player in the remanufactured equipment market, having entered the space to address the growing demand for MtM technologies, particularly in non-CMOS fabs. In addition to offering our proprietary ORBIS deposition and etch systems for MEMS manufacturing, we deliver a comprehensive portfolio of remanufactured legacy 200mm equipment from leading providers.
memsstar’s expertise lies not only in refurbishing but in adapting older systems for advanced applications, which is crucial in the MtM landscape. Our deep knowledge of MEMS processing gives us a unique advantage, enabling customers to upgrade and optimize equipment for new generations of devices that go beyond traditional semiconductor applications.
Our remanufactured tools are a key enabler for chipmakers looking to extend the life of their 200mm production lines. These tools not only meet current technical requirements but also provide a scalable solution for future growth in MtM markets.
Conclusion
The transition to More than Moore technologies has reinvigorated the use of 200mm equipment, particularly in non-CMOS fabs. As market drivers such as IoT and cost-sensitive applications push the demand for specialized semiconductors, the need for affordable, reliable, and adaptable manufacturing tools becomes critical. By offering precision remanufactured equipment, memsstar plays a vital role in enabling this transition, helping manufacturers maintain competitive edge without the need for heavy investment in new infrastructure.
