Category Archives: LEDs

March 7, 2001–Santa Ana, California–A delegation led by RosettaNet CEO Jennifer Hamilton this week visited Beijing, China, to augment the organization’s ongoing dialogue and activities in the region. RosettaNet, the world’s leading global e-business process standards organization, sponsored the tour to foster the growing relationship between the consortium and China’s leading technology companies and organizations in the information technology (IT), electronic components (EC), and semiconductor manufacturing (SM) industries.

During the brief 2-day visit, RosettaNet executives focused on gathering feedback from representatives of the high-tech industry in an effort to demonstrate their commitment to partnering with China in promoting e-business implementation based on standards.

As a result of the tour, RosettaNet hopes to begin formulating a long-range strategy for introducing, developing, and implementing RosettaNet’s business process standards to help drive the country’s global economic reach.

“The hi-tech industry is a global supply chain under tremendous competitive pressure to reduce costs, improve cycle time, and enhance overall efficiency while continuing to innovate,” says Hamilton. “RosettaNet addresses these critical issues by defining and leading the implementation of B2B processes designed to align the electronic business interfaces between supply chain partners. Over the past few months, we have been focused on understanding how RosettaNet’s global standards can readily impact the dynamic e-business climate in China. We were pleased to have the opportunity to meet with respected business leaders and organizations in order to move forward with a plan to expand our visibility, and ultimately establish formal regional ties that support the business interests of China and the economy at large.”

RosettaNet recently created a global organizational structure that focuses on targeted regional groupings–Americas, Asia, and Europe. The goal of the organization is to further expand the adoption of its common supply chain standards that enable companies in Asia and throughout the world to engage in active B2B trading partner relationships via the Internet. In support of this goal, the RosettaNet consortium is looking to establish a presence in China by leveraging its growing initiative in Asia, including RosettaNet activities in Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan. As key industry influencers, these regions are dedicated to the collaborative development and implementation of RosettaNet’s B2B supply chain standards.

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by Elaine Kopis

As a trainer, I have found that focusing on standard operating procedures (SOPs) alone, while important, does not benefit an organization as much as providing a holistic approach to training cleanroom personnel.

Control of cleanrooms begins and ends with effective training of the personnel who work within these highly controlled environments. To put it simply, training equals compliance.

It is through training that cleanroom personnel gain an understanding not only of specific job functions but also of the foundational rationale for the restrictions that govern cleanroom operations.

This foundational education should include training in the core competencies required for proper operation of drug manufacturing environments. These core competencies include: Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) requirements; basic microbiology; particle control principles; and principles of cleaning and microbial control. An understanding of these core competencies will provide a strong foundation for training in other specific practices designed to prevent contamination, such as gowning and aseptic practices.

Current GMPs govern the production of drugs and medical devices. These are the laws they apply to manufacturers. Training in cGMPs is not only a legal requirement but also makes sense from the perspective of enforcing and justifying specific required functions and behaviors.

In many facilities, cGMP training for all full-time employees and even vendors is routine. Current GMP training should include a brief history of the development of the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act in order to reinforce the need for this legislation and the events that led to the development of these laws. Bringing this historical element to the training program adds a sense of importance to the training and provides a key element of successful training driven by the human element of this story—a story that illustrates that lack of appropriate control in drug production can lead to serious injury and death.

Anyone involved in cleanroom operations for drug or medical device products should receive training in basic microbiology principles. The value of this training is that it provides a foundational understanding of the nature of microorganisms, including growth properties and risk factors associated with microorganisms. Compliance is greatest where understanding is complete.

Cleanrooms are classified by particle counts and size. Cleanroom staff should be trained on particle sources and the fact that most microorganisms do not exist as discrete cells, but rather as aggregates attached to particles of some type.

Measures to minimize particle shedding should be addressed during training and through SOPs. These measures should include gowning practices, traffic flow, personnel movement practices and personnel hygiene.

Training should focus on the nature of particles, the sources of particles and prevention of particles. Additionally, the risk factors contributed by particle contamination should be included. This is the issue that ties together the relevant SOPs with the core issues being addressed by the SOPs, namely prevention of contamination.

Nowhere is an understanding of these principles more important than in drug and medical device manufacturing areas. This is especially true of aseptic manufacturing areas. In addition to training on specific job functions and cleaning SOPs, cleanroom personnel should be given an overview of the chemistry of cleaning and microbial control. This will allow for a greater appreciation for the technology involved in cleaning and decontamination—and for the necessity of using harsh and potentially toxic materials.

A thoughtful, holistic approach to training cleanroom personnel, which includes core competencies and job functions, will lead to compliance based on a complete understanding of the issues behind the procedures.

Elaine Kopis is the Director of the Technical Services Department for the Scientific Division of STERIS Corporation. Her focus area is microbial control in cleanrooms and other critical environments. She is a member of the CleanRooms Editorial Advisory Board.

February 28, 2001–Anaheim, California–Teradyne Inc. has introduced its new Optima 7350 Post-Solder Bottomside AOI System. As the newest member of the company’s high-performance Optima 7000 series, the Optima 7350 is the industry’s only bottomside automated inspection system for full solder defect coverage.

The Optima 7350 provides high-throughput, full-coverage inspection, matching line beat rates regardless of PCB size or density. The system inspects the full spectrum of component and solder defects, including presence or absence of parts, part size, alignment and orientation, placement accuracy, and integrity of solder, to provide 100% defect coverage and extremely low false flag/accept rates

The Optima 7350 shares robust software and hardware technology with Teradyne’s highly successful Optima 7300 topside inspection system. On the 7350 model, this powerful technology inspects the PCB from the bottom in its native position, ideal for inspecting pre- and post-press insertion defects in compliant and very high density modular (VHDM) connectors, double-sided, reflowed PCBs, as well as pre- and post-wave inspection of through-hole components. Native bottomside inspection eliminates the need for the PCB flippers and avoids the costs and floorspace considerations associated with such equipment.

As PCBs become smaller and more densely configured, reliable bottomside inspection and full defect coverage make the Optima 7350 an ideal tool for quality assurance and process control. By employing the system at key process points, users can confirm factors such as component and pin alignment, thereby avoiding assembly errors prior to soldering, then inspect again after soldering to ensure solder-joint quality. Detecting and identifying defects at these points allows the Optima 7350 to improve downstream quality and yields while providing valuable process-control data.

High speed, flexibility, and ease-of-use make the Optima 7350 especially effective within the dynamic manufacturing environment of the EMS provider. One such manufacturer, Benchmark Electronics in Huntsville, AL, has placed an order for multiple Optima 7350 systems to complement the several Optima 7300 systems already in production. According to Rob Rice III, production engineering manager at Benchmark, “We’re counting on the reliable, high-throughput bottomside inspection of the Optima 7350 to give us the highest levels of quality assurance while reducing our rework and scrap. Teradyne continues to meet our challenging AOI requirements with innovative, imaginative designs.”

The Optima 7350’s bottomside approach also makes it well suited for multi-stage, high-density connector assembly. For through-hole connectors, the system can fully inspect each of several hundred pins for proper alignment at partial insertion, full insertion, and after soldering. This is also valuable for compliant connector applications, allowing manufacturers to ensure proper pin placement before the pins are driven through the PCB and the assembly can still be reworked.

“By providing 100% bottomside inspection without inverting the PCB, the Optima 7350 overcomes a roadblock to quality faced by manufacturers of double-sided PCBs,” says Iqbal Syed, product manager at Teradyne. “Manufacturers can eliminate costly production errors while improving the quality of their products, without impacting overall throughput.”

The Optima 7350 combines industry-leading image-capture, camera and lighting technologies to deliver the highest available throughput with 100% defect coverage, the lowest false-failure rate in the industry, fast programming and ramp-to-production, as well as consistent, reliable results from system to system. A patented configuration of vertical and angled high-speed cameras works with a proprietary system of structured LED illumination to support Teradyne’s TenPhase image-acquisition system, which captures 10 images of every field-of-view on the PCB with optimum lighting for each image.

Teradyne has leveraged the repeatability of the Optima 7350 to deliver CopyExact capability across multiple machines. Inspection programs can be transported between machines, lines, and locations with identical performance and results, eliminating program adjustment or reprogramming and ensuring fast production ramp for new systems.

North American pricing for Teradyne’s Optima 7350 is approximately $230,000. Prices outside North America will vary. Shipments of the system are scheduled to begin in May 2001.

February 27, 2001–San Jose, California–A super-high efficiency DC/DC boost converter for driving white LEDs and biasing Notebook PC LCD panels is now available from Micrel Semiconductor, an industry leader in analog and power management ICs.

Leading edge cell phones and PDAs are using white LEDs as the solution of choice for backlighting color LCDs. With an integrated 1.5A switch, the MIC2145 can easily drive four white LEDs for cellular applications, or as many as 10 white LEDs for larger panel PDA applications. A peak-current-set feature allows designers to program the peak switch current to the level, which allows maximum efficiency. This feature allows the MIC2145 to be highly efficient in a wide range of applications and load currents.

In Notebook PC applications, the MIC2145 efficiently boosts the readily available 3.3V or 5V supply to provide the required LCD bias for TFT displays. A soft-start feature reduces power supply noise associated with in-rush current. Separate analog and power grounds further minimize noise.

“The MIC2145’s high efficiency and high level of integration makes it ideal for portable applications where battery life and board space are at a premium,” says Tony Grizelj, Micrel’s marketing manager for power products.

The MIC2145 can also be configured for use in boost, SEPIC, and flyback applications.

The MIC2145BMM is available in an MSOP-8 package, and priced at $2.30 when purchased in 1,000-piece quantities.

San Jose, California–Worldwide semiconductor sales reached $17.9 billion in December 2000, the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) today reported, with year-end industry sales of $204 billion setting a new industry record. The SIA forecast for 2001 calls for 22% year-over-year growth, although the association no longer expects that projection to be achieved due to the inventory overhang going into 2001.

“Driven by sales of communications solutions for data networking, broadband, wireless, optoelectronics, and the continued demand for the personal computer, the year-end sales numbers released today represent a 37% growth rate for our industry over last year,” says SIA President George Scalise. “This was a very exciting year for our industry, and reaching an all-time record high in sales of $204 billion is a great way to close the books for year 2000.”

The industry witnessed across the board growth in all markets, and product demand was strong in every region of the world. Flash memory, logic, analog, optoelectronics, and programmable logic devices (PLDs) are expected to continue to be the current leaders in growth of the semiconductor market as they drive internet infrastructure and communication applications such as base stations, cellular phones, personal digital assistants, and digital photography.

Flash memory increased 133.2% in 2000, primarily driven by a broad base of applications led by cellular phones, and totaled $10.6 billion. PLDs increased 88.2% in 2000 due to strong communications demand and totaled $5.5 billion.

The optoelectronics market, which includes laser devices and image sensors, is directly tied to the Internet bandwidth opportunity. This product sector experienced year-end sales growth of 69.7% in 2000, totaling $9.8 billion.

DRAM and microprocessors continue to play a large role in the semiconductor market. In 2000, DRAM grew 39.5% with $28.9 billion in sales, and microprocessors grew 17.2% with sales of $31.9 billion.

The global sales for December closed out the year with worldwide sales of $17.9 billion, an increase of 21.6% over $14.70 billion a year ago.

New Products


February 1, 2001
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Chamber
Stability and photostability chambers meet WHO and ICH guidelines for general stability testing of new drug substances and products Q1A(R), long-term and accelerated refrigerated testing and photostability testing. With a temperature range of from 5 degrees Celsius to 60 degrees Celsius and humidity control from 20 percent to 98 percent RH, the 10-cubic-foot benchtop and 30-cubic-foot reach-in chambers create a variety of repeatable environmental conditions, according to the manufacturer. Standard features include stainless steel interiors, LED temperature and humidity display, audible and visual temperature alarms and stainless steel wire rod shelves.
Caron
Marietta, OH
(740) 373-6809

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Glovebox
The 870-CLC closed-loop containment isolator is programmed to maintain a slight negative working pressure (-0.50 in H2O). The internal atmosphere is continually filtered by two HEPA filters. If the internal negative pressure rises above -0.55 in H2O, the programmable logic controller automatically opens the atmosphere supply valve. Incoming gas is automatically filtered through the dual HEPA filters. Once the internal atmosphere reaches the set point, the automatic valve closes. The unit features a manual ball valve for connection to the house exhaust/filter system.
Plas-Labs Inc.
Lansing, MI
(800) 866-7527

Instrumentation manifolds
The VC series of compact instrumentation manifolds includes 2-valve, 3-valve and 5-valve (double bleed) configurations for process measurement and control. The products are available with 1/2 NPT or ISO/R228 process connections and DIN 19213-B3 or MSS SP-99 flange instrument connections. According to the manufacturer, all metal components, including trim, are made of 316 stainless steel for extended corrosion resistance and service life.
Swagelok Company
Solon, OH
(440) 349-5934

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Pressure alarm
The TS5130 valve controller incorporates a user-programmable low-pressure alarm that sounds an alarm and shuts off the dispensing function when the pressure being applied drops below the preset level. Valve control features include valve purge, valve test, external actuation and end-of-cycle signal. The LED display shows the valve-open time and air-output pressure. The time/pressure button on the control panel enables the operator to toggle the display between valve-open time and valve-open pressure.
Techcon Systems
Garden Grove, CA
(800-776-0440

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Environmental analyzer
The VOC71M measures low levels of volatile organic compounds, including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes and 1-3 butadiene, in ambient air. Measurement is based on gaseous phase chromatographic separation and detection by a photo-ionization detector or ionization detector. The instrument can operate autonomously or linked to a PC using Winchrom software under Windows.
Altech Environment USA
Geneva, IL
(630) 262-4400

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Sulfuric acid detector tube
Tube No. 244U direct reading detector tube for airborne levels of sulfuric acid has a measuring range of 0.5 to 5 mg/M3. It can monitor airborne levels of sulfuric acid in the TLV range in less than two minutes. The system includes a piston type volumetric pump for rugged reliability, and it is expandable with direct reading detector tubes available for hundreds of additional applications, according to the manufacturer.
Sensidyne Inc.
Clearwater, FL
(727) 530-3602

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Water preservative
The water preservative is liquid formulated to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in self-contained eyewash stations. One 8-ounce bottle preserves 14 to 16 gallons of water. For smaller self-contained stations the proper amount of preservative is added using the graduated marks printed on each bottle label. Recommended concentration is 0.5 ounce of preservative for every gallon of eyewash.
Fendall
Arlington Heights, IL
(847) 577-7400

Polyurethane/Hypalon glove
The YP-832 series of polyurethane and hypalon glove offers increased puncture, tear and abrasion resistance, thereby offering longer life. Chemical resistance properties such as VHP sterilization are not sacrificed.
Renco Corp.
Manchester, MA
(800) 257-8284

Vacuum-operated tooling
The tooling handles InP wafers and fragments in cleaning and wet processing applications. Available in stainless steel for solvents and plastic for acids and base solutions, this tooling can be installed on either robotic or manual load systems. According to the manufacturer, the spindle processors achieve high-quality, high-yield results on an on-demand basis. A selection of sprays, dispensers, high-performance nozzles and brushes optimizes all processing steps, with all parameters PC controlled using Windows-based software.
Solid State Equipment Corp.
Horsham, PA
(215) 328-0700

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Hazardous materials kit
The deluxe Hazmat Kit III offers a two-step approach to identifying unknown airborne compounds using detector tubes. The first step utilizes two multi-layered qualitative tubes and a color chart to identify more than 70 compounds in two to three minutes. The second step incorporates an additional 13 detector tubes and a decision-tree style logic chart to further qualify the first step results.
Sensidyne Inc.
Clearwater, FL
(727) 530-3602

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Dispensing system
The Century 718 SMT is used in the dispensing of surface mount adhesive, solder paste and conductive adhesive in PCB assembly applications. The system is offered in two configurations to service both medium- and high-mix production operations. The first offers the C-718 SMT platform with the non-contact DispenseJet valve, which handles adhesive dispensing throughput of up to 20,000 dots per hour and shoots the adhesive fluid onto the PCB substrate from a uniform height of approximately 1.5 to 2.0 mm above the board. The second configuration features the company's DV-7000 Heli-flow rotary positive displacement pump for solder paste and conductive adhesive dispensing.
Asymtek
Carlsbad, CA
(760) 431-1919

AC Tester
The Activated Carbon (AC) Tester instrument determines the volume of adsorption space in activated carbons. According to the manufacturer, the tester works with used, partially used and impregnated AC. PACS Inc.
Coraopolis, PA
(724) 457-6576

Rubber flooring
The norament and noraplan systems in the nora Rubber Flooring Program 2001 feature new color ranges and designs. The manufacturer's hammered surface option (a non-directional texture) now includes more colors in tiles and color matching one-piece nosing-tread-riser stairtreads. Each system is color coordinated from warm to cool shades and includes earthtones to facilitate specification throughout the applications of a commercial project.
Freudenberg Building Systems
Lawrence, MA
(978) 689-0530

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Respirator
Respirator and respirator systems come with a MSHA/NIOSH-approved, continuous-flow full mask, half mask or hood style air respirator, an ambient air pump and 50 or 100 feet of breathing air hose. The disposable hoods offer a loose-fitting alternative to masks. One-, two- and three-worker systems are available.
Allegro Industries
Garden Grove, CA
(800) 622-3530

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Anti-static cello tape
Available in yellow, red or blue and yellow, red or blue with ESD symbols, the cellophane tapes are coated with a high-tack, non-staining natural rubber adhesive system, are 1.8- mil thick and have tensile strength of 24 pounds/in. The static-free tape is easily hand torn. Sizes are 1/2-, 3/4-, 1- and 2-inch widths on 3-inch plastic core.
SPI Westek
Brea, CA
(800) 446-2888

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Analyzer transmitter
The compact, modular Continuous Emissions Monitoring (CEMS) solution combines the CAT Continuous Analyzer Transmitter with a Sample Handling System (SHS). According to the manufacturer, the reduced size and rugged packaging enables the analyzer system to be mounted close to the process. Local mounting eliminates sample line measurement delays that can contribute to poor analyzer response. The CAT is suitable for high-temperature process, tropical and desert applications with ambient operating temperatures up to 65 degrees Celsius.
Rosemount Analytical
Orville, OH
(330) 684-4479

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EtO sensor
The gas sensor makes sure that ethylene oxide (EtO) levels in sterilization chambers are high enough. The product continually monitors gas concentrations in the chamber, showing EtO levels over the entire sterilization cycle. The detector can be factory installed on new chambers or retrofitted to an existing cabinet. The unit fits flush against the chamber wall or ceiling. According to the manufacturer, the detector immediately warns of trouble in the unit.
Sensor Electronics Corp.
Minneapolis, MN
(952) 938-9486

Industrial glove
The SemperGuard industrial glove family complies with FDA 21 CFR guidelines and agriculture and agri-foods Canada requirements. The gloves are intended for use in food, food processing, pharmaceutical and laboratory applications.
Sempermed USA Inc.
Palm Harbor, FL
(800) 366-9545

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Humidifier
The GTS-600 and GTS-800 humidifiers have capacities ranging from 75-600 pounds/ hour. Multiple units can be linked, and indoor or outdoor mounting is offered. The Vapor-Logic3 humidifier controller, which offers full modulation control of the burner section, includes a keypad with menu-driven access to all system functions. The controller supports Echelon's LonTalk interoperability for integration to most building management systems.
Dri-Steem
Eden Prairie,
(612) 949-2415

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EMI air filters
Dual EMI air filters use conductive silver/copper adhesive caulk that fully bonds EMI mesh to aluminum filter frames to promote enclosure grounding of EMI noise. This is further enhanced by wrapping an EMI nickel/copper metalized fabric around a neoprene foam gasket. Gaskets can be installed around the perimeter of the filter frame for full conductivity of the framed filter to the enclosure in which it is installed. Chromate and irridite finishes are available on aluminum components to provide corrosion protection and improved conductivity.
Universal Air Filter Co.
Sauget, IL
(800) 541-3478

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Polishing station
The WaterPro PS polishing station delivers up to 1.8 liters/minute of Type I water. Water is dispensed from a gun or a valve on the built-in module. With control panel buttons and LED display the user can program the system to dispense water for a set period of time from 1 to 99 minutes. According to the manufacturer, the unpigmented virgin natural polypropylene bowls have no impurities to contaminate the water, maintaining low TOC levels. The bowls accommodate various combinations of deionization, carbon and organic adsorption filter cartridges based on application requirements.
Labconco Corp.
Kansas City, MO
(816) 333-8811

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Flow meter
The WA40 series positive displacement flow meter is used to measure volumetric flow of medium and high-viscosity fluids. The units are available in stainless steel or high-strength aluminum, while gears and bearings are all stainless steel construction. According to the manufacturer, the series is rated to 5,000 PSI in flow rates of 0.02 to 2 GPM to 0.5 to 60 GPM. Applications include lubricating oils, high-viscosity fluids, paints and epoxies, polyurethanes, fuels, additives, solvents and chemicals.
FloCat
Kenosha, WI
(262) 653-0790

Laminar flow clean bench
Designed for animal transfer in research laboratories, the EdgeGard animal transfer station delivers ISO Class 5 (Class 100) HEPA-filtered air across the work surface. According to the manufacturer, the high-velocity return air slots ensure a particle-free work surface and protection from contaminated backwash air. The portable unit is available in 4- and 6-foot models.
The Baker Company
Sanford, ME
(800) 992-2537

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Iris damper
The Iris damper adjusts and measures airflow at one location. It uses interlocking steel plates and a calibrated control level to form an adjustable aperture. Airflow is determined by measuring differential pressure across the pressure ports and referring to the matching performance curve. Ten sizes are available from 4 to 32 inches, with capacities from 15 to 25,000 cfm. They are manufactured of galvanized steel and fitted with a neoprene gasket for airtight mounting.
Continental Fan Manufacturing Inc.
Buffalo, NY
(800) 779-4021

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Gas pressure manometer
Series 1213 gas pressure manometer uses tap water to provide clear visual indication of natural gas pressure, or that of other compatible gases, up to 15 inches (381 mm) of water column. According to the manufacturer, this “tube in a tube” instrument is constructed of durable plastic and has wetted parts of vinyl, PVC and nylon. Temperature limit is specified as 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Price is $15. A shorter model (7 inches/177.8 mm) is available for gas pressures up to 7 inches w.c. Both models have a magnetic clip to facilitate temporary or permanent mounting.
Dwyer Instrument Inc.
Michigan City, IN
(219) 879-8000

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Exam glove
The Polymed exam glove utilizes fusion bonding of latex and synthetic polymers to create a multi-layer glove that combines elasticity and strength. According to the manufacturer, the glove contains 50 micrograms or less of total water extractable proteins per gram, which reduces the potential for allergic reactions. A multi-layer coating provides comfort and ease of donning for wet or dry hands. The micro-rough surface on the fingers and palm offers increased sensing and a safe grip. The glove has a 1.5 AQL value and a neutral pH balance.
Sempermed USA Inc.
Palm Harbor, FL
(800) 366-9545

NEW YORK, NY — Gov. George Pataki recently kicked off a $1 billion high-tech initiative to fund advanced university research and development and economic outreach.

As a result, ground will be broken early this year at the University of Albany for a state-of-the-art microchip prototyping laboratory capable of processing 300mm wafers. The facility will be known as the Center of Excellence in Nanoelectronics at Albany.

Leading semiconductor industry companies have already expressed interest in collaborating with the university to find cost-effective solutions to key scientific and 300 mm manufacturing problems, and to train a skilled workforce.

The center will be led by IBM Corp., in collaboration with the University of Albany and will help meet the workforce training needs of IBM’s $2.5 billion 300mm fab in East Fishkill.

Also under the initiative, $27.5 million is being invested to support construction of a 300mm computer wafer pilot prototyping facility at SUNY Albany’s Center for Environmental Services and Technology Management and $5 million is being invested annually to support the joint SUNY and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ‘Focus Center New York’ semiconductor research program.

Albany, New York–The Governor of New York, George E. Pataki, recently kicked off a $1 billion, high-tech initiative to fund advanced university R&D and economic outreach. As a result, ground will be broken early this year at the University of Albany on a state-of-the-art microchip prototyping laboratory–Center of Excellence in Nanoelectronics at Albany–capable of processing 300mm wafers.

Leading semiconductor industry companies have already expressed interest in collaborating with the university to cost-effectively solve key scientific and 300mm manufacturing problems and to train a highly skilled workforce. The center will be led by IBM Corp., in collaboration with the University of Albany, and will help meet the workforce training needs of IBM’s recently announced $2.5 billion 300mm fab in East Fishkill.

The high-tech initiative is also investing $27.5 million to support construction of a 300mm computer wafer pilot prototyping facility at SUNY Albany’s Center for Environmental Sciences and Technology Management, and $5 million annually to support the joint SUNY and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ‘Focus Center- New York’ semiconductor research program.

A number of recent studies say the US medical plastics market is expected to grow 5 to 7 percent over the next several years.

According to a recent report published by Plastics News, several different companies, including Business Communications Co., Dow Chemical, and Fredonia have forecast moderate growth in the industry between now and 2004.

Business Communications Co. said that demand for resins will lead to an annual growth of 5.8 percent, while the Freedonia Group Inc. expects a 5.3 percent annual growth rate for disposable medical products. GW Plastics is projecting that its medical custom injection molding operations will see a 15 percent increase, and the company is currently in the process of building cleanroom molding facilities in Arizona and Vermont.

According to the report, the miniaturization of medical components is likely to be an area of key growth.

Peregrine gains investors


January 10, 2001

San Diego, California–Peregrine Semiconductor Corp. today announced that it has raised a total of $37.5 million in its Series G Preferred financing.

The round, which was led by Morgenthaler Ventures, included investments from CDIB Ventures, Global Alliance Venture Capital, and Intel Capital. Prior investors Patricof & Co., Wasserstein Adelson Ventures, Roser Ventures, and CSK Venture Capital also participated in this round.

“This investment marks a major milestone in the development of Peregrine Semiconductor,” said Dr. Stav Prodromou, president and CEO. “We have earmarked a significant portion of the funds raised in this round to the development of our innovative wireless and photonics devices and modules. CDIB Ventures and Global Alliance Venture Capital provide insight into the Pacific Rim markets. On the technical side, Intel Capital invests in companies with innovative solutions in both the wireless and photonics marketplaces. We are pleased to have them join in with our other investors.”