KEYWORDS: Electron beam direct write lithography, Reticles, Semiconducting wafers, Lithography, Prototyping, Photomasks, Manufacturing, Very large scale integration, Logic, Electron beam lithography
In this paper we discuss four business concepts that will impact the adoption of e-beam direct write (EbDW). They are:
(1) The economically advantageous region for EbDW. At what costs and volumes EbDW is economically advantageous
is controlled by a two-sided constraint involving the cost of reticles on one hand and the cost of design on the other. (2)
The important role of product derivatives and other markets that can be satisfied by designs with heavy IP reuse. The
natural long tail in demand for differentiated products is today chopped off by the high costs of reticles. We show data
on the elasticity of the product derivative market with respect to certain costs. (3) That because reticle prices typically
decline at a 30% per year for the first few years after a new node is introduced, delaying the fabrication of that first reticle
set for a new product can save millions, more than paying for EbDW. The applicability of this technique is, however,
limited by the need for product requalifaction. (4) Finally, we introduce the business concept of the virtual reticle as a
possible component in EbDW pricing.
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