Chip Express Selects MicroUnity's MaskTools Software; Mask Lithography Software Improves Yields on Quick Turn ASICs.

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 2, 1998--MicroUnity Systems Engineering announced today that Chip Express Corp. has licensed MicroUnity's MaskTools(tm) optical proximity correction (OPC) software to improve yields in production of its quick-turn ASIC, the LPGA (Laser Programmable Gate Array).

This engagement was driven by Chip Express' commitment to ISO 9001 registration and its continuous efforts to improve product quality for increased customer satisfaction. Seeking the most efficient way to provide extra value to its customers, Chip Express chose MaskTools to answer this need.

MaskTools is a comprehensive reticle enhancement technology that improves semiconductor device yield and performance by enhancing pattern fidelity, depth-of-focus, and critical dimension control. Chip Express uses MaskTools internally for its unique OneMask(R) production process, dedicated for low-cost, fast-turn initial ASIC production. This tool is also used for enhancing yields in high volume production, provided through Chip Express' foundry partners.

"MaskTools doubled our process window," said Paul Poon, Principal Process Engineer at Chip Express. "Our application is different because we make huge demands on process depth of focus that other chip makers do not see. MaskTools offers the flexibility necessary to meet our customized process requirements."

"MaskTools gives us the ability to improve the quality of data we send to our mask shops," said Jason Sweis, Sr. CAD Engineer. "MaskTools gives us more control, faster turn-around time, and the ability to achieve mask inspection that was not possible with our prior methods. This saves time and money for our company and our customers."

"Unlike most OPC software, MaskTools outputs data in mask writing format, which allows customers more control over the advanced mask process. This, combined with its ability to handle very large ASIC and microprocessor databases, makes MaskTools a logical choice for chip makers," said Roger Caldwell, Vice President of Silicon Technology at MicroUnity.

About MaskTools

As the sub-micron designs of semiconductor devices reach the resolution limitations of today's steppers, the printing fidelity of the IC design degrades. To help overcome these limitations, MicroUnity developed MaskTools, an advanced OPC solution which improves semiconductor device yield and performance by enhancing pattern fidelity, depth-of-focus, and critical dimension control.

Optical proximity effects are caused when the optical diffraction patterns of adjacent features interact, producing critical dimension variations and degraded image fidelity. This results from the edge intensity gradient of isolated features being different from that of densely packed features. The end results for manufacturers are reduced yields, decreased device performance, and a general inability to produce quality devices with dimensions at or below the exposure wavelength.

About Chip Express

Chip Express Corporation is the world leader in "Time-to-Market Solution(R)" for high-performance, high-density ASIC devices. Chip Express provides the industry's fastest-turn ASIC products, including a one-day gate array prototyping service utilizing QuICk(R) Laser micro-machining system; one-week flexible production utilizing its innovative OneMask(R) process to personalize a single wafer at a time; and a smooth transition to its TwoMask(tm)/HardArray(tm) technology for cost competitive high volume production in as short as one month.

Chip Express is a privately held corporation, founded in the U.S. in 1989. From its headquarters in Santa Clara, CA, Chip Express services leading-edge computer, communications and military companies worldwide, including Hewlett Packard, Intel 3Com, Sun, Cisco Systems, Bay Networks, Lockheed Martin, Hughes Aircraft and National Semiconductor.

About MicroUnity

MicroUnity Systems Engineering Inc. is a privately held technology company based in Sunnyvale, Calif. The company is committed to providing ultra-high bandwidth computing solutions for digital media. For more information on MicroUnity's products and services, please contact the company at Telephone: [phone]; Fax: [phone]; Internet: www.microunity.com.

Masktools, MaskRigger, EBView and LineSweeper are trademarks of MicroUnity Systems Engineering Inc. All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective companies.