International SEMATECH Bestows Recognition Award On Larry Levit, Ion's Director of Technology Development.

Business Editors

BERKELEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 12, 2000

Ion Systems, the leading supplier of electrostatics management solutions, announced that its director of technology development, Dr. Larry Levit, has been presented with an award from International SEMATECH in appreciation and recognition of his work for the organization. International SEMATECH, the world's premiere research consortium for the semiconductor industry, recently presented the award to Levit during its first Electrostatic Discharge Impact and Control Workshop in Austin, Texas.

"Dr. Levit has been a major resource for International SEMATECH and our member companies in providing expert knowledge on the topic of electrostatics management in the semiconductor manufacturing process," said Dan Holladay, associate director of International SEMATECH's Advanced Technology Development Facility. "We believe that this is an important area for industry coordination and consensus."

Dr. Levit has performed gratis work for International SEMATECH over the past two years, generally acting as an electrostatic discharge (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) expert consultant. Beyond his efforts in ESD research, Dr. Levit has played an instrumental role in the development of International SEMATECH's ESD and EMI measurement protocols, mentored International SEMATECH in the acquisition of ESD and EMI measurement tools, and helped the organization solve various ESD and EMI problems in a number of semiconductor manufacturing process steps. As this information flows from International SEMATECH out to its member companies, Dr. Levit's work helps drive a valuable understanding of ESD and ESD-related issues throughout the entire semiconductor industry.

"I am honored to be recognized for my efforts in a field of study I am fascinated with," commented Levit. "As the industry moves towards automation and 300mm and sub-100nm geometries, the invisible dangers of ESD and EMI become increasingly critical. My work with International SEMATECH responds to a growing concern among semiconductor manufacturers of the damaging effect of static charge in the manufacturing process. Our research is providing valuable insight into making these invisible problems visible. The work will benefit the advancement of the semiconductor industry by leading to important electrostatics management technologies."

About Ion Systems

Ion, an ISO 9001 certified company, provides electrostatic energy management solutions to help high-tech manufacturers develop and manage their static budgets for maximum yield, throughput and profitability. The company develops state-of-the-art technology, providing a wide range of products and services for a variety of applications - from cleanrooms to process equipment to electronics assembly areas. Ion has an extensive global support network and is headquartered at 1005 Parker Street, Berkeley, California 94710. Additional information, news and events about the company can be accessed on the Internet at http://www.ion.com.

About International SEMATECH

Based in Austin, Texas, International SEMATECH is a non-profit research and development consortium of the following semiconductor manufacturers: AMD, Conexant, Hewlett-Packard, Hyundai, Infineon Technologies, Intel, IBM, Lucent Technologies, Motorola, Philips, STMicroelectronics, TSMC and Texas Instruments. Additional information on International SEMATECH can be found at www.sematech.org.