Ion Systems Introduces Model 5801 alpha Upgrade Kit; Product Enables Conversion of Corona Ionizing Blower Into Efficient, Zero-Balance Alpha Ionizer.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

BERKELEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 5, 2000

Ion Systems, the leading supplier of electrostatics management solutions, today introduced the Model 5801 alpha Upgrade Kit, an upgrade attachment for overhead and benchtop corona ionizing blowers to convert them to efficient, zero-balance alpha ionizing blowers. As the industry begins its transition to the emerging generation of tunnel valve magneto-resistive (TMR) heads, the increased head sensitivity to electrostatic discharge (ESD) requires ionization at a much lower balance. The Model 5801 alpha Upgrade Kit offers a quick and cost-effective way to convert corona ionizers into alpha ionizers, thus extending their life while expanding their capabilities.

Ever-decreasing line widths and geometries in the upcoming generation of TMR heads will result in ESD damage occurring at continuously lower levels of static charge transfer. Alpha technology offers intrinsic, steady +/-0 volt balance for maximum ESD protection. Since the ion production is generated entirely by the alpha emission process, no electric fields are created and no electromagnetic interference (EMI) is produced. Further, alpha emission does not contribute to particulate levels in the environment. The product provides substantial cost and time advantages because it requires no manual cleaning of emitter points and no calibration. With an active ion production life of one year, the only maintenance alpha sources require is an annual exchange for a fresh source.

"The Model 5801 alpha Upgrade Kit is the only product available that enables hard disk drive manufacturers to convert their existing, conventional corona ionizing blowers into alpha ionizers. This seamless option provides an inexpensive means to achieve the benefits of an alpha ionizer without a large capital investment," said Lemuel Hollins, Ion Systems' storage device sector manager. "Alpha technology is crucial to sensitive device manufacturing stations because it maintains constant absolute zero balance -- a specification conventional corona ionization simply cannot achieve."

An industry veteran with over 20 years of experience in high technology, Hollins was recently appointed storage device sector manager at Ion. He has held various management positions with Western Digital, Scribo Electronics and ZeroOne Systems, and was involved in manufacturing operations, facilities management, manufacturing engineering, supplier management, procurement and product transfer to overseas operations. At Ion, Hollins will play an instrumental role in the conception, development and manufacturing of new high-tech products in a variety of industries.

An ionizing blower emits positive and negatively charged ions through critical manufacturing environments to neutralize the electrostatic charge buildup that causes ESD and EMI. This reduces the risk of damage caused by ESD and EMI, such as product damage and tool downtime. In contrast to the corona method, an alpha ionizer uses polonium 210, an extremely mild radiation source, to generate the positively and negatively charged ions.

The Model 5801 alpha Upgrade Kit is currently available for shipping. Ion representatives will be available to discuss the tool during the CleanRooms Asia / Datastor Asia tradeshow being held in the Raffles City Convention Centre, Singapore, August 1-4, 2000. Customers and press are invited to visit the Ion booth, numbers 2206 and 2208, at any time during the show.

About Ion Systems

Ion Systems, an ISO 9001 certified company, is the leading provider of electrostatics 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.