KLA Corporation (KLAC)

Overview

KLA Corporation, formerly known as KLA-Tencor Corporation, is a global leader in the development of process control, process-enabling, and yield management solutions for the semiconductor and related electronics industries. Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Milpitas, California, KLA operates through three main segments: Semiconductor Process Control; Specialty Semiconductor Process; and PCB, Display, and Component Inspection. The corporation's offerings play a critical role in the production and quality control of microelectronic devices, positioning it as an essential partner for industry giants worldwide. In July 2019, the company underwent a rebranding to better reflect its broadened scope and capabilities in the dynamic tech landscape.

Products and Services

KLA Corporation offers a comprehensive range of products and services across various segments of the electronics manufacturing industry:

• Inspection and Review Tools - These tools are designed for detecting, locating, characterizing, reviewing, and analyzing defects on patterned and unpatterned wafers. They ensure that any imperfections are identified early in the manufacturing process, saving time and resources.
• Metrology Systems - KLA's metrology systems measure critical parameters such as pattern dimensions, film thickness, film stress, layer-to-layer alignment, pattern placement, surface topography, and electro-optical properties on wafers. These measurements are vital for maintaining the precision and efficiency of semiconductor production.
• Wafer Defect Inspection, Review, and Metrology Systems - These systems are integral to ensuring the quality and reliability of wafers before they proceed in the semiconductor manufacturing process. They combine the functions of defect inspection, review, and precise metrology to uphold stringent industry standards.
• Reticle Inspection and Metrology Systems - These systems focus on inspecting and measuring the reticles or photomasks used in lithography. They are critical for ensuring the accuracy of patterns transferred onto wafers during the chip manufacturing process.
• Chemical Process Control Equipment - KLA provides equipment that monitors and controls the chemical processes involved in semiconductor manufacturing, ensuring optimal conditions for device fabrication.
• Sensor Wafers and Reticles - Both wired and wireless sensor wafers and reticles are offered, enabling real-time monitoring and adjustment of manufacturing processes. This technology enhances process control and yield rates.
• Semiconductor Software Solutions - These solutions offer real-time process control, defect excursion identification, process corrections, and defect classification, which help to accelerate yield learning rates and reduce production risk.
• Wafer Processing Technologies - KLA supplies technologies such as etch, plasma dicing, and deposition that are fundamental to semiconductor and microelectronics manufacturing, enabling advanced wafer processing capabilities.
• PCB Market Solutions - For the printed circuit board (PCB) market, KLA offers a range of technologies including direct imaging, inspection, optical shaping, inkjet and additive printing, and UV laser drilling. These solutions cater to the need for precise and efficient PCB manufacturing.
• Display Market Systems - The company provides systems for inspecting and electrically testing displays to identify and classify defects. This ensures the production of high-quality display panels.
• Semiconductor Packaging Inspection and Metrology Systems - These systems are crucial for quality control and yield improvement in both advanced and traditional semiconductor packaging markets. They allow manufacturers to maintain high standards of packaging integrity.