Advanced Energy launches transformational plasma power control

Engineered to provide the precision plasma control demanded by Angstrom Era etch and deposition processes, the eVerest RF power generator enables highly configurable, multi-level power pulsing that can integrate into and improve any existing plasma power delivery systems. The platform offers output power from 3 to 10kW and frequencies from 1 to 60MHz, and delivers a wide, high-accuracy pulsing frequency up to 100kHz. In addition, high-speed setpoint response, controlled overshoot between transition states and access to a sophisticated IoT data ecosystem allow manufacturers to develop advanced, repeatable processes for sub-2 nm deposition and etch profiles.

“The semiconductor industry’s mission to deliver improved performance from ever-smaller chips is now taking us into the Angstrom Era, where increasingly complex 3D structures and innovative processes have dimensions measured on the atomic scale,” said Juergen Braun, Senior Vice President of Plasma Power Products at Advanced Energy. “Advanced Energy has been at the forefront of plasma power delivery and control systems for semiconductor processes for over 40 years. This leadership continues with innovations that address the demands from manufacturers of Angstrom Era devices for transformational, high-precision plasma control that increases process window and widens stable operating envelope to maximise throughput and yield.”

eVerest is a complete RF power delivery system with multiple options for impedance matching solutions and intelligent synchronisation with other Advanced Energy innovation like the eVoS bias solution, which enables instantaneous or user-defined transition timing to optimise etch and deposition kinetics. eVerest’s high-speed RF output response is under 200µs, with pulse-state rise/fall times down to under 2µs. Dynamic control of multi-level pulsing opens new possibilities for energy regimes and distributions, while a programmable overshoot ensures reliable ignition, as well as the ability to reestablish plasma in processes with longer pulse off states.

When integrated with the PowerInsight by Advanced Energy IoT data ecosystem, eVerest-based solutions give operators access to high-resolution, high-bandwidth embedded, or system-level data. This data provides actionable insight that supports faster, more accurate process characterisation and troubleshooting. In addition, it reduces downtime by eliminating the need to access the plasma chamber for installation of an oscilloscope.