SEMI and NIST are backing a program to develop a framework that will allow chipmakers and suppliers to electronically exchange information without divulging company secrets. Led by SEMI, the joint venture taps funds from NIST's Advanced Technology Program to create a so-called flexible firewall for improved communication through the Internet. Participants believe chipmakers ultimately will see improved yield, faster throughput, and lower production costs than at present.

NIST recently awarded an additional $5 million to participants in the three-year project, which has a budget of $10.1 million. The partners are domainLogix, Advanced Micro Devices, ILS Technology, and Oceana Sensor Technologies. Austin, TX–based domainLogix has the job of developing a security reference model enabling chipmakers and suppliers to define acceptable conditions for data access. According to domainLogix, a flexible firewall enables chipmakers and suppliers to protect accessible devices such as factory servers and embedded sensors. The overall reference model will become an open industry standard.

The Texas company received $1.6 million in NIST R&D funding in 2000 to develop object-based software architecture for integrating manufacturing tools and factory automation. The resulting software program, OBEM XP, is undergoing beta testing.

Two companies have teamed to launch a customized on-line exchange for surplus semiconductor manufacturing gear. KeyAssets.com and netMercury have formed a strategic alliance to launch the service, which can be accessed through netMercury's homepage. The company's Web site will direct viewers to the new Surplus Equipment Exchange. KeyAssets.com is supporting the service with its transactional software. Partner netMercury specializes in automated supply chain management. The exchange features photos and documentation for each listed item. It also offers access to capital equipment services such as refurbishing, decontamination, and spare parts, the partners say. Information: www.netmercury.net.

Striving to stay competitive in the advanced semiconductor technology arena, Selete plans to build three laboratories to explore deep-submicron processes. The 11-member Japanese consortium will spend approximately $230 million on the labs, which will focus on lithography and etch processes. Selete is involved in a private-public program known as Asuka. The five-year plan was launched in January 2000 by the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association. The Semiconductor Technology Academic Research Center also is participating in Asuka, which is targeting advanced processing.

A new 171-page book updates a reference guide for the detection and identification of physical faults in advanced semiconductors. The 2001 Supplement to the Microelectronic Failure Analysis Desk Reference, 4th Edition is available from the Electronic Device Failure Analysis Society. The supplement features 14 papers from authors in academia, industry, and government labs discussing the preparation, inspection, and modification of ICs. Techniques covered in the publication include focused-ion-beam milling, imaging, deposition, tunneling atomic-force microscopy, scanning probe microscopy, and scanning capacitance microscopy. A CD-ROM features both the text and high-resolution images of the micrographs. The supplement costs $60; $48 for members. Information: www.asminternational.org