Legacy Tool Management: Prolonging the Lifespan of Semiconductor Equipment
In an industry driven by rapid innovation, legacy semiconductor tools continue to hold vital importance—especially in manufacturing processes based on mature nodes such as 180nm to 45nm. These nodes are indispensable for producing reliable, cost-efficient chips used in consumer electronics, automotive systems, and IoT devices. Rather than being phased out, legacy tools are being recognized as strategic assets in sustaining global semiconductor supply chains.
The Market for Mature Nodes: A Growing Opportunity
The demand for legacy node technologies remains strong, with the market size surpassing $50 billion. Industrial, automotive, and smart device sectors heavily rely on these nodes due to their affordability and proven reliability. As a result, manufacturers are prioritizing efforts to maximize the performance and longevity of legacy equipment to meet this ongoing demand.
Why Extend the Life of Legacy Tools?
Extending the lifespan of existing semiconductor tools offers numerous advantages:
Cost Savings Revitalizing current tools eliminates the need for hefty investments in new equipment.
Operational Continuity Ensures uninterrupted production of high-demand, mature-node products.
Sustainability Reduces electronic waste and supports eco-friendly manufacturing by lengthening equipment lifecycles.
Navigating the Challenges of Legacy Equipment
One of the core obstacles in legacy tool management is sourcing spare parts—particularly electronic components that typically have a lifecycle of just five years. As OEMs shift focus to advanced technologies, replacement parts for aging tools become increasingly scarce.
To maintain uptime and production efficiency, fabs must implement a proactive strategy involving detailed supply chain oversight, ongoing vendor collaboration, and strategic inventory management. A failure in this area can result in significant production delays and financial losses.
Orbit & Skyline: Leading the Charge in Legacy Tool Support
Recognizing the critical need for legacy tool solutions, Orbit & Skyline has invested heavily in supporting fabs worldwide through its dedicated Center of Excellence—a cutting-edge facility tailored to legacy tool challenges.
What Sets Orbit & Skyline Apart?
With more than 15 years of industry experience and a global team of over 500 engineers, Orbit & Skyline delivers comprehensive, end-to-end support for legacy equipment. The company’s strengths include:
Managing over 3,000 tools globally across etch, deposition, and clean processes
Securing spare part continuity via strong OEM and third-party relationships
Designing innovative, customized solutions for legacy systems
Developing resilient supply chain strategies to counter obsolescence
Learning from Industry Leaders: TSMC’s Example
Even the most advanced semiconductor companies, like TSMC, continue to benefit from mature node production. Despite its cutting-edge reputation, TSMC’s legacy fabs contribute significantly to its revenue. Their success underscores how optimizing legacy tool performance can drive long-term value and sustained growth.
Final Thoughts
As the semiconductor industry evolves, legacy tools will remain a cornerstone for producing essential chips efficiently and sustainably. Orbit & Skyline stands at the forefront of this movement, offering the expertise, infrastructure, and global reach needed to help fabs extend equipment life, improve performance, and stay competitive.
With a proven track record and robust solutions, Orbit & Skyline transforms aging tools into assets—ensuring that legacy doesn't mean obsolete, but rather, enduringly valuable.
