Sievers Boron Ultra Brings Unmatched Control to Microelectronics Manufacturing

The Sievers Instruments portfolio has expanded once again to meet the stringent demands of the microelectronics industry. The market for manufacturing microelectronics is expected to grow to $934.4 billion by 2032, up from $509.7 billion in 2023. As semiconductor devices grow smaller and more intricate, the need for ultrapure water (UPW) as a critical resource will continue to grow, too.

The new Sievers Boron Ultra Online UPW Analyzer, the latest generation of the Sievers Boron analyzer product line, is the only real-time online boron analyzer on the market that monitors boron in UPW to the single parts per trillion (ppt), exceeding International Roadmap for Devices and Systems (IRDS) specifications of 50 ppt.

Semiconductor manufacturing is an exacting process where even trace amounts of contaminants can lead to significant defects and reduced product yields. Water, which interacts with products at nearly every stage of production, represents a major source of potential contamination. The Sievers Boron Ultra analyzer offers real-time, continuous boron measurements, giving process engineers the data they need to safeguard product integrity and optimize their water management systems.

By detecting boron at single ppt levels, the analyzer provides the most proactive ion exchange process monitoring possible— delivering critical insights since boron breakthrough precedes that of silica and other ionic contamination as ion exchange resins approach exhaustion. This allows manufacturers to optimize their resin management methods, reducing raw material waste, extending resin life, and minimizing operational costs.

The Sievers Boron Ultra sets a new standard for boron detection in ultrapure water systems. Key improvements over its predecessor include:

• Enhanced sensitivity and speed: Increased sensitivity from 15 ppt down to 10 ppt boron, and increased data resolution with the new sample frequency of up to 20 real-time data points per hour, allowing for rapid response to potential issues.
• Ease of use: Simplified setup and intuitive diagnostics reduce maintenance requirements, making it more user-friendly for operators.
• Flexible applications: Capable of measuring boron levels in both primary and polish loops, the analyzer ensures compliance with stringent boron specifications and supports process optimization efforts.
• Regulatory compliance: The Sievers Boron Ultra holds CE, UKCA, ETL, UL Std. 61010-1, and CSA 22.2 No. 61010-1 safety certifications and an IP 45 rating, aligning with rigorous worldwide standards.

The Sievers Boron Ultra is a keystone in modern UPW quality management programs. By offering unparalleled real-time detection capabilities, the analyzer helps manufacturers proactively manage ion exchange processes and prevent ionic contamination events, safeguard downstream processes, and increase product yields. Its advanced technology enables smarter decision-making, ensuring optimal water quality and process efficiency.

With decades of experience in ultrapure water analysis, Sievers continues to lead the industry in innovation and reliability. The Boron Ultra Analyzer builds on this legacy, providing the microelectronics industry with the tools needed to meet today’s stringent purity demands and tomorrow’s emerging challenges.

Contact us for more information about the Sievers Boron Ultra UPW Analyzer and how it can enhance your ultrapure water systems.