With customers reporting successful use of its yield-optimization programs, HPL Technologies has created a division dedicated to software for yield analysis. The software is designed to tackle problems arising from the growing complexity of devices, process variability, and a paucity of yield-related process data, the supplier says. Additional problems that the software can alleviate include the length of time required to diagnose defects as well as a lack of automated tools for measuring factors that limit yields, according to San Jose­based HPL. The software will enable customers to improve their manufacturing processes and ramp up to volume production much quicker than before. Mark Milligan, formerly of Synopsys, is the vice president and general manager of the new division.

Mykrolis has officially become its own company after signing a 12-year lease for a new headquarters. The former microelectronic division of Millipore, Mykrolis is moving into a 175,000-sq-ft plant in Billerica, MA. The company also plans to move some manufacturing operations from its plant in Yonezawa, Japan. The lease offers two five-year renewal options. The facility will house approximately 250 employees from Mykrolis's corporate offices and R&D labs in Bedford, MA, as well as from Millipore's plant in Jaffrey, NH. Mykrolis manufactures components and subsystems for liquid and gas delivery.