Company Overview

PDF Solutions, Inc. is a technology company that provides data analytics software and services to the semiconductor and electronics manufacturing industries. The company focuses on improving yield, quality, and time-to-market for integrated circuit manufacturers by leveraging large-scale manufacturing data and advanced analytics. Its offerings are used primarily by semiconductor foundries, integrated device manufacturers (IDMs), fabless semiconductor companies, and equipment suppliers.

The company’s primary revenue drivers are its analytics software platforms and recurring services tied to semiconductor manufacturing operations. PDF Solutions differentiates itself through deep domain expertise in semiconductor process control, access to high-volume manufacturing data, and long-standing relationships with leading chipmakers. Founded in 1991, the company originally focused on design-for-manufacturability solutions and gradually evolved into a data analytics and manufacturing intelligence provider as semiconductor production complexity and data volumes increased.

Business Operations

PDF Solutions operates through two core business segments: Analytics Solutions and Manufacturing Control Solutions. The Analytics Solutions segment includes the Exensio platform, which aggregates, analyzes, and visualizes semiconductor manufacturing data to support yield improvement, reliability analysis, and process optimization. This segment generates revenue primarily through software licenses, subscriptions, and related services.

The Manufacturing Control Solutions segment is largely driven by Cimetrix, a wholly owned subsidiary that provides equipment connectivity, automation, and control software used in semiconductor fabs. PDF Solutions serves customers globally, with operations spanning both domestic and international markets, and derives a significant portion of revenue from Asia-based semiconductor manufacturers. The company maintains long-term customer relationships through embedded software solutions and ongoing analytics services integrated into customers’ production environments.

Strategic Position & Investments

Strategically, PDF Solutions focuses on expanding its role as a critical data and analytics partner to semiconductor manufacturers as the industry adopts advanced nodes, heterogeneous integration, and AI-driven design. Growth initiatives emphasize increasing adoption of its Exensio analytics platform, expanding subscription-based revenue, and deepening penetration within existing customer fabs.

A major strategic investment was the acquisition of Cimetrix, which strengthened PDF Solutions’ position at the equipment and factory integration layer, enabling tighter integration between manufacturing data sources and analytics outputs. The company continues to invest in advanced analytics, cloud-enabled deployment models, and data infrastructure that support emerging semiconductor technologies and increasingly complex manufacturing ecosystems.

Geographic Footprint

PDF Solutions is headquartered in San Jose, California, and operates globally with a strong presence in Asia, particularly in Taiwan, South Korea, China, and Japan, where many of the world’s leading semiconductor fabs are located. These regions represent the company’s most significant customer base and revenue contribution.

In addition to its North American and Asian operations, PDF Solutions maintains offices and technical teams in Europe, supporting multinational customers and collaborative development efforts. The company’s global footprint reflects the geographically distributed nature of semiconductor manufacturing and enables close on-site engagement with customers’ production facilities.

Leadership & Governance

PDF Solutions is led by a management team with extensive experience in semiconductor manufacturing, data analytics, and enterprise software. The leadership emphasizes long-term customer partnerships, data-driven decision-making, and sustained investment in technology platforms that address industry-wide manufacturing challenges.

Key executives include:

• John K. Kibarian – President and Chief Executive Officer
• Howard S. Mason – Chief Financial Officer
• Karin H. Cheng – Chief Operating Officer
• Steve Moore – Senior Vice President, Analytics Solutions
• Ted Farrell – Senior Vice President, Manufacturing Control Solutions