How Software Controls Support Unique Wet Processing Requirements

Automated software control systems can help improve wet bench operations, but the software has to be flexible to meet the specific needs of a wet processing application. Modutek can customize their software controls and wafer fabrication equipment to meet the specific needs of a manufacturer.

Software controls can increase dosage accuracy, timing reliability, and process safety. However, the process parameters or even the process itself can change due to many factors such as stricter regulations, varying customer requirements, as well as varying supplies. The ideal automated process station is custom built to meet the requirements of a specific application while retaining the software programming capability to respond to production line changes.

Modutek's fully automated wafer fabrication equipment features touch screens with a graphical user interface (GUI). This feature enables operators to check the status of the process, which may lead them to start or stop the steps if needed. Modutek can respond to unique requirements at the software level and add equipment to the GUI depending on the process changes.

Modutek also uses the SECS/GEM (SEMI Equipment Communications Standard/Generic Equipment Model) interface standard. It allows the company to integrate other equipment into its production line designs and easily make changes to the software.

Modutek can integrate higher-level controllers such as Omron machine automation controllers or controllers from specific manufacturers such as Allen Bradley. These special controllers are often required for a specific functionality or integration with existing systems.

Modutek's SolidWorks Simulation Professional and SolidWorks Flow Simulation software calculates chemical dosages and track chemical usage. The software ensures that the process environment for a particular batch is always the same and produces reliable etch rates and consistent throughput.

2020 marks Modutek’s 40^th year of operation as a wet processing equipment supplier and semiconductor equipment manufacturer. For more details read the complete article, “How Software Controls Support Unique Wet Processing Requirements”. Contact Modutek at 866-803-1533 or email Modutek@modutek.com to schedule a free consultation on your wafer processing equipment needs.

Why Custom Wafer Cassettes Are an Essential Part of Wet Bench Equipment

Wafer cassettes may be customized for use in wet bench equipment to meet specific applications. Research labs and universities may create semiconductor prototypes and start-ups may need sample semiconductors for testing. In each of these cases, off-the-shelf carriers with the required characteristics are usually not available.

Research labs and universities may need wafer carriers with unusual features because they are testing new processes or using new materials. They often need only a few specialized custom cassettes to be able to execute their research and testing. Start-ups also need custom wafer cassettes as they are still developing an innovative semiconductor product. Off-the-shelf wafers may not be suitable as they are not available commercially. To produce different prototypes and test time in real-life situations, start-ups may need a series of custom wafer cassettes before they begin commercial manufacture of their new product.

Modification in the production lines means that some equipment had to be changed and equipment adapted due to various reasons — changes in suppliers, updated regulatory requirements, or new customer demands.

Modutek is a leading manufacturer of wet bench equipment and has the in-house expertise to review customer requirements and provide high-quality custom installations. It offers equipment from the standard line of wet bench stations but can also customize them to meet special equipment (which it designs and builds in-house). When custom wafer cassettes are needed, Modutek can design and build custom units as needed. It can design and build special configurations and use specific materials such as PFA Teflon, PFTE Teflon, PVDF, and Natural Polypro. Custom carriers can hold from one to 25 wafers per carrier and carrier design can be optimized for a specific use. Modutek does not require a minimum order quantity for custom wafer cassettes as its way to emphasize its commitment to meeting the special needs of customers.

For more details read the complete article, “Why Custom Wafer Cassettes Are an Essential Part of Wet Bench Equipment”. If you have questions about custom wafer cassettes for a free consultation or quote contact Modutek at 866–803–1533 or email Modutek@modutek.com.