Category Archives: Wafer Processing Equipment

How Software Controls Achieve Best Results in Silicon Wafer Processing

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Depending on the degree of automation, software controls can enhance wafer manufacturing facility performance and achieve improved results. Full automation lets operators take advantage of different operational modes to test new process steps and optimize process variables. The controls can then run the process with precise repeatability and often without operator intervention. The reduction in operator error, monitoring chemical concentration with dosing capability and the increased reliability can result in higher yields and reduced costs with more efficient silicon wafer processing.

Automation controls in wafer manufacturing equipment must be reliable and accurate enough to reproduce exact chemical doses and process times, but flexible enough to permit technicians to make changes when needed. An intuitive operator interface, transparent programming of process steps, and easy adaptation of variables to new requirements help achieve excellent results. Software controls that deliver reliable reproduction of existing processes along with flexible programming for responding to changing requirements can significantly improve facility output.

Software Must Combine Support for Current Operations and Meet Future Needs

Modutek’s software can set process parameters such as chemical dosage, wafer etching, and cleaning times as well as other process parameters. Touch screens with a Graphic User Interface (GUI) allow operators to see process status and intervene if necessary. The displayed process shows the information on the status of the processing equipment. In addition, all set points can be easily modified to reflect your requirements. The software Modutek provides combines operational reliability with the flexibility needed to adapt the programs to new situations or requirements.

Optional Equipment Interface Makes Sure Commands Are Executed Correctly

Modutek offers SECS/GEM protocol or Ethernet access for the data logging interface. This interface allows Modutek to make output changes and integrate new wafer manufacturing equipment while ensuring that software commands are executed properly and accurately. Operators can read displays of process characteristics on the GUI to ensure command execution takes place as expected. All these options are reviewed during the station design layout process to ensure it meets your process and budget requirements.

Peripheral Control Features Can Enhance Software Performance

Data logging can improve performance by providing operators with additional information that allows them to optimize operations. Data loggers can track indicators such as output, process temp, processing times, and all alarm features. All data can form the basis for an evaluation of facility performance and plans for targeted changes to reach clearly defined goals.

Modutek can integrate standard or custom peripheral control features as needed by customers for specific applications. Customers may require certain information to optimize their process or depend on output data for subsequent action. Modutek can analyze such requirements and add the necessary functionality, both in terms of sensors or additional equipment and to ensure the information is processed and presented in a useful format.

Designing and Building Advanced Software Controls to Improve Silicon Wafer Processing

As a leading wet bench manufacturer with extensive experience and expertise in designing and building equipment in-house, Modutek works with customers to ensure their software controls meet their needs. In addition to providing excellent customer support, Modutek can evaluate complex customer applications to propose the best possible solutions. Contact Modutek for a free consultation to discuss your manufacturing equipment needs.

Improving Wafer Manufacturing Processes with Automated Equipment

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Improving Wafer Manufacturing Processes with Automated EquipmentAutomated wafer fabrication equipment can improve semiconductor manufacturing facility performance, but all the associated process settings must be programmed properly. Before the manufacturing process can be implemented on a fully automated wet bench station, the settings, timing and other parameters have to be fine tuned. As circuit geometries and micro-structures become smaller and more tightly packed, the chemical concentrations, temperature levels and timed intervals affecting the etch rate become more and more critical. Fully automated equipment can precisely and reliably run a semiconductor manufacturing process once the correct variables are determined and programmed.

Manual Operation Can Determine the Settings for the Process Variables

Once wafer fabrication processes such as KOH etching are chosen, the process variables can be selected. Etching can be either isotropic or anisotropic and etching speed or precision can vary. Other factors may come into play as well. Initially it makes sense to run the new process on a manual station so that the process results for rough settings of basic variables such a concentrations, temperature and timing can be determined. These variables can then be adjusted to get an initial and acceptable process result.

Semi-Automatic Operation Can Fine Tune the Process

After determining the rough settings of the basic variables in manual operation, transferring to semi-automatic operation to optimize the process steps can save time. Those variables that will no longer change can be programmed into the semi-automatic software control while the others can be adjusted manually to get the best process result. In this way, as each process step is optimized, it can be programmed so that when optimization is complete, the process is ready to run on fully automated wafer processing equipment.

Fully Automated Operation Improves Semiconductor Manufacturing Facility Performance

Fully automated wet process stations for which the process has been optimized in manual and semi-automated operation can help improve overall production facility performance in the following ways:

  • Programmed settings ensure that the process is repeatable for different batches
  • Use of wet processing simulation software during optimization helps ensure accurate process parameters
  • Full automation eliminates human error
  • Precise dosages of chemicals and accurate timing results in fewer defective products
  • Throughput and wafer yields are increased

The programmed settings can be used again to get an identical result and they can be used for similar applications with minor adjustments. Instead of relying on operators to prepare etching baths, the fully automated station mixes the required chemicals quickly, safely and reliably, always the same way and without waste or spillage. The result is precise control over the process steps, fast execution without delays and high output quality.

Improved Output Relies on Optimized Software and Fully Automated Stations

Using an optimization strategy with manual and semi-automatic operation and running the optimized process on fully automated wafer fabrication equipment can lead to continuous improvement in semiconductor manufacturing operations. As new processes are brought online and optimized, they replace older versions that may not use chemicals as efficiently, may rely on some manual input or may not have the same precise and reliable execution as the fully automated stations. Tailor-made software working with fully automated wet process equipment can result in such continuous improvements.

With 40 years of experience in wet process technology and extensive in house expertise from manufacturing its own equipment, Modutek is ideally situated to supply fully automated equipment that improves semiconductor manufacturing output. The company has a complete line of standard and custom-built wet process equipment and the SolidWorks software used to calculate process parameters is programmed in house. Working closely with its customers, Modutek designs and builds its fully automated stations and programs the corresponding software to help them meet their goals for continuous improvement. Contact Modutek for a free quote or consultation on selecting equipment that supports your specific manufacturing process requirements.

Custom Fabrication Services for Unique Wafer Processing Requirements

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When research labs or semiconductor manufacturing facilities face special requirements for projects or for prototypes, they may need custom equipment to carry out their plans. Special tanks, stations or carriers may be required to make a particular semiconductor product. Modutek specializes in custom design and development and can meet all the customization needs of their customers. The company can produce special components, systems or processes as required and has certified fabricators for welding and plumbing to carry out the work.

Typical Applications

When new products are developed, single items are manufactured or prototypes are required for testing, existing wafer processing equipment may not be suitable for the job. Even when semiconductors are manufactured on a continuing basis, suppliers may change and the regulatory environment may impose additional requirements or change existing ones. In such cases, a custom solution to retrofit equipment, add new components or change parts may be the most appropriate and cost effective solution.

Semiconductor manufacturing facilities may want to implement customization in the absence of external changes. New technologies often make processes more efficient, less costly or they may result in higher quality output. Making minor changes in a process can speed up production and increase throughput. Tweaking the manufacturing process with customized components can result in better facility performance and can improve profitability.

Typical Customizations

While Modutek can accommodate all kinds of customer requests for special applications, there are many typical examples of changes required in existing equipment to let semiconductor manufacturers adapt their productions lines to current requirements. Modutek can examine the issues that make changes necessary and advise customers of the various possibilities that will satisfy their needs.

If a process has to be changed to allow implementation of a different sequence of fabrication steps, baths may have to be changed from static to re-circulating, heating may have to be added or the chemical delivery system may have to be changed. On the other hand, the main equipment may still be suitable but the monitoring system may have to be adapted, different sensors added and the software re-written.

Fully automated or semi-automated stations are very flexible but may have to be upgraded for new processes or new equipment may have to be integrated into the production line. Additional surface treatments, stress relief, thinning or texturing may be needed. Enhanced environmental regulations may require new treatment of waste and new safety standards may mean additional safety equipment.

When the process, regulations, outside requirements or raw material inputs change, customization of existing production lines to satisfy the new requirements is often the best and least expensive option. When deciding on how to proceed, it is important to have a partner who has experience and the required capabilities to explore all the options and present their advantages and disadvantages.

Modutek Can Help

With over 35 years of experience in wet bench technology, Modutek can advise customers what solutions are most appropriate for their needs and what level of customization is required. Modutek can draw on the company’s complete line of wafer processing equipment for semiconductor fabrication, but because all the equipment is designed and built in house, Modutek is also ideally situated to deliver custom solutions.

Modutek engineers have the experience and expertise to design and build customized equipment from the ground up. As a result, they know exactly what works best and how existing equipment can be modified. When it comes to software, Modutek developed its own SolidWorks simulation application and the company designs and writes all automation software for its fully automated and semi-automated stations. On both the hardware and software side, Modutek can help with custom solutions to meet any specialized requirements.

Tips on Selecting Wafer Processing Equipment for Your Application

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Tips on Selecting Wafer Processing Equipment for Your ApplicationSemiconductor manufacturing and research facilities use wet bench technology to produce silicon wafers that require many cleaning and etching process steps. The wet bench equipment needs to be flexible and configured for the particular manufacturing process. Ideally equipment should be suitable for both acid and solvent applications with designs based on extensive experience using high quality materials and meeting or exceeding all applicable safety standards. Typical processes used for wafer processing equipment include KOH Etching, BOE (Buffered Oxide Etching), RCA Clean, plating and Megasonic cleaning. For special applications, custom designs to meet specific process requirements may be needed. Depending on the budget framework and the process, wet benches can be fully automated, semi-automated or designed for manual operation.

Fully Automated Stations

Wafer fabrication equipment with full automation offers excellent consistency of process steps and improved output quality. Precise control of chemicals and process times allows for minimization of waste and a reduction of operator errors. A reduced use of chemicals due to exact dosages can save money and effective neutralization of discharges means compliance with environmental regulations is easier. Software calculates the chemical dosages and each process is completely repeatable in a consistent process environment.

Semi-Automated Stations

Semi-automated stations offer the robotics of the fully automated wafer processing equipment without the automation and at a lower cost. The servo-controlled robots with three degrees of freedom produce a uniform process and allow operators to precisely control chemical dosages and process times. Controls are user friendly via a touch screen and software for simulations and dosage calculations is available.

Manual Stations

Stations without automation offer the same high quality process equipment as the automated stations but without the cost of automation. The manual wet benches include all the process and safety features of the automated equipment minus the cost of the robotics. The standard models and customized versions can be adapted for any wet bench processing application and the units are especially attractive due to the low cost of ownership.

Whether they are manual or automated, the process equipment features white polypropylene construction with wiring to NFPA 70 and 79. Safety features include an emergency power off button, safety interlocks and PVC safety shields. Process tanks have a one-inch lip exhaust and the units have a continuous flow DI water manifold along with a Teflon N2 gun and DI water hand spray. Third party certification for NEC and NFPA is available.

All of the wet benches and chemical stations can be ordered as standard units that can process semiconductor wafers up to 12” (300 mm) as well as glass substrates in a variety of sizes up to 30″ x 60″ solar panels. The units can be customized to fulfill any processing, etching or cleaning application. At Modutek, all design, assembly and testing is carried out in house including the writing of the SolidWorks Simulation software.

Modutek’s Wafer Processing Equipment

The Modutek fully automated, semi-automated and manual wet benches meet the highest standards of material quality and safety. All orders are reviewed by Modutek mechanical and electrical engineers and produced based on over 35 years of experience in the industry. The company uses its internal expertise to advise customers on the best equipment to meet their requirements.

Because Modutek writes its own software and builds the wafer processing equipment in house, the company can offer complete customer assistance without going to outside suppliers. Problems are handled internally and customers receive seamless technical support. Modutek’s technical staff can help customers during the ordering process, while manufacturing and assembly is taking place, during factory testing with de-ionized water and with on-site service after delivery. Call Modutek for a free quote and recommendations on using the right wafer processing equipment for your application.