Patent ID: 6672820
Filing Date: 2004-01-06
Classification: C25D,H01L

Abstract:
A transport system for manipulating a wafer within a processing section of a processing apparatus used in microelectronic fabrication, the transport system comprising:first and second wafer transfer units; a transport unit guide for supporting the first and second wafer transfer units as each unit moves independently between a respective first position and a respective second position, the transport unit guide comprising a frame, first and second lateral guide rails spaced apart horizontally and mounted on opposite sides of the frame, and a series of magnetic segments arranged upon the transport unit guide proximate the first and second lateral guide rails; each of the first and second wafer transfer units comprising a tram translatably attached to the respective lateral guide rail, a wafer transfer arm assembly attached to the respective tram for manipulating the wafer, an electromagnet mounted on the tram in cooperative relation with a respective set of the magnetic segments for moving the transfer unit along the respective guide rail in response to control signals, actuators responsive to control signals for controlling the movement of the transfer arm assembly, sensors for monitoring the position of the transfer unit along the respective guide rail and the positional state of the transfer arm assembly wherein the transport unit guide is configured to be positioned between processing stations on opposite sides of the frame, with both the first and second wafer transfer units positioned to access processing stations on both sides of the frame; a controller disposed remote of the first and second transfer units, the controller being responsive to signals received from the sensors and providing the control signals for directing the movement of the first and second transfer units and the respective transfer arm assemblies; and a communication link between the first and second wafer transfer units and the controller for facilitating control of the operation of the wafer transfer units.