The sequences are repeated for about 20 minutes until the process is complete. Once the start button is pressed, the machine requires no further operator involvement. Also, excess time in the drying station can damage the wafer. Either way, building a wafer that can pass quality control testing depends on proper speed and timing. Both programming functions avoid jerking the gripper mechanism.
Customers value the flexibility of a programmable motion control system.
Through a touch screen operator interface connected to a master programmable logic controller, customers can choose one of 10 different motion sequences. This enables them to change the chipmaking processes without the delay or extra expense of a hard-wired system. The system facilitates such flexibility because it can provide precise positioning without proximity sensors. Ease of programmability is important for the semiconductor processing industry because customers expect quick turnaround times. Today, the machines are expected to start running product almost immediately after they arrive at the plant.