Introduction
In the semiconductor industry, seamless communication between equipment and host systems is critical for efficiency, traceability, and factory automation. Many legacy tools, however, lack native SECS/GEM interfaces, making integration challenging. One such case was the Peter Wolters AC 2000-P2, a widely used precision lapping and polishing system. Einnosys successfully enabled SECS/GEM connectivity for this equipment using its innovative EIGEMBox solution.
The Challenge
The Peter Wolters AC 2000-P2 was a high-value tool but lacked native SECS/GEM capability. Without standardized communication, the fab struggled with:
- Limited equipment-to-host connectivity.
- Manual data logging and recipe management.
- Difficulty in meeting automation and traceability requirements.
- High downtime risk during integration attempts with legacy hardware.
The fab needed a non-intrusive, cost-effective, and SEMI-compliant solution that could enable SECS/GEM without impacting existing machine performance.
Benefits of EIGEMBox
By enabling SECS/GEM on the Peter Wolters AC 2000-P2, the fab achieved:
- Faster Integration: Deployment completed quickly without machine downtime.
- Standardized Connectivity: Direct host communication via SECS/GEM.
- Improved Productivity: Automated data collection and recipe management reduced manual effort.
- Future-Ready Automation: Compatibility with MES, predictive maintenance, and smart manufacturing initiatives.
- Cost Savings: Extended the life of existing equipment without expensive upgrades.
The Solution: EIGEMBox
Einnosys deployed its EIGEMBox, a plug-and-play hardware and software solution designed to retrofit legacy equipment with SECS/GEM capability. Key aspects of the solution included:
- Seamless Retrofit: Integration without altering the machine controller or core software.
- Full SEMI Compliance: Support for SECS-I, SECS-II, HSMS, and GEM standards.
- Recipe and Data Handling: Automatic collection of alarms, events, recipes, and process data.
- Scalable Architecture: Ability to connect multiple legacy tools to the host system.
The implementation was completed in a short timeframe, with minimal disruption to production.
About Einnosys
Einnosys Technologies is a trusted partner in semiconductor factory automation, offering solutions for fabs, assembly/test/packaging, and OEMs. With products like EIGEMBox and EIGEMEquipment SDK, Einnosys empowers semiconductor companies to achieve seamless equipment integration, predictive maintenance, and AI-driven manufacturing.
Conclusion
This success story highlights how EIGEMBox transformed the Peter Wolters AC 2000-P2 into a fully SECS/GEM-compliant tool, enabling the fab to achieve modern automation goals without replacing existing assets. For fabs looking to bridge the gap between legacy equipment and Industry 4.0, EIGEMBox offers a proven, scalable, and cost-effective path forward.