Highly Configurable Wafer Handling Systems

For us to understand the wafer front end and semiconductor front end the first thing that we need to understand is the integrated circuit. An integrated circuit is a tiny device that offers numerous electronic functions. An Integrated circuit or IC has two main parts: a die- a tiny and very fragile silicon chip and a package that is to protect the internal silicon chip and helps users to handle the component without any problem.

The Fabrication of a Semiconductor Device

The manufacturing phase of an integrated circuit is divided into two steps. The first step is wafer fabrication; the step is highly sophisticated, and it is a very complicated process of manufacturing the silicon chip. Then comes the second step, which is assembly and it has to be an extremely accurate and automated process to pack the die. Those two phases are known as “Front-End” and “Back-End.” In these two phases, there are two test steps: wafer probing and final test.

Motion controllers are the brains of a motion control system. In feedback-based systems, motion controllers, receive input from the user, and then match it with the feedback signal of the motor, and then perform the restorative action to bring the desired position, which is the input and output, which is the actual position in line with one another.

Trajectories are created by motion controllers that are followed by the motors to meet the desired commands. Profiles are also termed as motion profiles. What is a profile? A profile is a set of position commands versus time. It notifies the motor where to position the load and how quickly it is required to do so to avoid any problems. Proper torque commands that are created by the motion controller are used to generate the trajectories. These torque commands are then delivered to the drive, which powers the motor.

All these actions require a large amount of signal processing; that’s why motion controllers leverage the power of digital signal processors (DSPs) for this job. Digital signal processors are specially designed to complete mathematical operations in an efficient manner and as quickly as possible. DSPs can manage the algorithmic processing far better than standard microcontrollers, as standard microcontrollers are not designed to handle bulky amounts of mathematical processing.

There are many common motion profiles, including a ramp, complex polynomial, triangular, and trapezoidal profiles. Each one of these profiles is utilized in certain situations and conditions where that type of motion is needed. Let’s take an example, a trapezoidal profile is defined by constant acceleration and velocity, and a graph of the velocity versus time profile is in the shape of a trapezoid.

Then comes stand-alone controllers, which are entire systems that are mostly mounted in one physical enclosure, including all of the necessary external connections, electronics, and power supplies. These controllers can be turned into a machine and assigned to one motion control application that could involve controlling a single axis of motion or multiple axes.

We know that PC-based controllers are fixed onto the motherboard of an industrial PC or a primary PC. PC-based controllers are mainly processing boards that may execute and generate motion profiles. PC-based controllers provide a ready-made graphical user interface that makes programming easier.

There are also individual microcontrollers, which are individual integrated circuits that are mostly designed onto a printed circuit board and there are feedback inputs and outputs for drivers for controlling a motor.

Kensington wafer handling equipment offers unique features and makes the work easier.

Kensington labs develop wafer handling robots, and it then provides an exceptional service so that products work well for a lifetime. Kensington works to maximize operating life and optimize capital investment in equipment.

Apart from a broad line-up of guaranteed precision automation solutions for a wide range of applications, Kensington gives automation problem-solving to design and create customized stages and robotics for new and unique applications.