Compact Ethernet Switch Helps to Sustain Record of High Reliability in
Scribing and Breaking Semiconductor Wafers
The semiconductor industry is constantly looking for ways to increase
production yields and Loomis Industries in St. Helena, CA, is leading
the way with its new LSD-150 Scribe Dicing Machines that use Contemporary
Controls' compact Ethernet switches.
Historically, scribe dicing semiconductor wafers yielded irregular quantities
because the tools were not manufactured properly nor accurately positioned
in the system. "To address these issues, Loomis Industries developed
a process in scribe alignment and accuracy that is unmatched by our competitors,"
said Jim Cook, the company's Production Manager. "We hope to continue
with this record of high reliability and productivity with our new LSD-150
scribe and break system. I think that the quality of the Contemporary
Controls' CTRLink® Ethernet switch and the Galil Motion components
will help us achieve this goal."
The motion controller from Galil offered serial or Ethernet interfaces.
"Ethernet was the 'cleaner' solution," explained Cook. "Many
PCs sold today aren't designed with serial ports; they come with only
USB. But most PCs have Ethernet built-in." Further, serial port speed
is significantly less than Ethernet.
| Linking the motors and other components
with Contemporary Controls' Ethernet switches, Loomis Industries
was able to reduce and simplify much of the cabling and in turn,
improve the level of diagnostic capability for customers. "We
can observe the input of each motor and drive and realize precisely
what's happening at each machine position," Cook explained.
Loomis Industries had to locate a manufacturer of industrial-grade,
small footprint Ethernet components and discovered Contemporary
Controls in Downers Grove, IL. "A switch was preferred because
the Galil hardware was not designed to be daisy-chained," said
Cook. "A switch was required to link up the Ethernet devices
that occupied the limited space in the LSD-150 chassis. |
Loomis Industries' LSD-150 scribe dicing machine
introduces many advanced technical features, but more significant
it brings about anew standard in yield, throughput, and cost effectiveness.
|
"I was looking for a product aimed at giving its users compact size
and versatility in connecting Ethernet equipment," Cook said. "The
Contemporary Controls' EIBA-100T/R switch was a perfect fit." Why?
First, the model EIBA5-100T/R switch operates from common low-voltage
panel power, AC or DC. Other switches connecting Ethernet equipment
have a proprietary plug on the switch housing and a "wall wart"
transformer that requires a 120 VAC power outlet. Loomis Industries
already had a
24 VDC power supply inside their LSD-150 machine. "With this Ethernet
switch we were able to easily energize the switch from our switching
power supply," explained Cook.
The size of the switch was a factor. The EIBA5-100T/R switch is truly
compact, measuring 3.3" H x 0.9" W x 3.5" D. "When
we decided to use the Galil system we were short on space. The Galil
components are much larger than what we had been using. A switch designed
for home or office wasn't an option. The smallest of those are bulky
in comparison to the EIBA5-100T/R switch."
Cook indicated that the EIBA5-100T/R switch has all the features that
industrial users require. This five-port 10/100 Mbps switching hub offers
low-voltage, wide-range AC or DC power sources and
LEDs exist for activity/link, data rate, and power. The activity LEDs
face the technician for easing
troubleshooting. The unit's label can be written upon so port connections
can be documented regarding the location of connected equipment. This
device provides easy DIN-rail installation.
The system is comprised of a PC, and the LSD-150 unit, a tabletop machine
measuring approximately 3' x 2'. The LSD-150 is used inside clean rooms
that are environmentally controlled. The PC is positioned near the LSD-150
since interaction is required, at times, from the operator via the mouse
and the keyboard.
This EIBA5-100T/R switch is DIN-rail mounted inside the LSD-150. Cables
from the switch connect to the PC's Network Interface Card (NIC) and
to Galil motion control components, which connect to DC servomotors,
3-phase servos, valves, pressure regulators, and the sensors. A camera
interface board ("frame grabber") in the PC takes video input
from the LSD-150's video microscope.
Once Loomis Industries had connected their system via Ethernet, the
company's machine was able to do complete production runs without any
interruptions. "Ethernet is a time-tested technology that has great
capability for problem diagnosis and resolution," Cook said. "Other
reasons for Ethernet's popularity in this application is its speed,
flexibility in expansion of generic devices, no need for special cables
or connectors, and Ethernet components are not only inexpensive, but
they are available worldwide."
Through the user interface, the PC communicates to the LSD-150 how to
process the wafer once it is loaded on the scriber. The PC and the corresponding
recipe file dictate scribing air pressure, breaking air pressure (both
analog controls), scribing and break speeds, and focus positions.
Cook concluded by saying that it is important to have reliable suppliers.
In reference to Contemporary Controls, Cook said the company's Ethernet
switch was a good fit due to its size, construction, and performance.
"In addition, these switches are inexpensive; so I can stock several
at a time, and I don't have to wait weeks to get them shipped to me,"
he said. "A reliable supplier benefits not only our company, but
also our customers," Cook explained. "It helps our company
to
provide quality products and services for our customers on time."
