Cimetrix Helps Engineers Understand SEMI Standards and provides software Solutions

What is SECS/GEM?

Semiconductor Equipment Materials Initiative, or SEMI, is a standard established to help improve connectivity in manufacturing. The standard is implemented to make communication between equipment such as etch, deposition, and lithography that is the host’s factory network. SECS (Semiconductor Equipment Communication Standard) builds on SEMI as connectivity standard. GEM is one of the SEMI connectivity standards called E30. It’s defined as the Generic Model for Communications and Control of Manufacturing Equipment. Usually, the Secs/gem establishes the protocol and scenarios that make it possible for factory software to run the manufacturing equipment. They help control as well as monitor different types of machines. Officially this is called SEMI connectivity standard E30.

What is GEM 300?

The introduction of 300 mm wafers combined with their need for improved automation resulted in new challenges. The GEM 300 standards were created to help solve some of the issues. By having industry-wide standards, manufacturers are able to all have the same processes. Cimetrix has developed a software kit called CIM300 as a GEM 300 solution. Software like the CIM300 will keep manufacturing companies compliant and efficient together.

How can factories make sure they are compliant with SECS/GEM and GEM 300?

The first step is getting software that ensures everything works and communicates well together. The setups consist of two parties that are the host and the equipment. The host does not have to comply with connectivity standard. For a host to use the interface, it must be using the host-side of the system. The SECS/GEM standards set clear equipment behavior for each possible host message.

What do Semiconductor engineers need to know about SEMI connectivity standards?

SEMI is a global association that works to create standards for manufacturing supply chain industries. SEMI is specifically aimed at setting specs for semiconductors, photovoltaics (PV), LED, flat panel displays, and other electronic industries manufacturing facilities. Creating specific guidelines for SECS/GEM and GEM 300 helps keep manufacturing safe and more uniform. Meeting SEMI standards are voluntary technical agreements between customers and suppliers. The standards are aimed at improving product quality and reliability. By having set industry standards create a more balanced market with manufacturers that are more compatible and efficient. The standards are created by experts with extensive experience in the manufacturing industry. Their primary goal is to reduce the time and the cost of developing new equipment. By setting standards that can accomplish this creates a universal system with lower costs and higher efficiency.