Reducing Labor Costs – Halftone Monitoring for Semiconductor Plant
Project Introduction Taiwan's largest semiconductor assembly and testing company wanted to make their operations more efficient. During the assembly process, a halftone mask is used to print identifying information on each IC module. However, each halftone mask has a maximum useful life based on the number of uses. To track usage, operators were tracking each operation by hand with pen and paper. Automating this process would help reduce operater workload.
System Requirements In the client's system, bar codes would be used to identify
each halftone mask. Each operator would use a bar code
reader to identify the mask, and a push-button control panel
with light tower to track mask usage. A solution was needed
to coordinate between the control panel, light tower, bar code
reader, and central management system.
System Description
The ioLogik E2210 Active Ethernet I/O server handles local control by coordinating button presses with the light tower. The ioLogik's built-in counter mode is used to track the number of times the halftone mask is used, and its pulse output mode is used to activate flashing alarms. The NPort 5110 connects the barcode reader to the central management system. As halftone masks are scanned, the NPort transmits the information to the control center.
Project Implementation
Why Moxa?
Conclusion
ioLogik E2210
Active Ethernet I/O server with 12
digital inputs, 8 digital outputs
Local control and counter mode with Click&Go logic
Automatic notification when I/O values exceed threshold
MXIO library for Windows
Operator workload was greatly reduced by implementing the Moxa solution. Halftone masks that exceeded their useful life were easily and automatically identified with system alarms. The company was able to improve its process control and reduce its operating costs.
