Project Experiences

Software Development

Equipment Simulation

This project utilized our team’s knowledge of both factory integration and automation capabilities management (ACM) to develop generic equipment simulator code for use in multiple customer projects to facilitate verification of tool-type automation specifications prior to equipment engagements.

Equipment Control Systems Applications

This project utilized our team’s knowledge of both equipment control systems and manufacturing integration requirements to perform an in-depth analysis of system requirements, develop appropriate design and then code and test a wafer data logging application for wafer sorter equipment in a 300mm fab.

Factory Automation

300mm Full Factory Development

This equipment integration (EI) project was delivered to six FABS. Work encompassed requirements analysis and documentation acquired from end users to define/document requirements using Ladder Diagrams, Sequence Diagrams, and Word documents. Additionally, the project included developing operational models based on automation requirements, performing equipment characterization, reviewing the equipment Generic Equipment Model (GEM) Manual, reviewing Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) interface requirements, reviewing data collection requirements, reviewing statistical process control (SPC) and advanced process control (APC) requirements, developing detail design for EI . EI software was developed for over 100 tool types on seven different platforms

200mm Factory Upgrade/Efficiency Improvements

This project included MES/FDC/RTD/RMS delivery to four FABS. Requirements encompassed analysis and documentation, planning for release based on the project schedule and resources available, documenting high-level specifications for end user acceptance testing, developing and proposing new operational model and work methods based on automation, developing and proposing high-level implementation design/strategy, developing Static Class diagrams and Activity Diagrams via Rational Rose to guide development. Unit Test Cases were developed, design reviews submitted and approved. Our lead program managers managed developers, which implemented the required code, and software artifacts, executed Unit/Integration Test cases to debug the code, and implemented new and changed artifacts. Our team also performed full end user training including developing training material and information technology support desk personnel training.

Manufacturing Execution System Development & Reporting

This project utilized our team’s knowledge of both engineering analysis and MES systems to perform an in-depth analysis of the state of system requirements, code, and test procedures in place for high performance data loading of engineering information from a FAB300 MES and other sources into a 300mm fab factory database systems (SAPPHiRE). The team quickly and accurately determined whether or not the current implementation was viable for future factory growth and delivered an assessment of the loader code, provided corrective actions and an ongoing support plan for the customer.

Software Testing & Configuration (ACM)

300mm ACM - Japan

This project included ACM delivery to two FABS and encompassed full ACM planning, development and implementation for a 300mm fab. The ACM team worked with Purchasing to specify contractual software requirements, develop and manage the working tool list (a spreadsheet containing all information regarding equipment delivery and setup) covering items such as: Simulators/Emulators deliverables, EI Development Dates, Equipment Software Testing Status, Dock and Rigging Dates, and Equipment Qualification Target. The team performed regular status reporting to Program management regarding equipment deliverables. The team developed generic equipment simulator code to facilitate verification of tool type automation specifications prior to equipment engagements.

300mm ACM - US

This project included full project management of a 300mm ACM team to deliver revisions to tool automation specifications, validation of existing equipment types, remediation of recipe management (RMS) on existing equipment types, and testing/validation of new equipment types. The team developed generic equipment simulator code to facilitate verification of tool type automation specifications prior to equipment engagements.

300mm ACM - Germany

This project included ACM delivery to three FABS including requirements analysis through end user meetings and SECS log file reviews. Requirements documentation was created in end customer defined format: Excel, Word, Visio (ladder diagrams) and Enterprise Architect. Requirements questionnaires were developed for equipment vendor, test script development, equipment supplier evaluation, and equipment supplier management with acceptance testing.

Program Managment

Our team has applied program management expertise to multiple large projects including:

A team of 12 software developers (EI, MES, APC) to support 200mm/300mm semiconductor FABS in US and Malaysia.

A team of eight EI/MES developers to support a new 300mm semiconductor FAB in Japan

A team of four ACM developers/testers to support new 300mm semiconductor FABS in California/Japan.

A team of five software developers [EI, Automated Material Handling System (AMHS)] to support 200mm/300mm semiconductor FABS in Germany.

A team of four software developers responsible for implementing an advanced process control (APC) framework (Catalyst).

A team of ten hardware/software AMHS resources to support 300mm AMHS implementations in Taiwan.