Cimetrix and ISMI Prototype Additional Capabilities for SEMI Standards
SALT LAKE CITY, April 25: Cimetrix, Inc. a leading provider of factory automation software and solutions for the global semiconductor and electronics industries, reaffirmed its commitment to the semiconductor standards process by working with International SEMATECH Manufacturing Initiative (ISMI) to deliver two prototypes for potential changes to the Equipment Data Acquisition (EDA) standards also known as Interface A.
Interface A is an industry connectivity standard that allows chipmakers to obtain on-demand, high quality data from manufacturing processes. The industry approved the standards in late 2004.
Cimetrix, under contract to ISMI, developed two prototypes for potential new capabilities to facilitate more efficient data transmission in Interface A communications. These potential features and their prototypes were discussed at the recent Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) Standards North America Information and Control Committee meetings.
The first added capability, an Enhanced Establish Session feature for Interface A Standard E132, was balloted, voted, reviewed, and approved by the committee at the March meeting. This feature will enable Interface A client applications to receive specific functionalities, instead of all functionalities available, consequently reducing client software complexity and network traffic. This potential change also paves the way for simpler adoption of the new Recipe Management standard (E139) using XML technologies.
The second capability is a Discovery Service which reduces the amount of information about the production equipment that a client application must know before establishing a session with the equipment. Leading equipment suppliers, Integrated Device Manufacturers (IDMs), ISMI and third party technology suppliers engaged in discussions regarding the benefits of the proposed Discovery Service at last week's committee meeting, and decided to continue their investigation into the proposed feature with committee members until the next meeting, which convenes in July, 2007.
Cimetrix has based the development of their award-winning EDA software product, CIMPortal(TM) around partnerships that incorporate input from industry consortiums such as ISMI and SEMI, as well as feedback from users that include equipment suppliers and IC makers. "Using this model, Cimetrix has developed a proven track record of providing robust software products and professional services solutions which answer the needs of the industry as they are discovered," said Dave Faulkner, vice president for Cimetrix. "ISMI in conjunction with SEMI has played a key role in managing the adoption of the Interface A standards to the benefit of the industry and their member companies. By prototyping potential standards changes before the balloting process, the industry has a much better understanding of the impact and implementation details of the potential change. In this case, one was accepted and the other needs some more work -- a positive outcome. We are happy with the high level of interest and with the feedback on the proposed implementations."
Cimetrix has partnered with ISMI in the past with projects that include the Equipment Client Connection Emulator, a SEMI Interface A reference client.
About Cimetrix Incorporated
Cimetrix designs, develops, markets and supports factory automation software for the global semiconductor and electronics industries. Cimetrix's connectivity software allows equipment manufacturers to quickly implement the SECS/GEM standards, with over 10,000 connections shipped worldwide. It also provides solutions to meet the 300mm SEMI communications standards, with OEM customer installations in all major 300mm fabs, and products designed for the new Interface A standards. Cimetrix's PC-based motion control software is used by leading equipment manufacturers for demanding robotic applications. Cimetrix provides total solutions for its customers with engineering services and passionate technical support. Major products include CIMConnect(TM), CIM300(TM), CIMPortal and CODE(TM) (Cimetrix Open Development Environment). For more information, please visit http://www.cimetrix.com/.
Source: Cimetrix, Inc.
CONTACT: Company Contact: Dave Faulkner, Cimetrix, Incorporated, Phone:
(801) 256-6500, Fax: (801) 256-6510, dave.faulkner@cimetrix.com; Media & Analysts Contact: Stew Chalmers, Positio Public Relations,
Phone: (408) 453-2400, Fax: (408) 453-2404, stew@positio.com
Web site: http://www.cimetrix.com/
