Interface A is the industry's term for a port on manufacturing tools that is used to transmit data from the tool to the factory systems, including operational and process-related data accessed internally at the factory (e.g., fault detection and classification) and external from the factory (e.g., e-Diagnostics).
HCLT iDA is a next generation Equipment Data Acquisition port built in compliance with SEMI EDA standards E120, E125, and E134. The iDA project is part of HCL Technologies' e-Manufacturing Initiative which aims to provide the semiconductor industry with leading edge factory automation solutions based on ISMI's guidelines for e-Manufacturing.
"This milestone reflects our commitment to provide leading edge factory automation solutions, based on industry standards, for the semiconductor industry. Essential to this commitment is a collaborative and partnering approach with consortia like ISMI and with our customers, who are leaders in the semiconductor industry. We look forward to enabling Interface A and other evolving standards and delivering value to the industry," said Divakar Maddipatla, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Semiconductor Practice at HCL Technologies.
HCLT iDA was designed to overcome the deficiencies of the earlier SECS/GEM port, including its inability to handle the high data throughput and multi-application support requirements of modern automated factories. This was accomplished through the introduction of a new data port on the manufacturing equipment supporting throughput rates of 5000 samples per second -- in sharp contrast to the 300 samples per second rate, possible earlier.
Speaking of the enhancements, Anup Mathur, Project Director for HCLT's e-Manufacturing Initiative, said, "HCLT iDA demonstrated functionality to ISMI guidelines and SEMI standards for Equipment Data Acquisition and presents a common equipment model interface using web services/SOAP/XML (Simple Object Access Protocol/Extensible Markup Language). Additionally, it supports multiple connections allowing the simultaneous functioning of advanced, productivity-enhancing applications like e-Diagnostics, Equipment Performance Tracker, and Run-to-Run control without adversely impacting performance."
"Our members' top e-Manufacturing priority is access to equipment data," stated Harvey Wohlwend, a manager in the e-Manufacturing group at ISMI. "Advanced applications in highly automated fabs require tremendous volumes of data, and the new Interface A being developed by HCL Technologies and others will provide that data. ISMI is driving the development and standardization of the interface to accelerate commercialization of web-based, non-proprietary, secure access to equipment data, for our members and for the industry."
HCL Technologies has constantly evolved its semiconductor practice and has invested in state-of-the-art infrastructure and expertise to carry out projects, from concept to implementation, for the semiconductor industry, comprising of semiconductor equipment suppliers, IDM's and Fabs. With evolved relationships and dedicated Offshore Development Centers for industry leaders, HCL Technologies is ideally placed to provide value added services to the semiconductor industry.
About International SEMATECH Manufacturing Initiative (ISMI)
ISMI is a global alliance of the world's major semiconductor manufacturers, dedicated to reducing cost per wafer, and ultimately cost per die, through cooperative programs focused on manufacturing and equipment effectiveness. The consortium conducts programs in manufacturing infrastructure, methods, standards, and productivity, with the aim of reducing the costs of producing finished wafers and chips and driving solutions to major productivity challenges. ISMI is a wholly owned subsidiary of International SEMATECH of Austin, Texas. International SEMATECH is a global semiconductor technology development consortium that has effectively represented the semiconductor manufacturing industry on innovation issues since 1988. ISMI conducts state-of-the-art research, and is a highly regarded technology partner whose goal is to promote the interests common to all chipmakers. It has extensive experience collaborating with equipment and materials suppliers, as well as government and academic research centers, to refine the tools and technology necessary to produce future generations of chips. Additional information may be found at www.sematech.org.
About HCL Technologies
HCL Technologies is one of India's leading global IT services companies, providing software-led IT solutions, BPO and infrastructure management services. Founded in 1991, HCL Technologies focuses on technology and R&D outsourcing, working with clients in areas at the core of their business. The company leverages an extensive offshore infrastructure and its global network of 26 offices in 14 countries, to deliver solutions across select verticals including Banking, Insurance, Retail, Aerospace, Automotives, Semi-conductors, Petrochemicals and Life Sciences. As of 31 March 2004, HCL Technologies along with its subsidiaries, had 14,783 employees. For more information, visit www.hcltech.com
Contact:
HCL Technologies Ltd. Sunayna Malik, 95120-2520917 Email Contact or IPAN Aseem Bhargava, 91-11-2332 6200/6212 Email Contact