In a significant leap forward for semiconductor manufacturing, ifm, a global leader in sensor technology, exhibited a comprehensive suite of smart sensing solutions at SEMICON Taiwan 2024. These innovations underscore ifm's formidable expertise in enhancing productivity and optimizing quality in semiconductor processes.
According to Wan-Rou Ma, Key Industry Sales Manager at ifm, the showcased solutions including a digital chemical supply system, equipment condition monitoring, assembly inspection applications, and cooling solutions, mark a shift from isolated monitoring to holistic smart management. Leveraging IO-Link technology, AI-driven predictive maintenance, and cutting-edge cooling fluid quality monitoring, ifm is enabling semiconductor manufacturers worldwide to realize their smart manufacturing ambitions.
The products featured this year are all equipped with IO-Link capabilities, offering enriched system diagnostics that streamline configuration and maintenance while enhancing data transmission reliability and flexibility. One of the highlights includes the Auto Teach feature within the digital chemical systems, enabling batch configuration of capacitive sensors with a single click, significantly reducing human error and enhancing fab efficiency.
Moreover, ifm's non-contact continuous level monitoring technology uses capacitive sensing to detect levels through non-metallic container walls, ensuring sensor longevity by avoiding direct contact with corrosive acids or bases. This not only extends sensor life but also preserves the purity of chemicals.
In terms of semiconductor back-end packaging and testing, ifm's solutions focus on two main applications: all-in-one vision systems and wafer inspection. For all-in-one vision systems, the O2I series multi-code reader features 1D and 2D barcode reading, character recognition, and font identification. It maintains high recognition stability in complex environments such as metal interference, external light sources, or reflective surfaces, significantly improving production line efficiency and accuracy.
For wafer placement inspection, the O2U5 series dual-function vision sensor accurately detects wafer tilt in narrow, low-light environments, effectively preventing wafer misalignment caused by lift pin operation anomalies. ifm application engineer Chien-chung Chen mentioned that this system can simultaneously inspect the surface and contour of the object under test, perform quality checks, and track wafer position in real time, enhancing process stability and yield. This brings multiple values to semiconductor customers, including increased production efficiency, enhanced quality control, and reduced loss rates.
Regarding the recent industry-focused server cooling applications, ifm showcased a complete solution including flow, temperature, pressure, and level. Semiconductor industry and Northern Region application engineer Chi-yang Shih stated that the company's solution is optimized for commonly used fluorinated liquids and mineral oils, ensuring high accuracy and stability. Its features include monitoring the basic state of the coolant and detecting water content and impurities in the oil, providing in-depth analysis of coolant quality.
All ifm products come with a five-year global warranty, which is particularly important for liquid cooling systems with high maintenance costs and long downtime. Additionally, as a major sensor manufacturer, ifm's global service support can act as a customer backup, providing immediate, local technical support worldwide.
SEMICON Taiwan 2024 provided a platform for ifm to not only display these solutions but also to engage with industry professionals through expert-led sessions. These sessions highlighted ifm's innovative IIoT platform features, which facilitate easy monitoring of equipment conditions and predict future trends, further solidifying ifm's role as a key player in pushing the boundaries of semiconductor manufacturing.
ifm Managing Director Chien-hung Liu articulated the company's integral role in the semiconductor industry, emphasizing its commitment to energy conservation, carbon reduction, and the implementation of big data solutions. Marketing Specialist Hao-Han Kang invited all interested parties to visit booth S7635 at Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 2, Floor 4, to explore these transformative technologies firsthand.
Automation made in Germany. Credit: ifm electronic ltd.
