Semiconductor Equipment Communication Standard/Generic Equipment Model (SECS/GEM)
In the highly competitive semiconductor and electronics industry, achieving seamless operations and precision logistics is essential for maintaining production efficiency. The SECS/GEM was developed by SEMI (Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International), a global industry association that represents the electronics manufacturing and design supply chain. Before diving into how DFleet (fleet management system) integrates with the industry, let’s take a closer look at what SECS and GEM are, and how they contribute to advanced interlogistics. Figure 1 below shows the 3 basic standards from SEMI.
What is SECS?
Semiconductor Equipment Communication Standard (SECS), is a protocol designed to standardize communication between semiconductor manufacturing equipment and a host system. It provides the framework for equipment to send and receive messages, which allows real-time monitoring, control, and data exchange. The SECS protocol ensures that different machines whether they are involved in wafer handling, testing, or assembly can interact without compatibility issues, helping factories achieve smooth, automated operations.
What is GEM?
GEM, or Generic Equipment Model, is a complementary standard that builds upon SECS. While SECS handles communication, GEM defines the behavior of the equipment. GEM ensures that machines can be monitored, controlled, and configured remotely by the host system. It specifies a range of functions, including:
- Status reporting: Equipment can report its operational status to the host system.
- Remote control: The host can send commands to the equipment, such as starting or stopping operations.
- Data collection: Machines can provide detailed process and operational data for analysis and monitoring.
SECS/GEM communication is essential for automating manufacturing processes, improving efficiency, and ensuring that equipment from different vendors can communicate with a centralized control system in a standardized way. It is widely used in industries like semiconductor fabrication, electronics assembly, and other precision manufacturing sectors.
The Importance of SECS/GEM in Semiconductor and Electronics Manufacturing
SECS/GEM is the backbone of automation in the semiconductor and electronics industry because it enables automation, interoperability, and efficient communication between manufacturing equipment and host systems. Here are some of its important:
1. Standardized Communication
SECS/GEM provides a universal language for communication between different types of semiconductor manufacturing equipment (from different vendors) and factory control systems. Without this standard, manufacturers would face challenges integrating equipment from different sources, leading to inefficiencies, miscommunication, and downtime.
2. Automation and Efficiency
Process Control: SECS/GEM allows for the automation of manufacturing processes. It can send commands to start, stop, or adjust equipment, collect real-time data, and monitor equipment status, reducing manual intervention.
Data Collection: Automated data logging through SECS/GEM helps track equipment performance, monitor yield, and maintain quality control, improving operational efficiency and throughput.
3. Enhanced Productivity
By enabling real-time control and monitoring, SECS/GEM helps manufacturers optimize production schedules, minimize equipment downtime, and rapidly address issues like equipment malfunctions or process deviations.
4. Interoperability
The semiconductor industry relies on a wide array of specialized equipment from different suppliers. SECS/GEM ensures that equipment can seamlessly integrate into a common communication framework, which simplifies deployment, maintenance, and upgrades.
5. Scalability and Flexibility
SECS/GEM supports the integration of new tools and machines into existing setups without significant modifications, which is vital as semiconductor fabs scale and evolve. This flexibility helps manufacturers adapt to changing production demands or upgrade to new technologies.
6. Real-Time Monitoring and Diagnostics
SECS/GEM allows continuous monitoring of equipment health and status, providing valuable insights for predictive maintenance, reducing unplanned downtime, and extending equipment life.
7. Quality Control and Yield Management
Real-time data collection through SECS/GEM enables better control over the manufacturing process, allowing for quicker adjustments when quality issues arise. This leads to higher yields and reduced scrap, which is crucial in semiconductor manufacturing where precision and efficiency are key.
8. Compliance with Industry Standards
SECS/GEM has become a widely accepted standard within the semiconductor industry. Manufacturers adopting this standard ensure they are compliant with industry best practices, improving their competitiveness and ensuring compatibility with customer requirements.
Continue reading to learn more on how DF Automation’s Fleet Management System (DFleet) integrates in the semiconductor or electronic industry in interlogistics through SECS/GEM protocol: Part 2
Author: Muhammad Farhan Bin Mustar
Editor: Shalani Krishnan
DF Automation & Robotics is one of the leading robotics companies in Southeast Asia, specializing in the design and manufacture of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) for the global automation and robotics industry. The company’s success is driven by its two proprietary AMR software solutions – NavWiz and DFleet – which are utilized across multiple industries. NavWiz serves as the cognitive engine for the robots, enabling seamless autonomous navigation, while DFleet facilitates efficient fleet management and optimizes traffic control in factory environments.
With over 500 robots deployed worldwide, DF Automation & Robotics has successfully expanded its solutions to countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, India, Mexico, and various European nations. Visit www.dfautomation.com to learn more.
