Our customer’s end user fab in Dresden, Germany insisted on SEMI E42 standard implementation together with recipe upload /download/queuing features. These features would allow the host to download recipes in advance, trigger the recipe execution on lots without operator intervention (eliminating operator errors) during large scale production. This exercise formed part of the end user fab’s efforts to standardize its factory automation.

Mindteck executed the entire project from offshore using a software simulator. One team set to work reverse engineering the tool control software and identifying GUI interfaces and sequencer module. The other team focused on implementing the SEMI E42 standard. Using host/tool equipment simulators the integrated software was tested offshore. Automated regression tests were performed.

Apart from cost arbitrage, our dedicated team accomplished on-time delivery. Regression test automation represented our value-add. The extensive focus on test automation based regression tests ensured the delivery was defect free. The E42 standard was tested on the tool (by our customer) and no issues were reported. The project was executed offshore, significantly slashing project cost.