At present, from smart phones, computers to automobiles, industrial control and many other fields, the demand for semiconductor chips has shown explosive growth, which not only promotes the continuous expansion of chip manufacturing scale, but also prompts the industry to continue to pursue breakthroughs at the technical level. Nowadays, all industries are moving towards intelligence and automation, and semiconductor manufacturing is no exception. Driven by consumer demand, semiconductor fabs are accelerating the construction of ultra-efficient and seamless workflows to achieve higher profits while improving production precision and efficiency. The concept of a fully automated "black light factory" has gradually moved from an initial idea to a realistic goal in a modern production strategy, a shift that has had a profound impact on semiconductor production innovation. Reducing reliance on field operators and enabling real-time data exchange between systems not only lays the foundation for a future of highly autonomous production, but also allows semiconductor manufacturers to optimize production processes and profitability in the short term.
However, in the process of moving towards full automation, quality control systems are an indispensable and critical link. Tools such as sensors and measurement solutions are important to meet the high precision requirements of semiconductor manufacturing and the continuous monitoring of equipment. With the ability to adjust production processes in real-time and tightly control production tolerances, they bridge the gap between advanced automation and the exacting standards of modern chip manufacturing. As factory automation continues to increase, advanced quality control systems will be a core element of the manufacturing ecosystem of the future.
Fig:The Role of Advanced Sensors in the Semiconductor Manufacturing
Metrology is not a new field in semiconductor manufacturing, but traditional manual measurement or inspection methods have many drawbacks. Opening the machine for manual operation can lead to production bottlenecks that not only require production stoppages, but also disrupt the vacuum environment and require long pumping times before production can resume. In order to keep up with the industry and growing demands, the sensors and measurement technologies that support the production process must innovate in tandem. Today, advanced sensors are emerging that not only focus on the long-term future of semiconductor manufacturing, but also significantly improve productivity in the short term. These innovations enable predictive metrology with real-time, non-contact measurements, optimize production operations, reduce downtime, and support seamless automation to meet the demands of modern production. From chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to etching processes, every step of the production line can be combined with advanced sensors to ensure that the production process is strictly adhered to, creating a more consistent and efficient production environment that increases yield.
The sensor's ability to measure instantaneously and wirelessly makes it an important pillar of the modern factory, especially as manufacturers look to the future of "lights-out production". Nordson's next-generation sensors offer wireless, vacuum-compatible measurements, real-time feedback and predictive maintenance to keep pace with the rapidly changing industry and meet the manufacturing challenges of tomorrow.
To achieve a higher level of accuracy, the control of complex parts of the production line, such as the deposition process, is crucial. Precise control of material delamination at the micron level during the deposition process is key to ensuring equipment performance and reliability, which requires advanced measurement and feedback systems. Gap sensors play a key role in this, providing real-time data to ensure uniform film thickness, optimize deposition accuracy, and improve yield while minimizing defects and waste.
Advanced sensors have become a central driver of the evolution of semiconductor manufacturing. With the continuous progress of technology, they will continue to be deeply integrated into all aspects of semiconductor manufacturing, helping the industry to move forward on the road of precision and automation, meeting the growing market demand, and promoting the semiconductor industry to new heights.
