
IDX Robotics automation software is a highly configurable, object-oriented platform used in a
variety of automated systems. It runs on Windows NT, XP or 2000 operating
systems and relies heavily on its preemptive, multitasking capabilities.
The IDX product is in use in a wide variety of applications in a number of
different industries. Some examples of recent applications include wet benches
used for cleaning, stripping and etching silicon wafers, bulk chemical
distribution systems, dryers, WIP (work-in-progress) and stocker stations, disk drive media stackers, head mergers and media sorters. Many other
applications not listed here exist as well.
As can be seen from the wide variety of uses, the software is extremely flexible
and ideal for multitasking environments. Applications are constructed using a
configurable operator interface and scripting language or by linking custom
applications to its Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLs). The system architecture is
open and easily extended by mapping in additional DLLs to the script language.
IDX also has remote monitor and control capabilities and can accommodate
multiple operator interfaces on multiple monitors supporting Windows 2000 or
higher.
IDX’s wet bench applications fit perfectly with MEI’s strong
wet process capabilities. The software is used in all new MEI benches and can be
used to upgrade non-MEI benches as well. Features of the software include a
self-optimizing scheduler that supports multiple robots (or other devices) and
multiple cassettes, each of which can use a different processing recipe. There
is an interactive recipe and configuration editor for complete process
customization. A lot tracking and production reporting option is also available
in addition to an automated wet bench application generator.
IDX automation software has been retrofit onto many wet benches including those
from the following OEMs:
- Akrion
- Submicron Systems
- Verteq
- Universal Plastics
- Universal Systems
- Chemical Safety Technology
- Ultrafab
- Amerimade
- Betcher Process Systems (BPS)
- ChemWest
Some of the IDX product features include the following:
- Highly configurable operator interface with drawing editor
- “C” like script language that controls all devices and can
be easily modified
- Offers remote monitor and control capabilities and can accommodate multiple
operator interfaces on multiple monitors supporting Windows 2000 or higher
- Open system architecture that can be extended by mapping in additional DLLs
to the script language
- Unlimited user/permission levels with password protection (authorization
levels highly configurable)
- Can be used with many different I/O platforms (GE, Siemens, Modicon, and
others)
- Data graphing with option that can be stored in a text file for import to
spread sheet
- Each device is controlled by a script and each script runs as a separate
task
- Has a GEM compliant RS232 or HSMS driver
- Tracking and production reporting option
- Interactive recipe and configuration editor for process parameters
- Scheduler that supports multiple robots (or other devices) and multiple
cassettes, each of which can use a different processing recipe
- Watchdog program to start all scripts and keep them running
- Complete data logging that is stored in a daily log file
- Optional easy-to-use touch screen
- Intuitive graphical display
- Highly configurable
- Robot can be manually controlled from robot screen on operator interface
- Tank I/O (values/pumps/drains etc.) can be controlled individually from
tank screen
- Comes with I/O monitor program that displays all I/O status. Can be used
to monitor inputs and force outputs.
- Ease of configuration via telephone support
- Upgrades/changes at reasonable costs
IDX
software applications include wet benches used for cleaning,
stripping and etching silicon wafers, bulk chemical distribution
systems, dryers, WIP or work-in-progress and stocker stations, disk
drive media stackers, head mergers and media sorters. |