{"id":15289,"date":"2025-01-20T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-20T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dmcinfo.com\/our-work\/custom-pc-desktop-application-for-semiconductor-wafer-handling\/"},"modified":"2025-09-05T14:45:19","modified_gmt":"2025-09-05T19:45:19","slug":"custom-pc-desktop-application-for-semiconductor-wafer-handling","status":"publish","type":"our_work","link":"https:\/\/www.dmcinfo.com\/our-work\/custom-pc-desktop-application-for-semiconductor-wafer-handling\/","title":{"rendered":"Custom PC Desktop Application for Semiconductor Wafer Handling"},"content":{"rendered":"

System and Technology Overview<\/h2>\r\n\r\n

DMC\u2019s client was developing a machine for a custom wafer handling scenario. The machine included a robot for wafer handling, multiple TCP and Serial wafer processing components, customer specific processing modules, and a Beckhoff PLC. The client needed an application to monitor, maintain, and execute silicon wafer processing jobs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

DMC developed a PC desktop application in Windows Presentation Framework (WPF) that orchestrates wafer handling jobs by sending commands and reading statuses from all the devices in the machine. The application interfaces with the devices over EtherCAT, TCP, and several serial protocols. By using WPF and C# instead of one of the many automation HMI platforms, we were able to fully customize the application’s\u00a0appearance. This also allowed us to remove the complication of serial port communication and process orchestration from the PLC.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The application allows users to create, delete, and edit jobs;\u00a0monitor job status, I\/O, logs, and alarms;\u00a0and perform manual commands to each individual device when maintenance is required. The robot\u2019s position on the machine graphic updates live\u00a0as the robot moves wafers through the process,\u00a0enhancing user interaction.\u00a0The job status screen also gives insight into wafer locations and the overall progress.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

System Benefits<\/h2>\r\n\r\n

With an automated workflow, the user is free\u00a0to focus on other initiatives instead of operational inefficiencies. Real-time monitoring allows users to be proactive\u00a0instead of reactive in detecting issues. Troubleshooting is streamlined with centralized accessibility to job status, logs, and alarms. This means that problems can be identified and fixed faster and prevented in the future, reducing downtime.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Project Process<\/h2>\r\n\r\n

During development, DMC tested the application\u2019s orchestrated workflow by simulating device drivers and their state reactions to commands. DMC also conducted numerous remote testing sessions that involved logging into the client\u2019s PC to run the application and validate communication with the devices. Finally, DMC went to the client\u2019s facility to commission and test the application.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\r\n\r\n

DMC leveraged our expertise in C#, WPF, and PLC <\/a>programming<\/a>\u00a0to deliver a high-quality\u00a0application that reduced downtime and increased operational visibility to the client.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Learn more about DMC’s custom application development<\/a> expertise and\u00a0contact us<\/a> today for your next project.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

System and Technology Overview DMC\u2019s client was developing a machine for a custom wafer handling scenario. The machine included a robot for wafer handling, multiple TCP and Serial wafer processing components, customer specific processing modules, and a Beckhoff PLC. The client needed an application to monitor, maintain, and execute silicon wafer processing jobs. DMC developed […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":15288,"template":"","meta":{"customer":"","summary":"

DMC developed a custom PC desktop application<\/a> for semiconductor wafer handling featuring automatic control, manual control, and sequence configuration. The customer benefits include enhanced visibility and efficient troubleshooting capabilities of a complex workflow.<\/p>\r\n","description":"","customer_benefits":"