Abstract:
A method and apparatus (400) are provided for remotely configuring, operating and monitoring equipment (320, 330) in a manufacturing facility. An interface (230) is provided that allows a remote user to establish a connection with desired equipment (320, 330) in order to configure, operate or monitor the equipment (320,330). The disclosed interface (230) performs any required translation between the diverse equipment (320, 330) and protocols of different equipment manufacturers. A web-based connection to remote equipment allows a variety of diverse equipment systems to be accessed and controlled in a uniform manner. Historical data can be analyzed following a failure using pattern recognition techniques to identify data patterns that suggest an imminent failure.
Abstract:
A gas cabinet including an enclosure containing at least one gas supply vessel and flow circuitry coupled to the gas supply vessel(s). The flow circuitry is constructed and arranged to flow dispensed gas from an on-stream gas supply vessel to multiple sticks of the flow circuitry, with each of the multiple sticks being joined in gas flow communication to a respective gas-utilizing process unit. The flow circuitry is valved to enable sections of the flow circuitry associated with respective ones of the multiple sticks to be isolated from other sections of the flow circuitry, so that process gas can be flowed to one or more of the sticks, while other sticks are being evacuated and purged, or otherwise are closed to dispensed gas flow therethrough.
Abstract:
Apparatus and method for delivery of dilute active fluid, e.g., to a downstream active fluid-consuming process unit of a semiconductor manufacturing plant. The delivery system includes an active fluid source, a diluent fluid source, a fluid flow metering device for dispensing of the active fluid at a predetermined flow rate, a mixer arranged to mix active gas from the active fluid source that is dispensed at such predetermined flow rate by the fluid flow metering device, with diluent fluid to form a diluted active fluid mixture, and a monitor arranged to measure concentration of active fluid in the diluted active fluid mixture, and responsively adjust the fluid flow metering device, to control the dispensing rate of the active fluid, and maintain a predetermined concentration of active fluid in the diluted active fluid mixture.
Abstract:
A fluid distribution system for supplying a gas to a process facility such as a semiconductor manufacturing plant. The system includes a main fluid supply vessel coupled by flow circuitry to a local sorbent-containing supply vessel from which fluid, e.g., low pressure compressed gas, is dispensed to a fluid-consuming unit, e.g., a semiconductor manufacturing tool. A fluid pressure regulator is disposed in the flow circuitry or the main liquid supply vessel and ensures that the gas flowed to the fluid-consuming unit is at desired pressure. The system and associated method are particularly suited to the supply and utilization of liquefied compressed gases such as trimethylsilane, arsine, phosphine, and dichlorosilane.
Abstract:
Apparatus and method for delivery of dilute active fluid, e.g., to a downstream active fluid-consuming process unit of a semiconductor manufacturing plant. The delivery system includes an active fluid source, a diluent fluid source, a fluid flow metering device for dispensing of the active fluid at a predetermined flow rate, a mixer arranged to mix active gas from the active fluid source that is dispensed at such predetermined flow rate by the fluid flow metering device, with diluent fluid to form a diluted active fluid mixture, and a monitor arranged to measure concentration of active fluid in the diluted active fluid mixture, and responsively adjust the fluid flow metering device, to control the dispensing rate of the active fluid, and maintain a predetermined concentration of active fluid in the diluted active fluid mixture.