Chinese Semiconductor Manufacturing Enters a New Era: Fully Automated Wafer Production Line Goes Live

Recently, the semiconductor industry received significant positive news—Shangyang Software has officially launched the CIM system for the 12-inch wafer fully automated production line with special process features. This breakthrough marks an important step forward for China in the critical semiconductor manufacturing systems sector, further strengthening the self-reliance and control over domestic chip production.

The CIM (Computer Integrated Manufacturing) system serves as the "brain" and "central nervous system" of a semiconductor manufacturing facility, responsible for coordinating and controlling the entire manufacturing process from raw materials to finished products. The successful implementation of this 12-inch wafer fully automated production line CIM system by Shangyang Software covers essential subsystems such as MES (Manufacturing Execution System), EAP (Equipment Automation Program), and SPC (Statistical Process Control), achieving full-process automation from production scheduling and equipment control to quality management.

Voltage Protection Challenges in Wafer Manufacturing

In semiconductor manufacturing, particularly in high-end production lines like the 12-inch wafer, there are extremely high demands on equipment stability and reliability. Manufacturing equipment typically includes numerous precision electronic components that are highly sensitive to voltage fluctuations.

This is especially critical in fully automated production lines, where the stable operation of sensors, control modules, and communication interfaces is crucial.

Slkor Transient Protection Diode SMF20A product photo

Slkor SMF20A: The "Voltage Guardian" of Wafer Manufacturing Equipment

To address the specific protection needs of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, Slkor (SLKOR) has introduced the SMF20A transient voltage suppression diode (TVS diode) as a solution. The SMF20A features the following key specifications:

Slkor Transient Protection Diode SMF20A specification

Parameters of Slkor Transient Protection Diode SMF20A

- Working Voltage (VRWM): 20V – Perfectly matches most industrial control circuits.

- Minimum Breakdown Voltage (VBR min): 22.2V – Precise protection threshold.

- Maximum Reverse Leakage Current (IR): 1.0μA – Negligible impact on circuit operation.

- Clamping Voltage (VC): 32.4V – Effectively limits over-voltage.

- Package Type: SOD-123FL – Space-saving and suitable for high-density installations.

These technical characteristics make the SMF20A an ideal choice for protecting semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

Key Applications of SMF20A in Wafer Production Lines

In the 12-inch wafer fully automated production line, the SMF20A transient voltage suppression diode can be applied to several critical areas:

1. Power Input Protection for Equipment

   Wafer manufacturing equipment such as photolithography machines, etching machines, and ion implantation machines require stable and reliable power. The SMF20A effectively suppresses surges and transients on power lines, protecting the equipment power systems.

2. Precision Control System Protection

   Motion control systems, temperature control systems, and pressure control systems on the production line all contain numerous sensitive electronic components. The SMF20A provides reliable voltage protection for these systems.

3. Sensor Interface Protection

   Wafer production lines are equipped with numerous position sensors, temperature sensors, and pressure sensors. The SMF20A protects the signal interfaces of these sensors from ESD and voltage transients.

4. Communication Network Protection

   Fully automated production lines rely on industrial Ethernet, fieldbus, and other communication networks. The SMF20A safeguards communication interfaces to ensure reliable data transmission.

Technological Collaboration: Perfect Synergy Between Domestic CIM Systems and Domestic Electronic Components

The successful implementation of Shangyang Software's CIM system marks further enhancement of China's semiconductor industry chain. High-performance domestic electronic components like Slkor's SMF20A provide reliable protection for semiconductor manufacturing equipment. This collaborative development across the industry's supply chain is key to the path towards self-reliant and controllable semiconductor production in China.

It is worth noting that in the highly automated environment of a 12-inch wafer production line, the Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of equipment is crucial. By using high-quality protection devices such as the SMF20A, equipment reliability can be significantly improved, reducing unplanned downtime and enhancing overall production efficiency.

Industry Outlook: Growing Protection Demand in the Semiconductor Equipment Market

With the global semiconductor industry shifting towards China and the advancement of the domestic chip self-reliance strategy, China's semiconductor equipment market is experiencing rapid growth.

The Slkor SMF20A, with its excellent performance and reliability, has already been successfully applied in products from several semiconductor equipment manufacturers, receiving positive market feedback. Its small size and high performance make it particularly well-suited to meet the dual demands of space and reliability in semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

About Slkor：

Slkor has research and development offices in Busan, South Korea, Beijing, China, and Suzhou, China. Most of the wafer manufacturing and packaging and testing are carried out within China. The company employs and collaborates with individuals and organizations worldwide, with a laboratory for product performance and reliability testing and a central warehouse located at its headquarters in Shenzhen. Slkor has filed for over a hundred invention patents, offers more than 2,000 product models, and serves over ten thousand customers globally. Its products are exported to countries and regions including Europe, the Americas, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, making it one of the rapidly growing semiconductor companies in recent years. With well-established management systems and streamlined workflows, Slkor has rapidly enhanced the brand awareness and reputation of its "SLKOR" brand through its outstanding quality and standardized services. Its product range includes three major series: diodes, transistors, and power devices, with recent introductions of new products such as Hall elements and analog devices, expanding its presence in sensors, Risc-v microcontrollers, and other product categories.