Protocol Relay Device for SECS GEM Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of SECS/GEM protocol-based semiconductor manufacturing systems with non-SECS/GEM protocol-based systems, such as board mounting manufacturing systems, is hindered by the inability of SECS/GEM hosts to directly communicate and manage devices using different communication protocols, limiting integrated management capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A relay device that performs protocol conversion between SECS/GEM and non-SECS/GEM protocols, allowing a SECS/GEM host to manage devices using non-SECS/GEM protocols by setting communication ports and transferring data accordingly, and changing transfer destinations based on stream or function standards, enabling integrated management of both types of systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a SECS/GEM host directly manages non-SECS/GEM devices, then protocol compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases because devices must be provided with SECS/GEM protocol interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protocol conversion device as an intermediary between the SECS/GEM host and non-SECS/GEM devices. This converter translates SECS/GEM protocol messages into the native protocols of manufacturing devices (such as mounting machines), allowing the host to manage diverse devices without requiring them to support SECS/GEM directly. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining protocol compatibility while avoiding the need to complicate device interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion is implemented at the device level, then communication flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple protocol interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol conversion function is centralized in a dedicated conversion device rather than distributed across multiple devices. This intermediary handles all protocol translation between the SECS/GEM host and various manufacturing devices, maintaining communication flexibility while simplifying the overall system architecture by consolidating protocol interface complexity in a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol conversion device is designed to handle multiple different device protocols through a single interface. It can translate between SECS/GEM and various non-SECS/GEM protocols (such as those used by mounting machines, dicing devices, etc.), providing universal protocol compatibility without requiring each device to have multiple protocol interfaces.
3Loss of information
If direct communication between SECS/GEM host and non-SECS/GEM devices is established, then data acquisition capability is improved, but control capability deteriorates because the host cannot access control data managed by device-specific hosts
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol conversion device acts as a mediator that not only translates protocols but also bridges the data access gap between the SECS/GEM host and device-specific control systems. It enables the host to acquire both operational data from manufacturing devices and control data from device hosts, while maintaining the existing control architecture where device hosts manage their respective devices.
4Productivity
If multiple devices are integrated into a single SECS/GEM system, then system management efficiency is improved, but communication infrastructure complexity increases due to multiple communication ports
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol conversion device provides a universal communication interface that can handle multiple devices through a single SECS/GEM port. It manages the complexity of multiple communication protocols and device interfaces internally, while presenting a simplified single-point interface to the host, thereby improving management efficiency without proportionally increasing infrastructure complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a relay device and manufacturing system that relays communication based on SECS/GEM protocol to a manufacturing system using a different communication protocol, and enables integrated management via a SECS/GEM host. Relay device performs protocol conversion between a SECS/GEM protocol and an original protocol that is a non-SECS/GEM protocol, and transfers data transmitted between user host and manufacturer host. Also, relay device performs transfer processing based on a port correspondence database that specifies local IP addresses of manufacturer host and the like and TCP protocol port numbers corresponding to these IP addresses.