Crossing Automation
Larry Wise
VP of Engineering
Modular Control Design Supports Reuse and Scalability
The vision for Crossing Automation's modular control architecture is that it offers a reusable core hardware element with a common control software (SW) kernel that will be used by all of the company's products. This vision directly enables lower product cost and faster development cycle times.
Defining the product line functional and performance space is the starting point for selecting the necessary computing power, required hardware interfaces for interoperability (I/O) and communications, and a suitable operating system (OS)/SW environment. By supporting dedicated I/O interfaces, it is possible for a low-cost, single-board computer to support a wide range of end-products. Furthermore, proper partitioning of the control functions supports the ability to scale a product, from component to module to fully integrated system. This partitioning will avoid excessive costs at the component level, while still offering the ability to support an entire integrated system.
Crossing's approach supports atmospheric and vacuum products with a common core software and basic controller. The only difference between an EFEM and a vacuum Shuttle-Lock, in terms of controls, is the I/O interface. The products share the same single-board computer (SBC), the same servo amplifiers and interfaces, and the same communications. The custom I/O supporting each product has the same identical interface to the SBC. The applications software is developed in the .NET environment, simplifying and reducing the software content while improving its performance. The application layer shares common software interfaces across all products to facilitate robustness and reduce customer effort required to utilize the product.
Crossing's approach to control architecture is exemplified by its next generation EFEM product. The company starts with a wafer engine component and then integrates a BOLTS-compatible frame to form the EFEM core module. The addition of air flow management, the enclosure, and peripherals such as pre-aligners and wafer ID readers, yields a finished EFEM product. The controls supporting each level of integration are scaled to provide the necessary interfaces without the lower level containing unnecessary costs. This allows the customer to purchase the level of integration that best suits their product objectives, without excessive cost or space being consumed.
The Crossing advantage allows us to support a single set of interfaces, software modules, and scaled common hardware to ensure reliability and robust operation across configurations and over time. The result is a drastic reduction in the effort required by the customer to purchase, integrate, and support end products in the field.