Challenge
An OEM of Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) equipment needed automation software for its industry-leading AOI equipment. The OEM required a complete software automation stack to control its advanced AOI equipment while strictly adhering to SEMI standards. The OEM sought a strategic engineering partner who could manage the entire spectrum of equipment control and factory host connectivity, allowing its teams to focus their expertise on product innovation.
Solution
Quest Global designed and delivered a custom equipment control solution with factory host communication and data acquisition capabilities leveraging our 2+ decades of industry expertise and in-depth knowledge of SEMI standards. The team
Developed a comprehensive SEMI standards-compliant architecture based on a thorough analysis of the client's AOI equipment configuration and requirements. The architecture integrated both hardware control capabilities and factory automation needs into a unified solution
Implemented equipment automation and factory host communication applying SEMI E4, E5, E30, E37, E39, E40, E58, E84, E87, E90, Stream 12, G84, E116, E58, and E94 standards
Created fully SEMI standards-compliant Interface A implementation adhering to SEMI E120, E121, E125, E128, E132, E134, E138, and E147 standards. Implemented E164-compliant metadata fusion with advanced security controls and established high-performance data collection systems exceeding SEMATECH specifications
Created SEMI E95-compliant user interfaces with critical equipment control functions, including job and recipe management, maintenance scheduling, diagnostics, monitoring systems, and real-time material tracking
Developed support for both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems
Architected and implemented a comprehensive testing and test automation suite
- Executed ISMI and SAT test cases with ECCE client validation
- Implemented automated testing frameworks with CCS Envoy validation
Integrated the solution with hardware at the customer site and followed it with fab acceptance support
Executed deployment through local-global implementation model with 15% onsite and 85% offshore development with comprehensive post-release 24x7 support
Results – at a glance
Enabled full focus on hardware development and optimization for the client, taking complete software development ownership
Achieved successful market entry while maintaining R&D efficiency
Enabled high-volume, real-time data collection without performance impact
Achieved complete SEMI standards compliance
Passed global Factory Acceptance Tests on first submission
Reduced equipment qualification timelines at customer facilities
Maintained consistent software performance across worldwide installations
