Probe Station Control Software
Platform: Microsoft Windows 2000/XP
Language/API: C# / .NET 2.0
When JM Industries wanted to convert a manual probe station to a fully automatic computer controlled product, they contacted me to see if we could use off-the-shelf components to build a custom hardware/software solution.
Using the ACS Tech80 SPiiPlus Motor Controller and their supplied Version 4.5 Windows COM object, I was able to build a Windows Forms .NET application to mimic the processes of existing, microcontroller-based automatic Probe Stations. Using an off-the-shelf USB joystick and standard AMD-powered PC with the Motor Controller hooked into the PCI slot, users are able to issue table control commands in an entirely intuitive manner. I also wrote a customizable stepping routine so that automated testing could be performed with user-defined distances in X, Y and Z. Hooks were placed in the application to allow inking of defective wafers, and future plans include reporting to excel and even greater accuracy in stepping and other motion commands.
Probe Station PC and Control Box during development
View of SPiiPlus Control board and drivers
Software Interface
XY Table
This is a custom software solution. Like what you see? Ed Giardina is available for contract work. Contact Ed today!