Introduction
Starting an engineering project to develop new semiconductor equipment is exciting and daunting. With tight timelines and complex (and likely incomplete) requirements, it can be difficult to know where to begin. That’s where CIMControlFramework (CCF) comes in.
What is CIMControlFramework?
CIMControlFramework (CCF) is a robust software development kit (SDK) designed to help you rapidly build a high-quality equipment control solution. It comes with built-in support for SEMI standards such as GEM, GEM300, and EDA (Interface A), which are essential for today’s semiconductor front- and back-end factories.
CCF is a standalone product—functional with or without additional services. It empowers your software team to focus on the unique aspects of your equipment, while leveraging a rich, proven foundation for control and automation.
Modern Architecture and Flexibility
CCF features a modern, open architecture with modular packages for:
- Supervisory control
- Material handling
- Operator interface (GUI)
- Factory automation
- Users and Groups
- Recipes
- Logging
- Configuration
- Hardware
- Scheduling
These packages are designed to be flexible and extensible, allowing for customization as needed.
Built on Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8.1, CCF utilizes the widely adopted Visual Studio IDE. This makes it easier to find developers with the right skills and to integrate third-party software components into your solution.
Note: Microsoft has committed to supporting .NET Framework 4.8.1 as long as it is installed on a supported version of Windows. Security and quality updates are released quarterly.
Proven in the Field
With thousands of systems running CCF in production environments, it has real-world experience needed to ensure your equipment is accepted and supported in factories. CCF enables a common code base across multiple equipment types and includes sample implementations for three distinct equipment categories right out of the box.
Hardware Support
CCF supports a wide range of common hardware components. Just let us know what you’re using—we’re here to help.
Training
One often overlooked advantage of commercial software is training. CCF includes comprehensive training materials and onboarding resources that accelerate productivity. Whether you’re starting a new project or onboarding new team members, CCF’s training reduces ramp-up time and boosts efficiency.
Expert Guidance and Services
PDF Solutions offers expert support to help plan your project and identify key milestones before shipment. If you need additional resources, the CCF Services team can work alongside your engineers to accelerate development. Importantly, CCF is not tied to a service contract—you can continue independently after launch.
Source Code Availability
Most customers can purchase the source code, providing definitive transparency. Source code is the ultimate documentation, allowing your team to understand and the best ways to extend the framework as needed.
Why choose CIMControlFramework?
- Proven reliability across diverse equipment types and factory environments
- Built in SEMI standards compliance let you focus on your core innovation
- Accelerated time to market
- Reduced development risk
- Lower total cost of ownership
- Continuous updates with new features and support
- Feature-rich SDK, not a bare-bones DIY toolkit
- Modern development tools and technologies
- Source code access for transparency and control
- Optional services to supplement your team when needed