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IDX Robotics automation software is a highly configurable, object-oriented platform used in a variety of automated systems. It runs on Windows NT, XP or 2000 operating systems and relies heavily on its preemptive, multitasking capabilities.

The IDX product is in use in a wide variety of applications in a number of different industries. Some examples of recent applications include wet benches used for cleaning, stripping and etching silicon wafers, bulk chemical distribution systems, dryers, WIP (work-in-progress) and stocker stations, disk drive media stackers, head mergers and media sorters. Many other applications not listed here exist as well.

As can be seen from the wide variety of uses, the software is extremely flexible and ideal for multitasking environments. Applications are constructed using a configurable operator interface and scripting language or by linking custom applications to its Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLs). The system architecture is open and easily extended by mapping in additional DLLs to the script language. IDX also has remote monitor and control capabilities and can accommodate multiple operator interfaces on multiple monitors supporting Windows 2000 or higher.

IDX's wet bench applications fit perfectly with MEI's strong wet process capabilities. The software is used in all new MEI benches and can be used to upgrade non-MEI benches as well. Features of the software include a self-optimizing scheduler that supports multiple robots (or other devices) and multiple cassettes, each of which can use a different processing recipe. There is an interactive recipe and configuration editor for complete process customization. A lot tracking and production reporting option is also available in addition to an automated wet bench application generator.

IDX automation software has been retrofit onto many wet benches including those from the following OEMs:

• Akrion
• Submicron Systems
• Verteq
• Universal Plastics
• Universal Systems
• Chemical Safety Technology
• Ultrafab
• Amerimade
• Betcher Process Systems (BPS)
• ChemWest

Some of the IDX product features include the following:

• Highly configurable operator interface with drawing editor
• "C" like script language that controls all devices and can be easily modified
• Offers remote monitor and control capabilities and can accommodate multiple operator interfaces on multiple monitors supporting Windows 2000 or higher
• Open system architecture that can be extended by mapping in additional DLLs to the script language
• Unlimited user/permission levels with password protection (authorization levels highly configurable)
• Can be used with many different I/O platforms (GE, Siemens, Modicon, and others)
• Data graphing with option that can be stored in a text file for import to spread sheet
• Each device is controlled by a script and each script runs as a separate task
• Has a GEM compliant RS232 or HSMS driver
• Tracking and production reporting option
• Interactive recipe and configuration editor for process parameters
• Scheduler that supports multiple robots (or other devices) and multiple cassettes, each of which can use a different processing recipe
• Watchdog program to start all scripts and keep them running
• Complete data logging that is stored in a daily log file
• Optional easy-to-use touch screen
• Intuitive graphical display
• Highly configurable
• Robot can be manually controlled from robot screen on operator interface
• Tank I/O (values/pumps/drains etc.) can be controlled individually from tank screen
• Comes with I/O monitor program that displays all I/O status. Can be used to monitor inputs and force outputs.
• Ease of configuration via telephone support
• Upgrades/changes at reasonable costs