NEWS

Introduction: The Role of SECS/GEM in Smart Manufacturing 

For semiconductor factories, the SECS/GEM protocol enables two-way communication between production equipment and host computers, allowing real-time data exchange, event reporting, and remote equipment control — all critical features for fully automated manufacturing. The SECS GEM SDK provides developers with the tools needed to integrate GEM functions into equipment software without rebuilding systems from scratch.

For beginners to SEMI SECS/GEM, it is important to understand that SECS/GEM is not a single technology but a combination of two key standards: 

• SECS (SEMI E5): Defines the message format and transmission method.
• GEM (SEMI E30): Defines data exchange, event handling, and control capabilities.

Together, these two form the foundation of intelligent semiconductor manufacturing — ensuring standardization and interoperability so that equipment from different OEMs can work together seamlessly.

Why SECS/GEM is Indispensable in Modern Manufacturing   

Today’s semiconductor fabs contain hundreds of highly complex machines. Without a unified communication framework, managing, monitoring, and optimizing these systems would be nearly impossible. The SECS/GEM protocol provides a standardized way to perform data collection, command execution, and production sequence control — making it indispensable for efficient, automated, and smart semiconductor factories.

The Importance of SECS/GEM for Factories 

• Standardized Equipment Communication：The SECS/GEM standard provides a universal communication method between equipment and host systems, greatly reducing integration complexity. 
• Data-Driven Manufacturing：Through SECS/GEM, factories can collect real-time data on equipment performance, alarms, and process parameters, enabling predictive maintenance and yield improvement. 
• Remote Monitoring and Control：Using the SECS GEM SDK, engineers can remotely monitor tool status, download recipes, and execute process commands — all without manual intervention.。 
• Faster Time-to-Market：New equipment built with SECS/GEM protocol implementation can be quickly integrated into various fab environments, reducing the cost of developing custom interfaces.

SECS/GEM Solutions for Legacy Equipment

One of the major challenges in semiconductor manufacturing is the coexistence of new and old equipment. Many legacy tools lack built-in SECS/GEM communication capabilities, making it difficult for them to be integrated into fully automated production lines. This is where SECS/GEM solutions for legacy equipment come into play.By using middleware or dedicated gateways such as EIGEMBox, manufacturers can enable SECS/GEM communication for old semiconductor equipment. This extends the lifespan of legacy tools and avoids costly equipment replacement.Such SECS/GEM protocol implementations not only improve equipment visibility but also ensure SEMI standard compliance, allowing fabs to transition to smart manufacturing without production interruptions.

For equipment OEMs and automation engineers, utilizing a complete SECS GEM SDK simplifies development and ensures compliance with industry standards. Key benefits include: 

• Rapid Integration: Ready-to-use libraries reduce development time.
• Scalability: The SDK can be integrated into both new and legacy systems, offering flexibility.
• Reliability: Ensures stable communication based on SECS/GEM standards.
• Compliance: Automatically conforms to SEMI E5 and E30 specifications.

• SECS (SEMI E5): Defines message format and data transmission.
• GEM (SEMI E30): Defines control functions, data reporting, and event handling.

SECS/GEM protocol implementation ensures consistent data flow and control across any semiconductor fabFor SEMI SECS/GEM beginners, adopting this standard is the first step toward excellence in smart manufacturing.

The SECS/GEM protocol is more than just a communication standard — it is the cornerstone of semiconductor factory automation. It enables data-driven decision-making, remote control, and complete process transparency. With the SECS GEM SDK and SECS/GEM solutions for legacy equipment, manufacturers can modernize old tools, integrate new systems, and prepare for the next generation of semiconductor production.

In short, whether you are upgrading existing systems or developing new equipment, implementing the SECS/GEM protocol is the key to achieving seamless, intelligent, and fully automated manufacturing.