Take a look at Modu-Lab.org ---- Site of the Modu-Lab User Group!

MODU-LAB - Low Cost Tools for High Tech Learning

Modu-Lab - The most cost effective solution to the semiconductor laboratory problem. Brand New Equipment Is Guaranteed to Work Reliably.

Modu-Lab Trainer

Semiconductor Manufacturing is Planar Process. The foundation of the information age and the very heart and soul of modern electronics is the planar silicon transistor. Complex devices that use a multitude of transistors, capacitors, and resistors are the engines that enable transport on the information highway. Fabrication of these devices is rather simple in theory - deposit, pattern, etch, repeat. The actual fabrication process; however, is unbelieveably detailed at every step. For very complex devices there can be 500 or more individual process steps. The slightest mistake at any of these steps can render the entire device useless. The manufacturing process demands the highest level of training and diligence for its workforce. Fierce global competition in the manufacturing sector makes it necessary to have effective training programs that enable the flexibility necessary to stay in the game. In order to rate, in global competition, it is essential to bring a large number of high quality manufacturing technicians to the industry in a very short period of time.

The nature of the IC (integrated circuit) fabrication process is highly complex and absolutely intolerant of mistakes. The training is equally complex and is built on basic blocks requiring highly specialized equipment that, until Modu-Lab, cost a fortune to acquire, install, and maintain. The housing and facilities for the systems are equally as maintenance intensive and expensive.

Experience has proven that the donated equipment training facility is not feasible for most Community Colleges, let alone High Schools. The cost of installation alone is often more expensive than an entire Modu-Lab set - installed and running! The expense also holds true for inexperienced undergraduates at universities that have a complex research facility. Having students with experience in the basic principals of planar process - Oxidation/Diffusion, Photolithography (spin/bake/expose/develop), Etch, and Vapor Deposition - before they are allowed in the advanced lab makes sense. Modu-Lab allows any student the opportunity to design, build, and test their own simple solid state devices. The simple, rugged design ensures long life and allows students with minimal experience to perform lab excercises without the risk of bankrupting the department. The lab experience will strengthen the learning curve and, perhaps more importantly, enhance the students interest level.

The system is designed around a lab size of 12 students that can each process 1 layer in about 1.5 hours. The modules install in a day with a minimum of facilities. The waste stream produced is 1/10 to 1/100 that of production equipment as is the cost of ownership.

Consulting services are available from EMS to help you make decisions about your lab with respect to facilities, equipment, and process.

This link will take you to the system user group site.

For more information, please contact:

Electro-Mechanical Services, Inc.

109 Hermosa Dr. SE

Albuquerque, NM 87108

Ph. 800 516 7590 (toll free in US)

Ph. 505 255 9363

Fx. 505 255 3606

e-mail: electro@emsi-usa.com