Semi40: Power Semiconductor and Electronics Manufacturing 4.0

Smart factories are made possible by innovative production technologies with end-to-end networked information and communication infrastructures that are capable of sensing, collecting and processing large volumes of data in real time. This creates added value in the production process in terms of availability, flexibility and traceability while at the same time ensuring safety of all assets.

The SemI40 project implemented these types of technical solutions in pilot lines of the industry partners. Selected use cases representing real supply chains were also evaluated to assess their technical, social and economic impact, future working conditions and the expertise required.

Hardware-based solutions for secure connections of legacy devices were developed, combined with translation systems and integrated into new approaches such as digital twins, in order to create a balance between system security and production flexibility. A statistical process control was implemented as a prototype in one specific supply chain process to evaluate and improve the customer ordering behaviour and increase information transparency between the individual company divisions and the enterprise resource planning system.

Customised algorithmic approaches were also developed. These algorithms were implemented into demonstrators related to topics like auto-calibration for improved process stability and automated decision mechanism in semiconductor manufacturing. A hybrid automated production handling system for a 300 mm wafer factory and innovative, self-navigating robotic systems were developed to improve capacities and cycle times in the context of factory digitalisation and virtualisation. The implementation of a simulation model to map all transport systems in a factory enables real-time tracking of traffic and immediate failure analysis.

An energy data system with different dashboards was also implemented in a wafer factory. Visualisation of the flow of energy and resources made it possible to gain a better understanding, identify potential savings and increase energy and resource efficiency. Digitalisation methods were employed to enhance the cooling management in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system at the wafer factory, with the aim of vastly reducing energy consumption related to heating and cooling.

The results from SemI40 clearly contribute to SDG 9 "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation" through its innovations for industry. SemI40 also supports SDG 4 "Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all" with its findings from the evaluation of selected use cases in terms of social impact, future working conditions and the expertise required.

Consortium leader

• Infineon Technologies Austria AG

Additional consortium partners

• Additional consortium partners:Kompetenzzentrum Automobil- und Industrieelektronik GmbH
• KNOW Center GmbH
• Infineon Technologies IT-Services GmbH
• AT&S Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik AG
• Fraunhofer Austria Research GmbH
• Technische Universität Wien
• Plansee SE, AVL List GmbH
• Universität Klagenfurt
• Kompetenzzentrum Das Virtuelle Fahrzeug Forschungsgesellschaft mbH
• Austrian Insititute of Technology GmbH
• Fachhochschule Burgenland GmbH
• Materials Center Leoben Forschung GmbH
• Infineon Technologies Dresden
• Infineon Technologies AG
• Institute für Automation und Kommunication E.V. Magdeburg
• Semikron Elektronik GmbH & Co. KG
• Technische Universität Dresden
• Robert Bosch GmbH
• Systema Systementwicklung GmbH
• Plasmetrex GmbH
• Zentren für neue Technologien GmbH
• Fabmatics GmbH
• Roth & Rau Ortner GmbH
• Metralabs GmbH
• Hochschule Mittweida
• Elmos Semiconductor AG
• Universita degli studi di Pavia
• L.P.E. SPA
• Ion Beam Services
• Critical Manufacturing SA
• Amkor Technology Portugal SA
• Insituto de Telecomunicacoes
• Universidade de Aveiro
• Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.
• Schiller Automatisierungstechnik GmbH
• Politecnico di Milano