Control integrators face the sensor bus challenge

The semiconductor industry's decision to use sensor bus technologies is providing a challenge for control integrators. Although fab personnel will need to be trained in sensor bus network management, maintenance and debugging techniques, fabs implementing sensor buses will benefit from the reduction in wiring requirements and the addition of on-line preventative maintenance capabilities. Although sensor bus technologies and standards in the semiconductor industry are still in the development phase, there are companies with integration experience that are ready to provide assistance for implementing sensor bus devices in tools or fabs. Newcomers to sensor technology should familiarize themselves with one type of sensor bus technology to start, and train technical and service support personnel in how to use it.