|

Why Omron’s New SECS/GEM-Complaint Solutions Are Beneficial for Semiconductor Manufacturers

September 18, 2023

Why Omron’s New SECS/GEM-Complaint Solutions Are Beneficial for Semiconductor Manufacturers

Developed by the non-profit Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI), the SECS/GEM connectivity standard is an equipment interface protocol for equipment-to-host data communications that is top-of-mind for many semiconductor manufacturers today. 

As a trusted partner in automation solutions for the semiconductor industry, Omron is committed to providing highly innovative technologies that also meet SECS/GEM requirements. Let’s take a look at the purpose behind SECS/GEM and the ways in which these solutions will benefit semiconductor manufacturers.

What is the purpose of SECS/GEM?

SECS/GEM describes how semiconductor manufacturing equipment is supposed to communicate with the manufacturing execution system, or MES for short. Within the standard, the MES is often referred to as the “host.” SECS defines the contents of messages, while the General Equipment Model (E30) or GEM is a higher-layer protocol that defines the messages themselves.

The GEM standard is limited to defining the behavior of the semiconductor equipment as viewed through a communications link. The SEMI E5 (SECS-II) standard provides the definition of messages and related data items exchanged between the host and equipment. The GEM standard defines which SECS-II messages should be used, in what situations, and what the resulting activity should be.What is driving the adoption of SECS/GEM within the industry?

The SECS/GEM standard describes two-way communications through a network or serial cable connection that is independent of any operating system or programming language. Typically, the host side of a connection will be executing on a computer system provided by the factory, while the equipment side runs on a controller provided by the OEM.

By defining messages, state machines, and scenarios, SECS/GEM allows factory software to control and monitor manufacturing equipment. It facilitates true interoperability and can be applied to virtually any manufacturing equipment in any industry.

What is driving the adoption of SECS/GEM within the industry?

Demand for SECS/GEM-compliant solutions is driven by semiconductor production, consumer interest in electronic products, and corporate spending on information technology. This area of manufacturing involves some of the most challenging and complicated production systems, and these involve significant capital investment and advanced technologies.

Automation and integration are the keys to success in modern semiconductor manufacturing. Process automation is critical for ensuring the quality and throughput of process sequences and corresponding parameter settings, as well as integrating all fabrication activities to provide the requisite efficiency, reliability, and availability.

Many companies are under pressure to innovate without capital expenditure in a tight currency market, so a top driver for SECS/GEM solutions includes companies looking to retrofit equipment and improve quality.

Common applications in front-end manufacturing include:
  • Wafer Inspection
  • Wafer Processing
  • Wafer Transportation
Common applications in back-end processes include:
  • Wafer Testing
  • Wafer Packaging
  • Wafer Transportation

What Omron offers

Omron’s NJ Machine Automation Controller with SECS/GEM functionality provides direct communication to the Host PC in a single platform controller, complete with embedded EtherCAT for real time I/O, motion, vision, and safety. Furthermore, the NJ501-1340 supports the V640 RFID system used for tracking FOUPs (wafer carriers)

The following products are available for use with Omron’s NJ SECS/GEM:
  • NJ SECS/GEM CPU Unit NJ501-1340 which complies with E37-0303, E37.1-0702, E5-0707, and E30-0307
  • NJ Series Power Supply which complies with F47
  • Ethernet Cable
  • Sysmac Studio Standard Edition SYSMAC-SE201D
  • Sysmac Studio License SYSMAC-SE2☐☐L
  • SECS/GEM Configurator License WS02-GCTL1

More Information

NJ SECS/GEM Offering

Related Product

Omron H5CC Digital Timer: Revolutionizing Time Control with Effortless Programming and Predictive Maintenance Algorithms

The new H5CC time includes a bigger, brighter LCD screen, user-friendly programming, improved status indicators, predictive maintenance features, and environmental resistance, making it the most fully featured timer product.

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Small Town Infrastructure is Being Retrofitted, Federal Funding Helps Drive This Change

    September 9, 2025 By Krystie Johnston Municipalities across Canada are tackling climate change. From big cities to small towns, every action counts. Densely populated metropolitan areas are usually the first places that experience infrastructure upgrades to public buildings and structures because they need to support the increased demands of a growing population. But small towns… Read More…

  • Bossard is Scaling Front Line Flexibility

    September , 2025 Experience Smart Factory Solutions that Adapt to Your Operators’ Needs at FABTECH 2025 By Krystie Johnston Bossard is bringing the future of assembly and inventory management to FABTECH 2025 from September 8 – 11. Visit them at Booth #B13000, at the North Hall in the Automation Pavilion at McCormick Place in Chicago… Read More…


Featured Article

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing and logistics industries, the need for efficient and flexible material movement solutions has never been greater. Traditional methods like conveyor systems, forklifts, and manual pushcarts have served us well, but they come with limitations.

That’s why Omron is thrilled to announce the launch of their game-changing MD Series of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). Read more


Products

  • WAGO Expands 750 Series with New Functional Safety I/O Modules

    September 12, 2025 WAGO Expands 750 Series with New Functional Safety I/O Modules WAGO is introducing three functional safety I/O modules to be used with WAGO’s PFC controllers. These new 750 Series modules have four safe inputs along with either two safe outputs at 10 A/24 VDC, or four safe outputs at 2 A/24 VDC… Read More…

  • First Controllers in Trio’s Motion-PLC Range Simplify the Design of Stand-Alone Machines

    September 10, 2025 Trio Motion Technology has launched the first controllers from its new Motion-PLC range, designed to provide advanced motion control performance with the functionality and simplicity of a PLC. The new class of controller combines high-performance motion control over EtherCAT plus logic and I/O expansion, enabling faster, simpler machine development. The first models in… Read More…