SECSConnect™ Implement any SECS-II Applications
SECSConnect provides low-level SECS-II communication over HSMS-SS or SECS-I using a set of COM objects. SECSConnect is bundled with the CIMConnect product. CIMConnect uses SECSConnect to implement SECS-II communication. SECSConnect is also available stand-alone. SECSConnect is suitable for both equipment suppliers and factories
It is very easy to send and receive SECS-II messages. SECSConnect has built-in queues for incoming and outgoing SECS-II messages. Messages are sent and received asynchronously. SECSConnect is compatible with Visual C++, Microsoft Visual Studio .NET, and other IDE that support COM interfaces. While SECSConnect itself must run on a Windows computer, it is easy to use SECSConnect in a Unix-based architecture by introducing a simple Windows application to house SECSConnect and interface to the Unix applications.
Features & Benefits
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Dynamic Communication Settings | Both SECS-I (serial) and HSMS-SS (network) communication protocols are supported. Either protocol can be selected at any time. Communication settings can be changed at any time. This makes it really easy for applications using SECSConnect to establish communication. |
| In Process DLL | Unlike many other SECS-II libraries, SECSConnect runs in-process so that it is embedded with the application and provide the highest performance. |
| COM Interfaces | Because it uses the Microsoft Component Object Model, SECSConnect can be used with many different development environments. |
| Binary, String-based, and XML Message Formats | SECSConnect allows the applications to build, receive and parse SECS-II messages using the high-performance binary functions, strings that use curly brace delimiters, or in a Cimetrix defined XML format. |
| Built-in Logging Callback | It is easy to change logging levels at runtime to see exactly what is happening in SECSConnect. By sending the logging information to the application in a callback, the application can pipe the logging information into any logging system. |
| Proven Technology | SECSConnect has been used in many different systems worldwide to implement SECS-II and GEM 300 technology. |
SECSConnect includes a sample called 'Host'. This sample is written in Visual C++ 6.0. It demonstrates clearly how to send and receive messages and implement SECS-II message logs.
Equipment Suppliers
Equipment suppliers may use SECSConnect in the following ways:Internal Host
Communicate with internal devices that support SECS-II communication. Used this way, the equipment acts like a host to the internal device(s). CIMConnect customers can use SECSConnect for this purpose without any additional license fees because SECSConnect is bundled with CIMConnnect.
Equipment or Station Controller
Create an equipment/station controller to control the equipment from a remote computer. Bundle the equipment controller with the equipment or sell it as an option to the factory or labs. Because CIMConnect supports multiple hosts, the station controller can connect to a second or third host connection while leaving the primary host connection for the IC Maker's MES system.
Automated Test Suite
Create an automated or manual test suite to verify SECS/GEM/300mm functionality before shipping the machine. Many customers prefer to use SECSConnect instead of or in addition to point-and-click test tools like TESTConnect and other competing products. SECSConnect makes it easy to create powerful and flexible applications with or without a GUI that are not limited by GUI scripting capabalities.
Non-GEM SECS-II Communication
In most cases, CIMConnect is the appropriate product to implement both SECS-II and GEM interfaces. However, when a SECS-II project is extremely simple or severely violates the GEM standard, then SECSConnect is the best product to use. Consult with Cimetrix engineers to determine whether to use CIMConnect or SECSConnect.
Factories
Factories may use SECSConnect in the following ways:Equipment or Station Controller
Use SECSConnect to communicate with factory equipment using the SECS-II protocol. Use it as a foundation for any Manufacturing Execution System (MES) or simply to gather data into a database for realtime or trend analysis and statistics.
Equipment Verification
Create an automated or manual test suite to verify the SECS/GEM/300mm functionality when receiving a machine. Create your own acceptance software to make sure the machine will meet your requirements. Many customers prefer to use SECSConnect instead of or in addition to point-and-click test tools like TESTConnect and other competing products. SECSConnect makes it easy to create powerful and flexible applications tailored for the factory's host requirements.
System Requirements
Cimetrix supports SECSConnect for use with the following Microsoft platforms:
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Windows 2000 (SP2 and SP4), English, German, Japanese
Windows XP (SP1 and SP2), English, German, Japanese
Windows 2003 Server, English
Cimetrix officially supports SECSConnect for use with the following Microsoft software development packages but other software development environments compatible with Microsoft Component Object Module (COM) can be used.:
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Microsoft Visual Studio 6.0
Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2003
Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2005
Borland C++ Builder 6
Cimetrix supports SECSConnect for use with applications developed in the following Microsoft programming languages:
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Microsoft Visual Basic
C++
C#
Other System Requirements:
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P6 or K6-2 processor or better
50 MB hard drive space
Ethernet card for HSMS-SS communication (Protocol: TCP/IP)
RS 232 port for SECS-I
Supported SEMI Standards
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E4 SECS-I (serial protocol)
E5 SECS-II
E37 HSMS-SS (ethernet protocol)