3100 Series Sensor for Chiller Coolant in Semicon Testing
Demand continuously increases in the semiconductor industry to manufacture Integrated circuits (IC) chips and Printed Circuit (PC) boards in much higher quantities to meet the industry's needs. The global demand for electronics in the Communications, Computer, Automotive, and Industrial markets has not slowed down.
In these markets, the chips and boards are also being pushed to run at faster speeds (to handle more processes and functions) as well as shrink down their sizes to be used in smaller packages.
- As manufacturing throughput increases, the processes involved become hotter due to more energy consumed and smaller spaces being utilized.
- As the chips’ speed is increased, they consume more energy, which in turn creates heat.
To maintain control over these two heat characteristics, manufacturers test the chips and boards at extremely high speeds. With this high speed, heat is created, and the extra heat can damage the electronics. To combat this, manufacturers utilize testing systems that employ cooling loops to maintain test accuracy in check. Monitoring these coolant loops for constant pressure is crucial to keep the process’s temperatures under control and prevent damage to the chips and boards under test.
Challenge
Finding a pressure sensor that can provide an accurate signal even during demanding high temperature conditions, survive a high number of cycles, and be airtight to prevent leaks.
To keep up with demand, these testing systems run constantly. Exposing the sections of the system to high temperatures and a high number of operational cycles, with very little room for error or downtime. The pressure sensor used must be able to consistently provide the correct signal output, regardless of whether it is on the 10th cycle or the 100,000th cycle. Leaking is also a big issue with low-cost suppliers. To keep manufacturing costs down, they utilize an internal O-ring that can break down over time and leak. Again, with no downtime for the test equipment, this type of failure is not tolerated.
Solution
3100 Series Pressure Sensors
The new 3100 Series Pressure Sensors use no internal O-rings in the chamber that holds the media (coolant, oil, air, etc.). The stainless-steel pressure ports and sensing diaphragms are laser-welded together to make an air-tight, leak-proof seal. This will prevent leaks today as well as in the years to come, as O-rings can break down due to exposure to harsh cleaning chemicals and, over time, cause leaks. Able to operate up to +125 °C and with a 100 million cycle lifetime, the 3100 Series Pressure Sensors are a perfect fit for providing continuous feedback on coolant pressure for your SEMICON testing system.
Adding the 3100 Series Pressure Sensors to your SEMICON testing applications is a significant asset, ensuring your equipment has a long life and low maintenance requirements.
Features
- Exceptional Long-Term Stability = No need for costly field calibration or replacement
- Thermally compensated = Consistent performance under wide temperature conditions
- Stainless Steel body = Able to withstand harsh chemicals and gases
- Sealed to IP67 = heavy water spray, power-washing
- Enhanced RFI, EMI, and ESD Protection = Clear uninterrupted signal in harsh electrical environments
- Computer Controlled Calibration = High 1:1 Interchangeability from unit to unit
- Passes 20G Vibration test and IEC Free Fall test = Rugged design to handle excessive shock and vibration conditions