Semiconductor

Slip Rings for the Semiconductor Industry

Meridian Laboratory’s ROTOCON slip rings and rotary grounds are essential components in semiconductor manufacturing, providing reliable power, data transfer, and grounding for a variety of processes like ingot growing, chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), thin film deposition (PVD, CVD, ALD), RF sputtering, and more. Built to operate successfully in demanding environments, ROTOCON slip rings deliver consistent, lossless data transfer and grounding without ever needing maintenance. Their brushless, sealed design eliminates any dust and environmental contamination for clean and efficient operation. With the ability to handle high-speed, high-frequency, and high-power applications, ROTOCON slip rings and rotary grounds perform consistently and reliably, often surpassing hundreds of millions of revolutions. These solutions integrate power, signal, and communication in one assembly, positioning them as a top solution for the semiconductor industry’s most challenging applications.

Application & Uses

Common Applications & Uses for Slip Rings in Semiconductor Manufacturing

Lossless Data and Dependable Performance

ROTOCON slip rings are utilized within ingot growing equipment to provide motor power and encoder data to stationary monitoring equipment.

The ROTOCON Advantage

ROTOCON slip rings deliver lossless data in real-time from encoders and other critical sensors without any downtime or maintenance, maximizing runtime and productivity during the ingot growing process. ROTOCON slip rings can help ingot producers maximize ROI by minimizing the risk of failures and impurities, supporting better operational efficiency and more reliable results.

Sealed Design and Real-Time Data Transfer

ROTOCON brushless slip rings are used in CMP processing to provide electrical power and Ethernet communication between the logic controller and the wafer polishing heads.

The ROTOCON Advantage

ROTOCON brushless slip rings offer seamless real-time communication without packet loss or bit errors, and are maintenance-free throughout their lifespan. They are sealed, durable, and deliver consistent performance with no change regardless of rotational direction.

Consistent Signal Transfer

ROTOCON slip rings are used within all types of deposition-based semiconductor manufacturing processes, including Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), and Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD).

The ROTOCON Advantage

Our ROTOCON brushless slip rings transmit consistent electrical signals to monitor key factors like deposition rate and temperature, resulting in a more uniform coating across the entire wafer. They provide consistent power and signal to the turntable whether stationary or rotating, and their brushless design eliminates any carbon dust creation, maintaining a clean operating environment.

Mid-to-High Frequency Ranges with Minimal Loss

RF (Radio Frequency) sputtering deposition requires specialized rotary grounds that operate at mid-to-high frequencies to effectively ground the circuit during the ion deposition process onto the base material.

The ROTOCON Advantage

ROTOCON rotary grounds can be specifically engineered to handle mid-to-high frequency ranges with little loss, guaranteeing reliable and consistent ground contact without the need for maintenance, adjustments, or replacements. Fully sealed and dust-free, they operate without generating any type of free particulate matter.

Consistent, Arc-Free Ground Circuit

Rotary grounds are used in PCB material manufacturing to provide a grounding circuit for rollers that experience static build-up and require a safe discharge path.

The ROTOCON Advantage

ROTOCON rotary grounds provide a consistent and arc-free ground circuit to dissipate static energy. They are sealed to protect against harsh chemicals and are built to survive the challenging environments in which they operate.

Critical Signal Data and Zero Downtime

ROTOCON slip rings and rotary grounds are used in high-frequency wafer processing equipment operating at 13.56MHz to ground the platen and provide signals during operation.

The ROTOCON Advantage

ROTOCON rotary grounds can be configured to operate at mid-to-high level frequencies, delivering a reliable ground circuit without the need for maintenance. ROTOCON multi-channel slip rings transmit critical signal data to ensure that wafer processing is as accurate and efficient as possible, with no downtime.

Capabilities

Engineering Capabilities & Services

Meridian Laboratory starts every project by working to understand the goals and objectives of a customer’s application. Our experienced engineering team works with companies large and small across the world in a wide variety of industries. Our electrical, mechanical, and application support engineers have a diverse set of experiences to aid in solving the most challenging problems related to rotational motion. Most custom ROTOCON rotating electrical connectors can be designed from our expansive library of standard models, easily modified to meet your requirements without non-recurring engineering (NRE) costs involved. Additionally, we have the expertise to provide fully custom rotary solutions for complex applications.

  • 100% In-House Engineering & Design
  • Prototype to Production Level Support
  • Research & Development Testing
  • Drawing & Revision Control

Meridian Laboratory produces the machined components utilized within our ROTOCON slip rings, in-house from prototype to production, regardless of complexity or tolerance. Our highly experienced machining team utilizes the latest machine tools and measurement equipment to ensure the highest quality of components go into our final product. We have expertise working with a wide variety of materials including stainless steel, carbon steel, titanium, copper, brass, bronze, aluminum, plastics, and more.

  • CNC and manual machining equipment to support all volumes
  • Ability to machine 1-off prototypes
  • Automated bar pullers and parts catching for maximum output
  • Precision measurement equipment capable of measuring to 0.000027″ (0.0006858mm)

All ROTOCON slip rings and rotary solutions are assembled in the United States by Meridian Laboratory’s team of trained technicians from project start to completion. Our facilities and workflows allow for both prototype and high-volume production.

The components utilized within ROTOCON slip rings are strictly inspected and measured at numerous points during assembly to ensure quality conformance. All ROTOCON slip rings undergo final rotational and electrical bench testing prior to shipment. The results of this test are included with each ROTOCON slip ring as a Certificate of Conformance.

  • Extensive training program for assembly technicians
  • ERP inventory and manufacturing order tracking system
  • Quality system checks implemented at numerous points of manufacturing
  • Part serialization and traceability

Meridian Laboratory owns and utilizes a wide variety of standard and custom test and verification tools to benchmark, test, and certify its high performance ROTOCON rotary electrical slip rings. We can also provide developmental qualification testing to ensure potential rotary electrical solutions meet the application requirements of our customers prior to design finalization and manufacturing.

  • First Article Inspection (FAI)
  • Certificate of Conformance (CoC) for all products
  • 100% End-of-Line Testing
  • Performance Verification Testing (PVT)
  • Burn-In Testing
  • High Current Testing
  • High Voltage Insulation Testing
  • Ethernet Bit Error & Packet Loss Testing
  • Environmental Chamber Testing
  • High Speed Rotational Testing
  • Kelvin Resistance Testing
  • HALT Testing
  • Reliability / Longevity Testing
  • Material Compatibility Testing
  • Customer Application Specific Testing

Meridian Laboratory is dynamic in offering additional services and support to meet the specific needs of our customers. From initial inquiry to ongoing volume production and beyond, we work to ensure unbeatable quality and service is provided for every project and customer.

  • Ongoing technical and sales support
  • Flexible delivery scheduling
  • Custom packaging & labeling
  • Product stocking agreements
  • Blanket purchase orders
  • Post delivery follow-ups
  • EOL product recycling services

Related Industries

Related Industries to Semiconductors

Integrators with advanced technology and solutions

Integrators

Application & Uses

  • Material Handling
  • Robotics
  • Palletizing
  • Assembly
  • Welding
Original equipment manufacturers with advanced machinery and production lines

Original Equipment Manufacturers

Application & Uses

  • Food & Aerosol Can Machinery
  • Plating Lines
  • Machine Tools
  • Web Converting Machinery
  • Non-Destructive Testing Equipment
  • Welding Positioners
Research and testing facilities with advanced equipment

Research & Testing

Application & Uses

  • Laboratory Test & Measurement
  • Automotive Testing
  • Acoustics Testing
  • Defense Platforms
  • Motor Testing
  • Live Specimen Monitoring

READY TO GET STARTED?

We are here to deliver exceptional solutions and service. Reach out to get started!

Resources

Helpful Information

Browse our collection of slip ring resources to find detailed information on each model, including mounting instructions, applications, FAQs, whitepapers, and more.