Precision stages – achieving precision in the industrial landscape


Precision stages, also known as precision motion stages or motion platforms, are devices used for precise positioning and movement of objects or equipment in various industrial and scientific applications.

The vital role of encoders in precision stages

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Semiconductor demand has grown continually in recent years due to the rapid development of new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), 5G broadband networks, and Internet of Things (IoT). Equipment manufacturers have gradually stepped up investment in the development of new models to cope with the formidable challenges posed by high-precision, advanced manufacturing processes.

Key process equipment for semiconductor manufacturing includes dual wafer stages for photolithography, wafer bonding equipment, advanced laser annealing equipment, and equipment front-end modules (EFEMs).

Below are some examples of how high precision encoders are used in semiconductor equipment and advanced industrial precision stages, as well as the criteria to consider when it comes to the selection of encoders.


1. Position sensing

Precision encoders are integrated into the moving components of the precision stage. These encoders accurately measure the linear or angular displacement of the stage. They convert the physical motion into electrical signals that can be processed and used for control purposes.

The VIONiC™ readhead is Renishaw's highest performing incremental optical encoder. It features an intelligent interpolation chip to give resolution as fine as 2.5 nm, offering high precision and repeatability in any application.

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2. Closed-loop control

Precision stages often operate in a closed-loop control system. The encoder continuously provides real-time feedback about the stage's current position to a controller. The controller compares the desired position with the actual position and generates control signals to adjust the stage's movement, ensuring it reaches the desired position accurately.



3. High accuracy

The design and construction of precision encoders ensure high accuracy in position measurement. This accuracy translates to the precision stage's ability to position objects with extremely fine tolerances, making them suitable for tasks like semiconductor manufacturing, optics testing, and nanotechnology research.

The VIONiC™ readhead is Renishaw's highest performing incremental optical encoder. It features an intelligent interpolation chip to give resolution as fine as 2.5 nm, offering high precision and repeatability in any application.



4. Motion profiling

Precision encoders provide information about the speed and acceleration of the stage's movement. This data allows for controlled motion profiles, enabling smooth starts, stops, and transitions during positioning.



5. Multi-axis systems

Many applications require movement in multiple axes. Precision stages can be designed as multi-axis systems, and encoders are used for each axis to maintain accurate alignment and synchronisation among the axes.

The RESOLUTE™ readhead is a high-speed fine-resolution absolute encoder system which provides position immediately without requiring any motion, even on start-up. It is compatible with a wide variety of serial protocols.

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Challenges to overcome – accuracy, temperature, dust, and vibration

In the intricate landscape of modern industrial sectors such as semiconductor, flat panel display (FPD), and photovoltaic (PV), precision motion stages play a pivotal role. Even the slightest discrepancies in positioning can lead to substantial defects or failures, underscoring the paramount significance of precision stage accuracy and reliability throughout the production process.

Being the linchpin of precision motion stages, encoders stand as a key factor in attaining required precision and accuracy levels. These components shoulder a multitude of exacting demands, encompassing high resolution, accuracy, low sub-divisional error (SDE), and unwavering reliability.

Withstanding harsh industrial conditions, encompassing temperature fluctuations, dust, and vibration, is also essential. Encoders must exhibit rapid response times and minimal latency to enable pinpoint control of motion stages. This ensures precise, responsive manoeuvres – a quintessential trait for modern industrial applications.

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Contamination is one of the sources of position error.


Renishaw boasts a wealth of experience in delivering solutions that flawlessly meet the rigors of precision manufacturing. Our comprehensive range of encoders deliver positioning solutions with extraordinary accuracy, down to nanometer levels. Moreover, our flexibility extends to crafting tailored solutions aligned with specific customer requirements.




What to consider when selecting encoder systems for precision stages?


Precision stages

Performance

✔ Scale accuracy
✔ Scale linearity
✔ Resolution
✔ Sub-divisional error
✔ Axes lengths
✔ Scale CTE
✔ Speed
✔ Controller input frequency
✔ Cable flex life
✔ Cable flex radius


Environment

✔ Temperature
✔ Humidity
✔ Vibration
✔ IP rating
✔ Cleanliness (particle, fluid)
✔ Vacuum / exposure to X-ray radiation / lighting
✔ Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)

Installation

✔ Size
✔ Ride height tolerance
✔ Yaw / pitch / roll
✔ Connectors
✔ Cable extension
✔ Readhead travel orientation
✔ Top or side mount
✔ Substrate type
✔ Mounting method - adhesive / track / end fixing /epoxy or screw mounted
✔ Reference datum
✔ Limits


Others

✔ Analogue / digital
✔ Interpolation clock frequency
✔ Alarm type
✔ Reference limit
✔ Protocol

Success stories: precision stages

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Semiconductor - the world’s No.1 manufacturer

ASM Pacific Technology Ltd (ASMPT) is the world's largest supplier of wafer assembly and packaging equipment for the semiconductor industry. ASMPT's equipment is renowned for high precision and high stability.

Consequently, it demands reliable and high quality positioning systems, including ‘dirt immunity' capability. Patented optical schemes are built into every Renishaw encoders’ readhead to withstand a variety of contaminants, such as grease, dust, particles and scratches.


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The positive feedback from our customers has proven that Renishaw's encoders have excellent dirt immunity and can run reliably with little or no maintenance.

ASM Pacific Technology Ltd (Global) Close quotation mark


Another requirement is size. The TONiC™ incremental optical encoders are well-suited for use in the extremely compact designed bonders from ASMPT.

A wide variety of Renishaw encoders is employed in various ASMPT machines, including the TONiC™ incremental optical series, the RESOLUTE™ absolute optical encoders, and LM10 magnetic encoders.

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Renishaw encoders are employed in various ASMPT machines:

•   AB559 series wedge bonders: designed with a large aluminium bonding area of 8 inches x 4 inches and speeds to 4.1 wires/sec
•   High speed MCM12 die bonders: a fully automatic multiple die, SMD, and flip chip bonding system, up to 14 types of picking tools and 12 inch wafer handling capability
•   SMD and flip-chip bonders: with up to 300 mm wafer handling capacity
•   UV Cured Die bonders: used in image sensor applications with resolutions to 50 nm and speeds to 3.5 m/s in operating temperatures as high as 300 ºC





Semiconductor - competitive edge in the marketplace


Beijing U-Precision Tech Co., Ltd. (U-Precision) is a leading manufacturer of equipment for high-precision industrial processes. Its advanced semiconductor equipment and motion stages use mostly TONiC™ optical encoder systems with steel tape scales.

This type of scale is 'mastered' to the substrate and has a thickness of just 0.1 mm, which enables the scale to expand and contract at the same rate as the underlying machine axis.

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Optical encoders are one of the most important components of stages and process machinery, so we went through an exhaustive evaluation process before choosing Renishaw, and we continue to use their products to this day.

Beijing U-Precision Tech Co., Ltd. (China)Close quotation mark


Renishaw's TONiC™ encoders have been specially designed for semiconductor applications and give OEM manufacturers, such as U-Precision, a competitive edge in the marketplace.





Precision motion platforms - cost-effective and high performance


Renishaw's TONiC™ UHV optical encoders are specially designed for use in high and ultra-high vacuum enclosures and meet the strict requirements of FPD and semiconductor process equipment.

VAD Instrument manufactures a wide range of precision motion platforms for use in a vacuum environment for semiconductor, FPD and electronics applications. The company selected TONiC™ UHV encoder and RLE fibre optic laser encoder for its latest range of vacuum compatible platforms.


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Vacuum stage for semiconductor process application.

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Renishaw's encoder products have a good reputation in the marketplace; the TONiC™ encoder series is often seen in applications with high-performance equipment and has been widely recognized by the industry.

VAD Instrument (South Korea) Close quotation mark



DD motors - win orders with OEM innovation


JUSTEK Inc. is a leading motion control component manufacturer in Korea. It designs and builds linear motors, direct-drive rotary (DDR) motors, motion stages and conveyors. Renishaw's family of ATOM™ miniature encoder solutions has been chosen by JUSTEK for its DD motors and motion stages.

“The miniature design of the ATOM™ readhead is ideal for our DD motors as space inside the motors is inherently limited. We tested ATOM™ repeatedly and found that it has advantages in terms of reliability, system volume and performance.” JUSTEK's product manager explained.


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Renishaw is highly regarded in the metrology industry and has been involved with our products over many years.

JUSTEK Inc. (Korea) Close quotation mark


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DDR motor (JTR30 series) manufactured by JUSTEK.

Renishaw's ATOM™ optical encoder has a readhead measuring just 7.3 x 20.5 x 12.7 mm. It is one of only a handful of integrated miniaturised optical encoders available on the market and features leading-edge signal stability, dirt immunity and reliability.



Renishaw optical encoders adopted by JUSTEK including:

•  ATOM miniature encoder series for DD motors and motion stages.
•  TONiC™ optical encoder series for OLED panel inspection equipment.
•  RESOLUTE™ absolute encoder series for OLED panel inkjet printing equipment.


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Precision motion platforms -

cost-effective and high performance

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VIONiC™ digital incremental encoder

High performance digital optical encoder designed with super compact readhead, suitable for highly-dynamic precision motion systems.

✔ Superior metrology

High speed operation with fine resolution

Ultra-low sub-divisional error (SDE)

Cost benefit


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TONiC™ incremental encoder

A high performance optical encoder designed with super compact readhead, suitable for highly-dynamic precision motion systems.

✔ (Very) low jitter

Fine resolutions down to 1 nm

✔ Cost benefit


RESOLUTE™ true-absolute encoder 

The true-absolute encoder with a high-speed fine-resolution position measurement system. Position is acquired immediately on start-up without requiring any motion, offering smooth velocity control and dependable positional stability. Available with linear and rotary scales with a variety of serial interfaces.

High speed

Excellent dirt Immunity

Low SDE

Low jitter

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ATOM™ miniature optical encoder

The miniature optical incremental linear and rotary encoder system offers innovative design combining miniaturisation with leading-edge signal stability, dirt immunity and reliability.

✔ Miniature

Advanced signal stability

Dirt immunity

✔ Reliability


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QUANTiC™ incremental encoder

Integrates proven filtering optics and interpolation technology into a super-compact, analogue or digital incremental open optical encoder, with wide installation tolerances and built-in calibration functions.

✔ Wide installation tolerances

Dirt immunity

High performance

✔ Robust

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LM10 incremental magnetic encoder

The LM10 is a contactless high-speed magnetic encoder designed for linear or rotary motion sensing in harsh environments. The LM10 features a compact sealed readhead that rides at up to 1.0 mm from the self-adhesive magnetic scale or ring.

Stick-on reference mark

High speed operation

Excellent dirt Immunity to IP68

Axis lengths of up to 100 m

High reliability

Speak to out manufacturing consultants

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Case Studies

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