SEMI International Standards
SEMI New Activity Report Form (SNARF)



Activity Number: 4803
SNARF for: New Standard: Specification for Wafer and Cell Transport Carriers for use in crystalline PV Manufacturing


Originating Global Technical Committee: Photovoltaic (PV) - Automation
Originating Technical Committee Region: Europe
Task Force in which work is to be carried out: PV Transport Carrier Task Force


1. Rationale: One basic prerequisite for building high efficient, highly automated PV Fabs is a competitive material (wafer, cell) handling.
Actually PV manufacturers and equipment suppliers are spending a lot of time and effort enabling a sufficient material handling within their production lines. By relaying on standardized material handling PV manufacturers will be able to focus on their key competences.
Carrier standard(s) will also enable standardization of load ports of equipments, and transport systems. This will result in direct and indirect cost savings throughout the whole supply chain, less risk during ramp up and less effort for integration of the production line.
Rate the Estimated Effect on the Industry
2: Major effect on an industry sector - identify the relevant sector

Rate the Estimated Technical Difficulty of the Activity
III: Difficult - Limited expertise and resources exist and/or achieving consensus difficult

2. Scope:
a: Define the areas to be covered or addressed by this activity or document:

The taskforce plans to focus on a standard for at least 3 types of material transport entities:

1. Transport box: All types of transport entities where the product (cell/wafer) has physical contact to other products (cell/wafer).

2. Transport box (with belts): All types of transport entities where the product (cell/wafer) has physical contact to other products (cells/wafer) and is additional fixed / guided by mechanical manipulation.

3. Transport carrier: All types of transport entities where the product has no physical contact to other products.

The taskforce will focus on 156 mm by 156 mm product size. Adapters for smaller sizes will be also considered.
The taskforce will not specify process carrier (e.g. for wet processing).
The taskforce will not specify load ports.
The taskforce will not specify transport systems.

b: Expected result of activity
New Standard

3. Projected Timetable for Completion:
a: General Milestones
a. Activity Start: 09/01/2009b. 1st Draft by: 01/01/2010
c. Preballot by: d. Technical Ballot by: 04/01/2010
e. Committee Approval By:09/01/2010




Safety Considerations:
The resulting document is expected NOT to be a Safety Guideline


Intellectual Property Considerations:
a. In complying with the standard or safety guideline to be developed, the use of patented technology or a copyrighted item(s) is NOT required
b. The body of the standard and any appendices or related information sections will NOT include copyrighted material

Comments, Special Circumstances: It is intended to raise this activity to a global one within the next 6-12 month.

Approval: Activity approved by Committee/GCS on September 22, 2009