Co-developing a cost-driven metrology platform for advanced manufacturing
A leading OEM in advanced semiconductor manufacturing engaged PDM to co‑develop a next‑generation metrology platform embedded within their production machines. The platform supports precision control and inspection functions that directly influence machine performance, stability and yield. PDM joined from the architecture phase to translate this ambition into a scalable, compliant and production-ready infrastructure through close co-development.
OUR CUSTOMER
The client is a global leader in advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Their machines operate at the limits of precision and reliability, where integrated metrology and inspection functions are critical for stable operation, process control and long‑term performance.
THE CHALLENGE
A uniform cost-efficient platform
Development of a single, standardised metrology platform deployable across multiple machine variants, within strict cost targets.
High technical complexity
Reliable operation under high electrical loads, interfacing with multiple subsystems in a constrained mechanical and thermal environment.
International compliance
The platform had to comply with demanding international standards, from the architectural phase onward.
Adapting to change
Evolving system and safety requirements absorbed through architectural and component reassessment—without impacting timelines.
Building excellence together
Working side by side with the client’s engineering teams and suppliers, PDM operated as an integrated co‑development partner. PDM took architectural ownership of the metrology infrastructure, enabling informed trade‑offs between cost, performance, compliance and future scalability.
The impact we made
PDM delivered a fully engineered, supplier‑independent infrastructure that became a core building block within the machine architecture:
- A cost-driven, modular cabinet and interface architecture supporting multiple machine variants
- Integrated electrical, mechanical and safety engineering aligned with international compliance requirements
- Qualified prototypes and validated designs ready for series introduction and lifecycle support
- A scalable platform foundation enabling controlled evolution and future revisions without full system redesigns
Facing Similar challenges?
OUR APPROACH in action
- Acting as one integrated team
From the architecture phase onward, PDM and the client worked as one joint engineering team sharing information openly and solving constraints together across organizational boundaries.
- Ownership from architecture to lifecycle
PDM took responsibility not only for detailed engineering, but also for defining requirements, architectural choices and interfaces, ensuring consistency from concept through qualification and revisions.
- Designing with cost as a leading principle
Cost‑of‑good targets were translated into architectural constraints at system level. Trade‑offs between modularity, performance and certification scope were continuously evaluated in close collaboration with the client.
- Validation built into the development flow
Early prototyping and qualification were used to validate electrical behaviour, thermal margins and interface assumptions, reducing downstream risk and preventing late‑stage redesigns.
- Sustaining the partnership beyond delivery
As the platform moved into lifecycle and revision phases, PDM remained involved, supporting updates, new iterations and long-term platform stability.
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Design & Engineering
We help manufacturers accelerate complex product development through modular design, scalable architectures, and engineering excellence from concept to integration.
