Texas Instruments is a global leader for semiconductor digital light processing—one of the main components of signal processing equipment found in digital televisions.

CHALLENGE
To ensure that their proprietary components function at the highest levels of effectiveness, Texas Instruments applies the SEMI F47 standards to their production line. However, voltage sags were interfering with the company’s efforts to consistently achieve this goal. Their wafers are systematically produced by groupings of tools; masks define the process from tool to tool. In-house technical data confirmed that short-term voltage sags were knocking out four to five of the main masks, hampering lithography systems, and accounting for 40% of downtime in the facility.

To remain a leader in the field, Texas Instruments had to consistently achieve SEMI F47 standards as a minimum and prevent voltage sags.

SOLUTION
Thanks to previous experience consulting with SoftSwitching Technologies, Texas Instruments personnel were familiar with our product line and its ability to meet or exceed SEMI F47 standards. They also had access to Electric Power Research Institute research that proved our effectiveness in improving manufacturing efficiencies. Armed with this knowledge, Texas Instruments asked us to help them prevent voltage sags and improve yields. We installed multiple single-phase DySC battery-free UPSs, ranging in size from 25 to 200 amps.

RESULTS
While the specific data is proprietary, Texas Instruments reported a substantial increase in productivity and profit, and a significant decrease in unplanned downtime. Company officials are very pleased with the positive impact on productivity and the return on investment achieved.