Factory automation enables fabs to improve yield, efficiency, and traceability through reliable equipment communication and real-time visibility into tool performance. Semiconductor fabs require equipment OEMs to ensure smooth integration with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and factory automation infrastructure while keeping pace with evolving SEMI standards. Gaps in compliance to SEMI standards and fab-specific scenarios can lead to delayed acceptance or rejection of multi-million-dollar equipment, directly impacting revenue and customer commitments.
Engineering teams must implement host connectivity that shares precise equipment data, accurate equipment states, and responses to host requests to ensure execution of fab MES workflows. Achieving this requires configuring variables, events, and state models aligned with SECS/GEM and Interface A (EDA) requirements, while ensuring tool and process control software operate reliably alongside host connectivity software. Early verification of these scenarios in OEM environments reduces rework during factory acceptance and protects deployment schedules.
Quest Global delivers factory automation solutions grounded in decades of SEMI standards expertise and experience across leading fabs worldwide. Our connectivity implementations are deployed across both 200 mm and 300 mm equipment platforms and validated using industry-standard third-party SEMI standards compliance verification tools, complemented by proprietary host simulator solution created by Quest Global. This approach ensures first-pass factory acceptance and provides OEMs with confidence in global deployment, compliance readiness, and long-term operational stability.
Challenges we solve
OEMs must meet strict SECS/GEM and EDA requirements while scaling implementations across 200 mm and 300 mm tool lines for global deployment, and we help teams manage the resulting complexity in integration with tool control software and data integrity. Custom fab scenarios across regions reveal edge cases that standard tests miss, so we work with OEMs to address these early and reduce acceptance risk. Integrating control software with host connectivity stacks requires deep SEMI knowledge and careful mapping of variables and equipment states, and we implement these integrations to maintain accuracy and consistency. High data rates and real-time collection expectations must be met without affecting cycle time, increasing engineering effort during global rollouts. Sustaining compliance across product variants, software releases, and deployment sites adds an ongoing burden, and our in-house host simulator-based validation and automated compliance toolchains reduce surprises during Factory Acceptance Tests and shorten acceptance cycles.
Focus areas
SECS/GEM and Interface A EDA Solutions
SECS/GEM and Interface A (EDA) connectivity solutions must support reliable MES integration while meeting evolving fab automation requirements. We develop host connectivity solutions that define equipment variables, events, alarms, and recipe interactions aligned to SEMI standards and validated across global fab environments. An in-house host simulator is used to verify standard and custom fab scenarios early, reducing acceptance risk and improving deployment predictability.
Integration with Equipment Control Software
Host connectivity solutions requires precise alignment between equipment control logic and SEMI-defined state models. Our teams integrate equipment-control and process-module-control software with both in-house and third-party host stacks, validating state transitions, command handling, and error recovery under production conditions. This approach reduces ambiguity between tool behavior and host expectations and improves stability during fab acceptance and ramp.
SEMI Standards Compliance Testing
We validate equipment against SECS/GEM and Interface A/EDA requirements using the same third-party compliance tools employed by fabs, ensuring alignment with real acceptance environments before shipment. A proprietary host simulator executes both standard SEMI test cases and custom fab scenarios, exposing edge scenarios early and reducing time taken for Factory Acceptance Tests. The validation process produces formal SEMI compliance documentation, GEM manuals and detailed evidence required by fabs for factory acceptance and tool release.
Support for Factory Acceptance Tests
Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) expose real-world integration conditions that differ from OEM lab environments. Our engineers support FAT execution on-site by running acceptance scenarios, analysing host-equipment interactions, and resolving non-compliances in real time. Experience across multiple equipment types and global fab deployments helps OEMs achieve faster acceptance and protect delivery schedules.
Talk to our leaders
Richard Bergman
Global Business Head, Semiconductors
With over three decades of leadership experience across the global semiconductor industry, Richard brings deep expertise in scaling complex businesses, driving innovation, and building high-performing teams. Richard has led large, globally distributed organizations across advanced silicon, computing platforms, and engineering-led technology domains. He now brings this experience to Quest Global with a strong focus on customer impact, operational excellence, and accelerating engineering-led growth across the semiconductor ecosystem.
Let's connect
Rajeev Nair
Strategic Business Leader, Semiconductors
Rajeev Nair is known for devising market strategies and orchestrating successful mergers and acquisitions. His leadership reflects adaptability and transformational capabilities, particularly in establishing and expanding industry verticals in Japan.
Let's connect
Sumedha Limaye
Vertical Delivery Leader, Semiconductors
Sumedha has 30 years of experience in silicon design for AI, server edge, and networking SoCs, developing unique products and services in SoCs, digital IPs, and CAD/EDA tools. At Quest Global, she leads strategy execution to enhance capabilities and operational discipline, meeting the semiconductor market's dynamic demands across design, embedded software, and OSATs.
Let's connect
Gopakumar Vasavan
Vertical Solutions Partner, Semiconductors
As a passionate engineer-turned-business leader, he has almost three decades of experience across diverse verticals including Hi-Tech, Automotive, Aerospace, and Semiconductors with key expertise in engineering software, embedded systems, and digital solutions for global clients.
Let's connect
Srinivasan Natarajan
Delivery Leader, Semiconductors
A seasoned professional with 23 years of experience in product engineering across mechanical, software, hardware, and manufacturing. He has developed engineering centers for leading OEMs in semiconductors, transportation, energy & utilities, and aerospace. He is dedicated to growing Engineering Centers for Semiconductor Equipment customers worldwide.
Let's connect
Mubarak Rasheed
Industry Leader, Semiconductors
With 27 years in software engineering, he has a proven track record developing innovative solutions for semiconductor equipment companies. His expertise covers etch, deposition, inspection, and metrology. He possesses in-depth knowledge of SEMI standards and extensive experience in fabrication plants.
Let's connect
Let’s connect
At Quest Global, we believe that a fulfilling career is more than just work; it's about embracing a vibrant work environment that nurtures your growth.
Contact us