Technology Fabrication Database for CDT

Overview 

Cambridge Display Technology (CDT) is a leading developer of technologies based on polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs).

 

For the last five years, CDT has been using a production management software solution at their Technology Development Centre to track the production process in the development of new PLED device designs. However, CDT wished to replace their existing system with a bespoke solution that would fulfil the specific requirements of their business and provide them with a simpler solution that is easier to support and maintain. Beacon worked closely with CDT to design and develop this new Technology Fabrication Database (TFD) system.

 

Business Requirements

Establishing manufacturing methods and processes is a significant element of CDTs work in the development of technologies based on PLEDs. CDT has therefore invested in a state-of-the-art clean room in which new device designs are fabricated. In order to establish the optimum method of fabrication for a device, various different designs are manufactured and tested.

 

The aim of the new system was to track the components of the design, to identify an optimum solution, and to provide better traceability of the effects of change in the process or design. The technology adopted also needed to provide a more future-proof software solution that could be more easily maintained by internal resources.


Our Solution

Beacon designed and developed the new TFD system providing a simple and intuitive user interface to record salient details for an element of the fabrication process within the manufacturing environment. Initially, we developed a prototype of the interface to establish the most effective design for the end users and to gain feedback from early in the design process.

 

In order to provide a suitable framework for the support of the system, Beacon worked alongside the internal technical team to provide knowledge transfer and support. Application support is provided on three levels, with first and second-line support provided internally and third-line support being provided by Beacon via an annual support agreement.

 

“TFD is a fundamental application used for the collection of data, to assist in CDT’s continued progress in PLED technology. Beacon delivered the application on-time, to budget and at an incredibly high standard. Working with Beacon was both professional and inspiring.”
Sharon Ramsbottom, TFD Project Manager
IT Systems Administrator & IT Site Co-ordinator, CDT Godmanchester


Technology used

  • C# programming language
  • Microsoft .NET 3.5 framework
  • Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF)
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • Microsoft Windows XP, Vista and Windows Server
  • Client-server architecture
  • Microsoft Visual Studio