Miniaturization Path of High-Voltage Power Supplies for Exposure Machines
1. Technical Requirements of Exposure Machines for HV Power
Exposure machines, as core equipment in semiconductor and display manufacturing, demand HV power supplies to:
• Deliver high-precision output with voltage fluctuations <0.1% to ensure stable light source energy and prevent pattern distortion.
• Respond rapidly (millisecond-level adjustments) for plasma etching synchronization.
• Achieve miniaturization to fit multi-beam and EUV systems while providing multi-channel HV output in confined spaces.
2. Core Technical Challenges
• Insulation and Thermal Management: High component density increases arc discharge risk and local overheating. Solutions include ceramic-filled insulation and optimized thermal channels.
• Parasitic Effects: Distributed capacitance and leakage inductance in high-frequency transformers cause voltage spikes. Mitigation requires segmented winding and magnetic shielding.
• Light-Load Stability: Traditional topologies fail under μA-level loads. Adaptive feedback circuits and pre-regulation are essential.
3. Key Miniaturization Technologies
• Piezoelectric Transformers: Replace coils with piezoelectric materials, reducing volume by >50% and enabling >100 kHz responses. Energy density is 3× higher than conventional transformers.
• High-Frequency Resonance (LLC): Soft-switching techniques in half-bridge circuits allow MHz operation, shrinking passive components. A 25kV/1mA prototype achieved 160mm×135mm×43mm dimensions.
• Modular Integration: Functional blocks (rectification, regulation) are 3D-stacked. Potting compounds minimize safety distances, doubling power density.
Table: Miniaturization Technologies Comparison
Technology Size Reduction Efficiency Gain Application
Piezoelectric Transformer >50% 85%→92% Micro-UV Exposure
High-Frequency LLC 40%-60% 80%→90% Projection Light Source
Potted Modular Design 30%-50% Multi-Channel Systems
4. Future Trends
• Advanced Materials: Nano-ceramic composites enhance insulation and thermal conductivity. Superconductors may enable ultra-HV modules for EUV machines.
• Smart Systems & Hybrid Energy: IoT-based monitoring enables predictive maintenance. Solar-HV direct supply architectures reduce conversion losses.
• Standardization: International standards for voltage endurance, ripple, and EMC will accelerate domestic industrialization and cross-industry collaboration.
Conclusion
Miniaturized HV power supplies are pivotal for next-generation exposure machines. Innovations in piezoelectric technology, resonant topologies, and modular design resolve the trade-offs between size and performance. Future advancements in materials and intelligent controls will further enhance precision and cost-efficiency, underpinning the autonomy of semiconductor and display industries.