Introduction

In today’s electronics manufacturing industry, Factory Information Systems, the nervous system of industrial automation, suffer from a number of deficiencies. Primary among them is the exceedingly high cost of writing and implementing software for communications between various kinds of equipment and monitoring systems. This leads to dependence on individual vendors for systems that are compatible with equipment from the same vendor, and seriously inhibits flexibility and expansion. These problems stem from the lack of a single comprehensive standard for data formats on the shop floor. CAMX is such a standard.

The adoption of CAMX is a step towards the end of the "islands of automation" era in which equipment cannot effectively communicate on a factory-wide scale. In CAMX, all communication is based on the XML web format, making it simple for any machine to communicate with any other. Furthermore, the use of XML allows data to be circulated via the internet. At one stroke, information is made easily accessible and the integration of new equipment is simplified considerably. Management decisions and system optimization will benefit from the availability of information, while the growth of manufacturing facilities will be aided by an easier setup process.

We invite you to browse this website to learn more about the possibilities offered by CAMX.

Key features & benefits of CAMX

CAMX standards

Detailed Overview

CAMX is a set of data exchange standards intended for Factory Information Systems in the electronics industry. In CAMX, common web communication protocols, including XML, HTTP, MIME and SOAP, are used as standards. Its development is part of the International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (iNEMI) Framework Implementation Project, which builds on the 'Plug and Play Factory' program. Partners in the development of CAMX include Georgia Tech and leaders in electronics manufacturing such as Agilent and Panasonic. CAMX is intended to solve problems with current schemes for information circulation in factories, which are ineffective and out-of-date. Using CAMX holds benefits for both Original Equipment Manufacturers and Electronics Manufacturing Services providers.

The goals of CAMX include increasing flexibility and reducing costs associated with expansion and integration of new manufacturing equipment, as well as improving the accessibility and accuracy of information in factories. By implementing standard formats for data at all levels of communication, as well as a centralized system for collection and dissemination of information, CAMX encourages interoperability of equipment regardless of vendor. The problem of proprietary technologies and incompatible data formats is thus avoided. This ensures maximum flexibility in the choice of the best equipment and reduces costs related to the integration of new equipment with existing systems. Also, the standardization of data formats prevents issues with misinterpretation of data due to differing definitions.

A central element in the CAMX framework is the 'message broker', a device that acts as an intermediary in the data exchange process. Raw data from testers and other equipment is directed to the message broker, which stores it and distributes information to anyone who requires it. The use of XML allows information to be accessed via the internet in real-time, making it easily available for analysis and decision-making. Besides this, the message broker has a system of guaranteed message delivery to prevent data loss, making data more accurate and credible.

Figure 1: A CAMX setup from the Motorola Pilot Project in Texas, 2002
(Click To Enlarge)