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Cost
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Feature Added
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free
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RunTime Dose AutoText: This function allows the actual doses
(with units) from the run file to be written as part of the pattern.
The doses will correctly show any effects from the Exposure Step options
in an Array Entity, in a RunFileArray Entity, as well as the combined result
from both. Also see Auto-Text below.
|
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free
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PolyXOR: A function has been added to QCAD to make it easy
to remove an interior polygon from an exterior polygon. The result
will be an NPGS Filled Polygon which will have a 'hole' in the shape
of the interior polygon.
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free
|
Combine DC2 Files: A function to make it easy to combine multiple
DC2 files into one has been added to the NPGS Menu program. This feature
is useful when extremely large patterns are to be designed, since it allows
any number of smaller files to be combined. Alternately, it may also be useful
when patterns are to have a standard group of elements along with unique
features where the standard group may simply be kept in a separate DC2 file
which is combined with each new pattern..
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free
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Support for QCAD for pattern design: NPGS v9.2 now supports
QCAD for pattern design (in addition to all versions of DesignCAD
previously used with NPGS). The recommended version for use with NPGS is
QCAD Professional available at
https://qcad.org/en/online-shop.
In most cases, the site license option will be the most cost effective,
since it includes unlimited use at educational institutions. QCAD
is also available as a free, open source version which can also be used with
NPGS with some limitations. To get the free version, download the
Trial Version of QCAD Professional
for Windows. QCAD Professional directly supports DXF and DWF files. QCAD
should be installed in the default Windows Program directory either before
or after NPGS v9.2 is installed or upgraded. Extensive support for use with
NPGS will be automatically installed by NPGS when QCAD is found.
|
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free
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New RunFileArray Entity: NPGS run files now support the new
"RunFileArray" entity. While previously, an NPGS run file could
include references to other run files, the RunFileArray entity produces an
array where each element of the array consists of another complete
run file. This array includes stage moves for each element, just like
the original pattern Array entity. In addition, the Exposure Steps
for Array and the Selected Array Elements features are also available for
RunFile Arrays. This new feature offers an unmatched level of sophistication
to the processing power of an NPGS run file.
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free
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Show DC2 File: A function has been added where right clicking on the
name of a DC2 file will provide a view of the pattern. This function is available
from the main file display box in the NPGS Menu program as well as for any
Pattern Name prompt in the Run File Editor. This option will display a DC2
file as it will be written with options to view pattern elements by
layer, to adjust the display speed, and for distance
measurements.
|
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free
|
Additional Language Support: The popup help in NPGS provides
answers to most new user questions in just two clicks. Now, every popup help
window is also available in Chinese.
|
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free
|
Pg_Ruler for SEM Optimization and Image Measurement: This program
is provided for use on any PC. In optimization mode, it can be used
to help systematically optimize many SEM models which use mouse control for
the Focus, X Stigmator, and Y Stigmator. In measurement mode, it can
be used to measure on-screen features and can easily be calibrated to the
scale bar in SEM images. Click
here to download Pg_Ruler.exe.
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free
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"How To" Help: A new How To area has been added which provides information
on the most common setup and configuration questions as well as providing
dynamic links directly to the area where the settings are changed.
|
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free
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Pop Up "Arrow - Question Mark" Help: While this has been a feature
in NPGS for years, it has recently been improved both in the information
provided and the ease of use. While the older version required special software
from Microsoft to be installed, this version works with all Windows versions
without needing any extra steps.
|
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free
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Custom Command Buttons: While these have been available in NPGS for
years, several improvements have been added. Now, 6 more buttons are
automatically added when the latest NPGS update is run, the buttons can easily
be rearranged just by a Drag-and-Drop with the mouse, and the commands for
individual buttons can be viewed/edited just by right clicking on the button.
|
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free
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Crash Avoidance for Misbehaving Touch Screen Drivers: While some touch
screen drivers work fine with NPGS, others cause the NPGS software to crash.
This feature proactively checks if the Windows TabletInputService is loaded
which can be a sign of a potential crash. And if a crash happens, the next
run of NPGS will provide help on how to avoid a repeat of the crash. Since
the NPGS installation at the microscope will rarely have a touch screen,
this feature is most useful for "Office" installations of NPGS.
|
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free
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High Resolution Display of Actual Exposure Points: For years, NPGS
has provided a simulated display of the pattern writing for general
inspection of the writing process, however, the resolution was limited by
the PC monitor. Since a typical display has a resolution on the order
of 1,000 pixels, the 16 bit pattern writing with a possible 65,536 exposure
locations across the pattern could not accurately be shown. Now, during
the simulated writing mode, the user can dynamically zoom the display at
up to 256x, thus giving enough resolution to see the exact relative positions
of the exposure points. Of course, increasing the zoom value decreases the
display area, so every 2x multiple up to 256x is available so that the optimal
resolution vs. field size can be selected by the user. Once the simulate
pattern has been fully displayed, the entire pattern can be viewed at up
to 8x.
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free
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Support for 64 bit Win10: The main NPGS programs can be run under
64 bit Windows 10 when the 64 bit driver is supplied for the NPGS PCI516
or PCIe516 board. However, in a small number of cases, the communication
program required for a particular microscope, stage, or accessory may not
be compatible with 64 bit Windows, so details of each installation need to
be checked before moving NPGS to a 64 bit version of Windows.
|
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free
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Selected Elements for Array Mode: Allows user to select or deselect
individual elements in a graphical display of an Array entity where only
the selected elements will be written when the run file is processed.
Pattern Name List: Allows the user to enter a list of patterns to
be written for repeats in a Pattern or Array entity. For example, instead
of just writing an Array of a single pattern, the list allows a single Array
entity to automatically cycle through the pattern names in the list.
Base Names: Similar to the Pattern Name List, but allows a series
of patterns which have the form of a BaseName with incrementing numbers to
be automatically written for repeats of a Pattern entity or for an Array
entity.
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free
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Support for 64 bit Win7: The main NPGS programs can be run under 64
bit Windows 7 Pro when the 64 bit driver is supplied for the NPGS PCI516
board. However, in a small number of cases, the communication program required
for a particular microscope, stage, or accessory may not be compatible with
64 bit Windows, so details of each installation need to be checked before
moving NPGS to a 64 bit version of Windows.
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free
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NPGS Documentation as PDF Files: All NPGS documentation is now supplied
in PDF files which can easily be accessed from the main Menu program. Also,
user created PDF files can also be displayed in the list which makes it easy
to add customized documentation within NPGS.
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free
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DesignCAD v21.2 Support: The latest release of NPGS v9 supports DesignCAD
v21.2, in addition to DesignCAD 16.2 and DesignCAD LT 2000.
|
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free
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Graphical Overview Mode: For run files that include stage moves, a
graphical overview mode will show the placement of all pattern writing fields
within the run file.
Run File Nesting: Allows run files to be nested within other run files.
The maximum 'depth' of the nesting is 100. Fully compatible with the graphical
overview mode.
Run File Templates: Easy to configure 'template' run files can be
used to simplify the creation of new run files with standard entities. Fully
compatible with run file nesting.
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free
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Universal Remote Control: Most modern microscopes have a serial or
Ethernet interface for control by external systems as a standard feature
or available as an option. NPGS already includes support for nearly all such
interfaces at no additional charge. (The NPGS interface software will also
be provided at no charge when an NPGS installation is moved to a new microscope.)
The new Universal Remote Control software available with NPGS now
allows NPGS to control almost any Windows program on an external PC that
is accessible through an Ethernet connection. This expands the control
possibilities through NPGS not only to electron microscopes, but also to
other systems, such as Gas Injection Systems or Windows based ion beam
microscopes that do not offer an external interface. This software has
been tested for communication to/from Win2k, XP, Win7, and Win10, both 32
and 64 bit when available.
|
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free
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Bitmap Exposures: New features have been added to NPGS v9 to support
the exposure of bitmap files. Bitmap files (.bmp) in the following formats
are supported: 16 colors, 256 colors, and 24 bit with up to 256 colors. Bitmaps
and vector writing elements can be included in the same DesignCAD pattern
files when entered in different drawing layers. Also, a new 'RGB mode' which
allows the exposure times to be determined based on the RGB color components
of the individual pixels in the bmp file has been added. The bitmap exposures
are compatible with the multiple pass writing modes listed below.
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free
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Keithley 6485 Serial Interface Support: Software is available with
NPGS that can take multiple readings through a serial interface connection
to a Keithley 6485 Picoammeter and enter an averaged value for use by NPGS.
|
|
free
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DesignCAD Support: The latest release of NPGS v9 supports DesignCAD
Express v16.2, in addition to DesignCAD LT 2000.
|
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free
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Multiple Pass Writing Modes: Special writing modes have been added
to allow user-defined multiple passes of all writing entities, including
arbitrary filled polygons. Multiple pass writing can either have identical
repeats or will use back-and-forth passes, as selected by the user. These
modes are typically for use with FIB milling systems, but can also be used
for 3D e-beam exposures.
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free
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Auto-Text: This feature has two modes. One mode allows each element
of arrays created within a pattern to be automatically numbered. The second
mode allows NPGS to generate the exposure number, array row and column number,
time and/or date which can be written within patterns at run time. In all
cases, the user has control over the size and dose for the auto-text, and
in the runtime mode, the user can set the orientation and even modify the
font. Time/Date options include: HH:MM:SS, HH:MM, MM/DD/YYYY, MM/DD/YY,
DD/MM/YYYY, and DD/MM/YY formats.
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low*
(*credit is given for a portion of the original software purchase price)
|
NPGS v9: This is a major release that now uses the NPGS PCIe516 hardware,
which is based on a custom, high speed, 16 bit PCIe lithography board. One
of the unique features of this board is that the timing resolution is 0.25%
or better at all output speeds. Also, all NPGS code is 32 bit and runs under
Windows 2000, XP, Win7, and Win10. New features include an advanced alignment
mode for autoaligning to inside or outside corners of large structures, an
adjustable input range for the 16 bit ADC image acquisition, an automatic
feature to seamlessly update older system files, an advanced diagnostic mode,
and refinements to the very thorough NPGS Installation Guide and Manual.
And, of course, NPGS v9 is backwards compatible with previous versions of
NPGS, so existing patterns and run files can still be used. Overall, NPGS
v9 is the fastest, high resolution SEM lithography system available.
(Current NPGS v8 users can send e-mail
to info@jcnabity.com
to obtain pricing for the NPGS v9 upgrade.)
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free
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Digital Imaging: The NPGS Digital Imaging feature now has a
32 bit Windows user interface that provides dynamic crosshairs for distance
measurements, text annotations, basic image editing, and output to jpg,
tif, bmp, and eps graphics formats.
|
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free
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Windows User Interface: The 32 bit Windows interface for NPGS v8 is
available as a free upgrade to qualified* users. NPGS Users: To receive
download information, please send your Name and Institution
to info@jcnabity.com.
The new interface is fully backwards compatible with all current patterns
and run files, and can even coexist with the previous version of NPGS. Also,
the logical organization of the present system has been preserved, so that
current users will be able to immediately understand the new interface. In
addition to the advanced Windows interface, new features include an Auto
Logging mode for convenient exposure documentation, support for VBScripts
and JavaScripts, and extensive online documentation.
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free
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Fine Tuning for Optimum Performance: Over the years, NPGS has
continuously been optimized for a wide range of user applications. This has
resulted in a level of customer satisfaction that is unmatched by any other
system. The features listed below have resulted from close interaction with
existing customers, which has made the features have sometimes subtle, but
always significant, advantages over similar features offered by competing
systems.
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free
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X-Y-Focus Mode: Allows NPGS to correct for focusing errors caused
by a tilted sample. This mode can be fully automatic (after initialization)
or fully manual, depending on the hardware configuration of the microscope.
Note that most new SEMs have the hardware to take advantage of this feature
in the automated mode, while all SEMs can be used in the manual mode. This
standard NPGS feature can make it unnecessary to purchase an additional stage
leveling device for the SEM.
|
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free
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Auto-Alignment: Allows NPGS to automatically align to registration
marks on the sample. This feature is most useful when an automated stage
is available on the system. A semi-automatic alignment mode is also included.
For many applications, the NPGS alignment feature can make the purchase of
an expensive high-resolution stage unnecessary.
|
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free
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Global Rotation Correction: Allows NPGS to make stage movements
along the sample axes, rather than along the stage axes.
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|
free
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Array Mode: Allows NPGS to easily generate arrays of a single
pattern.
|
|
free
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CIF and GDSII Support: Allows NPGS to import pattern files saved
in the CIF and GDSII formats. There is no software limit to the size
of the patterns that can be imported and written.
|
|
free
|
Automated Beam Current Reading: Allows NPGS to automatically
make measurements of the beam current and to compensate for drift. A variety
of hardware configurations for reading the beam are supported.
|
|
free
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Fracturing of Large Patterns: Allows NPGS to automatically break
large patterns into smaller subfields for writing. This feature is most useful
when an automated stage is available on the system. Unique features of this
mode are that the field positions can be defined by the user and that the
software can often reduce the number of pattern elements that must be broken
at the subfield boundaries. No other system matches the power and flexibility
of the NPGS Fracturing feature.
|
|
free
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Support for Automated Stages: NPGS can work with almost any
automated stage. Software drivers for many common stages are available at
no charge.
|
|
free
|
Support for Digital Microscopes: NPGS can work with almost any
digital microscope which allows remote control of the microscope parameters.
Software drivers for many common digital microscopes are available at no
charge.
|
|
free
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Improvements to the Manual: The NPGS manual is updated
whenever a customer reports a unique problem with their microscope or a technique
that may be useful to others. This makes each new release of the NPGS manual
an increasingly complete reference for SEM lithography.
|
Note that other systems may claim to have several of these features, but
the flexibility and ease-of-use of the features in NPGS are superior to any
other system. So even if the competition offers a particular feature, closer
inspection will typically reveal that it is either quite limited and simplistic
or a needlessly complex version of what NPGS offers. By way of analogy: a
used car salesman may promise that a car includes a radio, but after buying
the car you may find that the radio only gets one station. The salesman didn't
lie, but you didn't get what you expected, although the salesman did get
his commission!
All of the features in NPGS are continuously fine-tuned in response to comments
and suggestions from users doing a wide variety of research. This attention
to customer feedback is why NPGS has become the top selling SEM lithography
system based on word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied users.
*Qualified users include the original purchaser of any version of NPGS other
than version 7.4B.