Mass Flow Controller: The Cornerstone of Semiconductor Gas Delivery Systems

2026-06-11

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In semiconductor manufacturing processes, core steps such as etching, thin-film deposition, ion implantation, cleaning, and CMP (chemical mechanical polishing) all rely on the precise measurement and accurate control of various gas flow rates. As a critical component of the gas‑delivery system in semiconductor equipment, the mass flow controller (MFC) provides this essential support. According to market data, in 2024, the Chinese semiconductor industry’s MFC application market reached RMB 1.23 billion, up 9.82% year over year. By 2028, the global MFC market is projected to grow to US$3.3 billion, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.0%, while the domestic market is expected to expand at an even faster pace, ranging from 20% to 30%.

MFC’s core value stems from its comprehensive adherence to the stringent requirements of the semiconductor industry. To meet process requirements, the MFC must be equipped with High accuracy (better than ±0.5% FS), corrosion resistance, a wide measurement range (covering from sccm to slm levels), and millisecond‑level fast response. It delivers exceptional performance and meets the semiconductor industry’s stringent requirements for fluid purity and process stability. Typical application scenarios include deposition, etching, ion implantation, cleaning, and CMP equipment, as well as gas supply systems and vertical/horizontal furnaces.


▲ ACU10FD-LC Digital mass flow controller

The MFC consists of a high-sensitivity measurement sensor, precision control valves, and a flow calculator working in concert to detect the instantaneous mass flow rate of gases in real time and achieve adjustments with millimeter‑level accuracy via closed-loop control. The ACU10FD and ACU20FD series of gas… Mass flow controller For example, this series is specifically designed to… Custom-designed for semiconductor equipment, this product line excels in exceptional stability, high precision, minimal zero drift, and rapid response. Fully attuned to the stringent particle‑and‑contamination requirements of advanced semiconductor processes, all gas‑contact surfaces are constructed from solid metal and undergo rigorous surface treatments. From assembly through calibration, every step is performed in a cleanroom environment, effectively eliminating any risk of contamination. Furthermore, in the complex electromagnetic environment of industrial settings, this product series demonstrates outstanding immunity to electromagnetic interference and fully supports a wide range of communication protocols, including digital and analog voltage/current signals as well as MODBUS 485/232, thereby providing the equipment with exceptional flexibility for system integration.

▲ ACU20FD-MC Digital Gas Mass Flow Controller

The precise control of MFCs relies on the highly coordinated operation of measurement sensors, control valves, and flow calculators. As the semiconductor industry advances toward more sophisticated process nodes, the technological barriers for MFCs continue to rise. On one hand, advanced processes demand exceptionally stringent precision in gas‑mixing ratios; even minor fluctuations in flow can lead to uncontrolled etch rates or non‑uniform film thicknesses, potentially resulting in the scrapping of entire wafers. On the other hand, MFCs must also withstand extreme process conditions—such as high vacuum, elevated temperatures, and corrosive gases—which pose significant challenges to the long-term stability of sensors and the sealing life of valves.

 

However, this critical sector—underpinning the global semiconductor‑equipment market worth hundreds of billions of dollars and boasting a multi‑billion‑dollar scale—has long been characterized by high technological barriers, making it a pressing bottleneck that China’s semiconductor‑equipment supply chain urgently needs to address. As fundamental components of precision manufacturing, MFCs/MFMs may not attract as much attention as lithography tools, yet they are indispensable for ensuring the reliability of semiconductor equipment. Achieving domestic substitution for MFCs is not only a commercial imperative to reduce supply‑chain costs and shorten delivery cycles, but also a crucial breakthrough for safeguarding the autonomy and controllability of the nation’s semiconductor industry.

Related Products

ACU20FD Normally Open Valve Series


The ACU20FD digital mass flow meter consists of a mass flow sensor, a laminar flow splitter, a flow-control regulating valve, and an amplification and control circuit. It features digital signal input and output, short warm-up time, minimal zero drift, and high reliability.

ACU20PH Series


The ACU20PH series comes standard with a piezoelectric diaphragm pressure sensor and a digital circuit board, delivering high-precision, stable, and reliable pressure measurement and control. This basic digital PC board incorporates all the essential functions required for measurement and control. In addition to the standard RS485 output signal, the ACU20PH also provides analog I/O signals.

ACU10FA Series


The ACU10FA analog mass flow controller features fast response and high accuracy. It offers a wide control range, spanning from 5 SCCM to 30 SLM, and can measure and regulate flow rates as low as 1 SCCM, making it suitable for controlling very small flow rates.

ACU10FD Series


The ACU10FD digital mass flow controller comprises a mass flow sensor, a laminar flow element, a flow‑control regulating valve, and an amplification control circuit. It features digital signal input and output, short warm‑up time, low zero drift, and high reliability.

ACU10FDR


The ACU10FDR low-pressure-drop gas mass flow controller is equipped with a proprietary high-flow electromagnetic valve, making it ideal for controlling mass flow even when system pressure is nearly unavailable. Its minimal pressure differential ensures the least possible impact on the system, enabling precise flow control under near-atmospheric conditions while significantly reducing system response time. We can customize the valve and PID control features based on your specific application parameters, guaranteeing fast, stable performance with minimized pressure loss.