In a first aspect, a first mainframe is provided for use during
semiconductor device manufacturing. The first mainframe includes (1) a
sidewall that defines a central transfer region adapted to house a robot;
(2) a plurality of facets formed on the sidewall, each adapted to couple
to a process chamber; and (3) an extended facet formed on the sidewall
that allows the mainframe to be coupled to at least four full-sized
process chambers while providing service access to the mainframe.
Numerous other aspects are provided.