Patent ID: 7161689
Filing Date: 2007-01-09
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A processing apparatus for processing a microelectronic workpiece, comprising: an in-line metrology unit having a space for receiving a microelectronic workpiece for measuring a condition of a first layer on the microelectronic workpiece and generating a condition signal; a control, signal-connected to the metrology unit; a process unit providing a space to receive the microelectronic workpiece and performing an electrochemical process that is controlled by the control, wherein the process unit comprises an electroplating reactor having at least one anode and a workpiece holder to hold the microelectronic workpiece as cathode, and wherein the process is dependent on the current between the anode and the cathode, and wherein the control adjusts the current in response to the condition signal; and a transport unit positioned to receive the microelectronic workpiece from at least one of the process unit and the in-line metrology unit and move the microelectronic workpiece to the other of the process unit and the in-line metrology unit, wherein the condition signal from the metrology unit to the control influences said process, and is representative of a thickness of a seed layer applied onto the microelectronic workpiece.