Patent ID: 8032348
Filing Date: 2011-10-04
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method of facilitating a process performed by a semiconductor processing tool, comprising: inputting a first principles physical model including a set of computer-encoded differential equations, the first principles physical model describing at least one of a basic physical or chemical attribute of the semiconductor processing tool and including 1) a spatially resolved model of a physical geometry of the semiconductor processing tool and 2) a grid set addressing the semiconductor processing tool or a geometry of the semiconductor processing tool; inputting process data related to an actual process being performed by the semiconductor processing tool; setting boundary conditions for the spatially resolved model of the physical geometry of the semiconductor processing tool based on said process data related to the actual process being performed by the semiconductor processing tool; storing in a fab-level library known simulation results obtained from simulation modules in a device manufacturing fab and distributing the known simulation results to other semiconductor processing tools in the device manufacturing fab; solving the computer-encoded differential equations of the first principles physical model for the spatially resolved model concurrently with the actual process being performed and in a time frame shorter in time than the actual process being performed to produce a first principles simulation by: providing from the solution of the computer-encoded differential equations solved concurrently with the actual process being performed a first principles simulation result; and using the first principles simulation result obtained during the performance of the actual process to facilitate the actual process being performed by the semiconductor processing tool.