Patent ID: 6322598
Filing Date: 2001-11-27
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A semiconductor processing system for the production of semiconductor electronic devices, comprising a sequence of semiconductor processing steps carried out by a plurality of semiconductor processing machines, whereby the processing is carried out on discrete pieces of semiconductor substrate having a smaller diameter than that of conventional semiconductor wafers, wherein the discrete pieces of semiconductor substrate are made from larger wafers or materials onto which semiconductor layers may be formed, and the discrete substrate pieces are selectably processable into electronic devices as a plurality, wherein at least one of the semiconductor processing steps comprises a thermal treatment step at a temperature of 450.degree. C. or above, wherein discrete substrate pieces are fixed to a support suitable for the above thermal treatment step, the discrete substrate pieces being separable from each other after processing, and the support being made of a material so as not to contaminate the substrate pieces during any step in the production process.