Patent ID: 8275478
Filing Date: 2012-09-25
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method, comprising: designating a plurality of wafers as members of a group, wherein a first subset of the wafers is housed in a first wafer pod and a second subset of the wafers is housed in a second wafer pod different from the first pod; routing the first wafer pod to a first tool; performing at least a first operation on the wafers in the first subset using the first tool; routing the second wafer pod to a second tool; performing the first operation on the wafers in the second subset using the second tool; consolidating the wafers in the first and second subsets in a third wafer pod following the performing of the first operation by: routing the third wafer pod to a third tool; performing a second operation on the plurality of wafers using the third tool; loading the group of wafers in a fourth wafer pod following completion of the second operation; routing the fourth wafer pod to a fourth tool; unloading a third subset of the plurality of wafers into the fourth tool; performing a third operation on the third subset of wafers; routing the fourth wafer pod to a fifth tool; unloading a fourth subset of the plurality of wafers into the fifth tool; performing the third operation on the fourth subset of wafers; and loading the third and fourth subsets into a fifth wafer pod.