Patent ID: 8636458
Filing Date: 2014-01-28
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A wafer processing system comprising: a lithography tool; a local track connected with the lithography tool; a transfer device handler configured and arranged to handle a transfer device and transfer wafers from and to the transfer device; an interface unit configured and arranged to transfer wafers between one or more of the transfer device and the lithography tool, the lithography tool and the local track, and the local track and transfer device, wherein the interface unit comprises: a distant track separated from the lithography tool and the local track, wherein the transfer device handler is configured to transfer wafers between the distant track and the local track; and a controller configured and arranged to schedule processing by the lithography tool, local track, distant track, interface unit and transfer device handler, such that the local track is used for time critical processes and the distant track is used for non-critical processes, wherein the length of time that elapses before the wafer begins the non-critical process does not affect the outcome of the non-critical process.