Patent ID: 8676367
Filing Date: 2014-03-18
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A system for lot based, multi-step wafer manufacturing processes, the system comprising: a transfer apparatus, disposed among tools for performing respective process steps on each wafer of each lot of wafers transferred thereto, the transfer apparatus being configured to transfer each lot from a current tool to a next tool in accordance with a process step sequence; a plurality of detectors disposed at each of the tools to monitor current conditions and to issue signals indicative of the monitoring; a dispatcher operably coupled to the transfer apparatus to modify the lot order at a tool in response to a modification condition detection at the tool, the modification condition being recognized by the dispatcher in accordance with the signals issued by the detectors; a measurement unit configured to receive each wafer of each fully processed lot and to collect measurements therefrom; and a processor disposed in signal communication with the dispatcher and the measurement unit to analyze the measurements relative to the modified lot order for evidence that a process step associated with the tool at which the modification of the lot order was executed is responsible for performance effects; wherein the dispatcher forces a lot queue of multiple lots and then modifies the lot order, wherein the dispatcher forces the lot queue of multiple lots by: