Patent ID: 7292058
Filing Date: 2007-11-06
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method for estimating the failure rate of a semiconductor device, comprising: providing a first defect ratio for the semiconductor device; obtaining accelerated stress duration data for a plurality of the semiconductor device units; determining which of the plurality of the semiconductor device units fail; classifying the defects for the failed semiconductor device units; determining a distribution model for the accelerated stress duration data; determining a set of parameters for the distribution model; determining a relative proportion of each defect classification to the total number of defect classifications; determining temperature and voltage acceleration factors for each defect classification; identifying actual operating conditions for the semiconductor device; comparing the actual operating conditions for the semiconductor device with the distribution model; determining a defect ratio for the semiconductor device at the actual operating conditions for a predetermined time period based on the comparison, and releasing the semiconductor device for shipment to a customer if the defect ratio is lower than the first defect ratio.