Abstract:
A method and database structure are disclosed for generating a set of technology files for fabricating semiconductor devices using a first technology using a repository of technology files. The technology files help to implement fabrication processes. First, a first set of virtual technology files are created pertaining to the first technology, then a second set of virtual technology files pertaining to a second technology are identified. The second set of virtual technology files are linked to a predetermined set of actual files in the repository. If it is determined that the first and the second technologies are similar to each other, one or more links of the second set of virtual technology files are copied to generate corresponding links for a first subset of virtual technology files of the first set if the first and second technologies allow the corresponding actual files to be shared.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
   The present disclosure relates generally to content management of information, and more particularly, to documentation and maintenance of a repository system of technology data files for different technology generations in a semiconductor fabrication environment. 
   In a fast growth rate high technology manufacturing environment, it is vital to track and maintain detailed fabrication specifications and information for each generation of product technology. Each generation of product technology must be thoroughly documented such that all production fabrication specifics and details are compiled into a detailed set of physical or actual technology files from which all fabrication flows for the manufacturing operation are derived. 
   A typical manufacturing facility will have in production, many different devices and generations of fabrication technologies within the same operational facilities and organizational structure. These facilities must maintain a repository and maintenance system (or systems) for the documentation of multiple actual technology file sets, known as Process Release Standards (PRS). Each PRS will be separated into integration and module categories. For a module PRS(MPRS) set may be further segmented into lower levels of file sets for more detailed categorization into more manageable groups. Such categorization groups typically represent fabrication process similarity, tool similarity, recipe similarity. Portions or segments of the specified information in the detailed MPRS sets may or may not be common within or to other MPRS sets. This often leads to high levels of system complexity for informational maintenance and traceability of the physical document files. 
   What is needed is an efficient, less complex method for maintaining the required information for all fabrication technologies within the fabrication environment. 
   SUMMARY 
   A method and system is provided for a linked virtual component pool based file and content storage repository for the documentation of manufacturing fabrication details of multiple technology generations. 
   A method is described according to one example of the present disclosure for generating a set of technology files pertaining to fabricating semiconductor devices using a first technology. After creating a first set of virtual technology files pertaining to a first technology, a second set of virtual technology files pertaining to a second technology are identified, the second set of virtual technology files being linked to a predetermined set of actual files in a document repository, and the first and the second technologies being similar to each other. One or more links of the second set of virtual technology files are copied to generate corresponding links for a first subset of virtual technology files of the first set if the first and second technologies allow the corresponding actual files to be shared. The first set of the virtual technology files are then approved to make it effective for implementing the first technology. 
   These and other aspects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the disclosure. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a hierarchal structure of fabrication information management according to one example of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates in more detail selected branches of the structure shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a hierarchal structure showing specific data file groups for two different fabrication technologies that are linked in a virtual environment. 
       FIG. 4  is a flow chart illustrating process steps for the creation of, or the management of spec details within a new technology file set. 
   

   DESCRIPTION 
   The present disclosure describes a methodology for the repository and storage of technology data file sets (PRSs) used for the specification of the fabrication requirements for semiconductors devices. The use of an established database of specific virtual links connecting defined virtual files to actual, physical technology files of a shared document pool is featured. Such an efficient method and system as disclosed below reduces the manpower and time consuming work required for the definition of new technology files sets and the upkeep and administration of the complex fabrication information. Errors and work rework/duplication will also be lessened with such an efficient system. Subsequent new technology creations, transfers, maintenance of fabrication process flows and the associated administrative tasks will occur within shortened time periods and quicker cycles. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a hierarchal structure of fabrication information management according to one example of this disclosure is shown. In this example, a collection of technology files defining a technology file set, Process Release Standard (PRS)  100 , has been created for a fabrication technology. Fabrication details for the technology are subsequently branched out into separate categories. It is understood that the number of splits and hierarchal branches may differ in quantity based upon required levels of detailing in practice, all with the characteristics of the lower branches narrowing down of informational content into more specific and detailed levels. 
   In this example,  FIG. 1  shows the second level categories to be split into 2 groups, Integration  101  and Process Module  110 . The Integration group  101  is subsequently split into a third level of groups: Technology Type  102 , Test Family  103 , Reference # 1  ( 104 ) and Reference # 2  ( 105 ). The second level Process Module  110  group is also split further into a third level, comprising of different Process Types such as Process A  111  and Process B  112 . It is within this branch of files, which holds all of the information required to detail the specifics for each process fabrication operation. Each Process branch is subsequently split into the fourth level, Tool IDs  115  and  116 . Finally, the last and most specific level of details is split into tool-specific production information such as Tool Configuration  117 , Tool Monitor  118 , Tool Recipe  119 , and Module Release Specs(MRS)  120 . It is held within these last categories, the names of virtual files that are virtually hyperlinked to actual files held within a shared document pool repository. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the last two levels of the hierarchal structure as shown in  FIG. 1  is shown in detail. Tool ID levels (e.g., Tool ID A  210  and Tool ID B  220 ) are shown with their subcategories for Tool Configurations  211  and  221 , Tool Monitors  212  and  222 , Tool Recipes  213  and  223  and the non-tool based shared group, Module Release Specs information files. Note that for the Tool Configuration, Tool Monitor and Tool Recipe group of files, each pool of actual sub-files is uniquely defined for use within their respective Tool ID. Thus, each Tool Configuration pool, Tool Monitor pool and Tool Recipe pool are assigned to a specific Tool ID group. Tool Configuration pool  211 , Tool Monitor pool  212  and Tool Recipe pool  213  are uniquely assigned to Tool ID A  210 , just as Tool Configuration pool  221 , Tool Monitor pool  222  and Tool Recipe pool  223  are uniquely assigned to Tool ID B  220 . The Module Release Spec pool  230  also comprises of actual files and documents that may also be shared via virtual files and virtual links to help define the different technology PRS file sets. The usage of the Module Release Spec  230  group provides for additional flexibility by allowing the definition of any non-tool specific fabrication information for the technology file set. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the hierarchal structures of two Module Process Release Standards (MPRSs)  301  and  302  are shown. An MPRS is a summary of the fabrication flow details for a given technology generation within the fabrication facility in a format that is a sequential, process step-by-step compilation of all required technology files and fabrication documents. Each MPRS may be unique for a given PRS technology set. Each process step of each MPRS contains unique virtual files  303  for each level of the PRSs&#39; Tool ID category branch: Tool Config, Tool Monitor, Tool Recipe and Module Release Spec. The virtual files  303  themselves may not have actual content, but are used as connection points within the MPRS for pointing via hyperlinks  304  and  305  to actual files held within the physical document repository  310 . Virtual links  304  and  305  between the virtual files  303  and actual files  310  are established and created during the definition of technology file sets. Each virtual file  303  is unique for a given technology file set. Virtual links  304  and  305  connecting to actual files of the document repository  310  may be copied and used multiple times within an MPRS  301  and/or  302 , as well as for multiple technology sets if the specification contents of the actual files are applicable to the linked virtual files  303 . 
   If the specification content for any specific MPRS process step item is unique and no actual file exists within the document pool repository  310 , a new physical file is created within the document pool and a new virtual file  303  is defined and established within the technology set&#39;s MPRS. A new virtual link  304  or  305  is also defined and created to connect the virtual file  303  to the new actual file within the document pool  310 . The newly established virtual link  304  or  305  becomes available for future use and linkage during the creation of future product fabrication technology file sets. 
   During the definition of new technology file sets PRS, previously defined virtual links  304 ,  305  to actual files of the document repository  310  may be copied and used if the actual files&#39; detailed file specifications and data are applicable for the new technology&#39;s MPRS. New virtual files  303  are created for the new technology&#39;s MPRS using the existing virtual links  304  or  305 . The virtual hyperlinking of these virtual files to actual files allows for the simplification of the fabrication information management in the fabrication facility. This hyperlinking methodology allows for a faster modular, building-block construction process for the definition of all existing and new fabrication flows for all technology generations of the fabrication facilities. The hyperlinked MPRSs improve the data editing process and the administration approval process and traceability of file updates. Duplicate work, work rework and probability for errors are greatly reduced. Data storage requirements are not as voluminous as conventional administrative methods. Data queries and administrative reviews are more easily accomplished. 
   Tables I and II below represent examples of Module Process Release Standard(MPRSs) for two different fabrication Technologies: Technology A and B. 
   
     
       
             
           
             
             
             
             
             
           
         
             
               TABLE I 
             
           
           
             
                 
             
             
               Technology A 
             
           
        
         
             
                 
                 
               Tool 
               Tool 
               Module 
             
             
               Process Step # 
               Tool ID 
               Monitor 
               Recipe 
               Release Spec 
             
             
                 
             
             
               1 
               A 
               AM6 
               AR2 
               S1 
             
             
               2 
               B 
               BM6 
               BR1 
               S3 
             
             
               3 
               C 
               CM1 
               CR5 
               S7 
             
             
               4 
               Z 
               ZM2 
               ZR3 
               S1 
             
             
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   
     
       
             
           
             
             
             
             
             
           
         
             
               TABLE II 
             
           
           
             
                 
             
             
               Technology B 
             
           
        
         
             
                 
                 
               Tool 
               Tool 
               Module 
             
             
               Process Step # 
               Tool ID 
               Monitor 
               Recipe 
               Release Spec 
             
             
                 
             
             
               1 
               A 
               AM3 
               AR2 
               S9  
             
             
               2 
               D 
               DM6 
               DR6 
               S10 
             
             
               3 
               X 
               XM1 
               XR2 
               S3  
             
             
               4 
               B 
               BM1 
               BR7 
               S2  
             
             
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   The two tables illustrate how actual technology data files may be virtually linked, shared and related to each other to create the fabrication process flows for two different production technologies through the virtual technology file management. Note that within each cell of the tables, the unique virtual files names are not shown, but rather, the names of the linked actual repository files are shown to better illustrate the final link associations for the methodology of the present disclosure. 
   The Tool Config, Tool Monitor, and Tool Recipe columns of Tables I and II specify all tool related information for the particular technology. The Module Release Spec column is used to specify any non tool based level of fabrication details for each Process Step. Each identified technology document specified in the cells of each table&#39;s Process Step row # represents a virtual file with an established virtual link to an actual file held within the document pool of the system. It is by this matrix of virtually linked data files to the document pool, by which the entire fabrication flow for each technology is defined and detailed for each Process Step, row by row. The virtual links are defined and used as building blocks to create and identify many different fabrication flows. As shown in the above tables, virtual linked Tool Recipe AR 2 , a unique recipe originating from and used for Process Step # 1  for Technology A in Tool ID A, is also virtually linked and used as the Tool Recipe for Process Step # 1  of Technology B in Tool ID A. However, a different virtual linked Module Release Spec parameter, S 1 , is used for Technology A while Technology B specifies a virtual link to Module Release Spec parameter S 9 . Similarly, the same example shows the Module Release Spec parameter S 3  is linked and used for both Technology A&#39;s Process Step # 2  in Tool ID B, Recipe #BR 1  and linked and used for Technology B&#39;s Process Step # 3  in Tool ID X, Recipe #XR 2 . 
   Where applicable, certain virtual links may be copied and used in several or many locations of different Process Steps of one or several technology MPRSs. These tables illustrate the building-block nature of the content file management methodology and how certain actual data files and specifications may be virtually linked and used in many locations for various technologies. 
     FIG. 4  is a flow diagram  400  illustrating the steps for the creation of, and the management of spec fabrication details for a new virtual technology file set in accordance to the present disclosure. The first step  402  is to identify all spec items and details to be included into the new technology file set. The next step  404  is to define and create the new, unique virtual technology files assigned to the technology file set for each spec detail item. The professionals who create these virtual titles may be referred to as the owners of the created virtual files. A check step  405  is then performed to identify any existing actual files previously created and that can be shared within any existing technology file. A check step  406  is then performed to identify any existing virtual links previously created and used within any existing technology file. Any identified, usable virtual link may be copied and used within the new technology file if the contents of the linked physical files are applicable for the new fabrication technology. Similar to the virtual files, each physical file also has its owners. If there are no previous virtual links available for the spec item of the new technology, the new actual file is created in the physical document repository in step  408  and a new virtual link is created in step  410  if connecting the new virtual and new actual technology files are required. Virtual links between the new virtual and actual technology files are made so that the new links may be copied (step  412 ) and used during the definition and creation of future technology file sets. 
   Flow step  414  requires the repeat of virtual link assignments or the definition/creation procedures until all required spec detail items have been addressed. Upon completion of all spec items, review and check (steps  416  and  418 ) may be performed to ensure work integrity and completeness. It is understood that other than the owners of the physical and virtual files, authorized users may sometimes be given the right to edit files. The changes are documented representing all data editing work made, and may then be submitted for administrative notification, review and approval in steps  420  and  422 . For example, if a file change has to be made in an actual file, but the file is linked by various virtual files, the change has to be approved not only by the owner of the actual file, but also by various owners of the relevant virtual files. This notification, review and approval process may be initiated and carried through as separate virtual documents within the virtual environment. After approval, the new technology file set may then be communicated and implemented into the fabrication facilities by step  424 . 
   The virtual link system of virtual files of a technology file set to actual files of a physical document pool is the key feature of the file content management methodology disclosed. The methodology allows for the conservation of much work and time from having to create numerous, duplicate files and physical documents. The method and database structure allows for the copy and use of previously established virtual links to accomplish faster and less complex tasks during set up of fabrication spec details for new technology file sets. The linked database allows for the simultaneous generation and update of multiple technology file sets. The virtual environment of the links and document repository allows for the change work and administrative review/approval processes to be accomplished with minimal amount of physical paper documentation. 
   It will also be understood by those having skill in the art that one or more (including all) of the elements/features of the present disclosure may be implemented using software executed on a general purpose computer system or networked computer systems, using special purpose hardware-based computer systems, or using combinations of special purpose hardware and software. 
   The present invention as described above thus provides an improved method for providing content management of virtual technology files in a semiconductor fabrication environment. Various benefits are achieved over conventional approaches. These benefits include, less complexity for system maintenance, data file update and traceability, lessened error incidents and work reworks, along with improved opportunities for subsequent fabrication technology transfer, implementation and development cycle times. 
   The above disclosure provides several different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the invention. Specific examples of components, and processes are described to help clarify the invention. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to limit the invention from that described in the claims. 
   While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as set forth in the following claims.