Testing system

A testing system includes: an inspection module including a plurality of levels of inspection chambers in each of which a tester part having a tester configured to perform an electrical inspection of an inspection object and a probe card is accommodated; an aligner module configured to align the inspection object with the tester part; an alignment area in which the aligner module is accommodated; and a loader part configured to load the inspection object into the alignment area and unload the inspection object out of the aligner module, wherein the inspection module is located adjacent to the alignment area.

This is a National Phase Application filed under 35 U.S.C. 371 as a national stage of PCT/JP2018/015732, filed Apr. 16, 2018, an application claiming the benefit of Japanese Application No. 2017-121284, filed Jun. 21, 2017 and Japanese Application No. 2017-242530, filed Dec. 19, 2017, the content of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a testing system.

BACKGROUND

In a semiconductor device manufacturing process, an electrical inspection of multiple semiconductor elements (devices) formed on a semiconductor wafer (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “wafer”), which is a substrate, is performed after all the processes on the wafer are completed. An apparatus for performing the electrical inspection generally includes a probe part having a wafer stage, a probe card having probes that come into contact with the device, an aligner configured to align the wafer, and the like, and a tester configured to apply an electrical signal to the device and inspect the various electrical characteristics of the device.

In order to efficiently perform the electrical inspection on a large number of wafers, a testing system is used, in which a plurality of cells, each including a prober part that includes, for example, a probe card and a chuck plate configured to hold a wafer, and a test head configured to accommodate the tester, are arranged in the horizontal direction and the height direction (e.g., Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 exemplifies a testing system, which includes four cells in the horizontal direction and three cells in the height direction. Moreover, in each cell, the test head is mounted on the prober part.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENT

Patent Document

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a testing system that is capable of increasing the mounting density of testers.

A testing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: an inspection module including a plurality of levels of inspection chambers in each of which a tester part having a tester configured to perform an electrical inspection of an inspection object and a probe card is accommodated; an aligner module configured to align the inspection object with the tester part; an alignment area in which the aligner module is accommodated; and a loader part configured to load an inspection object into the aligner module and unload the inspection object out of the aligner module. wherein the inspection module is located adjacent to the alignment area.

According to the present disclosure, a testing system that is capable of increasing the mounting density of testers is provided.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

First Embodiment

First, a first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 1is a plan view illustrating the schematic configuration of a testing system according to a first embodiment, andFIG. 2is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating the testing system ofFIG. 1.

The testing system100of the present embodiment inspects electrical characteristics of a device formed on a wafer that is an inspection object, and is configured to enable an inspection at a low temperature of about −40 to −20 degrees C.

The testing system100includes an inspection part200configured to inspect a wafer W and a loader part300configured to load/unload a wafer.

The inspection part200includes an aligner module6, an alignment area1, and a plurality of (six in the present example) inspection modules2. The aligner module6is used for aligning a wafer and a tester, and is accommodated in the alignment area1. The alignment area1has a polygonal shape in a plan view, and the plurality of inspection modules2are provided around the alignment area1so as to have a radially clustered shape.

The loader part300includes a placement table10, a loader module12, a transport part3, a buffer part4, a pre-alignment part5, and a controller15. The placement table10is configured to place thereon a FOUP11, which is a container configured to store a plurality of wafers W, and has a load port. The loader module12has a loader13configured to transport a wafer or the like. The transport part3includes a transport mechanism7configured to transport a wafer W. The buffer part4is configured to temporarily place a wafer W thereon. The pre-alignment part5performs pre-alignment of a wafer W. The controller15is provided inside the placement table10.

In addition, a chiller area8is provided below the alignment area1, the inspection module2, and the transport part3.

The inspection part200is adjusted to a dry atmosphere, which is an environment suitable for inspection, in order to prevent dew condensation during inspection in low temperature. The dry atmosphere may be formed by supplying dry air. In addition, in the loader part300, the transport part3, the buffer part4, and the pre-alignment part5are also adjusted to a dry atmosphere. The other parts in the loader part300is in an ambient air atmosphere.

Each of the inspection modules2has a plurality of levels (in the present example, five levels) of inspection chambers21, and an electrical component accommodation part26is provided below a lowermost inspection chamber21. A chiller unit27is provided under the inspection module2in the chiller area8below the electrical component accommodation part26. Instead of providing the electrical component accommodation part26, an inspection chamber21may be provided so as to further increase the number of levels of the inspection chambers21.

Each of the inspection chambers21accommodates a tester part22having a contact mechanism including a tester and a probe card. The inspection is performed in a state in which a chuck top23, on which a wafer is mounted, is adsorbed to a contact portion of the tester part22. An opening24is provided between each of the inspection chambers21and the alignment area1, and the opening24is configured to be opened and closed by a shutter25. The tester part22and the chuck top23are configured to be individually pulled out to the alignment area1by a movement mechanism (not illustrated). Details of shutters25and tester parts22will be described below.

A rear side of each of the inspection chambers21is a maintenance area, and is configured to perform maintenance of a tester part22by pulling the tester part22into the maintenance area.

The transport mechanism7in the transport part3may have, for example, an articulated structure as illustrated, and the transport mechanism7is provided so as to be capable of moving up and down in the space within the transport part3. An opening41connected to the alignment area1is provided in a lower side of the transport part3, and the opening41is configured to be opened and closed by a shutter42. Then, a wafer W is loaded/unloaded through the opening41with respect to the alignment area1by the transport mechanism7. The transport mechanism7delivers a wafer W to the buffer part4and the pre-alignment part5at a position above the opening41.

The aligner module6includes a housing31, an aligner32, a fan filter unit (FFU)33, an upper camera34, and a lower camera35. The housing31is provided so as to be movable up and down in a Z direction and rotatable in a θ direction around a Z axis. The aligner32is provided at a bottom of the housing31. The FFU33is provided on an upper surface of the housing31. The upper camera34is provided in a center of the upper surface of the housing31so as to be movable up and down. The lower camera35is provided on a side surface of the aligner32.

The housing31may be raised and lowered by, for example, a ball screw mechanism. A downflow of clean dry air is supplied from the FFU33. In addition, a side surface of the housing31has an opening36for loading/unloading a wafer W by the transport mechanism7of the transport part3and an opening37for carrying in/out the tester part22and the chuck top23. The openings36and37are configured to be opened and closed by respective shutters38and39. When a wafer W is loaded/unloaded, the aligner module6is moved such that the opening36is aligned with the opening41in the transport part3. In addition, when the tester part22and/or the chuck top23are carried in/out, the aligner module6is moved such that the opening37is aligned with the opening24of a corresponding inspection chamber of the inspection modules2.

The loader13is provided to be movable in a space within the loader module12in an X direction, a Y direction, a Z direction, and a0direction around the Z axis in drawings. As a result, the loader13receives wafers W in the FOUP11via the load port and transports the wafers W to the buffer part4or the pre-alignment part5, or returns inspected wafers W, which are transported to the buffer part4, to the FOUP. A transport opening in the buffer part4and a transport opening in the pre-alignment part5are configured to be opened and closed by respective shutters43and44.

An ambient air atmosphere and a dry atmosphere are partitioned by the shutters43and44. In addition, by providing a shutter42between the transport part3and the alignment area1, an infiltration of air into the alignment area1and the inspection module2where it is actually desired to prevent dew condensation is reliably prevented. In addition, the plurality of inspection chambers21are partitioned, and it is possible to control each of the inspection chambers21to a desired dry atmosphere by closing the shutter25of each of the inspection chambers21. The shutter25also has a function of preventing the infiltration of air from the inspection chamber21in which maintenance is performed. In addition, an atmosphere control of respective inspection chambers21may be performed integrally.

Next, the tester part22and the chuck top23will be described.

FIG. 3is a view illustrating a state of the tester part22and the chuck top23when the electrical inspection is performed on a device formed on a wafer W in the inspection chamber21.

The tester part22includes a tester50, a probe card52, an interface part51, and a bellows54. The tester50performs the electrical inspection on a plurality of devices formed on a wafer W. The tester50is configured such that a plurality of tester module boards (not illustrated) configured to perform power supply, waveform input (driver), waveform measurement (comparator), voltage and current output, and measurement with respect to devices on a wafer W are provided in a housing of the tester50. The probe card52has a large number of contact probes53configured to come into contact with the electrodes of devices formed on a wafer W. The interface part51is formed between the tester50and the probe card52. The bellows54forms a sealed space for vacuum-adsorbing the chuck top23, which holds a wafer W, to the tester part22.

A wafer W is adsorbed to and is held on a surface of the chuck top23, and the chuck top23has a temperature control mechanism therein. When the inspection at a low temperature is performed, a chiller (cooling liquid) is supplied from the chiller unit27so as to control a temperature of the chuck top23. In addition, to enable the inspection at a high temperature, a heater as a temperature control mechanism is also provided in the chuck top23.

The chuck top23is adsorbed to the tester part22when the sealed space in the bellows54is evacuated, and the contact probes53come into contact with a wafer W. In this state, an electrical signal from the tester50is sent to each device on the wafer W via the interface part51and the probe card52, and a response signal from each device on the wafer W returns to the tester50via the probe card52and the interface part51. In this manner, the electrical characteristics of the devices are inspected.

The controller15includes a main controller having a CPU (computer), an input device (a keyboard or a mouse), an output device (a printer), and a display device (a display), and a storage device (storage medium) so as to control respective components constituting the testing system100. The respective components to be controlled may include, for example, the tester50in each of the inspection chambers21, a vacuum adsorption mechanism, the aligner module6, the transport mechanism7, the loader13, the tester part22, the movement mechanism of the chuck top23, and the aligner32. The main controller of the controller15causes the testing system100to perform a predetermined operation on the basis of, for example, a processing recipe stored in the storage medium built in the storage device or the storage medium set in the storage device.

A wafer W is transported to the tester part22, as illustrated inFIG. 4, in a state in which the chuck top23is carried into the alignment area1and placed and adsorbed on the aligner32. An alignment at this time is performed by the upper camera34of a lowered state.

Then, as illustrated inFIG. 5, a wafer W is loaded into the housing31of the aligner module6from the opening36by the transport mechanism7, and is placed on the chuck top23at a predetermined position so as to be adsorbed.

Next, as illustrated inFIG. 6, the upper camera34is returned, the tester part22is carried into the housing31of the aligner module6from the opening37, and the tester part22is aligned by the lower camera35.

Next, as illustrated inFIG. 7, the chuck top23is raised by a Z block of the aligner32, the contact probes of the probe card52of the tester part22are brought into contact with the wafer, and then the chuck top23is raised so as to press the contact probes against the wafer. In this state, the space surrounded by the bellows54is evacuated so that the chuck top23is adsorbed to the tester part22, and a state in which the wafer W is pressed against the contact probes is maintained. At this time, the housing31has functions of supporting the tester part22via a predetermined member and preventing a pressing force against the wafer W from being relieved.

Next, as illustrated inFIG. 8, the adsorption of the aligner32and the chuck top23is released, the tester part22and the chuck top23adsorbed thereto are moved to the inspection chamber21, and the inspection of the wafer W is started.

When the inspection of the wafer W is terminated, the wafer W is unloaded by an operation that reverses the operation performed when the wafer W is loaded. That is, the tester part of the inspection chamber21in which the inspected wafer W exists and the chuck top23adsorbed thereto are moved from the inspection chamber21into the housing31of the aligner module6, in an opposite manner toFIG. 8. Next, the chuck top23is placed on and adsorbed to the aligner32so as to obtain the state illustrated inFIG. 7. In this state, the vacuum in the space surrounded by the bellows54is released and the adsorption of the chuck top23is released so that the state illustrated inFIG. 6is obtained. Next, the tester part22is retracted to the inspection chamber21, and the wafer W on the chuck top23is unloaded by the transport mechanism7through the opening36.

Then, a next uninspected wafer W is placed on the chuck top23in the state illustrated inFIG. 4, the chuck top23, to which the wafer W is adsorbed, is returned to the inspection chamber21in the state in which the chuck top23is adsorbed to the tester part22in the procedure ofFIGS. 5 to 8, and the new wafer W is inspected.

Next, a cooling mechanism of the tester50will be described.

Since a plurality of tester module boards constituting the tester50of the tester part22generate heat, it is necessary to cool the tester50(the tester module boards). For this reason, conventionally, a cooling plate is attached to a tester module board via a heat conductive sheet, and cooling water is circulated and supplied from a chiller unit to an inside of the cooling plate via a cooling water tube. The tester50is cooled by heat-exchanging with cooling water and cooling the heated cooling water with a chiller unit (a heat exchanger). However, in a case in which the tester50moves as the present embodiment, it is necessary to move the cooling water tube together with the tester50, and thus a disposition of the cooling water tube becomes complicated.

As a cooling structure of the tester50for avoiding this, one illustrated byFIG. 9may be referred. In the cooling structure, cooling water tubes56and57, which are configured to circulate and supply cooling water from the chiller unit55to the plurality of tester module boards in the tester50in the inspection chamber21, may be accommodated in an articulated cable duct58together with a vacuum line and a power supply cable. When using this manner, even if the tester50moves, the disposition is not complicated since the cooling water tubes56and57are located in the articulated cable duct58. In addition, it is of course possible to avoid a complexity of a disposition of the vacuum line and the power supply cable.

When it is still insufficient withFIG. 9, a cooling mechanism illustrated inFIG. 10may be used as another cooling mechanism. In the cooling mechanism ofFIG. 10, a cooling member61provided with a cooling water flow path62is disposed on a rear side of the tester50in the inspection chamber21, and cooling water is circulated and supplied from the chiller unit to the cooling water path62through the cooling water tube. In addition, the tester50is configured to be brought into contact with and separated from the cooling member61, so that the tester50is brought into contact with the cooling member61and is cooled by heat transfer during the inspection. The tester50is separated from the cooling member61during the alignment. When an inside of the tester50is moved to the aligner module6, since a necessity for cooling is lower than that at a time of the inspection, cooling water may be internally circulated in the cooling water flow path63within the tester50.

As another example of the cooling mechanism, as illustrated inFIG. 11A, a cooling mechanism, in which a cooling member70having two cooling water flow paths72formed therein and couplers73provided at connection ends of respective cooling water flow paths72is disposed, may be used on a rear side of the tester50within the inspection chamber21. In the the present example, cooling water is supplied from the chiller unit to the cooling water flow path72through the cooling water tube. In addition, the tester50is configured to be brought into contact with and separated from the cooling member70, so that during the inspection, the tester50is connected to the cooling member70and the cooling water flow path71inside the tester50and the cooling water flow path72of the cooling member70are connected to the couplers73so as to make cooling water circulate. In this manner, sufficient cooling can be ensured during the inspection, and, as illustrated inFIG. 11B, the tester50may be separated from the cooling member70while making it possible for the cooling water to be circulated in the cooling water flow path71of the tester50during the alignment where the cooling requirement is smaller than that during the inspection.

In the case ofFIGS. 10, 11A, and 11B, during the maintenance of the tester part22, the cooling member61and the cooling member70may be opened and the tester part22may be pulled out to the maintenance area.

As another example of the cooling mechanism, it is also effective to perform cooling using a heat pipe as illustrated inFIGS. 12A and 12B.FIG. 12Ais a side view of an inside of the tester50and the cooling mechanism of the present example, andFIG. 12Bis a plan view thereof. In the present example, the heat pipe81is provided so as to be in contact with each of a plurality of tester module boards80in the tester50. Three heat pipes81are provided for one tester module board80. However, the number of heat pipes81is not limited. A base end of the heat pipe81in each of the tester module boards80is inserted into a tester-side cooling member82, and, as illustrated inFIG. 12B, a plurality of tester-side cooling members82are arranged side by side to correspond to the plurality of tester module boards81. The plurality of tester-side cooling members82are provided so as to be capable of being brought into contact with and separated from the cooling member83. A cooling water flow path is provided in the cooling member83, and cooling is performed by circulating and supplying cooling water from the chiller unit through the cooling water tube.

In the present example, when the inspection is performed using the tester50, the tester-side cooling members82are brought into contact with the cooling member83, and a cold thermal energy of the cooling member83is supplied to the tester50through the tester-side cooling members82and the heat pipes81. More specifically, the cold thermal energy is supplied to and cools each of the tester module boards80in the tester50. During the alignment, the tester50is separated from the cooling member83together with the tester-side cooling members82. When the inside of the tester50is moved to the aligner module6, a need for cooling is lower than during the inspection, and therefore the cold thermal energy of the tester-side cooling members82may be transferred to the tester50via the heat pipes81.

Each of the heat pipes81is made of a cylindrical metal (e.g., copper or copper alloy) closed at both ends thereof, and has a sealed structure filled with a working fluid such as water. In addition, the heat pipe81has a function of easily transporting a large amount of heat from one end to the other end using evaporation and dew condensation phenomena of the working fluid filled, and a function of creating uniform temperature by rapidly transporting heat when the temperature is uneven. Heat pipes81are disposed obliquely such that the working fluid flows down to tip ends. With the function of the heat pipes81, the cold thermal energy of the cooling member83is transferred to the tester50(the tester module boards80) via the tester-side cooling members82and the heat pipes81. Therefore, it is possible to cool the tester50(the tester module boards80) with a simple structure that does not use, for example, the cooling water tube or the cooling water flow path.

In the present example, when the maintenance of the tester part22is performed, the cooling member83may be opened, and the tester part22may be pulled out to the maintenance area for each heat pipes81and each tester-side cooling member82, and then the heat pipe81and the tester-side cooling member82may be separated from each other.

In the above description of the cooling of the tester module boards in the tester50, it has been described on the assumption that the tester module boards are cooled with cooling water, but other cooling liquids may be used.

As the chiller unit (a heat exchanger) for cooling the tester module boards constituting a tester, a chiller unit dedicated to the tester has been conventionally used, and in the present embodiment, a chiller unit dedicated to the tester may also be used. However, in this case, a footprint of the testing system is increased by the chiller unit, and electric power needed for exchanging heat of cooling water and the like is required in the chiller unit dedicated to the tester.

As a cooling manner capable of solving the problem of increased footprint and the problem of electric power when using the chiller unit dedicated to the tester, one that uses a cooling liquid of a chiller unit27of the chuck top23may be used.

FIG. 13is a view for explaining an example of a cooling system in above case. The chiller unit27functions as a heat exchanger, and is connected to a cooling liquid supply pipe91and a cooling liquid return pipe92, and the cooling liquid cooled to a predetermined temperature is supplied to the cooling liquid supply pipe91. In addition, the cooling liquid, which has been supplied from the cooling liquid return pipe92and has been raised in temperature, is returned to the chiller unit27. The cooling liquid supply pipe91and the cooling liquid return pipe92are connected to a relay member93.

A tester-side cooling liquid supply path94, which communicates with the cooling liquid supply pipe91, and a tester-side cooling liquid return path95, which communicates with the cooling liquid return pipe92, are connected to the relay member93. A valve96is interposed in the tester-side cooling liquid supply path94. Since a temperature of the cooling liquid may increase or decrease depending on test temperature of a wafer and heat quantity, a temperature of the tester module in the tester50is controlled to be within a predetermined range by controlling a flow rate of the cooling liquid supplied to the tester50by the valve96. The tester-side cooling liquid supply path94reaches the tester50, branches in the tester50, and is connected to the cooling plate attached to each of the tester module boards via the heat conductive sheet (none of which is illustrated), thereby cooling each of the tester module boards. Further, the tester-side cooling water return path95also reaches the tester50, branches in the tester50, and is connected to the cooling plate attached to each of the tester module boards via the heat conductive sheet, and thus the cooling liquid, which has been provided for cooling and has been raised in temperature, is returned to the chiller unit27.

A chuck top-side cooling liquid supply path97branches from the tester-side cooling liquid supply path94, and a chuck top-side cooling liquid return path98branches from the tester-side cooling liquid return path95. A valve99is interposed in the chuck top-side cooling liquid supply path97so as to control a flow rate of the cooling liquid supplied to the chuck top23. Since the cooling liquid is supplied to a cooling liquid flow path in the chuck top23through the chuck top-side cooling liquid supply path97, the chuck top23is controlled to a predetermined temperature. In addition, the chuck top-side cooling liquid return path98is also connected to the cooling liquid flow path in the chuck top23, and the cooling liquid heated after being used for cooling the chuck top23is returned toward the chiller unit27.

As described above, by cooling a tester motherboard in the tester50using the chiller unit27of the chuck top23, it is not necessary to provide the chiller unit dedicated to the tester. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the footprint of the testing system and to reduce an electric power for heat exchange of, for example, cooling water.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 14, factory water (city water) used as, for example, circulating water, as a cooling liquid in the factory may be used for cooling the tester50(the tester module boards). However, since a temperature, water quality, pressure, and the like of water that is capable of being supplied vary depending on the factory, it is necessary to confirm whether or not cooling conditions of the tester50are met. Even in this case, since it is not necessary to provide the chiller unit dedicated to the tester, it is possible to reduce the footprint of the testing system, and to reduce the power for exchanging heat of the cooling water, for example.

Next, the shutter25used in the inspection chamber21of each level of each of the inspection modules2will be described.

InFIG. 2, the shutter25is drawn vertically but a plurality of inspection modules2are arranged and the inspection chambers21of each of the inspection modules2are provided in multiple levels. Thus, when the shutters25are provided vertically, interference between the shutters becomes a problem when the shutters are moved vertically so as to open and close the openings24. In addition, when the shutters25are opened and closed in the horizontal direction, the arrangement of the inspection module2is restricted and the footprint of the testing system itself is increased. In the present embodiment, a shutter unit to be described below is provided so as to solve such a problem.

FIG. 15is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of the shutter unit including the shutter25used in each of the inspection chambers21,FIG. 16is a front view thereof, andFIG. 17is a view illustrating a configuration of a shutter guide.

As illustrated inFIGS. 15 and 16, a shutter unit110includes a base plate101, the shutter25, a packing102, a guide member103, and a cylinder mechanism104. The base plate101is provided on a front surface of the inspection chamber21. The shutter25moves on the base plate101to open and close the opening24in the front surface of the inspection chamber21. The packing102hermetically seals the shutter25. The guide member103is provided on the base member101and guides the shutter25. The cylinder mechanism104moves the shutter25along the guide member103.

A front surface of the base plate101is inclined from a vertical direction, and the shutter25is moved in an obliquely vertical direction along the front surface inclined from the vertical direction so as to open and close the opening24in the inspection chamber21. The shutter25includes a plurality of cam followers105and is guided on the guide member103by the cam followers105.

The base plate101has a retracting portion101aextending to the front side of an inspection chamber21at a lower level of the corresponding inspection chamber21, and when the shutter25is opened, the shutter25is retracted to the retracting portion101a. An opening111is formed in the retracting portion101a, and thus the carry-in/out of the tester part22and the chuck top23with respect to the inspection chamber21at the lower level is not hindered.

In this manner, by providing the base plate101, the front surface of which is inclined from the vertical direction on the front surface of the inspection chamber21, and making the shutter25move in the obliquely vertical direction along the front surface inclined from the vertical direction, following effects are obtained. That is, it is possible to secure a shutter space of the inspection chamber21at the lower level, and it is possible to prevent the interference of the shutters25even though the shutters25move in the vertical direction in a plurality of inspection chambers21stacked in multiple levels. For this reason, it is possible to solve the problems of restricting the arrangement of inspection modules2and increasing the footprint of the testing system itself.

As illustrated in inFIG. 17, a drop portion103ahaving an angle is provided at an upper end of the guide member103. Thereby, when the shutter25is closed, the cam followers105move to the drop portion103a, and the shutter25is pressed against the base plate101so as to ensure airtightness. A middle portion of the guide member103is also provided with a drop portion103a, and the cam followers105also move to the drop portion103awhen the shutter25is opened, so that the shutter25is positioned.

In the testing system100configured as described above, a wafer W before inspection is taken out from a FOUP11and transported to the pre-alignment part5by the loader13, and pre-alignment is performed in the pre-alignment part5. Thereafter, the wafer W of the pre-alignment part5is received by the transport mechanism7, and the wafer W on the transport mechanism7is transported to the aligner module6in the alignment area1. At this time, the chuck top23is mounted on the aligner32in the housing31of the aligner module6, and the wafer W is transported onto the chuck top23. The wafer W is vacuum-adsorbed on the chuck top23.

Then, as described above, the corresponding tester part22moves from the inspection chamber21into the housing31of the aligner module6, the aligner32is raised so as to bring the wafer W into contact with the contact probes of the probe card52, and the chuck top23is adsorbed to the tester part22by evacuating the space surrounded by the bellows54. Thereafter, the tester part22is returned to the inspection chamber21together with the chuck top23adsorbed thereto, and the electrical inspection of the wafer W (the devices) is started.

The transport operation of the wafer W as described above is performed on five levels per one inspection module2(a total of 30 inspection chambers for 6 inspection modules2), and the inspection is sequentially carried out from the inspection chamber in which setting has been completed.

Then, as described above, with respect to the inspection chamber21in which the inspection has been completed, the tester part22therein is inserted into the housing31of the aligner module6together with the chuck top23adsorbed thereto, the chuck top23is separated from the tester part22while being mounted on the aligner32, and the tester part22is returned to the inspection chamber21. Then, the inspected wafer W on the chuck top23is received and transported to the buffer part4by the transport mechanism7, and the wafer W in the buffer part4is returned to the FOUP11by the loader13.

Next, through the procedure described, a wafer to be inspected W is transported onto the chuck top23, which exists on the aligner32and from which the wafer W has been transported, the wafer23is mounted by causing the chuck top23to be adsorbed to the tester part22through the procedure described, the tester part22is returned to the inspection chamber21together with the chuck top23, and the inspection of the next wafer W (the devices) is performed. Then, the above-described operations are repeated.

As described above, Patent Document 1 has proposed a testing system, in which a plurality of cells, each having a prober part and a test head accommodating a tester, are arranged in a horizontal direction and a height direction in order to perform an efficient electrical inspection on a plurality of wafers. However, more efficient inspection is required, and it is required to further increase the number of cells in order to increase the throughput. However, the technique of Patent Document 1 has a limit in view of a fact that there is a limit to a height of a clean room in which such the testing system is arranged and that it is necessary to suppress a footprint of the system in the clean room as much as possible.

In contrast, in the present embodiment, the inspection module2having the plurality of inspection chambers21(the testers) is located adjacent to the alignment area1in which the aligner module6is accommodated. Accordingly, it is possible to arrange the plurality of inspection modules2, in each of which inspection chambers21are stacked in multiple levels, around the alignment area1. For this reason, it is possible to increase a mounting density of the testers. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the number of the testers for the footprint of the apparatus compared with the conventional case, and to perform more efficient inspection with the higher throughput.

In the present embodiment, since the tester part22is carried into the alignment area1and an alignment of a wafer by the aligner32is performed in the alignment area1, an alignment of a wafer by the aligner at a position below the tester, which has been performed in the prior art, is not necessary. For this reason, it is possible to increase the number of stacked levels of the inspection chambers21(the testers) compared with the conventional case, and it is possible to further increase the mounting density of the testers.

In the present embodiment, since the plurality of inspection modules2are arranged radially around the alignment area1in a cluster shape, it is possible to shorten transport distance of a wafer W between a FOUP11, which is a wafer accommodation container, and the inspection chamber21, and it is also possible to increase the throughput from this point.

When the inspection is performed in a state in which the chuck top23is at the low temperature by the chiller from the chiller unit27, the inspection part200is in a dry atmosphere, so that it is possible to prevent an occurrence of dew condensation.

In addition, with the following (1) to (3), it is possible to surely prevent air from infiltrating into the alignment area1and the inspection chambers21.

(1) In the loader part300, the transport part3, the buffer part4, and the pre-alignment part5which are interfaces with the inspection part200are also in a dry atmosphere.

(2) ‘The buffer part4and the pre-alignment part5’ and the ambient air atmosphere are partitioned by the shutters43and44.

(3) The shutter42is provided between the transport part3and the alignment area1.

Furthermore, since the shutter25is provided in each of the inspection chambers21, it is possible to ensure that an inside of each of the inspection chambers21is individually or integrally brought into a desired dry atmosphere. In addition, when maintenance of the inspection chamber21is performed, it is possible to prevent air from infiltrating into the alignment area1from the inspection chamber21which is being maintained.

In addition, since the aligner module6is configured to align the chuck top23and a wafer W with the tester part22in the housing31, to which the downflow of dry air from the FFU33is supplied, it is possible to reliably prevent an influence of dew condensation during the alignment. In addition, since the shutters38and39are provided in the opening36for transporting a wafer in the housing31and the opening37for transporting the tester part22and the chuck top, it is possible to more reliably prevent the influence of dew condensation during the alignment. Further, when a wafer W is pressed against the contact probes of the probe card52, the housing31is capable of supporting the tester22via a predetermined member, so that it is possible to prevent a pressing force on the wafer W from being relieved.

In addition, in the present embodiment, since the tester50(the tester part22) that needs to be cooled moves between the inspection chamber21and the aligner module6, if cooling water is supplied directly through the cooling water tube, the disposition of the tube is complicated. In contrast, in the examples ofFIGS. 10 and 11A, it is possible to prevent the above-mentioned problems since the cooling member61and the cooling water supply part70are provided on a rear surface of the tester50in the inspection chamber21so as to be configured to be brought into contact with and be separate from each other. That is, during the inspection where a necessity for cooling is high, it is possible to ensure cooling by causing the cooling member61and the cooling water supply part70to come into contact with or to be connected to the tester50, and by causing heat transfer or cooling water to directly flow. During maintenance where the necessity for cooling is relatively low, it is possible to ensure a required cooling by separating the tester50from the cooling member61or the cooling water supply part70and by circulating the cooling water in the tester50. For this reason, the complicated disposition of the cooling water tube becomes unnecessary.

In the present embodiment, since the chiller area8is provided below the inspection part200, the chiller area does not increase the footprint.

Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment will be described.

FIG. 18is a plan view illustrating a schematic configuration of a testing system according to the second embodiment. In the present embodiment, the same components as those inFIG. 1will be denoted by the same reference numerals and a description thereof will be omitted.

The testing system100′ of the present embodiment includes an inspection part200′ and a loader part300similar to that of the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the inspection part200′ has a long rectangular parallelepiped alignment area1′ extending in an X direction orthogonal to a Y direction in which the loader13of the loader part300moves, and a plurality of inspection modules2are provided along both sides in a longitudinal direction thereof. In the present example, a total of 12 inspection modules (6 inspection modules for each side) are provided. As in the first embodiment, the inspection module2has five levels of the inspection chambers21and a total of 60 inspection chambers21.

The aligner module6′ in the alignment area1′ has the same basic configuration as the aligner module6of the first embodiment, but is different from the aligner module6in that the aligner module6′ is capable of traveling in the X direction in addition to moving up and down and rotating. For example, the transport of a wafer W, the alignment of the chuck top23, and the alignment between the tester part22and a wafer W may be performed as in the first embodiment.

In the present embodiment, since the aligner module6′ moves in the X direction, the throughput may be affected by a moving time of the aligner module6′. However, it is possible to remarkably increase the number of inspection chambers (the testers) for the footprint, and to further increase the mounting density of the testers.

Third Embodiment

Next, a third embodiment will be described.

FIG. 19is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a testing system according to the third embodiment. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the testing system is similar to that of the first embodiment, but a configuration of the aligner module is different from that of the first embodiment, and an alignment position is also different from that of the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the same components as those inFIG. 2will be denoted by the same reference numerals and a description thereof will be omitted.

The testing system100″ of present embodiment includes an inspection part200″ and a loader part300similar to that of the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the inspection part200″ includes an aligner module6″, an alignment area1, and a plurality of (in the present example, six) inspection modules2′. The aligner module6″ is for performing the alignment between a wafer and the tester, and is accommodated in the alignment area1. As in the first embodiment, the alignment area1has a polygonal shape in a plan view, and the plurality of inspection modules2′ are radially provided around the alignment area1so as to have a cluster shape.

Each of the inspection modules2′ has a plurality of (in the present example, three) levels of inspection chambers21′. Unlike the inspection chambers21of the first embodiment, each of the inspection chambers21′ has an alignment area formed below the tester part22.

The aligner module6″ has a base110, an aligner32supported on the base110, and an alignment camera112configured to capture an image in a vertical direction. Like an AGV, the aligner module6″ is capable of being self-propelled in the vertical direction and horizontal direction in the alignment area1and in a space below the tester part22in each of the inspection chambers21′. During the alignment, the aligner module6″ is adapted to enter the area below the tester part22of the inspection chamber21′.

When a wafer W is transported to the tester part22, the aligner module6″ enters the area below the tester part22in the inspection chamber21′ and the chuck top23is placed on the aligner32, and the aligner module6″ is returned to the alignment area1. In the alignment area1, a wafer W transported from the front opening41by the transport mechanism7is placed on the chuck top23held by the aligner32and adsorbed. Then, the aligner module6″ is carried into the inspection chamber21′ together with the chuck top23on which the wafer W is adsorbed, and the alignment is performed.

A state when the alignment is performed will be described with reference toFIG. 20.FIG. 20is a cross-sectional view illustrating the inspection chamber21′ ofFIG. 19, in which a cross section in a direction orthogonal toFIG. 19is illustrated. On the base110, an alignment mechanism114for the alignment camera112is provided in addition to the aligner32. The alignment mechanism114is capable of driving the alignment camera112in the X, Y, and Z directions, and when the alignment camera112is at a home position indicated by the dotted line, adjustment of the optical axis deviation and adjustment of the focus position are performed. As illustrated inFIG. 20, the alignment camera112is configured to be movable from the home position to an arbitrary position between the probe card52and a wafer W.

When the alignment in the state ofFIG. 20is performed, coordinates of a predetermined electrode pad of a wafer W are checked by capturing an image of the wafer W using the alignment camera112, and coordinates of the corresponding contact probes are checked by capturing an image of the probe card52. Then, a coordinate difference between the electrode pad and the contact probe is calculated. Such an operation is further performed with respect to, for example, coordinates of three positions of the electrode pad and the contact probe, and the coordinate differences between the electrode pad and the contact probe are calculated. Contact coordinates are determined by an average of the coordinate differences.

By using the alignment camera112of the present embodiment, it is not necessary to perform the alignment by stroke of the aligner32, making it possible to reduce a size of the aligner module6″ (the aligner32). Accordingly, the movement of the above-described aligner module6″ within the alignment area1and the movement of the aligner module6″ entering the area below the tester part22of the inspection chamber21′ are enabled.

In the present embodiment, a case where the testing system has a basic configuration as in the first embodiment has been described, but the description is also applicable to a case where the basic configuration is configured as in the second embodiment.

Although embodiments have been described above, it should be considered that the embodiments disclosed herein are examples and are not restrictive in all respects. The above-described embodiments may be omitted, replaced, or modified in various forms without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

For example, in the above-described embodiments, an inspection apparatus capable of inspecting at a low temperature by providing the chiller unit has been illustrated, but an apparatus for the inspection at a high temperature may be used. In that case, the chiller area is not necessary, it is possible to further increase the number of levels of the inspection chambers (the testers) of the inspection module. Further, there is no need to provide the shutter.

In the above-described embodiments, in order to prevent the dew condensation when cooling by the chiller, the inspection part is adjusted to the dry atmosphere compared to the loader part in the ambient air atmosphere, but for other purposes, the atmosphere of the inspection part may be in other environments suitable for the inspection (e.g., a reduced pressure atmosphere or other gas atmospheres). As described above, in order to maintain the inspection part in an environment different from the ambient air atmosphere, the shutter is required as in the above-described embodiments.

In addition, although the aligner module6has a configuration in which the aligner is provided within the housing, the housing is not necessarily used.

Furthermore, the arrangements of the inspection modules in the first embodiment and the second embodiment are merely examples, and any configuration may be used as long as the inspection modules are arranged around the alignment area. The number of inspection modules and the number of levels of the inspection modules (the testers) are also arbitrary. However, in order to ensure a superiority over the prior art, the number of levels of the inspection chambers (the testers) is preferably four or more.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS