Patent Description:
Changes to the components of a processing chamber impacts various processing parameters and whether the processing chamber meets strict tolerances in process variations. This is due to the increasingly small dimensions, and thus high precision (e.g., within nanometer accuracy), required in semiconductor-processed components and integrated chips. Accordingly, even a small change in hardware performance may show up in variation of etch results within processing chambers. The processing chamber components include structural mechanical, electrical, gas-flow-related, and exhaust-purge-related components. Errors in processing may be detected or are revealed with increasing frequency as these components age over time and with repetitive use. Dealing with such errors sometimes involves shutting down the processing system to perform diagnostics, parts replacement, and calibrations, which involves downtime and inefficiencies. Much of this downtime is spent in diagnosing issues to determine which components may be the root cause of such errors.

<CIT> relates to processing chamber hardware fault detection using spectral radio frequency analysis. A method of assigning faults to a processing chamber comprises applying a radio frequency (RF) signal to a processing chamber to stimulate resonance in the chamber; measuring resonances of the applied RF signal in the chamber; extracting a fingerprint from the measured resonances; comparing the extracted fingerprint to a library of fingerprints, each library fingerprint being associated with a processing chamber fault; assigning a similarity index to combinations of the extracted fingerprint with at least one library fingerprint in the fingerprint library to form plurality of similarity indices; comparing each similarity index to a threshold; if the similarity index is greater than a threshold, then assigning a fault to the processing chamber using the associated library fingerprint. <CIT> relates to a method for feedforward control in thin film coating processes. <CIT> relates to a monitoring apparatus.

Some of the embodiments described herein cover methods for a processing chamber gathering data to be used in bode fingerprinting. In one embodiment, a method includes injecting, by a signal generator of a chamber signal manager, an alternating signal wave onto an output signal of a controller that controls a setting within a processing chamber. The injecting generates a combined signal that is fed into an actuator that is to adjust the setting. The method further includes measuring, by a sensor coupled to the processing chamber, a response value in response to the combined signal for the setting. The method further includes calculating, by a comparator of the chamber signal manager, a difference between a setpoint input and the response value. The method further includes adjusting, by the controller based on the difference, the setting via changes to the output signal. The method further includes sending, by the chamber signal manager, the combined signal and the changed output signal to a diagnostic server to generate a baseline bode fingerprint pertaining to a state associated with the processing chamber, the baseline bode fingerprint to be used in performing diagnostics of the processing chamber.

In related embodiments, described herein are methods or related software for receiving the diagnostic data from the processing chamber and generating a bode fingerprint for use in performing diagnostics of the processing chamber. In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores instructions, which when executed by a processing device of a diagnostic server, cause the processing device to perform operations. The operations include receiving, from a processing chamber, (i) measurement values of a combined signal that is based on an injection of an alternating signal wave onto a first output signal of a controller of the processing chamber, and (ii) measurement values of a second output signal of the controller that incorporates feedback from the processing chamber. The operations further include generating, based on the measurement values of the combined signal and the measurement values of the second output signal of the controller, a baseline bode fingerprint pertaining to a state associated with the processing chamber. The operations further include storing, in computer storage, the baseline bode fingerprint to be used in performing diagnostics of the processing chamber.

In a further embodiment for a processing chamber gathering data to be used in bode fingerprinting, a method includes injecting, by a signal generator of a chamber signal manager, an alternating signal wave into a mass flow controller (MFC) of the chamber signal manager. The method further includes controlling, by the MFC, a flow ratio controller (FRC) coupled to a processing chamber, the FRC to control pressure dynamics within the processing chamber via adjustments to a gas nozzle. The method further includes determining, by a manometer coupled to the processing chamber, a pressure measurement value of the processing chamber. The method further includes inputting, into the feedback controller using a comparator, a difference between a pressure setpoint and the pressure measurement value. The method further includes adjusting, by the feedback controller, the pressure dynamics within the processing chamber in response to the difference. The method further includes sending, by the chamber signal manager, the alternating signal wave, the output of the FRC, and the pressure measurement value to a diagnostic server to generate a baseline bode fingerprint to be used in performing diagnostics of the processing chamber.

In a further embodiment generating a bode fingerprint for use in performing diagnostics of the processing chamber, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores instructions, which when executed by a processing device of a diagnostic server, cause the processing device to perform a plurality of operations. The plurality of operations include receiving, from a chamber signal manager of a processing chamber: an alternating signal wave injected into a mass flow controller (MFC); and a pressure measurement value detected by a manometer coupled to the processing chamber. The plurality of operations further include generating a first baseline bode fingerprint based on at least the alternating signal wave and the pressure measurement value, and storing within a computer storage, the first baseline bode fingerprint for later use in processing chamber diagnostics.

Numerous other features are provided in accordance with these and other embodiments of the disclosure. Other features and embodiments of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, the claims, and the accompanying drawings.

The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that different references to "an" or "one" embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references mean at least one.

Embodiments described herein are related to systems and methods for use in characterizing a processing chamber and diagnosing faults or failures associated with the processing chamber. A processing chamber includes an electromechanical, multi-component system for processing substrates to manufacture a variety of semiconductor products, including integrated chips and other components (e.g., control boards) used in today's electronics. The processing chamber includes a number of hardware components, electrical components, electromechanical components (e.g., robotics), parameter settings (e.g., temperature, pressure, current, impedance, and the like), and calibrations associated with these components and settings. The substrates are usually processed under vacuum and with the use of deposition and etching that involve corrosive gases. The corrosive environment mixed with the repetitive use of the components of the processing chamber lead to errors and failures as the processing chamber and its supporting sub-systems age with use. For example, the processing chamber can go through performance drift that may cause manufactured parts to be outside of the strict tolerances previously discussed.

In various embodiments, disclosed are systems and methods for characterizing the processing chamber and its various components, as well diagnosing which of many components could be operating out of tolerance specifications (e.g., beginning to fail), or that have already failed. The characterizing may be performed by measuring behavior of the processing chamber when the processing chamber is first put into use, e.g., to generate a baseline bode fingerprint, and measuring its behavior again periodically during operation to generate additional bode fingerprints. A bode fingerprint may be generated based on varying a frequency of an input signal of a feedback control loop through the processing chamber, collecting frequency domain response data based on the input signal at two or more points of the control loop, and then processing the collected frequency domain response data to generate the bode fingerprint.

In corresponding embodiments, the later-generated bode fingerprints may be compared with the baseline bode fingerprint to detect an amount of change between a later-generated bode fingerprint and the baseline bode fingerprint. If the amount of change is greater than a threshold value, then a diagnostic server performing the analysis may alert an operator, initiate maintenance, or the like. The diagnostic server may also analyze the differences in the bode fingerprints (e.g., between the two bode plot curves) in order to diagnosis a particular embodiment or component of the processing chamber that is the reason for the amount of change, e.g., is failing or has failed. The particular component may then be replaced or the particular embodiment updated or resolved, e.g., with maintenance and/or recalibration. After component replacement or maintenance that restores proper tolerances in processing, a new baseline bode fingerprint may be generated.

In some embodiments, if the particular component or sub-system is not identifiable from a processing chamber level bode fingerprint analysis, additional data may be collected from isolated feedback control on an individual component or sub-system of the processing chamber. For example, the behavior may be individually isolated to a particular type of behavior, e.g., via sensors, actuators, pressure, flow rate, temperature, radio frequency (RF) conductance, and the like, associated with the individual component or sub-system of the processing chamber. The diagnostic server may then analyze the isolated data, e.g., generate a more-specific bode fingerprint that can be compared with a baseline bode fingerprint for that individual component or sub-system in order to step through different components and/or sub-systems of the processing chamber until a defective one is detected. This process can be repeated as desired until a defect or failure is detected that may be causing processing outside of intended tolerances (or other processing issues).

In various embodiments, the disclosed systems and methods involve many advantages, including, but not limited to, being able to diagnosis defaults, defects, or chamber drift before actual failure of a component or sub-system. This allows for proactive maintenance that may prolong the life of some components or sub-systems, or at the very least, be able to plan downtime that may be required in order to replace the failing component or sub-system. Further, some maintenance and even component replacement may now be performed while the processing chamber is under vacuum, and thus the down-time involved with going to atmospheric pressure for replacement or repair can be avoided. Additional or different advantages will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art as explained with reference to the present figures.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an example client-server architecture <NUM> involving a diagnostic server <NUM> and a chamber management system <NUM>, according to various embodiments. The chamber management system <NUM> may include, but not be limited to, a chamber signal manager <NUM> coupled to a processing chamber <NUM>. The processing chamber <NUM> may include the components and sub-systems previously referred to, such as the physical chamber, electrostatic chuck (ESC) assembly, and electrical systems that actuate mechanical (e.g., robotic) parts associated with processing substrates within the physical chamber.

In various embodiments, there are two basic kinds of systems for which a bode fingerprint can be generated, namely open loop and closed loop. These are frequency domain calculations intended to test frequency domain responses to inputs that have a varying frequency. An open loop system may be viewed as an input, X(f), that is processed by a system (e.g., a plant or G(f)) that generates a frequency response in an output, Y(f). In the disclosed embodiments, the plant or G(f) is associated with the processing chamber <NUM> or a sub-system thereof. In an open loop system, G(f) may be expressed as Y(f) divided by X(f), or Y(f)/X(f). Bode charts are plots of amplitude of G(f) versus frequency and plots of phase of G(f) versus frequency. Because G(f) is a complex value, G(f) can be represented as real and imaginary values of amplitude and phase.

In a closed loop system, the output Y(f) may be fed back into the process G(f) as feedback within the control system. In embodiments, closed loop bode data generated by the feedback control system may enable generation of a sensitivity plot, e.g., amplitude of <NUM>/(<NUM> + G(f)) verses frequency, closed loop gain, e.g., the amplitude of Y(f)/X(f) versus frequency and bandwidth values, gain margin (GM), and phase margin (PM) of the control system. The bandwidth, GM, and PM are characteristics of the control system that may be used to represent stability (e.g., stability margin), robustness, and performance in reference to the specification tolerances and other requirements of the processing chamber <NUM>. The bode data and bode fingerprints generated from that bode data, as referenced herein, may be either or both of open loop and closed loop control responses.

In various embodiments, the chamber signal manager <NUM> is adapted to inject an alternating signal wave onto an output signal of a controller that controls a setting within (or in association with) the processing chamber <NUM>. The injection of the alternating signal wave (e.g., a sinusoidal waveform) generates a combined signal that is fed into an actuator that is to adjust the setting. In embodiments, the chamber signal manager <NUM> causes the alternative signal wave to continuously change its frequency, e.g., based on a user-defined frequency range. The types of sensors and actuators involved with measuring and adjusting different settings will be discussed in more detail herein with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

In various embodiments, the diagnostic server <NUM> includes, but is not limited to, a processor <NUM> (e.g., processing device), a memory <NUM>, a display device <NUM>, a user interface <NUM>, a communication interface <NUM>, input/output (I/O) device(s) <NUM>, and storage <NUM> (e.g., computer storage or non-transitory computer-readable memory in which is stored software instructions executable by the processor <NUM>). The processor <NUM> may further include a diagnostics component <NUM> that is adapted to execute a bode fingerprint frequency response analysis (FRA) <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may include a dual in-line memory module (DIMM), a small outline DIMM (SO-DIMM), and/or a non-volatile dual in-line memory module (NVDIMM) or other volatile memory. The storage <NUM> may be a storage device such as a solidstate drive (SSD), a flash drive, a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive, an embedded MultiMedia Controller (eMMC) drive, a Universal Flash Storage (UFS) drive, a secure digital (SD) card, and a hard disk drive (HDD). Other computer storage and/or storage devices are envisioned.

In disclosed embodiments, the bode fingerprint FRA <NUM> receives, from the processing chamber <NUM>, (i) measurement values of a combined signal that is based on the injection of the alternating signal wave onto a first output signal of a controller of the processing chamber, and (ii) measurement values of a second output signal of the controller that incorporates feedback from the processing chamber. The bode fingerprint FRA <NUM> may further generate, based on the measurement values of the combined signal and the measurement values of the second output signal of the controller, a baseline bode fingerprint pertaining to a state associated with the processing chamber. The bode fingerprint FRA <NUM> may further store, in the storage <NUM>, the baseline bode fingerprint to be used in performing diagnostics of the processing chamber <NUM>.

The bode fingerprint FRA <NUM> may then, at a later point in time, receive, from the processing chamber, (i) measurement values of an updated combined signal based on injection of the alternating signal wave onto an updated first output signal of the controller, and (ii) measurement values of an updated second output signal of the controller that incorporates feedback from the processing chamber. The bode fingerprint FRA <NUM> may generate, based on the measurement values of the updated combined signal and measurement values of the updated second output signal, an updated bode fingerprint. The bode fingerprint FRA <NUM> may detect an amount of change between the baseline bode fingerprint and the updated bode fingerprint, and alert an operator of a fault or defect in response to determining that the amount of change is greater than a threshold value. The amount of change may be with respect to a low frequency gain or resonance shift, for example.

In various embodiments, the updated bode fingerprint is generated based on updated bode plot data. The diagnostic server <NUM> may further calculate, using conductance curves of the updated bode plot data, a gain margin (GM), a phase margin (PM), and a bandwidth (BW) of a closed-loop frequency response at different frequencies of a signal generator used to generate the alternating signal wave (see <FIG>). The diagnostic server <NUM> may further calculate, based on at least one of the gain margin, the phase margin, or the bandwidth, one of a stability or robustness measurement of a chamber signal manager of the processing chamber. The stability (or stability margin) may be in reference to how fast a closed loop control system can track (or follow) a reference input, e.g., within a closed-loop sensitivity response (see <FIG>). If there is a lot of overshoot or undershoot in control response, the stability margin may be lacking. The stability and robustness measurements may further indicate a disturbance rejection capability at different frequencies, e.g., how much attenuation the control system can provide at ranges of frequencies.

In various embodiments, the display device <NUM> is a screen and associated circuitry that is coupled to the processor <NUM> and adapted to display diagnostic results generated by the processor <NUM>. These diagnostic results may include bode fingerprints as well as results of comparison between a baseline bode fingerprint and a later-generated bode fingerprint, as discussed. The I/O devices <NUM> may allow input of (e.g., through the user interface <NUM>) settings or an identification of which setting to focus on in creation of bode fingerprints. The operator or user may also input the defined frequency range of the alternating signal wave through the user interface <NUM> for use by the chamber signal manager <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may further alert an operator or user of the diagnostic server <NUM> through the display device <NUM> and/or one of the I/O devices <NUM>, e.g., as an audio alert. In one embodiment, the I/O device <NUM> is a mobile application executed on a mobile device that is communicatively coupled with the diagnostic server <NUM>. The alert may indicate detection of a defect or of operation outside of tolerance (including potential failure of) a processing component or sub-system of the processing chamber <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the communication interface <NUM> may facilitate the diagnostic server <NUM> communicating to the chamber management system <NUM> the setting(s) for which to generate the diagnostic data. The communication interface <NUM> may further facilitate receipt of the diagnostic data from the chamber management system <NUM>. In some embodiments, the diagnostic data include measurement values of a combined signal that is based on injection of the alternating signal wave onto the first output signal of a controller of the processing chamber. The diagnostic data may further include measurement values of a second output signal of the controller that incorporates feedback from the processing chamber. Additional or alternative diagnostic data will be discussed throughout this disclosure that may be communicated to the diagnostic server <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flow chart of a method <NUM> for processing chamber diagnosis using a bode fingerprint, according to various embodiments. <FIG> is a graph illustrating example open-loop phase responses from bode fingerprint data for three different processing chamber components, according to various embodiments. The method <NUM> can be performed by processing logic that can include hardware (e.g., processing device, circuitry, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, hardware of a device, integrated circuit, etc.), software (e.g., instructions run or executed on a processing device), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the method <NUM> is performed by the diagnostic server <NUM> (<FIG>). Although shown in a particular sequence or order, unless otherwise specified, the order of the processes can be modified. Thus, the illustrated embodiments should be understood only as examples, and the illustrated processes can be performed in a different order, and some processes can be performed in parallel. Additionally, one or more processes can be omitted in various embodiments. Thus, not all processes are required in every embodiment. Other process flows are possible.

With reference to <FIG>, at operation <NUM>, the processing logic starts bode measurements of the processing chamber <NUM> to generate an updated bode response such as an updated bode fingerprint. The processing logic may signal, to the chamber management system <NUM>, a setting, component, or sub-system for which the bode fingerprint is to be generated. In embodiments, the setting may be associated with a particular component or sub-system, as will be explained in more detail.

With additional reference to <FIG>, at operation <NUM>, the processing logic compares the updated bode fingerprint with the baseline bode fingerprint to generate a difference between the two fingerprints. The baseline bode fingerprint would have been generated previously at the diagnostics server <NUM> using bode data from a system when it is first put into operation. In an alternative embodiment, the baseline fingerprint is generated by the diagnostic server <NUM> after replacement of a component within and/or performance of maintenance and recalibration on the processing chamber <NUM>.

At operation <NUM>, the processing logic determines whether the difference between the baseline bode fingerprint and the updated bode fingerprint is greater than a threshold value. The threshold value may be tied to a tolerance level for a particular setting, component, or sub-system within the processing chamber <NUM>. If the answer is no, then the processing logic skips past the fault setting and/or alert generation operation(s). If the answer is yes, at operation <NUM>, the processing logic sets a fault in the processing server <NUM>. The fault may also, or alternatively, be communicated to the operator as an alert, e.g., on the display device <NUM>, through an I/O device <NUM> (such as a speaker), or to a communicatively coupled mobile device.

At operation <NUM>, the processing device stores the diagnostic data, which may include the updated bode fingerprint(s), e.g., in the storage <NUM>. Herein, bode fingerprints may also be referred to or considered to be bode plots. At operation <NUM>, the processing logic may display diagnostic data results such as bode plots of the baseline and updated bode fingerprints in the display device <NUM>, an example of which is illustrated in <FIG>. In this way, an operator may correlate and/or quantify an alert with bode plot data.

In various embodiments, the frequency responses of the bode plots (or fingerprints) may reflect resonances and anti-resonances, indicating the frequencies at which the highest and lowest amplitudes occur. The bode plots may further indicate an amount of damping, e.g., as a mechanism for absorbing energy. Further, the bode plots may be indicative of the phase-lag of the frequency response relative to the input excitation. When the frequency responses of a processing component (or sub-system) changes significantly over time, the frequency response can indicate potential failure to part faults, electrical drifting, mechanical wear, or resonance changing.

<FIG> is a block diagram of feedback control between a chamber signal manager and a processing chamber of the chamber management system of <FIG>, according to an embodiment. In one embodiment, a chamber management system 150A includes a chamber signal manager 154A and the processing chamber <NUM>. In this embodiment, the chamber signal manager 154A includes a controller <NUM>, a signal generator <NUM>, an actuator <NUM>, a sensor <NUM>, a processing device <NUM>, and a comparator <NUM>. In one embodiment, the processing device <NUM> is a communication device such as a base station, a router, or other wired or wireless access point that is built into or made a part of the chamber signal manager 154A. In an alternative embodiment, the processing device <NUM> is combined into the controller <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the signal generator <NUM> injects an alternating signal wave (e.g., sinusoidal waveform such as a sine or cosine waveform) via the summer <NUM> onto an output signal (x) of the controller <NUM>, which generates a combined signal (y) that is fed into the actuator <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> in turn may adjust a setting (e.g., pressure) within the processing chamber based on the combined signal, y. In embodiments, the signal generator <NUM> may continuously change a frequency of the alternating signal wave in a user-defined frequency range (e.g., from <NUM> to <NUM> or other frequency range) in order to generate the bode data with which the diagnostic server <NUM> may generate bode fingerprints usable for diagnostic of the processing chamber. Further, the signal generator <NUM> may use a second order digital filter in generation of the alternating signal wave.

In various embodiments, the sensor <NUM> (e.g., a manometer) then measures the adjustment to the setting (e.g., pressure) by generating a response value. While a response value is referenced to simplify explanation, it should be understood that multiple responses values are generated, one for each data point as the signal generator <NUM> varies a frequency of the alternating signal wave. The subsequent operations may be performed on each respective response value, in turn, in order to generate bode response data. In disclosed embodiments, the response value from the sensor <NUM> is fed back into the controller <NUM> via the comparator <NUM>. For example, the comparator <NUM> may compare the response value to a setpoint input, e.g. reference value (ref), to generate a difference between the setpoint input and the response value. The setpoint input (or reference value) may be set externally to the processing chamber, e.g., by the diagnostic server <NUM> or other source. The controller <NUM> may then adjust the setting, based on the difference, via changes to the output signal, x, which is again to be injected with the alternating signal wave from the signal generator <NUM>. Herein the output signal (or x) may also be referred to as the changed output signal based on the feedback control loop of <FIG>.

The processing device <NUM> of the chamber signal manager 154A may then send the combined signal (y) and the changed output signal (x) to the diagnostic server <NUM> to generate a baseline bode fingerprint pertaining to a state associated with the processing chamber, the baseline bode fingerprint to be used in performing diagnostics of the processing chamber <NUM>. In one embodiment, the bode fingerprint includes an open loop magnitude and phase calculated by dividing the Discrete Fourier Transform of x, DFT(x), by the DFT of y, e.g., DFT(y).

Further, the injecting, the measuring, the calculating, and the adjusting may be performed again at a later point in time to generate an updated combined signal (y') and an updated output signal (x'). The controller <NUM> may send the updated combined signal and the updated output signal to the diagnostic server <NUM> to generate an updated bode fingerprint to be compared with the baseline bode fingerprint in performing the diagnostics of the processing chamber <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the setting being tested may be associated with a particular sub-system (e.g., process and/or control sub-system) which may be isolated in the case that a fault is detected for the entire processing chamber <NUM>, but the precise root cause for the fault cannot be determined. Table <NUM> illustrates a list of such systems and associated components, corresponding to those illustrated in <FIG>, that may be involved in generation of the bode response data. Note that TCP stands for "transformer coupled plasma" associated with reactor etching, ESC stands for "electrostatic chuck," and RF stands for "radio frequency.

<FIG> is a flow chart of a method 400A for collecting data associated with the processing chamber <NUM> of <FIG> for use in bode fingerprinting analysis, according to an embodiment. The method 400A can be performed by processing logic that can include hardware (e.g., processing device, circuitry, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, hardware of a device, integrated circuit, etc.), software (e.g., instructions run or executed on a processing device), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the method 400A is performed by the chamber signal manager 154A (<FIG>). Although shown in a particular sequence or order, unless otherwise specified, the order of the processes can be modified. Thus, the illustrated embodiments should be understood only as examples, and the illustrated processes can be performed in a different order, and some processes can be performed in parallel. Additionally, one or more processes can be omitted in various embodiments. Thus, not all processes are required in every embodiment. Other process flows are possible.

With reference to <FIG>, at operation <NUM>, the processing logic (e.g., of the signal generator <NUM> of the chamber signal manager 154A) injects an alternating signal wave onto an output signal of a controller that controls a setting within a processing chamber. This injecting may generate a combined signal that is fed into the actuator <NUM> that is to adjust the setting. Operation <NUM> may further include continuously changing, by the signal generator <NUM>, a frequency of the alternating signal wave in a user-defined frequency range. Further, the actuator <NUM> may be one of a symmetric flow valve, a heater, a motor driving capacitors, or radio frequency (RF) power, for example. The setting may be, for example, one of chamber pressure dynamics, ESC thermal dynamics, chamber impedance, or chamber coil RF dynamics.

At operation <NUM>, the processing logic (e.g., the sensor <NUM> coupled to the processing chamber <NUM>) measures a response value in response to the combined signal for the setting. The sensor <NUM> may include, for example, a manometer, a temperature sensor on an ESC, a magnitude and phase sensor, or a current sensor.

At operation <NUM>, the processing logic (e.g., the comparator <NUM>) may calculate a difference between a setpoint input (ref) and the response value. The setpoint input (e.g., reference value) may be received or triggered externally to the processing chamber. In various embodiments, the setpoint input is one of a pressure setpoint, a temperature setpoint, an impedance setpoint, or a current setpoint. At operation <NUM>, the processing logic (e.g., the controller <NUM>) adjusts, based on the difference, the setting via changes to the output signal, e.g., x. These changes may continue into the combined output signal, y, which is input into the actuator <NUM> for the next data point.

At operation <NUM>, the processing logic (e.g., the processing device <NUM> of the chamber signal manager 154A) sends the combined signal and the changed output signal to the diagnostic server <NUM> to generate a baseline bode fingerprint pertaining to a state associated with the processing chamber <NUM>. The baseline bode fingerprint may then be used in performing diagnostics of the processing chamber <NUM> (<FIG>).

While not illustrated in <FIG>, the method 400A may be extended with the processing logic performing the injecting, the measuring, the calculating, and the adjusting again at a later point in time to generate an updated combined signal and an updated output signal from the processing chamber <NUM>, e.g., from the chamber signal manager 154A. The method 400A may further include the processing logic sending the updated combined signal and the updated output signal to the diagnostic server to generate an updated bode fingerprint to be compared with the baseline bode fingerprint in performing the diagnostics of the processing chamber (<FIG>).

<FIG> is a flow chart of a method 400B for analyzing the collected data to generate a baseline bode fingerprint that is to be used in performing diagnostics of the processing chamber of <FIG>, according to an embodiment. The method 400B can be performed by processing logic that can include hardware (e.g., processing device, circuitry, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, hardware of a device, integrated circuit, etc.), software (e.g., instructions run or executed on a processing device), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the method 400B is performed by the diagnostic server <NUM> (<FIG>). Although shown in a particular sequence or order, unless otherwise specified, the order of the processes can be modified. Thus, the illustrated embodiments should be understood only as examples, and the illustrated processes can be performed in a different order, and some processes can be performed in parallel. Additionally, one or more processes can be omitted in various embodiments. Thus, not all processes are required in every embodiment. Other process flows are possible.

With reference to <FIG>, at operation <NUM>, the processing logic receives, from the processing chamber <NUM> (e.g., the chamber signal manager <NUM>), (i) measurement values of a combined signal that is based on an injection of an alternating signal wave onto a first output signal of a controller of the processing chamber, and (ii) measurement values of a second output signal of the controller that incorporates feedback from the processing chamber. <FIG> discusses what these measurement values are generated (from the perspective of one measurement value at a time). For example, the first output signal may be the output signal, x, and the second output signal may be the combined signal output, y.

At operation <NUM>, the processing logic generates, based on the measurement values of the combined signal and the measurement values of the second output signal of the controller, a baseline bode fingerprint pertaining to a state associated with the processing chamber. At operation <NUM>, the processing logic stores, in the computer storage, the baseline bode fingerprint to be used in performing diagnostics of the processing chamber <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flow chart of a method 400C for analyzing the collected data at a later point in time to generate an updated bode fingerprint to compare with the baseline bode fingerprint to detect a fault and/or alert an operator, according to embodiments. The method 400C can be performed by processing logic that can include hardware (e.g., processing device, circuitry, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, hardware of a device, integrated circuit, etc.), software (e.g., instructions run or executed on a processing device), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the method 400C is performed by the diagnostic server <NUM> (<FIG>). Although shown in a particular sequence or order, unless otherwise specified, the order of the processes can be modified. Thus, the illustrated embodiments should be understood only as examples, and the illustrated processes can be performed in a different order, and some processes can be performed in parallel. Additionally, one or more processes can be omitted in various embodiments. Thus, not all processes are required in every embodiment. Other process flows are possible.

With reference to <FIG>, at operation <NUM>, the processing logic receives, from the processing chamber at a later point in time, (i) measurement values of an updated combined signal based on injection of the alternating signal wave onto an updated first output signal of the controller, and (ii) measurement values of an updated second output signal of the controller that incorporates feedback from the processing chamber.

At operation <NUM>, the processing logic generates, based on the measurement values of the updated combined signal and measurement values of the updated second output signal, an updated bode fingerprint. At operation <NUM>, the processing logic detects an amount of change between the baseline bode fingerprint (generated as per <FIG>) and the updated bode fingerprint, e.g., via bode plot comparative analysis. At operation <NUM>, the processing logic alerts an operator of a defect (or fault) in response to determining that the amount of change is greater than a threshold value. The operation <NUM> may also, or alternatively, including setting the fault within the diagnostic server <NUM> in a way that enables the alerting of the operation or user.

In some embodiments, the alert of the operator of the default or defect may be in relation to the processing chamber <NUM> as a whole, without indication of which component or sub-system is the root cause of the default or defect. In these cases, the operator (or the diagnostic server <NUM>) may initiate a new series of bode data collection and analysis to generate a bode fingerprint of a more specific setting, component, or sub-system, by way of attempting to isolate the source of the defect or default.

<FIG> is a block diagram of feedback control involving pressure dynamics between a chamber signal manager and a processing chamber of the chamber management system of <FIG>, according to an embodiment. In embodiments, a chamber management system 150B includes a chamber signal manager 154B and the processing chamber <NUM>. In this embodiment, the chamber signal manager 154B includes a feedback controller <NUM>, a signal generator <NUM>, a symmetric flow valve (SFV) <NUM>, a manometer <NUM> (e.g., a pressure sensor), a processing device <NUM>, a comparator <NUM>, a mass flow controller (MFC) <NUM>, a flow ratio controller (FRC) <NUM>, and a gas nozzle <NUM>. In some embodiments, the gas nozzle <NUM> and SFV <NUM> may be considered a part of the processing chamber <NUM>, although is illustrated in this embodiment (for simplicity) as part of the chamber signal manager 154B. In one embodiment, the processing device <NUM> is a communication device such as a base station, a router, or other wired or wireless access point that is built into or made a part of the chamber signal manager 154B. In an alternative embodiment, the processing device <NUM> is combined into the feedback controller <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the signal generator <NUM> injects an alternating signal wave (e.g., sinusoidal waveform such as a sine or cosine waveform) into the MFC <NUM>. In embodiments, the signal generator <NUM> may continuously change a frequency of the alternating signal wave in a user-defined frequency range (e.g., from <NUM> to <NUM> or other frequency range) in order to generate the bode data with which the diagnostic server <NUM> may generate bode fingerprints usable for diagnostics of the processing chamber. Further, the signal generator <NUM> may use a second order digital filter in generation of the alternating signal wave.

In some embodiments, the MFC <NUM> controls the FRC <NUM> to control pressure dynamics within the processing chamber <NUM> via adjustment to the gas nozzle <NUM>. The gas nozzle <NUM> operates at a certain pressure and rate based on operation of the MFC <NUM> and FRC <NUM>. By way of feedback, the manometer <NUM> can determine a pressure measurement value (y) of the processing chamber <NUM>. In various embodiments, the processing device <NUM> receives the alternating signal wave (x), an output (z) of the FRC <NUM>, and the pressure measurement value (y).

In disclosed embodiments, the comparator <NUM> may determine a difference between a pressure setpoint (ref) and the pressure measurement value, y. This difference (e.g., a difference value), received from the comparator <NUM>, may be input into the feedback controller <NUM>. The feedback controller <NUM> may then adjust the pressure dynamics (e.g., the pressure) within the processing chamber in response to the difference. The adjusting of the pressure dynamics may be performed via adjusting the conductance of the SFV <NUM> of a vacuum pump of the processing chamber <NUM>. The SFV <NUM> may be a flow valve located at the bottom of the processing chamber <NUM> used to adjust the pressure within the processing chamber <NUM>, e.g., of the vacuum pump.

In various embodiments, the processing device <NUM> of the chamber signal manager 154B sends the alternating signal wave (x), the output (z) of the FRC, and the pressure measurement value (y) to the diagnostic server <NUM> to generate a baseline bode fingerprint to be used in performing diagnostics of the processing chamber. In some embodiments, the baseline bode fingerprint may be made up of DFTs of x, y, and z. For example, the baseline bode fingerprint may include one or both of DFT(z)/DFT(x) and DFT(y)/DFT(x).

Further, the injecting, the controlling, the receiving, the inputting, and the adjusting may be performed a later point in time to generate an updated alternating signal wave (x'), an updated output (y') of the FRC, and an updated pressure measurement value (z'). The controller <NUM> may send the updated alternating signal wave, the updated output of the FRC, and the updated pressure measurement value to the diagnostic server to generate a updated bode fingerprint to be compared with the baseline bode fingerprint. Depending on how the updated bode fingerprint compares with the baseline bode fingerprint (e.g., within a threshold value), the diagnostic server <NUM> may detect a fault or other defect associated with the processing chamber <NUM>. Such a fault may include process drift as was explained. Further examples of possible issues (e.g., defects or faults) may be detected as associated with the MFC <NUM>, the FRC <NUM>, the gas nozzle <NUM>, or the SFV <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flow chart of a method 600A for collecting data associated with the processing chamber <NUM> of <FIG> for use in bode fingerprinting analysis, according to an embodiment. The method 600A can be performed by processing logic that can include hardware (e.g., processing device, circuitry, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, hardware of a device, integrated circuit, etc.), software (e.g., instructions run or executed on a processing device), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the method 600A is performed by the chamber signal manager 154B (<FIG>). Although shown in a particular sequence or order, unless otherwise specified, the order of the processes can be modified. Thus, the illustrated embodiments should be understood only as examples, and the illustrated processes can be performed in a different order, and some processes can be performed in parallel. Additionally, one or more processes can be omitted in various embodiments. Thus, not all processes are required in every embodiment. Other process flows are possible.

With reference to <FIG>, at operation <NUM>, the processing logic (e.g., of the signal generator <NUM> of the chamber signal manager 154B) injects an alternating signal wave into the mass flow controller (MFC) of the chamber signal manager. At operation <NUM>, the processing logic (e.g., the MFC <NUM>) controls a flow ratio controller (FRC) coupled to a processing chamber <NUM>. The FRC <NUM> may function to control pressure dynamics within the processing chamber <NUM> via adjustments to the gas nozzle <NUM>.

At operation <NUM>, the processing logic (e.g., the manometer <NUM>) may determine a pressure measurement value of the processing chamber. At operation <NUM>, the processing logic (e.g., of the comparator <NUM>) may input a difference between a pressure setpoint (ref) and the pressure measurement value into the feedback controller <NUM>. At operation <NUM>, the processing logic (e.g., of the feedback controller <NUM>) adjusts the pressure dynamics (e.g., the pressure) within the processing chamber in response to the difference, e.g., by controlling the SFV <NUM> in one embodiment. In the latter embodiment, the adjusting may be performed via adjusting conductance of the symmetric flow valve (SFV) <NUM>. At operation <NUM>, the processing logic (e.g., the processing device <NUM> of the chamber signal manager 154B) sends the alternating signal wave, the output of the FRC, and the pressure measurement value to the diagnostic server <NUM> to generate a baseline bode fingerprint to be used in performing diagnostics of the processing chamber.

While not illustrated in <FIG>, the method 600A may be extended with the processing logic performing the injecting, the controlling, the determining, the inputting, and the adjusting at a later point in time to generate an updated alternating signal wave, an updated output of the FRC, and an updated pressure measurement value. The method 600A may further include the processing logic sending the updated alternating signal wave, the updated output of the FRC, and the updated pressure measurement value to the diagnostic server to generate a updated bode fingerprint to be compared with the baseline bode fingerprint (<FIG>).

<FIG> is a flow chart of a method 600B for analyzing the collected data to generate a baseline bode fingerprint that is to be used in performing diagnostics of the processing chamber of <FIG>, according to an embodiment. The method 600B can be performed by processing logic that can include hardware (e.g., processing device, circuitry, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, hardware of a device, integrated circuit, etc.), software (e.g., instructions run or executed on a processing device), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the method 600B is performed by the diagnostic server <NUM> (<FIG>). Although shown in a particular sequence or order, unless otherwise specified, the order of the processes can be modified. Thus, the illustrated embodiments should be understood only as examples, and the illustrated processes can be performed in a different order, and some processes can be performed in parallel. Additionally, one or more processes can be omitted in various embodiments. Thus, not all processes are required in every embodiment. Other process flows are possible.

With reference to <FIG>, at operation <NUM>, the processing logic receives, from a chamber signal manager of a processing chamber: an alternating signal wave injected into a mass flow controller (MFC); and a pressure measurement value detected by a manometer coupled to the processing chamber. At operation <NUM>, the processing logic generates a first baseline bode fingerprint based on at least the alternating signal wave and the pressure measurement value. At operation <NUM>, the processing logic stores, within the computer storage, the first baseline bode fingerprint for later use in processing chamber diagnostics.

While not illustrated, the method 600B may be extended by the processing logic calculating a complementary response of the processing chamber <NUM> (see <FIG>) that is responsive to a difference between a pressure setpoint and the pressure measurement value (e.g., from the manometer <NUM>). The complementary response may therefore how good the control system can follow a programmed flow using a setpoint reference. The method 600B may further include the processing logic calculating a closed-loop sensitivity response (see <FIG>), and combining complementary response data and closed-loop sensitivity data within first bode plot data as part of the first baseline bode fingerprint.

While not illustrated, the method 600B may be extended by the processing logic receiving, from the chamber signal manager, an output of the FRC <NUM> coupled to the MFC <NUM>. The method 600B may then include the processing logic generating a second baseline bode fingerprint based on the alternating signal wave and the output of the FRC <NUM>. The method 600B may further include the processing logic storing, within the computer storage, the second baseline bode fingerprint to be used in performing diagnostics of the processing chamber.

<FIG> is a flow chart of a method 600C for analyzing the collected data to generate an updated bode fingerprint to compare with the baseline bode fingerprint (<FIG>) that is to be used to detect a fault and/or alert an operator, according to various embodiments. The method 600C can be performed by processing logic that can include hardware (e.g., processing device, circuitry, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, hardware of a device, integrated circuit, etc.), software (e.g., instructions run or executed on a processing device), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the method 600C is performed by the diagnostic server <NUM> (<FIG>). Although shown in a particular sequence or order, unless otherwise specified, the order of the processes can be modified. Thus, the illustrated embodiments should be understood only as examples, and the illustrated processes can be performed in a different order, and some processes can be performed in parallel. Additionally, one or more processes can be omitted in various embodiments. Thus, not all processes are required in every embodiment. Other process flows are possible.

With reference to <FIG>, at operation <NUM>, the processing logic receives, from the chamber signal manager 154B at a later point in time an updated alternating signal wave (x') injected into the MFC <NUM> and an updated pressure measurement value (y') detected by the manometer <NUM>. At operation <NUM>, the processing logic generates an updated first bode fingerprint based on the updated alternating signal wave and the updated pressure measurement value. For example, the updated first bode fingerprint may be DFT(y')/DFT(x').

At operation <NUM>, the processing logic detects an amount of change between the first baseline bode fingerprint and the updated first bode fingerprint, e.g., via bode plot comparative analysis. At operation <NUM>, the processing logic alerts an operator of a defect or fault in response to determining that the amount of change is greater than a threshold value.

In some embodiments, the operation of the method 600C of <FIG> may also be performed with relation to an updated alternating signal wave (x') injected into the MFC <NUM> and an updated output (z') of the FRC <NUM>. In this embodiment, the updated bode fingerprint generated by the processing logic may be DFT(z')/DFT(x'). If the comparison of the updated bode fingerprint with the baseline bode fingerprint results in detecting a difference beyond the threshold value, the method 600C may further including setting a fault and/or alerting the operator of the default, e.g., as discussed with reference to <FIG>.

In some embodiments, the alert of the operator of the default or defect may be in relation to the processing chamber <NUM> as a whole, without indication of which component or sub-system is the root cause of the default or defect. In these cases, the operator (or the diagnostic server <NUM>) may initiate a new series of bode data collection and analysis to generate a bode fingerprint of a more specific setting, component, or sub-system, by way of attempting to isolate the source of the defect or default. In some embodiments, the source of the defect or default may be determined to be the MFC <NUM>, the FRC <NUM>, the gas nozzle <NUM>, the SFV <NUM> or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the first baseline bode fingerprint is based on first bode plot data and the updated first bode fingerprint is based on second bode plot data. While not illustrated, the method 600C may be extended by the processing logic calculating, using conductance curves of at least one of the first or second bode plot data, a gain margin (GM), a phase margin (PM), or a bandwidth (BW) of a closed-loop frequency response at different frequencies of a signal generator that generates the updated alternating signal wave. The method 600C may further include the processing logic calculating, based on at least one of the gain margin, the phase margin, or the bandwidth, one of a stability or robustness measurement of a chamber management system that includes the chamber signal manager 154B and the processing chamber <NUM>.

<FIG> is a graph illustrating open loop gain of a bode plot (e.g., fingerprint) of a nonlinear system according to an embodiment. The bode fingerprinting and processing chamber characterizations discussed previously may be extended to nonlinear characterizations, which may be illustrated within the bode plots or fingerprints that are discussed herein. Some of the components that may be nonlinear include the SFV <NUM>, plasma dynamics, and RF matching networks employed in association with the processing chamber <NUM>. For a nonlinear or time-varying system, when injecting one frequency sinusoidal wave into the system, the system output may contain frequencies other than the input frequency and the output-input ratio might be dependent on the input magnitude.

The bode plot in <FIG> illustrates the frequency responses of a mechanical system with hysteretic friction, e.g., the non-linearities in an MFC actuator. As can be seen, when the friction changes, the bode response changes at low frequency, which may indicate the possible mechanical faults due to friction or hysteresis. To characterize the behaviors of nonlinear systems, the injections of the alternating signal wave (e.g., sinusoidal wave) may be varied in amplitude when capturing data to be used in generating the bode fingerprints. To quantify the nonlinearity of the components, frequency distortion analysis may be calculated to measure an amount of energy at different harmonic frequencies.

<FIG> is a flow chart of a method <NUM> for performing bode fingerprint analysis for a nonlinear chamber management system, according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a graph of example open-loop gain responses from bode fingerprint data for three different processing chamber components, according to embodiments. <FIG>is a graph of example closed-loop sensitivity responses from a bode fingerprint for three different processing chamber components, according to an embodiment.

The method <NUM> can be performed by processing logic that can include hardware (e.g., processing device, circuitry, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, hardware of a device, integrated circuit, etc.), software (e.g., instructions run or executed on a processing device), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the method <NUM> is performed by the diagnostic server <NUM> (<FIG>). Although shown in a particular sequence or order, unless otherwise specified, the order of the processes can be modified. Thus, the illustrated embodiments should be understood only as examples, and the illustrated processes can be performed in a different order, and some processes can be performed in parallel. Additionally, one or more processes can be omitted in various embodiments. Thus, not all processes are required in every embodiment. Other process flows are possible.

With reference to <FIG>, at operation <NUM>, the processing logic starts bode measurements using different amplitudes of alternating signal wave injections in the operations discussed previously. At operation <NUM>, the processing logic conducts frequency distortion analysis to measure energy at different harmonic frequencies. At operation <NUM>, the processing logic compares the baseline bode fingerprints with updated bode fingerprints that measure the energy at the different harmonic frequencies, to generate a different of the two (e.g., a difference value). At operation <NUM>, the processing logic determines whether the difference is greater than a threshold value. If the answer is no, than the processing logic skips setting a fault or generating an alert for an operator. If the answer is yes, at operation <NUM>, the processing logic may set a fault in the processing server <NUM>. The fault may also, or alternatively, be communicated to the operator as an alert, e.g., on the display device <NUM>, through an I/O device <NUM> (such as a speaker), or to a communicatively coupled mobile device.

At operation <NUM>, the processing logic stores the diagnostic data (e.g., the bode plot data) and associated bode fingerprint(s) in the computer storage. At operation <NUM>, the processing logic displays the diagnostics data results, e.g., as bode plots of comparative bode plots. An example of open loop gain responses for three different processing chamber components is illustrated in <FIG>. An example of closed-loop sensitivity responses for the three different processing chamber components is illustrated in <FIG>. In the graphs of <FIG>, the low frequencies below <NUM> may indicate the nonlinear responses due to actuator nonlinearities.

<FIG> are, respectively, a graph of an example amplitude and phase of an open-loop response bode fingerprint, according to an embodiment. With reference to <FIG>, the bandwidth (BW) may be determined as <NUM>, with a gain margin (GM) or <NUM> dB, and a phase margin (PM) of <NUM> degrees. <FIG> is a graph of an example complementary response of a bode fingerprint, according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a graph of an example closed-loop sensitivity response of the bode fingerprint, according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, as discussed previously, the diagnostic server <NUM> may combine the complementary response data and closed-loop sensitivity data within a bode plot data as part of the a baseline bode fingerprint, and the same may be replicated at a later point in time in order to generate an update bode fingerprint to be compared to the baseline bode fingerprint.

The preceding description sets forth numerous specific details such as examples of specific systems, components, methods, and so forth in order to provide a good understanding of several embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that at least some embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known components or methods are not described in detail or are presented in simple block diagram format in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Thus, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. Particular implementations may vary from these exemplary details and still be contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. " When the term "about" or "approximately" is used herein, this is intended to mean that the nominal value presented is precise within ± <NUM>%.

Although the operations of the methods herein are shown and described in a particular order, the order of operations of each method may be altered so that certain operations may be performed in an inverse order so that certain operations may be performed, at least in part, concurrently with other operations. In another embodiment, instructions or sub-operations of distinct operations may be in an intermittent and/or alternating manner.

Claim 1:
A method (400A) comprising:
injecting, by a signal generator (<NUM>, <NUM>) of a chamber signal manager (<NUM>), an alternating signal wave onto an output signal of a controller (<NUM>) that controls a setting within a processing chamber (<NUM>), wherein the injecting generates a combined signal that is fed into an actuator (<NUM>) that is to adjust the setting;
measuring, by a sensor (<NUM>) coupled to the processing chamber (<NUM>), a response value in response to the combined signal for the setting;
calculating, by a comparator (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the chamber signal manager (<NUM>), a difference between a setpoint input and the response value;
adjusting, by the controller (<NUM>) based on the difference, the setting via changes to the output signal; and
sending, by the chamber signal manager (<NUM>), the combined signal and the changed output signal to a diagnostic server (<NUM>) to generate a baseline bode fingerprint pertaining to a state associated with the processing chamber (<NUM>), the baseline bode fingerprint to be used in performing diagnostics of the processing chamber (<NUM>).