Dynamically adaptable semiconductor parametric testing
First Claim
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1. A method of parametric testing of semiconductor wafers, comprising:
- loading a first semiconductor wafer onto a probing machine having a probe head;
loading a first map selected from a plurality of map sets, the first map operable for directing a first sequence of prober movements to perform parametric tests at each location in the first map;
loading a second map selected from the plurality of map sets, the second map operable for directing a second sequence of prober movements to perform parametric tests at each location in the first map;
loading a parametric test defect threshold determined from historical data of testing other wafers;
moving the probe head in the first sequence of prober movements specified in the first map;
probing test pins with the probe head to perform tests on the wafer at each location in the first probing sequence;
recording test results of each test at each respective location;
halting the prober when the test results indicate the defect threshold has been exceeded;
switching from the first map to the second map;
moving the probe head in the second sequence of prober movements specified in the second map; and
recording test results of each test at each respective location.
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Abstract
An apparatus, method, system, and signal-bearing medium may provide multiple maps, which may include multiple probing sequences to be called upon at run-time based on statistical thresholds or other selected criteria. Each map may include a series of locations on a wafer, the tests to perform at each location, and the measured results of each test. A parametric test system may perform the test at the associated location on the wafer. If the statistical threshold is exceeded or the selected criteria is met, the current map may be abandoned in favor of a different map.
98 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of parametric testing of semiconductor wafers, comprising:
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loading a first semiconductor wafer onto a probing machine having a probe head; loading a first map selected from a plurality of map sets, the first map operable for directing a first sequence of prober movements to perform parametric tests at each location in the first map; loading a second map selected from the plurality of map sets, the second map operable for directing a second sequence of prober movements to perform parametric tests at each location in the first map; loading a parametric test defect threshold determined from historical data of testing other wafers; moving the probe head in the first sequence of prober movements specified in the first map; probing test pins with the probe head to perform tests on the wafer at each location in the first probing sequence; recording test results of each test at each respective location; halting the prober when the test results indicate the defect threshold has been exceeded; switching from the first map to the second map; moving the probe head in the second sequence of prober movements specified in the second map; and recording test results of each test at each respective location. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of parametric testing of semiconductor wafers, comprising:
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loading a first semiconductor wafer onto a probing machine having a probe head; loading a plurality of maps each operable for directing a sequence of prober movements to perform parametric tests at each location in that map; loading a statistically determined defect threshold; moving the probe head in a first sequence of prober movements specified in a first map of the plurality of maps; probing test pins with the probe head to perform tests on the wafer at each location in the first sequence of prober movements; recording test results of each test at each respective location; halting the prober when the test results indicate the defect threshold has been exceeded; switching from the first map to a second map of the plurality of maps, the second map different from the first map; moving the probe head in a second sequence of prober movements specified in the second map; and recording test results of each test at each respective location. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification