Prediction of the Test Yield of Future Integrated Circuits Through the Deductive Estimation Method

Abstract

In the past 20 years, semiconductor manufacturing technology has advanced rapidly, but the advancement of integrated circuit (IC) testers has been slow. Using obsolete testers to inspect advanced wafers has become a significant challenge for test manufacturers. In this research, we used DITM (digital IC testing model) to discuss the impact of the test guardband (TGB) on quality and yield. Considering the interaction between semiconductor fabrication capability parameters and test capability parameters, we proposed an estimation method [deductive estimation method (DEM)] to analyze the electrical distribution changes of products after chip production and deduce the yield of future products. The deductive estimation method can correctly depict the future test yield [Formula: see text] curve using the chip frequency data published by IRDS (International Roadmap for Devices and Systems) in 2017. Furthermore, test manufacturers can measure whether the current test capabilities can cope with future semiconductor chip manufacturing capabilities by predicting the trends. Next, test manufacturers can maintain high-quality and high-yield chip output by pre-adjusting the hardware testing capabilities of ATE (automated test equipment) or proposing more effective chip testing methods.

Retesting Schemes That Improve Test Quality and Yield Using a Test Guardband

“…Figure 3 shows the threshold test model [7], where X2 (ST) is the ATE signal (strobe) and X1 is the chip delay time of the DUT. In an ATE, the tester sends a strobe signal to compare the timing (X1, X2) and product's response ("passed" or "failed").…”

“…This thesis quantifies the process of testing and semiconductor chip manufacturing. Assuming that the characteristics of chip products are normally distributed, the DITM (integrated circuit testing model) model [7] is used to estimate the test quality (Y q ) and yield (Y t ) of chip products. The progress rate in future manufacturing industries is unpredictable.…”

“…(6) More high-quality chips can be selected. (7) The profits of the company significantly increase. By contrast, the retest method, R 2+ 2t , can increase the yield (Y t ) of the test the most, which is 10% higher than the R 1+ 1t method.…”

“…( 6) More high-quality chips can be selected. (7) The profits of the company significantly increase.…”

“…(6) They can effectively improve the performance of the testing machine. (7) They can use the current testing machines to screen out high-quality wafers.…”