UPW Systems - Best Known Practices

Roundtable handout from February Community Event

This presentation was given as part of the Ultrapure Micro 2021 annual conference. It was given as a keynote presentation

The complexity of integrated circuit (IC) manufacturing for advanced nodes, paired with the growing demand for higher yields and lower defectivity, requires close alignment among industry stakeholders. New systematic improvements of system design, material choice and quality assurance methodologies are needed to minimise every possible source of contamination and variation in the manufacturing process. An extensive collaborative effort between SEMI Standards Task Forces and IRDS roadmap teams, representing the IC manufacturing supply chain, is focused on developing industry best practices to enable proactive yield management. As a result, relevant SEMI Standards are being revised to focus on the quality of UPW and liquid chemicals, design and operation of related systems, qualification of polymer assemblies and process critical materials and components. This article was originally published in the Ultrapure Micro Journal in March 2019.

This article provides an overview of the biggest challenge of UPW technology – particle control. The latest semiconductor technologies require near particle-free water, where the “killer” particle size is far below the size that UPW metrology can effectively detect. Also, current advanced treatment methods cannot guarantee reliable removal of killer-sized particles. The quality of the high-purity materials used downstream of the final filters has not typically been tested for shedding of the “killer” particles. Consequently, the semiconductor industry requires a comprehensive approach for the particle control. A new approach should include mitigating particle occurrence and continuously improving the technologies used in UPW polish and distribution systems. Such an approach should also include extensive use of SEMI standards to improve the quality of the materials used; a new way to engineer solutions related to system-configuration and system design; improved process control; and a careful review of critical operational decisions. Collaboration throughout the industry via IRDS and SEMI Standards is key to enabling such systematic improvement, and overcoming the metrology and other constraints. This article was originally published in the Ultrapure Micro Journal in November 2017.

This webinar begins with Slava Libman, FTD Solutions, presenting the annual International Roadmap for Devices and Systems (IRDS) and SEMI Standards Update. Following the presentation we continue with a panel discussion exploring risk management, resilience, and sustainability within the industry. Using the IRDS roadmap as an outline, our expert panellists discuss the continuing need for making improvements to technological gaps and facilities’ environmental footprints, whilst building a secure and sustainable future for the industry.

This presentation was given at the Ultrapure Micro 2020 annual conference. It was presented in the Ultrapure Water Production track, as part of the Wafer Contamination Control - Particles Monitoring session.

This presentation was given at the Ultrapure Micro 2019 annual conference. It was presented during the Learning Series, as part of the Ultrapure Water Production track.

This presentation was given at the Ultrapure Micro 2019 annual conference. It was presented during the Learning Series, as part of the Ultrapure Water Production track.

This presentation was given at the Ultrapure Micro 2018 annual conference. It was presented during the Learning Series, as part of the Ultrapure Water Production track.

This presentation was given at the Ultrapure Micro 2018 annual conference. It was presented during the Learning Series, as part of the Ultrapure Water Production track.