System and method for physical identification of manufactured goods

Abstract

The finished good can include a machine-readable physical identifier, and the machine-readable physical identifier can be stored in a tracking file. The machine-readable physical identifier can be encoded with manufacturing information related to the finished good, including but not limited to manufacturing location, batch number, and manufacturing date. The tracking file can be updated based on one or more supply chain operations, including but not limited to a testing operation, a shipping operation, or a delivery operation. The tracking file can include information about testing results, shipping origin and destination, and delivery location. The tracking file can be delivered to a customer along with the finished good listed in the tracking file.

Description

priority

[0001] This application claims priority to jointly owned U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 613,842, filed December 22, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to a system and method for physical identification of manufactured articles and tracking of information related to manufactured articles. Background Technology

[0003] Tracking finished products from the manufacturing location to the end customer can be a complex issue for manufacturers. Additionally, tracking products that may be defective at the customer's location and identifying problems in the manufacturing process can be difficult and time-consuming.

[0004] In semiconductor products, individual products can be marked based on alphanumeric codes or identifiers written on the surface of the product. However, such markings may not include information specific to individual products (also known as units).

[0005] Existing solutions may include identifiers that combine numerical and alphanumeric symbols to indicate information including, but not limited to, manufacturing date, manufacturing location, and product number.

[0006] Existing solutions may not utilize machine-readable identifiers and may require manual work to decipher additional information from the identifiers. The information contained within the identifiers may not be associated with any post-manufacturing information, including test results, shipping information, and delivery information. Additionally, existing machine-readable physical identifiers may not include error correction in cases where the identifier may be corrupted. Error correction codes enable machine-readable physical identifiers to be read by scanners, cameras, or other imaging devices, even if the physical identifier has been corrupted.

[0007] A machine-readable physical identifier is required, which can be associated with an individual finished product and linked to a document that includes information about the manufacture, testing, shipment, and delivery of the finished product. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The example in this paper implements a system for tracking information related to manufactured goods based on machine-readable physical identifiers and tracking files.

[0009] According to one aspect, a system includes an article of manufacture that includes a machine-readable physical identifier for encoding one or more data elements associated with the article of manufacture. The system includes a tracking file that matches the one or more data elements with the article of manufacture, and the tracking file is updated based on one or more supply chain operations.

[0010] According to one aspect, a method includes the steps of: attaching a machine-readable physical identifier to a finished article; reading the physical identifier; processing the finished article as part of a manufacturing operation, testing operation, or supply chain operation; updating a tracking document based on the result of the manufacturing operation, testing operation, or supply chain operation; classifying the finished article based on the result of the manufacturing operation, testing operation, or supply chain operation; and transmitting the finished article and the tracking document to a customer. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is one example of a variety of examples of semiconductor products with machine-readable physical identifiers.

[0012] Figure 2 An example is shown of a system used to track information related to finished products.

[0013] Figure 3 This is one example of a variety of machine-readable physical identifiers.

[0014] Figure 4 Another example of a machine-readable physical identifier is shown.

[0015] Figure 5 This example illustrates one of various examples of semiconductor products that include tape-and-reel segments with machine-readable physical identifiers.

[0016] Figure 6 This illustrates a method for attaching machine-readable physical identifiers and tracking information related to finished products. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Figure 1 This example illustrates one of various examples of a semiconductor product 100 having a machine-readable physical identifier. The physical identifier may include a sequence of alphanumeric characters, a barcode, or an encoded identifier, including but not limited to a data matrix code or a Quick Response (QR) code. The semiconductor product 100 may include a semiconductor package 110. The semiconductor package 110 may be a ceramic package, a plastic package, or another material, and may contain one or more semiconductor dies. The semiconductor package 110 may include, for example... Figure 1 The leads shown may include solder balls (not shown) on the underside of the package. Figure 1The examples illustrated relate to semiconductor products, but this is not intended to be limiting. Machine-readable physical identifiers can be included on any manufactured item.

[0018] Semiconductor package 110 may include a pin-1 mark 130. Pin-1 mark 130 indicates the location of pin 1 on semiconductor package 110. Pin-1 mark 130 may be located on the lower left side of semiconductor package 110, such as... Figure 1 As illustrated, but this is not intended to be limiting. Pin 1, marked 130, may be located in another position.

[0019] Semiconductor package 110 may include a machine-readable physical identifier 120. The machine-readable physical identifier 120 may be a data matrix code, a quick response (QR) code, or another form of machine-readable physical identifier. The machine-readable physical identifier 120 may be encoded using one or more data elements related to the manufacturing and packaging of the semiconductor product, including but not limited to manufacturing year, manufacturing week, manufacturing day, manufacturing location, manufacturing batch, location on the wafer, tape number, row position within the tape, and column position. The machine-readable physical identifier 120 may be encoded using error-correcting codes (including but not limited to ECC-200).

[0020] Machine-readable physical identifier 120 can be located in, for example Figure 1 The lower right side of the illustrated semiconductor package 110, or another location on the surface of the semiconductor die 110.

[0021] The machine-readable physical identifier 120 may be attached to the semiconductor package 110 by direct printing, by attaching a label to the semiconductor package 120, by laser marking or engraving, etching, or by another method not specifically mentioned.

[0022] The machine-readable physical identifier 120 can be read by an optical scanner, camera, or another type of reader.

[0023] The associated tracking file may include additional information associated with each machine-readable physical identifier. The tracking file may include one or more data elements related to one or more supply chain operations, including but not limited to testing, optical analysis, and shipping.

[0024] For a given semiconductor product, the corresponding semiconductor package may each include a corresponding physical identifier.

[0025] Figure 2 An example is a system 200 for tracking information related to finished products.

[0026] Images of different steps in the manufacturing process are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. They may be used in conjunction with... Figure 2 The illustrated processes are different procedures used to perform the manufacturing steps.

[0027] Products can be manufactured at manufacturing plant 210. As part of the manufacturing process, machine-readable physical identifiers can be affixed to the products. Machine-readable physical identifiers can be affixed to the products by direct printing, by affixing labels to the products, by laser marking or engraving, etching, or by another method not specifically mentioned.

[0028] Manufacturing information 215 for the corresponding product can be stored in tracking file 290. The machine-readable physical identifier (MDI) of the corresponding product can be recorded in tracking file 290. Manufacturing information 215 can be associated with the MDI of the corresponding product. As one example among various examples, the first line of tracking file 290 can be associated with a first unit and can include the MDI of the first unit. The first line of tracking file 290 can include manufacturing information 215 associated with the first unit. The second line of tracking file 290 can be associated with a second unit and can include the MDI of the second unit. The second line of tracking file 290 can include manufacturing information 215 of the second unit.

[0029] The manufacturing information 215 for the corresponding product stored in the tracking file 290 may include the manufacturing date, manufacturing location, batch number, production line, and other manufacturing information not specifically mentioned. The manufacturing information 215 may include packaging information, including but not limited to the row and column positions of the tape, the packaging location, and the packaging date.

[0030] At operation 220, the product can be tested. Testing may include one or more automated test programs that produce pass / fail results, parametric results, and other numerical and qualitative results. The test results 225 of the test operation can be stored in a tracking file 290. In the current example, the test result 225 of the first unit can be attached to the first line of the tracking file 290 and associated with a machine-readable physical identifier attached to the first unit. The test result 225 of the second unit can be attached to the second line of the tracking file 290 and associated with a machine-readable physical identifier attached to the second product. Thus, the tracking file 290 can include manufacturing information 215 and test results 225 for the respective products. As part of the testing, the machine-readable physical identifier can be read by a scanner, camera, or other optical sensing device.

[0031] Finished products can be categorized based on information in the tracking files. As one example among various examples, finished products that exceed performance thresholds during testing can be categorized into the qualified group, while finished products that do not exceed performance thresholds can be categorized into the unqualified group.

[0032] At point 230, products can be transported or shipped. Figure 2 The example illustrates shipment via truck, but this is not intended to be restrictive. Shipment information 235 for the corresponding product can be stored in tracking file 290. Shipment information 235 may include shipment origin, shipment destination, means of transport, container, or other shipment information not specifically mentioned. In the current example, shipment information 235 for the first unit may be attached to the first line of tracking file 290 and may be associated with a machine-readable physical identifier attached to the first unit. Shipment information 235 for the second unit may be attached to the second line of tracking file 290 and may be associated with a machine-readable physical identifier attached to the second product. Thus, tracking file 290 may include manufacturing information 215, test results 225, and shipment information 235 for the corresponding finished product. As part of transportation and shipment, the machine-readable physical identifier may be read by a scanner, camera, or other optical sensing device.

[0033] At operation 240, the product can be delivered to the customer facility. Delivery information 245 for the corresponding product can be stored in tracking file 290. Delivery information 245 may include delivery location, delivery date and time, signature or other authorization information, and other delivery information not specifically mentioned. In the current example, delivery information 245 for the first unit can be attached to the first line of tracking file 290 and can be associated with the first unit based on the machine-readable physical identifier attached to the first unit. Delivery information 235 for the second unit can be attached to the second line of tracking file 290 and can be associated with the machine-readable physical identifier attached to the second product. As part of the delivery, the machine-readable physical identifier can be read by a scanner, camera, or other optical sensing device. Thus, tracking file 290 may include manufacturing information 215, test results 225, shipping information 235, and delivery information 245 for the corresponding product.

[0034] Machine-readable physical identifiers can be attached to products on a unit-by-unit basis, allowing individual products to be tracked based on their respective machine-readable physical identifiers.

[0035] Figure 2 The example illustrates a specific sequence of supply chain operations: manufacturing, then testing, then shipping, and then delivery. This sequence is not intended to be restrictive. Other examples can be found... Figure 2 The examples demonstrate supply chain operations executed in a different order. Other examples may include those not referenced. Figure 2 The specific supply chain operations mentioned may be omitted from the reference. Figure 2 Specifically, the supply chain operations mentioned.

[0036] Figure 3This is one example of various examples of a machine-readable physical identifier 300. The machine-readable physical identifier 300 may include 16×16 data matrix cells. The machine-readable physical identifier 300 may include 16 rows 310 and 16 columns 320. The machine-readable physical identifier 300 may encode 12 alphanumeric characters, as indicated by codeword 350. Codeword 350 in... Figure 3 The codeword 350 is exemplified as "ZZZZZZZZZZZZ", but this is merely to illustrate that codeword 350 includes 12 alphanumeric characters. The content of codeword 350 can be any combination of the 12 alphanumeric characters, and is not limited to the alphanumeric character "Z".

[0037] The machine-readable physical identifier 300 can encode manufacturing information, including but not limited to manufacturing year, manufacturing week, manufacturing day, batch number, manufacturing facility, and product number. The product number can be a generic number for all units of a specific type, or it can be a specific number associated with one or more units. The machine-readable physical identifier 300 can encode packaging information, including but not limited to row and column information in tape and reel packaging, and row and column information in product trays. The encoding of the machine-readable physical identifier 300 may include error-correcting codes.

[0038] Figure 3 The example illustrates a 16×16 machine-readable physical identifier 300, but this is not intended to be limiting. Other examples of machine-readable physical identifiers may be larger or smaller than machine-readable physical identifier 300.

[0039] exist Figure 3 In the example, the machine-readable physical identifier 300 is exemplified as a data matrix unit, but this is not intended to be restrictive. The machine-readable physical identifier 300 can be a QR code or another machine-readable code.

[0040] During operation, the tracking file can record the corresponding machine-readable physical identifier 300 of the corresponding unit, and can also record manufacturing, testing, shipping and delivery information associated with the corresponding unit.

[0041] Figure 4Another example of a machine-readable physical identifier 400 is illustrated. The machine-readable physical identifier 400 may include 16×16 data matrix cells. The machine-readable physical identifier 400 may include 16 rows 410 and 16 columns 420. The machine-readable physical identifier 400 may encode 12 numeric characters and 3 alphanumeric characters, as indicated by codeword 450. Codeword 450 is illustrated as “9999ZZZ99999999”, but this is merely to illustrate that codeword 450 includes 12 numeric characters and 3 alphanumeric characters. The content of codeword 450 can be any combination of the 3 numeric characters. The content of codeword 450 can be any combination of the 12 alphanumeric characters, and is not limited to the alphanumeric character “Z”.

[0042] As one example among various examples, codeword 450 can be encoded as the alphanumeric sequence “1234ABC01432311”. The alphanumeric sequence “1234” indicates that the product is part number 1234, where the part number is a unique identifier for a specific catalog product. As one example among various examples, the part number could indicate a 5-V boost converter or a 16-bit 4-channel analog-to-digital converter. The alphanumeric sequence “ABC” indicates that the product was manufactured on manufacturing line A in building B at facility C. The alphanumeric sequence “0143” indicates that the product was manufactured on the first day of week 43. The alphanumeric sequence “2311” indicates that the product is located at position 23 in the 11th reel package. Therefore, the alphanumeric sequence “1234ABC01432311” can identify a specific unit from multiple units produced. The alphanumeric sequence “1234ABC01432311” can be encoded into a data matrix code to generate a machine-readable physical identifier 400. The alphanumeric sequence “1234ABC01432311” can be encoded into a QR code to generate a machine-readable physical identifier 400. The encoding of the machine-readable physical identifier 400 may include error-correcting codes.

[0043] The machine-readable physical identifier 400 can encode manufacturing information, including but not limited to manufacturing year, manufacturing week, manufacturing day, batch number, manufacturing facility, and product number. The machine-readable physical identifier 400 can also encode packaging information, including but not limited to row and column information in tape and reel packaging, and row and column information in product trays.

[0044] Figure 4 The example illustrates a specific combination of 12 numeric characters and 3 alphanumeric characters, specifically 4 numeric characters followed by 3 alphanumeric characters, followed by 8 numeric characters, but this is not intended to be restrictive.

[0045] Figure 4The example illustrates a 16×16 machine-readable physical identifier 400, but this is not intended to be limiting. Other examples of machine-readable physical identifiers may be larger or smaller than machine-readable physical identifier 400.

[0046] During operation, the tracking file can record the corresponding machine-readable physical identifier 400 with the corresponding unit, and can also record manufacturing, testing, shipping and delivery information associated with the corresponding unit.

[0047] Figure 5 This is one example of a variety of examples that includes a tape segment 500 of a semiconductor product having a machine-readable physical identifier. Segment 500 may be a part of a larger tape package.

[0048] Segment 500 may include a first row 511 and a second row 512. Other examples may include a single row or more than two rows. Segment 500 may include columns 521, 522, 523, 524, 525, 526, 527, 528, 529, and 530. Individual semiconductor packages can be indexed by their rows and columns. As an example, package 535 may be indexed as the second row 512 and the second column 522.

[0049] Individual semiconductor packages may include machine-readable physical identifiers. As one example among various examples, the semiconductor package at row 512 and column 524 may include a machine-readable physical identifier 541. The machine-readable physical identifier 541 may be encoded using one or more data elements related to the manufacturing of the semiconductor product, including but not limited to manufacturing year, manufacturing week, manufacturing day, manufacturing location, manufacturing batch, tape strip, tape row position, and tape column position. The machine-readable physical identifier 541 may be encoded using error-correcting codes (including but not limited to ECC-200).

[0050] The trace file may record a machine-readable physical identifier 540 and may associate the machine-readable physical identifier 540 with a semiconductor package located at the second row 512 and the fourth column 524. The trace file may include information about all semiconductor packages within segment 500.

[0051] As one example among various examples, the semiconductor package at row 512 and column 523 may include a machine-readable physical identifier 540. The machine-readable physical identifier 540 may be encoded using one or more data elements related to the manufacturing of the semiconductor product, including but not limited to manufacturing year, manufacturing week, manufacturing day, manufacturing location, manufacturing batch, tape strip, tape row position, and tape column position. The machine-readable physical identifier 540 may be encoded using error-correcting codes (including but not limited to ECC-200).

[0052] The trace file may record a machine-readable physical identifier 540 and may associate the machine-readable physical identifier 540 with a semiconductor package located at the second row 512 and the third column 523. The trace file may include information about all semiconductor packages within segment 500.

[0053] Machine-readable physical identifiers may also be placed on the reel itself, on the packaging tube, or on any other item used in the manufacture, testing, and shipment of the product.

[0054] Figure 6 This illustrates a method for attaching machine-readable physical identifiers and tracking information.

[0055] At operation 610, a machine-readable physical identifier (MDI) may be affixed to the finished article. The MDI may be printed on the finished article, etched into the finished article, attached to the finished article using adhesive, or affixed in another manner not specifically mentioned. The finished article may be referred to as a unit. The MDI may be encoded using one or more data elements related to the manufacture of the finished article, including but not limited to the year of manufacture, week of manufacture, day of manufacture, location of manufacture, batch of manufacture, and location within a package containing multiple finished articles. The MDI may be recorded in a tracking file.

[0056] At operation 620, as part of a manufacturing operation, testing operation, or supply chain operation, a machine-readable physical identifier can be read. The machine-readable physical identifier can be read by an optical scanner or by another method.

[0057] At operation 630, a unit can be handled as part of a manufacturing operation, testing operation, or supply chain operation. In one example of various examples, a testable unit is included. As another example, a unit can be shipped from one facility to another.

[0058] At operation 640, the trace file can be updated based on the processing in operation 630. As one example among various examples, the trace file can be updated using the unit's test results. As another example, the trace file can be updated using shipping information for the unit.

[0059] At operation 650, units can be categorized based on the results of the processing in operation 630. As one example among various examples, units that fail the test in operation 630 can be moved to the waste bin, while units that pass the test in operation 630 can be moved to subsequent steps in the supply chain operation. The tracking file can be updated based on the categorization operation.

[0060] At operation 660, the unit and tracking documents can be shipped to the customer.

[0061] Thus, tracking documents can include information on the manufacturing, testing, shipping, and delivery of the corresponding finished product. Tracking documents can be used by customers to track products to their final destination and by manufacturers to trace any manufacturing issues. As one example among various examples, tracking documents can record information that can be used to identify testing issues on a specific day or at a specific testing location.

[0062] Examples of this disclosure may include a system. The system may include finished products and tracking documents. The product may include machine-readable physical identifiers for encoding one or more data elements associated with the finished product. One or more data elements may be matched with the finished product, and the tracking documents are updated based on one or more supply chain operations.

[0063] Combining any of the examples above, a machine-readable physical identifier can encode one or more numeric values ​​and one or more alphanumeric values.

[0064] Combining any of the examples above, a machine-readable physical identifier includes a data matrix code.

[0065] Combining any of the examples above, machine-readable physical identifiers include Quick Response (QR) codes.

[0066] Combining any of the examples above, machine-readable physical identifiers can be encoded using error-correcting codes.

[0067] Combining any of the examples above, one or more supply chain operations may include one or more of manufacturing operations, shipping operations, or testing operations.

[0068] Combining any of the examples above, a machine-readable physical identifier can encode the manufacturing date and batch number information of a finished product.

[0069] By combining any of the examples above, the tracking file can be updated using the test results of the finished product.

[0070] Combining any of the examples above, the tracking file can be updated using the shipment date and location of the finished product.

[0071] Combining any of the examples above, the finished product may include a semiconductor device in a package, and the machine-readable physical identifier includes a data matrix code printed on the package.

[0072] Combining any of the examples above, machine-readable physical identifiers can encode the row and column positions of a finished product within a tape package.

[0073] Combining any of the examples above, the trace file may include the results of pass / fail tests performed on the finished product by an automated testing program.

[0074] Combining any of the examples above, the trace file may include numerical results of parametric testing operations performed on the finished product by an automated testing program.

[0075] Examples of this disclosure may include a method. This method may include producing any of the examples above. The finished product and physical identifier used in this method may include any of the finished product and physical identifiers in the examples above. The method may include: attaching a machine-readable physical identifier to a finished product; reading the physical identifier; processing the finished product as part of a manufacturing operation, testing operation, or supply chain operation; updating a tracking document based on the results of the manufacturing operation, testing operation, or supply chain operation; classifying the finished product based on the results of the manufacturing operation, testing operation, or supply chain operation; and transmitting the finished product and tracking document to a customer.

[0076] Combining any of the examples above, a machine-readable physical identifier can encode one or more numeric values ​​and one or more alphanumeric values.

[0077] Combining any of the examples above, a machine-readable physical identifier may include a data matrix code.

[0078] Combining any of the examples above, a machine-readable physical identifier may include a Quick Response (QR) code.

[0079] Combining any of the examples above, test operations may include automated semiconductor test procedures.

[0080] Combining any of the examples above, supply chain operations may include shipping finished goods from a first location to a second location.

[0081] Combining any of the examples above, updating the tracking file may include recording the pass / fail results of test operations, where the results may be associated with the corresponding individual unit of the finished product.

[0082] Combining any of the examples above, updating the trace file may include recording the parameter results of test operations, where the results may be associated with the corresponding individual unit of the finished product.

[0083] Combining any of the examples above, the method may include delivering the finished product and tracking documents to the customer.

[0084] The examples of semiconductor products are not intended to be limiting. Other types of manufactured goods may include machine-readable physical identifiers. The examples above are not intended to be limiting.

Claims

1. A system comprising: An article of manufacture, the article of manufacture including a machine-readable physical identifier for encoding one or more data elements associated with the article of manufacture; and A tracking file, wherein one or more data elements are matched with the finished product, and the tracking file is updated based on one or more supply chain operations.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the machine-readable physical identifier is used to encode one or more numerical values ​​and one or more alphanumeric values.

3. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the machine-readable physical identifier includes a data matrix code.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the machine-readable physical identifier includes a Quick Response (QR) code.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the machine-readable physical identifier is encoded using error-correcting codes.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the one or more supply chain operations include one or more of manufacturing operations, shipping operations, or testing operations.

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the machine-readable physical identifier is used to encode the manufacturing date and batch number information of the finished product.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the tracking file is updated using test results of the finished product.

9. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the tracking file is updated using the shipment date and location of the finished product.

10. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the article of manufacture includes a semiconductor device in a package, and the machine-readable physical identifier includes a data matrix code printed on the package.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the machine-readable physical identifier is used to encode the row and column positions of the finished product in the tape package.

12. The system according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein the tracking file includes the results of pass / fail test operations performed on the finished product by an automated test program.

13. The system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the tracking file comprises numerical results of parametric testing operations performed on the finished product by an automated testing program.

14. A method comprising: Attach machine-readable physical identifiers to finished products; Read the physical identifier; The finished product is processed as part of a manufacturing operation, testing operation, or supply chain operation; Update the tracking file based on the results of the manufacturing, testing, or supply chain operations. The finished products are classified based on the results of the manufacturing operations, testing operations, or supply chain operations. as well as The finished product and the tracking file are then delivered to the customer.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the machine-readable physical identifier is used to encode one or more numerical values ​​and one or more alphanumeric values.

16. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 15, wherein the machine-readable physical identifier comprises a data matrix code.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the machine-readable physical identifier comprises a Quick Response (QR) code.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the test operation includes an automated semiconductor test procedure.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the supply chain operation includes shipping the finished product from a first location to a second location.

20. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein updating the tracking file includes recording the pass / fail results of the test operation, the results being associated with a corresponding individual unit of the finished product.

21. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein updating the tracking file includes recording parameter results of the test operation, said results being associated with a corresponding individual unit of the finished product.

22. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 21, the method comprising transmitting the finished product and the tracking document to a customer.

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