Semiconductor Handler Stacker Positioning for Testing Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor device handlers face inefficiencies when dealing with varying quantities of devices to be tested, leading to increased equipment size, complex design, wasted space, and manpower consumption due to the need for additional belt structures and stackers, which are not fully utilized during normal fabrication quantities.
Innovation Solution
A handler with multiple supplying stackers, tray moving devices, and position selecting mechanisms that allow for efficient movement and positioning of customer trays, enabling continuous testing of semiconductor devices across different lots without enlarging equipment size or complexity, and utilizing sensors to optimize stacker operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple supplying stackers are provided to handle quantity variation of semiconductor devices, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single supplying stacker is designed to perform multiple functions: it can supply customer trays to different withdrawing positions (WP1, WP2) and can be repositioned dynamically. The stacker system serves both as a storage unit and an active supply mechanism that adapts to varying testing demands, eliminating the need for dedicated stackers for each position.
Solution Approach 2:
The supplying stacker is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically reposition between different withdrawing positions based on real-time testing needs. This dynamic configuration enables the system to adapt to quantity variations in semiconductor devices without requiring additional static stacker structures.
2Ease of operation
If additional belt structure is added to move customer trays between stackers and withdrawing positions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and fabrication cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The belt structure is completely removed from the system. Instead of using belts to transfer trays, the supplying stacker itself performs the transfer function by moving directly to the withdrawing positions. This extraction of the belt component simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The supplying stacker acts as an intermediary between storage and testing positions, directly transporting customer trays without requiring additional transmission mechanisms. This eliminates the need for belts and other intermediary structures that would complicate the system.
3Quantity of substance
If the vertical height of the stacker is increased to accommodate more customer trays, then the quantity of substance is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing vertical height to accommodate more trays, the system uses horizontal expansion by providing multiple supplying stackers that can be positioned at different locations. This dimensional shift from vertical to horizontal arrangement maintains accessibility while increasing overall capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray storage capacity is segmented across multiple supplying stackers rather than concentrated in a single tall stacker. Each stacker remains at a manageable height for easy operation, while the collective system provides the required total capacity through distributed storage units.
Data Source
AI summary
A handler for testing a semiconductor device which is used when testing the fabricated semiconductor device. The handler for testing a semiconductor device includes a stacker to supply and accommodate a customer tray and a position selecting device to move the stacker and select a position of the stacker. By efficiently operating the stacker, the handler is able to continuously handle a large amount of semiconductor devices in a same testing process or continuously handle semiconductor devices in different lots, and equipment is prevented from becoming larger or having more complex designs so that required space, production costs and manpower are reduced and operating rates are improved.