Horizontal Infrastructure Handling for IC Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

The labor-intensive and error-prone conventional processes for programming and testing of customized horizontal integrated circuit (IC) devices require significant human effort and result in high manufacturing costs and long processing cycles due to the need for individual handling and customization of each order.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system that allows for the bulk processing of customized IC device parts from a common uncustomized base part, using a multi-platform configuration system to aggregate orders and automate the testing, programming, and handling processes, reducing the need for human intervention and enabling the production of multiple custom parts on a single tape reel with individual identification for efficient shipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional individual handling and customization processes are used for each IC device order, then each order can be processed with specific customization requirements, but labor intensity and processing time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidprocessing throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the customization process by creating separate configuration files for each IC device order, allowing parallel processing of multiple orders. Each order's customization parameters are isolated in individual data structures, enabling simultaneous handling without interference between orders.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring test and programming parameters in configuration files before actual device processing. All customization settings, test conditions, and programming instructions are prepared in advance, eliminating the need for manual setup during production runs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual operations are used for testing and programming of customized IC devices, then flexibility in handling different orders is maintained, but error rate and labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorder handling flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where test results and programming outcomes are automatically captured and used to verify compliance with customization requirements. Configuration files serve as reference standards against which actual device performance is compared, ensuring accuracy and enabling automatic correction of deviations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing configuration files to automatically guide the testing and programming processes without human intervention. The customized parameters in configuration files direct the equipment to perform appropriate operations, and results are automatically recorded and validated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If batch processing of multiple different custom orders is avoided, then each order receives dedicated attention, but manufacturing cycle time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorder-specific accuracyVSAvoidprocessing cycle time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple custom orders into a single integrated processing workflow by using a common configuration file structure. Different order parameters are combined in one system, allowing simultaneous processing of multiple orders while maintaining individual customization through distinct configuration data for each order.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves universality by creating a multi-functional configuration file format that can accommodate various IC device types, test methods, and programming requirements. A single system architecture handles diverse customization needs through parameter variations in configuration files rather than requiring separate dedicated processes for each order type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9989585B2Horizontal infrastructure handling for integrated circuit devices

Publication Date: 2018.06.05 SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided that may be implemented to produce customized integrated circuit (IC) device parts together from a common base IC device part that is customized with settings or code to build different unique IC device parts for different purposes that are processed and output together from the manufacturing process. Different individual devices of the common base part may be customized (e.g., programmed) with different settings and/or code to build respective uniquely configured parts for different purposes, e.g., such as according to different respective part orders.