Semiconductor Evaluation Fluid Spraying for Partial Discharge Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing semiconductor evaluating methods face challenges in preventing partial discharge during electrical characteristic evaluation, leading to device malfunction and increased costs due to the need for expensive equipment and prolonged evaluation times, especially when dealing with semiconductor wafers and chips.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor evaluating device and method that incorporates a chuck stage, contact probe, and fluid spraying portion to spray a fluid onto the measuring object, preventing partial discharge without the need for a sealed measurement space or additional fluid handling processes, thereby reducing costs and evaluation time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If inspection is carried out in a closed space filled with inert gas, then partial discharge is prevented, but device complexity and evaluation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of partial dischargeVSAvoidstructure of evaluating device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential function of preventing partial discharge by applying fluid spraying only to the measuring object surface rather than filling an entire closed space with inert gas. This eliminates the need for complex sealed chambers while maintaining discharge prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces fluid spraying as an intermediary mechanism between the contact probe and measuring object. The fluid acts as a mediator that prevents direct electrical discharge while allowing the evaluation process to continue, replacing the need for complex inert gas filling systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If inspection is carried out in a closed space filled with inert gas, then partial discharge is prevented, but evaluation time increases due to filling requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of partial dischargeVSAvoidtime required for evaluating step
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies fluid spraying as a preliminary protective measure directly onto the measuring object before electrical evaluation begins. This eliminates the need for time-consuming inert gas filling procedures while ensuring discharge prevention is established beforehand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a static sealed chamber system to a dynamic fluid spraying system. The fluid can be applied continuously or as needed during the evaluation process, allowing flexible timing that eliminates fixed filling cycles and reduces overall evaluation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If insulating liquid is used for evaluation, then partial discharge is prevented, but cost increases and liquid removal processing is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of partial dischargeVSAvoidcost and processing requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a disposable or easily replaceable fluid spraying system rather than requiring expensive, complex liquid handling infrastructure. The fluid can be applied and then easily removed or replaced without requiring sophisticated recovery or disposal systems, reducing both cost and processing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the liquid handling complexity by using a spraying mechanism that deposits fluid only where needed on the measuring object surface, rather than requiring system-wide liquid filling and removal processes. This separates the protective function from the complex liquid management infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Effectively prevents partial discharge during semiconductor evaluations, enhancing yield and reducing operational costs by simplifying the evaluation process and eliminating the need for complex sealing or fluid handling procedures.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid spraying portion for spraying a fluid onto the measuring object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentUS9335371B2Semiconductor evaluating device and semiconductor evaluating method
Publication Date: 2016.05.10 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • US9335371B2 patent drawing
  • US9335371B2 patent drawing
  • US9335371B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A semiconductor evaluating device includes a chuck stage for holding a semiconductor device serving as a measuring object, a contact probe for evaluating an electrical characteristic of the semiconductor device by getting contact with the semiconductor device held on the chuck stage, and a fluid spraying portion for spraying a fluid onto the semiconductor device.