Substrate Inspection Temperature Control for Probe Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inspection systems face challenges in accurately controlling the temperature of substrates during electrical characteristics inspections, leading to potential yield deterioration and probe misalignment due to thermal expansion differences and heat disturbances, which affect the precision of electrical characteristics measurements.

Innovation Solution

An inspection system with integrated temperature control mechanisms, including a substrate holder and detector, uses a controller to adjust temperatures via heaters and chillers, and employs a heat flow model and observer to estimate and maintain the junction temperature of electronic devices, ensuring precise temperature control and alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If temperature control mechanisms are added to the inspection system, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubstrate temperature control precisionVSAvoidinspection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature control system is segmented into two independent control mechanisms: a substrate holder temperature adjustment mechanism and a detector temperature adjustment mechanism. Each mechanism independently controls the temperature of its respective component, allowing precise temperature management without requiring a single complex centralized control system. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by distributing temperature control functions across separate mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inspection system incorporates temperature detection sensors that continuously monitor the temperatures of both the substrate holder and detector. These temperature signals are fed back to the control unit, which automatically adjusts the heating or cooling actions to maintain desired temperature conditions. This feedback mechanism enables precise temperature control while keeping the system relatively simple through automated regulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If temperature control mechanisms are added to the inspection system, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical characteristics measurement precisionVSAvoidinspection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates temperature control into two independent mechanisms: one for the substrate holder and another for the detector. This segmentation allows each mechanism to be optimized for its specific function, improving measurement precision by maintaining stable temperatures at both the substrate and detector, while avoiding the complexity of a single integrated control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Temperature detection sensors provide continuous feedback on the temperatures of both the substrate holder and detector. The control unit uses this feedback to automatically adjust temperature conditions, ensuring stable measurement environments and high measurement precision without requiring overly complex manual control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If thermal expansion differences are not controlled, then device simplicity is maintained, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection system simplicityVSAvoidprobe alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting temperature control into separate mechanisms for the substrate holder and detector, the system can independently compensate for thermal expansion differences between these components. Each mechanism maintains its component at the appropriate temperature, preventing misalignment due to differential thermal expansion while keeping the overall system design relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system actively changes and maintains temperature parameters of both the substrate holder and detector to compensate for thermal expansion effects. By controlling temperatures within specific ranges, the system prevents probe misalignment that would otherwise occur due to thermal expansion differences, maintaining manufacturing precision without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The system enables accurate temperature control, preventing yield deterioration and probe misalignment, thereby enhancing the precision of electrical characteristics inspections and reducing costs by minimizing the need for additional temperature sensors.

Implementation Method 1

a holder temperature adjustment mechanism configured to detect a temperature of the substrate holder and adjust the temperature of the substrate holder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature detection:

Implementation Method 2

a detector temperature adjustment mechanism configured to detect a temperature of the detector and adjust the temperature of the detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature detection:

Implementation Method 3

uses a controller to adjust temperatures via heaters and chillers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 4

uses a controller to adjust temperatures via heaters and chillers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Data Source

PatentEP4651187A1Inspection system and temperature control method
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 TOKYO ELECTRON LTD
  • EP4651187A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4651187A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4651187A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are an inspection system and a temperature control method for inspecting a substrate while performing appropriate temperature control. The inspection system, which inspects a substrate while performing temperature control, includes a substrate holder that holds the substrate; a detector that supplies inspection power to an electrode of the substrate; a holder temperature adjustment mechanism that detects a temperature of the substrate holding unit, and adjusts the temperature of the substrate holder; a detector temperature adjustment mechanism that detects a temperature of the detector, and adjusts the temperature of the detector; and a controller. The controller adjusts the temperature control performed by the holder temperature adjustment mechanism and the detector temperature adjustment mechanism while the substrate is being inspected.