Wafer Cassette Handling for Low-Latency Storage Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage systems using semiconductor wafers in data centers face latency issues due to the need to physically transfer and align wafers on a prober, which can damage the wafers and prolong data access times.

Innovation Solution

A storage system utilizing wafer cassettes that include semiconductor wafers, allowing for efficient transport and connection to a host apparatus without direct wafer handling, using transport devices and a host unit to manage and prioritize wafer locations for reduced latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If semiconductor wafers are physically transferred and aligned on a prober for data access, then data access is enabled, but latency increases and wafer damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata access speedVSAvoidwafer transfer and alignment time

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the wafer handling process by introducing wafer cassettes that contain multiple wafers. Instead of handling individual wafers, the system transports and manages entire cassettes, reducing the frequency and complexity of wafer transfer operations while maintaining data access capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wafer cassette serves as an intermediary between the prober and individual wafers. The cassette holder mechanism allows the prober to access wafers through the cassette structure, eliminating direct prober-wafer contact and reducing alignment time while protecting wafers from damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If semiconductor wafers are directly handled and aligned on a prober, then data access is possible, but wafer damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewafer handling operationVSAvoidwafer damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wafer cassette structure provides beforehand cushioning and protection for wafers. The cassette holder and cassette design create a protective environment that cushions wafers from direct contact with the prober and handling mechanisms, preventing damage before it can occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The wafer cassette acts as an intermediary protective layer between the handling system and the fragile wafers. This mediator allows operations to be performed on the cassette rather than directly on wafers, reducing mechanical stress and damage risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12469729B2Storage system

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 KIOXIA CORP

AI summary

According to one embodiment, when a first case-mounted memory device that includes a first memory device is not connected to a slot of a host apparatus and is stored in a second stocker, the host apparatus causes a second transport device to transport the first case-mounted memory device to the slot, and to connect it thereto. When the first case-mounted memory device is not connected to the slot and is not stored in the second stocker, the host apparatus causes a first transport device to transport the first memory device from a first stocker to a mounter, causes the mounter to mount the first memory device in a case, and causes the second transport device to transport the first case-mounted memory device to the slot and to connect it thereto.