Semiconductor Basics
This element is the primary material used in semiconductor wafers
What is silicon?
This term refers to the first unit built to validate design and process.
What is an alpha / first article build?
This is the first action when a tool fails a test.
What is document the issue and notify engineering?
These items must be worn in the cleanroom to prevent contamination and maintain safety.
What is PPE (gown, gloves, mask, glasses, booties)?
This person should be contacted for clarification on build instructions.
Who is the Manufacturing Engineer or Lead Technician?
This process removes material to create patterns on the wafer.
What is etching?
This document provides step-by-step instructions for assembling tools.
What are Manufacturing Work Instructions (MWI), Work instructions, OMS, SOE, procedure?
This type of test verifies tool functionality without using wafers.
What is a dry run / simulation mode?
This acronym stands for a safety procedure to isolate energy sources and Accidental machine startup.
What is LOTO (Lockout/Tagout)?
This daily meeting reviews goals, issues, and updates.
What is a Tier Meeting, daily status meeting, daily 8 AM meeting?
This controlled environment minimizes contamination during wafer processing.
What is a cleanroom?
This issue often causes delays in pilot builds due to late updates.
What are engineering changes?
This test ensures vacuum integrity and prevents contamination.
What is a leak check?
This feature prevents unsafe operation of a tool.
What is a safety interlock?
This tool helps track and resolve build issues.
What is a build tracker/ ESR/ QB / JIRA / PMPM?
This chamber enables plasma processes by maintaining low pressure.
What is a vacuum chamber?
This markup on a drawing indicates corrections or changes during a build.
What is a redline?
This device measures vacuum pressure inside a chamber.
What is a vacuum gauge/ manometer ?
This is the first action when discovering a chemical leak.
What is evacuate and report the incident?
This lean practice involves walking the shop floor to observe processes.
What is a Gemba/ RMBWA walk?
This energized state of gas is used in dry etch tools to modify wafer surfaces.
What is plasma?
This temporary approval allows deviation from standard build procedures.
What is a build deviation / deviation waiver/ deviation request approval ?
What is a common reason for failing a wafer transfer test?
What is Misaligned robot arm / faulty sensors / teaching issue
What’s the term for identifying potential hazards before they happen?
What is Risk Assessment
This type of communication ensures alignment between engineering and manufacturing.
What is cross-functional communication, CFT meeting?