we have been told that every wafer we produce has PCM DATA structures. Can anyone please explain what it is, and what can we learn from these DATA?
Hello Drake,
PCM or ET are simples structures (e.g.: resistors, capacitors and simple transistors), that are placed between the dice (usually in the streets).
The purpose of these structures is to allow the fab to measure process parameters (e.g.: sheet resistance of metal layers, gate oxide breakdown, Ids current and more), to ensure the process is within spec during and after manufacturing of the wafer.
Usually, the fab measures these parameters in 5 or 9 locations in the wafer (e.g.: center, left, right, up and down), but in case of an issue the fab can measure in more locations and even produce a wafer map for each parameter.
The PCM data is used for acceptance / reject criteria. Depending upon the quality level is more or less parameters taken into account e.g. 3 out of 5 (industrial) or 5 out 5 (Automotive) PCM structures.
The forum ‘Forum’ is closed to new topics and replies.