Detect and classify semiconductor defects faster with Prodrive Technologies

As semiconductor quality inspection becomes more challenging, Prodrive Technologies has published a new report exploring the benefits of adopting AI-based defect classification technology.

Semiconductor manufacturing and integrated circuit production are complex processes. The new report, titled ‘Why now is the time to switch to AI-Enabled Automated Defect Classification’ looks at the key challenges for manufacturers, discusses potential ways to overcome them by harnessing AI technology, and explores the various business benefits.

“Quality and productivity are key for businesses producing semiconductors. This means effective and accurate inspection and defect review, whether manual or automated, are of the utmost importance,” says Bas van Bree, Program Manager for Prodrive Technologies. “However, achieving an elevated level of accuracy and efficiency is difficult.”

The report cites examples of challenges such as dealing with evolving, complex designs, improving yield to remain competitive, maintaining legacy hardware and production, and identifying the right people within an organisation to maintain complex inspection systems.

This is where artificial intelligence and machine learning can help, by enhancing the potential to do automated defect review. With Prodrive Technologies, it is now possible to leverage deep learning within the fab thanks to the Robovision AI platform which has been tailored for AI-enabled Automated Defect Classification (ADC) applications, all with a solution that can evolve as businesses, and products, change.

“For semiconductor manufacturers, new AI tools and techniques can help manage increasing inspection tool throughput and device complexity challenges. This may add functionality, while also bringing value. However, it is a very new area for many businesses,” says van Bree.

He continues “This is why Prodrive Technologies partners closely with customers to help define the most efficient systems and solutions for their specific application and realise the benefits.”

For instance, once AI systems are in place, manufacturers can detect and classify defects faster, eliminating flaws in production, reducing human error, and improving yield. The AI options available now are also scalable with future needs and can be integrated on both new tools and developments, and existing equipment in the field.

“Prodrive Technologies is an excellent example of how the Robovision AI platform can bring added value in a manufacturing setting,” says Jonathan Berte, founder and CEO of Robovision. “By harnessing the power of Robovision, Prodrive can implement real collaborative intelligence between human operatives and machines to create better high-end semiconductors and increase production yield.”

“Manufacturers that do not update their defect classification process risk being left behind by their competitors,” says van Bree. “I encourage these businesses to read our new report to see how proven AI-enabled systems can drastically improve yield and accuracy and understand why now is the right time to make a change.”

To download the report ‘Why now is the time to switch to AI-Enabled Automated Defect Classification’ visit www.prodrive-technologies.com .