Effective methodology for movement of rapid turn around time (RTAT) hardware in a multi-flow fabricator

Progressively shorter product life spans have resulted in increased need to reduce time to market for new products within numerous offerings of semiconductor technologies. Rapid turn around time (RTAT) hardware, which is expedited through a fabricator, can provide customers with quick feedback on form, fit, and function to secure future volume loads of new semiconductor technology designs. This is a critical aspect of the business environment and success is essential for growth in the marketplace. Faced with moving RTAT hardware through a 200 mm memory and logic fabricator, a team from IBM Microelectronics in Essex Junction, Vermont, developed new business processes and paradigms aimed at improving RTAT serviceability. This paper discusses an array of topics in regards to RTAT improvements