AW-903eR Plasma Etch RIE

Manufacturer: Allwin21 Corp.
Condition: New
Wafer Size: 3″ – 6″ Capability
Wafer Loading: 3-axis Robot; Stationary Cassette Plate (Video)
Plasma Power: RF 13.56MHz, Air Cooling. Avoid flood in Fab.
Type: Parallel/Single Wafer Process; Stand-Alone
Gas Lines: 1-3 Lines

Main Customers: Link

Free Fast Quote: Link

Downloads: AW-90xeR (PDF)

The robust integrated robotic wafer transfer for Tegal 901e Tegal 90e

    AW-903eR Plasma Etch System Key Features:.

    • PROCESS AND PRODUCTION PROVEN reactor chamber assembly with upper and lower electrode.
    • Handles  75mm,100mm, 125mm, 150mm Silicon or III-V wafers ,round.
    • Robotic 3-axis wafer transfer TO PREVENT WAFER BREAKAGE. (Video)
    • 4 independent gas line with 4 MFCs (Customized)
    • Processing of substrate directly on cooled wafer chuck
    • 13.56MHz fully automated RF matching network
    • ENI ACG-10B 13.56MHz or Equivalent (Water Cooled).  Air-Cooled RF Generators are optional.
    • Accurate, closed-loop pressure control with UPC and MKS Baratron capacitance manometer
    • Touch screen monitor or LCD Monitor with PC.

    New AW-903eR Control System from Allwin21 Corp.

    • Gas flows: settings for up to 4 independent mass flow controller values
    • RF power: 50 to 1000 watts
    • Process pressure
    • Absolute endpoint time
    • Timed cycles up to 4 hour each
    • Wafer pins up/down
    • Optical Endpoint Parameters
    • Automated calibration of all subsystems
    • Trouble shooting to subassembly levels
    • Programmed comprehensive calibration and Built-in diagnostic functions
    • Recipe creation for full automatic wafer processing
    • Automatic decline of improper recipes and process data
    • Multi level pass word protections
    • Storage of multiple recipes and system functions
    • Real-Time process data acquisition, display ,analysis
    • Real-Time graphics display
    • Process Data and Recipe storage on a hard drive

    AW-903eR Dry Etch System Overview:

    The AW-903eR Plasma/RlE etch System is a fully automated, single-wafer plasma Poly and Oxide etching system that processes 3″, 4″, 5″, 6″ wafers. The system is used in one part of the sequence of manufacturing steps that transfer a pattern formed from a layer of photosensitive material, the photoresist, to a layer that makes up a  permanent part of the finished device. The process of defining a pattern with photoresist is known as photolithography, while the etch process transfers the photoresist pattern to the permanent layer.

    The materials used in semiconductor device fabrication may be etched in two ways, either wet or dry. In wet etching, the material to be etched comes into contact with a liquid in which the material dissolves. The action of the liquid solvent removes material that is exposed to the solution. Material that is masked, or covered, by the photoresist remains after etching as a permanent pattern. Dry etching, also termed plasma etching, substitutes a reactive gas mixture for the liquid solvent to accomplish the same result of pattern transfer. Dry etching is capable of transferring into the permanent layer features smaller than those produced with wet etching, with greater control over the variation in feature size. The current requirements of the semiconductor  industry necessitate the use of dry etching for most of the pattern transfer steps. As semiconductor devices become denser and faster, the shift to dry etching will continue. Dry etching systems are divided into two broad categories, batch etchers and single-wafer etchers. Batch etching systems etch more than one wafer at a time, while single-wafer systems process just one wafer to completion before proceeding to the next.The AW-901e Plasma/RlE Systems are single-wafer etchers.

    Wafers in the AW-903eR are transported to a Reaction Chamber. A gas mixture is introduced into the Reaction Chamber, and the gas mixture is caused to become reactive by the application of radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation. The reactive mixture, or plasma, etches away material that is not covered by the masking photoresist. The etch process is terminated at an appropriate time, the wafer is unloaded from the Reaction Chamber, and a new wafer is introduced. The cycle repeats.

    The general mechanisms by which etching proceeds in a plasma etching system are as follows: RF power accelerates free electrons in a low-pressure gas mixture. The accelerated electrons undergo collisions with gas molecules, which result in the generation of several new species. If the gas molecules are broken apart, or dissociated, free radicals are formed. Free radicals are chemically reactive molecule fragments with no net electrical charge. Radicals, which come into contact with material on the wafer surface, may be sufficiently reactive chemically to combine with the surface to form volatile reaction products. The gas molecules may be dissociated and ionized. If they are, the molecule fragments have a net electrical charge, and respond to electrical fields present in the reactor. Ions accelerated to the wafer surface may provide sufficient energy to activate chemical reactions between the surface and gas radicals or between the surface and neutral gas species. This results in etching the surface material. Finally, gas molecules may capture energy from the accelerated electrons, and release the captured energy as a photon, or light. This last process accounts for the glow which is characteristic of plasmas.

    The AW-903eR System Plasma/RlE etchers have been configured to take advantage of the characteristics of plasmas for etching various films. The 903eR has been optimized for specific etches of specific films. It has the common ability to implement multi-step etch recipes using multiple process gases. An optical monitoring system provides a means for determining etch completion so that the etch process may be terminated.

    Allwin21 includes an advanced AW-900 System Control with touch screen operator interface or 17″ LCD Monitor , New PC with Allwin21 AW-900 software and new main control board. The new control system will enhance the entire system operation. It makes the upgraded plasma etch RIE system much more reliable with real time precise control.The robust integrated robotic wafer transfer  is optional for much better wafer transfer and MTTB.

     

    AW-903eR Plasma Etch System Basic Configuration:

    1. Chamber :

    The AW-903eR chamber employs a diode reactor design. The Chamber is at ground potential and functions as the cathode for this scheme. The Chuck is the anode in the scheme.The size of the gap between the upper and lower surfaces of the reactor (also known as the reactor) for the AW-901e and AW-903e systems are different.

    As a first step in plasma generation, the vacuum valve on the Pressure Controller evacuates the Reaction Chamber to a low pressure. The Gas  Delivery module then introduces process gases. RF power is supplied to one electrode (the Chuck), and the voltage differential between that electrode and another electrode (the Chamber) generates a plasma. A sapphire rod and a fiber-optic cable provide optical evaluation of the
    plasma, the characteristics of which depend on the gas chemistry, pressure, and RF power used. The cable carries the optical signal from the Chamber to the endpoint module. The Chamber, which is made of aluminum, is electrically grounded, and the Chuck is connected to the positive lead of the RF generator. The lower ceramic of the Chamber provides a sealing surface for the O-ring on the Chuck module and acts as an insulator between the Chuck and the Chamber.

    2. AC Module:

    The AC Module (ACM) receives AC power from the PDM and distributes AC voltage to • the DC Power Supply, •Controllers and • RF Generator  modules within the system. The module contains:

    • • The main 200-240 VAC, 20 amp, primary AC power connector.
    • • Line filter.
    • • 24 VAC transformer for interlock and AC control relays.
    • • Two 115-VAC, 2-amp, service outlets (on front of module) and a terminal strip for AC distribution to other system peripheral equipment.
    • • Circuit breakers and contact relays that control power to the other modules in the machine

     3. DC Modules:

    The DC modules receive AC power (200+ VAC) from the AC module. They convert the AC power into DC power via the DC power Distribution PCB 
    for distribution to the• Endpoint PCB,• Gas/Pressure Interface PCB, Interface Matching Network PCB ( IMN),• Front Panel Display PCB ,• Receiver Interface PCB (If Applicable),• Sender Interface PCB (If Applicable) ,• Shuttle Interface PCB (If Applicable) , • Temperature Interface PCB, • Autotune RF Matching Network PCB etc.

    4. Endpoint/Optical Emission

    When RF is turned on, the plasma is initialized and “ionized molecules” are formed. The energy released as excited molecules relax is in the form of
    light (photon),. The frequencies, or wave lengths, of the light emission spectrum is specific to the “excited moleculers” present in the reactor. By  monitoring decreases in etchant species or increases in etchant by-product, process endpoint can be determined and the data can be stored for further analysis. To achieve endpoint, various parameters must be set up in the etch step(s) of the recipe. The Process Engineer adjusts several recipe parameters to detect the desired endpoint. 
    The Photodiode Endpoint PCB contains the digital and analog circuits required to monitor an etch process and determine the end of an etch
    sequence. This circuit has the ability to monitor two separate photodiodes as well as both positive and negative DC Bias. The two photodiodes, Cell A and Cell B, are identical. The silicon photodiodes are broadband light detectors, therefore an optical filter is required to detect the strength of  emissions at specific wavelengths. The Endpoint board is designed to accept any filter on either diode. However, to be consistent, we have standard locations for filters. In general, the negativegoing emissions are in the A position, and the positive-going in B. Optical signals can be powerful tools for the Process Engineer to determine endpoint and analyze etching problems. Signals sent from optical diodes are analyzed by the system software and displayed on the system screens and (optionally) the chart recorder.

    5. Gas Delivery Module

    The Gas Delivery Module provides the controlled delivery of all process gases to the Chamber upon demand. The Control Computer creates the
    timing of delivery, quantity and the total time of each gas delivered. The Mass Flow Controllers control gas flow. Up to four process gases can be
    used, as well as a manually adjusted clean channel gas (O2) for plasma cleaning.

    6. Pressure/Vacuum

    On the top plate, left side, as viewed from the front. There are several key components that comprise the pressure vacuum module:

    • • Capacitance Manometer: analog device, 0-10VDC output = 0-10Torr. The manometer is heated to 40C to to maintain output stability  independent of ambient temperature. A 4-hour warm-up period must be allowed before adjusting the zero.
    • • Atmospheric Sensor: analog device, ~5VDC to ~0VDC = 0Torr to 760Torr. No adjustments are made.
    • • Test Port: There are two different vacuum connections: VCR and Ultra Torr. Port is enabled manually via toggle switch located on Front Panel Display (90Xe).
    • • Pressure Controller : The UPC controls the flow of N2.into the foreline of the vacuum pump to control the reactor pressure to the setpoint pressure. Reactor and setpoint pressures are inputted to the pressure controller.
    • • Vacuum Valve: The Vacuum Valve is used to isolate the chamber from the vacuum pump. It is connected to the process chamber and vacuum pump lines via KF-40 flanges on, 1.5 inch diameter plumbing and is actuated by clean dry air (80 psig) that is controlled by a solenoid valve. The vacuum valve is bypassed with a smaller pneumatically controlled  valve with ¼ inch plumbing for soft-pump feature. Both valves receive the same pneumatic signal, but the pneumatic delivery to the main vacuum valve is metered to achieve full open in 12-17 seconds for softpump. Also, there are two switches mounted to the end of the main vacuum valve – one is wired NO, the other is wired NC. The RF enable signal is disabled until the main vacuum valve is fully open.
    • • Vacuum Pump connection: This is a KF-40 vacuum flange located at the left-rear of the tool.

    7. RF Delivery

    The RF Delivery module is located in the front-center of the chassis. The module is accessible via a hinged panel. To gain access to the lever that
    releases the hinged panel, the top panel between the cassette elevators must be opened. A 5/32 inch socket-head screw at the top of the On/Off panel
    releases the top cover. 
    The RF Delivery module is responsible for delivery and control of RF power from the RF Generator to the process chamber. The RF Delivery module
    contains several components, or sub-modules:

    • Matching Network: The matching network module is located on the left side of the RF Delivery module. The matching network automatically adjusts two capacitors to match the output impedance of the RF generator (50 ) to the variable impedance of the reactor. The matching network currently does not interface with the system controller. The auto tuning feature is independently controlled by the auto tune PCB, which is mounted to the side of the matching network. Also mounted to the side of the matching network is the phase/magnitude detector, through which the RF signal passes before going into the matching network. The DC output of this device is fed to the autotune PCB, the  amplitude of which is proportinal to the amount of reflected power. The autotune PCB adjusts the tuning capacitors in a direction that minimizes the output of the phase/mag detector. The matching network also contains a DC bias sensing circuit just before the RF output. A signal from the DC bias sensing circuit in the Matching Network is fed out the rear of the matching network module to the Endpoint PCB via BNC connection. 
    • DC BIAS THEORY: Electrically, the reactor behaves like a capacitor. The chamber body and the lower electrode makeup the two plates of the capacitor. The upper electrode is at ground potential and the lower electrode is at RF potential. The upper electrode (chamber body) is larger than the lower electrode in that it has more surface area. Electrons have virtually no mass and essentially all of them migrate to the lower electrode when the RF signal is positive. Conversely, all the electrons  migrate to the upper electrode (chamber) when the RF signal is negative. Since the same number of electrons make it to the smaller electrode (lower) as do to the larger electrode (upper), the density of electrons is greater at the  lower electrode as compared to the upper electrode. Therefore, the lower electrode has a net negative charge to ground, a -DC bias. A DC potential exists at the lower electrode because the upper and lower electrodes are not the same size. If the lower electrode is anodized, no DC bias is present at the sensing circuit because anodization (Al2O3) is an insulator. Note that ceramic chamber parts are Al2O3. If DC bias is present on systems with anodized lower electrodes, then a breach in anodization has occurred. A breach in anodization does not necessarily adversely affect the process results. 
    • Interface Matching Network PCB (IMN): Although the IMN PCB is not mounted to the RF Delivery module, it is connected in series with it. The data ribbon cable from the main control board connects to the IMN. The RF enable (digital), RF setpoint (analog),RF forward and reflected power feedback signals (analog) are delivered. The RF enable signal is sent to the vacuum valve (see Vacuum Valve Interlock below). All other signals are sent to the RF Interface PCB (see below). The IMN PCB also interfaces to the controller the atmospheric sensor (analog) signal. 
    • RF Interface PCB (RFI): This interface card is located at the front-bottom of the RF Delivery module. The RFI PCB interfaces the controller signals, such as RF enable (digital), RF setpoint (analog), RF forward and reflected power feedback signals (analog).

    • RF Generator: The RF generator is located remotely up to 2.7 meters (9 feet) from the etcher. The interface connection between the RFG and the etcher consists of two cables: the RF cable, which connects to phase/mag detector on the side of the matching network, and the data cable, which connects to J4 on the RF Interface PCB. The data cable transmits the RF setpoint (analog to RFG), the RF enable signal (digital to RFG) and the RF forward and reflected power information (analog from RFG).

    • RF Meters: There are two hour-meters mounted to the upper display One meter can be reset to zero (push button near meter), the other cannot. The meters are activated by the RF enable signal from the RF interface PCB and indicate RF-on hours.

    • RF Vacuum Interlock: There are two switches mounted to the end of the main vacuum valve – one is wired NO, the other is wired NC. The RF enable signal (digital) is disabled via these switches until the main vacuum valve is fully open. The RF enable signal is routed from the IMN PCB, through the vacuum valve switches and back to the IMN PCB. RF power is connected to the Chuck to generate a plasma.

    AW-903e Plasma Etch Sytem Options: 

    • Through-The-Wall configuration
    • Vacuum Pump: Customer recommended to provide.
    • Chiller: Chiller in lieu of house cooling water as defined in Facility Requirements, provides closed-loop cooling of upper and lower electrodes. Customer to provide Chiller(s).
    • GEM/SEC II functions

    AW-901eR AW-903eR
    Applications
    • Silicon Nitride
    • Plating Seed Layers
    • Thin Film Resistors
    • Photoresist
      • Descum
      • PRIST
    • Polyimide
    • Polyimide
    • Silicon Oxide
      • Contact/Via
      • Planarization
    Pressure Range(mT) 0-1000 0-5000
    Pressure Control 225 sccm UPC 2000 sccm UPC
    MFC
    • 50 sccm O2
    • 60 sccm Argon
    • 25 sccm CFCl3
    • 100 sccm SF6
    • 15 sccm N2
    • 50 sccm CHF3
    • 15 sccm SF6
    • 200 sccm He
    Upper Electrode
    • Gas inlet and outlet holes are contained in 1 piece
    • 429 inlet holes(0.031 dia)
    • 120 outlet holes(0.062 dia)
    • Coolant flows around outside diameter
    • Not anodized
    •  Gas inlet and outlet holes are contained in separate pieces
    • 593 inlet holes(0.008 to 0.016 dia)
    • 60 outlet holes(0.130 dia)
    • Coolant flows around outside and through showerhead
    • Showerhead is anodized (exhaust ring is not)
    Pins Length (Inches) 1.79 2.125
    Water Recirculators 1 1 or 2
    Wafer Ring Aluminum
    • Ceramic (99.5% Alumina)
    • Castillated
    RF Cable to Chuck Different Length (26.25″) Different Length (16″)
    Electrode Gap (mm) 38 6
    Lower Electrode Not Anodized, Not Flat Aligned  Anodized, Flat Aligned

    AW-903eR Plasma Etch Equipment Facilities:

    Electrical: 200-240 VAC selectable frequency (50/60 Hz.), 30A, 3 wire, single phase and 2 pole. Requires high in rush circuit breaker (not supplied).
    CDA: CDA/N2 for pneumatics 85 +/- 5 psig, filtered and dry., ¼” standard brass compression type fitting (Swagelok)
    Reactor Vent/Purge and Ballast: 10 – 30 psig filtered and dry
    Cooling Water: Single channel circulating chiller, distilled water only, cap. 2.8 gal., outlet pressure:@ 40 psig , 45 psig max., temp range: 0 to 80 deg. C, Flow rate: at 40 psig= o.4 +/- .05GPM (1.5 +/- .2 LPM), connecting hose must withstand coolant at 40 psig at 80 deg. C. Use ¼” tubing.
    Gasses:

    Gas 1: 10 +/-5 psig   +/- 5psig
    Gas 2: Max 10 psig  +/- 5psig
    Gas 3: Max 10 psig  +/- 5psig
    Gas 4: Max 10 psig  +/- 5psig
    Clean needle valve (O2)= 10 +/- 5 psig
    Exhaust: Cabinet exhaust: 100 CFM (2.832 LPM) min. OD= 4.0”

      Contact Us for More Information

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