SK hynix's Core Mass Production Management Metric 'TAT' Determines Production Speed from Wafer Input to Shipment

TAT (Turn-Around Time), a core metric that determines the efficiency of the semiconductor manufacturing process, is drawing attention as a major factor that decides the success or failure of semiconductor mass production management. TAT refers to the total time elapsed from the moment a wafer is input into the production line until it is shipped as a final finished product.

Eliminating Bottle-neck phenomena that block production flow is the key to shortening TAT

Semiconductor manufacturing is a complex process where a single chip is completed through hundreds of precision processes. In this process, if a 'Bottle-neck' phenomenon occurs, where volume is concentrated in specific equipment or processes and the flow stagnates, the entire production schedule can be delayed. This is similar to the principle where the entire vehicle flow slows down if a specific section of a road is blocked.

Accordingly, the mass production management role comprehensively analyzes various data, such as production progress, equipment and material status, and waiting volume by process. Through this, they perform the role of identifying Bottle-neck sections in advance and coordinating so that the production flow is not interrupted. TAT is determined by how smoothly and quickly the entire process line is passed through, which directly leads to the overall efficiency of semiconductor production.

'Q-TIME' management for quality assurance and the role of mass production management

Simply increasing production speed is not the only goal. To maintain product yield and quality, 'Q-TIME (Queue Time)' management is essential. Q-TIME refers to the maximum waiting time that must be observed before a wafer that has completed a specific process moves on to the next process. If a wafer waits beyond this limited time, the possibility of product defects increases.

Therefore, in the mass production management process, while shortening TAT, work is carried out in parallel to balance the entire line so that all wafers can stably enter the next process within the Q-TIME. SK hynix explained that they are continuing efforts to supply products in a timely manner by advancing FAB operation through collaboration with related departments. As semiconductor processes become more advanced, the importance of mass production management in finding the optimal balance point within limited resources is expected to grow even further.