Front-ducted equipment front end modules, side storage pods, and methods of operating the same
US11373891B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 22, 2019 |
| Grant date | Jun 28, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 15, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01L21/67766
- WIPO fieldSemiconductors
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Equipment front end module (EFEM) includes front located return ducts. The EFEM may include a front wall, a rear wall, and two side walls, the front wall including a plurality of load ports, and the rear wall configured to couple to a load lock apparatus. An EFEM chamber is formed between the front wall, the rear wall, and the two side walls. An upper plenum is positioned at a top of the EFEM and includes an opening into the EFEM chamber. Return ducts provide a return gas flow path enabling recirculation of gas from the EFEM chamber to the upper plenum. At least some of the plurality of return ducts are located between the load ports. Electronic device manufacturing assemblies and methods of operating equipment front end modules are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.