waferid

Waferid is a term used in semiconductor manufacturing to describe a system that assigns and records a unique identifier for each silicon wafer to enable traceability across fabrication, testing, and packaging. The identifier is typically implemented as a laser-etched mark or a two-dimensional barcode such as a Data Matrix, placed on the wafer surface or edge in a way that minimizes impact on device yield and remains readable through subsequent processing.

Purpose and scope: Waferid supports quality control, process auditing, and regulatory compliance by linking wafer data to production lots, equipment logs, test results, and material history. The system is used by foundries, integrated device manufacturers, and packaging facilities to track wafers through multiple steps and facilities.

Implementation details: common approaches encode data such as wafer serial number, lot number, factory location, fabrication step, and date. Marks are designed to survive high-temperature, chemical, and mechanical processes, and reading is performed with optical or imaging systems integrated into the manufacturing execution system (MES). In some setups, wafer edges carry marks; in others, marks may be placed on the backside or on temporary carriers used during handling.

Challenges and considerations: stamping or engraving can risk contamination, micro-scratches, or yield loss if not properly managed. Reading marks after thinning, dicing, or packaging can require robust illumination and code durability. Data security and access control are also managed to prevent tampering with critical traceability information.

See also: data matrix, serialization, traceability, semiconductor manufacturing, manufacturing execution system.