Abstract: A method for testing an integrated circuit wafer is described, wherein the wafer has a first plurality of dice defined thereon, and at least one die has at least one known defect. The method comprises the steps of selecting for testing a first die having a known defect; analyzing connectivity information and defect information relating to the first die, determining, based upon the analysis, a probability of failure for each known defect on the first die, and modifying the sequence of tests performed on the first die so that at least one test which directly relates to a known defect is performed prior to performing tests which are unrelated to a defect.

Abstract: A method for managing stepper operations required during the manufacturing of an integrated circuit die having at least one known defect, as determined by inspection, comprises the steps of determining, based upon an analysis of the connectivity and defect information relating to the die having at least one known defect a probability of failure to each at least one known defect and eliminating from stepper operations any die having at least one fatal defect.