Abstract: A data analysis system analyzes data sets that are characterized by a wide variety of probability density functions (PDFs), and also analyzes mixed populations, i.e., a single data set containing subsets of data that each fit a different distribution. The data analysis system receives quality control data from a product manufacturing or product testing floor, determines whether the data is a mixed population, and fits the data with a variety of PDFs. The data analysis system selects the best fitting PDF based on statistical characteristics calculated for each fitted PDF. The data analysis system generates performance capability parameters based on the best fitting PDF, and may generate reports illustrating the performance capability parameters. The data analysis system also adjusts statistical control limits to provide a more reliable process trigger and control plan. In this manner, the data analysis system may more accurately report product performance.

Abstract: Methods of preparing conductive regions such as source/drain regions for silicidation procedures, has been developed. The methods feature removal of native oxide as well as removal of deposited arsenic based defects from conductive surfaces prior to deposition of a metal component of subsequently formed metal silicide regions. Arsenic ions implanted for N type source/drain regions are also implanted into insulator regions such as insulator filled shallow trench isolation regions. A hydrofluoric acid cycle used as a component of the pre-silicidation preparation procedure can release arsenic from the shallow trench isolation regions in the form of arsenic based defects, which in turn can re-deposit on the surface of source/drain region. Therefore pre-silicidation preparation treatments described in this invention feature removal of both native oxide and arsenic based defects from conductive surfaces prior to metal silicide formation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selecting physical cylinders (cylinders accessible for read/write operations) in a disc drive is provided. The disc drive includes at least one rotatable disc. The disc drive also includes a first head, which is positionable adjacent a first disc surface, and a second head, which is positionable adjacent a second disc surface. The first disc surface has a first plurality of greycode tracks and the second disc surface has a second plurality of greycode tracks. Each greycode track of the second plurality of greycode tracks corresponds to a different greycode track of the first plurality of greycode tracks, thereby forming a plurality of greycode cylinders, with each greycode cylinder of the plurality of greycode cylinders including a pair of corresponding greycode tracks. The physical cylinders are a subset (less than all) of the plurality of the greycode cylinders.