Abstract: A substrate transfer system is used in fabricating a liquid crystal display (LCD) device. The system includes a cassette having a bar code, a cassette stocker to store the cassette; an auto guided vehicle that is able to transfer the cassette; a moving path unit to determine a moving path of the auto guided vehicle, a plurality of process stages at which processes are conducted on a substrate during fabrication of the LCD device, and a host to control the cassette stocker, the auto guided vehicle and the process stages. At least one of the auto guided vehicle and the cassette stocker having a bar code reader.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a motor vehicle including an engine and automatic transmission includes generating first data containing information representing a performance characteristic of a solenoid and a serialized solenoid number, affixing to the solenoid a first barcode matrix containing the first data, installing the solenoid and clutch in the transmission generating second data containing information representing a performance characteristic of clutch, using information from the first and second data to produce third data that includes a serialized transmission number and information from the first data and the second data, affixing to the transmission a third barcode matrix containing the third data, using information from the third barcode matrix to produce fourth data that is tied to a vehicle identification number and information from the first data, the second data and the third data, reading information from the fourth data into an electronic memory of a powertrain control module (PCM), and installi

Abstract: A computing system for monitoring activity in an automated fabrication facility includes a computer operably coupled to an MES database having data relating to manufacturing operation events; and the computer also being operably coupled to an AMHS database having data relating to movement of the work-in-process material lots between the manufacturing operations and the storage operations; and a solver product operatively installed on the computer for processing information regarding timing of the events and information regarding operation of the automated material handling system to generate a report regarding performance of the automated fabrication facility, wherein the report identifies information regarding a sequence of events having occurred in the manufacturing process.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a computer-implemented method for processing remanufactured part cores. The method includes receiving manufactured part core inventory information. The inventory information can include an inventory forecast and an inventory level for a number of parts. The method further includes receiving a part number of a part to be processed. The part to be processed is a member of the number of parts. The method further includes receiving one or more business rules for processing the part to be processed. A part disposition for the part to be processed is determined based on the remanufactured part core inventory information, the one or more business rules and the part number.

Abstract: A method for tracking multiple SKUs of contact lenses in a manufacturing line comprising the steps of: a) molding a plurality of contact lenses, b) providing a plurality of carriers each having a carrier indicator, c) inspecting each contact lens to determine information relating to its prescription, d) transferring each lens to a carrier, e) reading the carrier indicator of the carrier of step d) and f) storing in machine-accessible memory the information associated with the carrier indicator of the carrier of step (e) and the information relating to the lens for step (c).

Abstract: A method for item substitution in a manufacturing process includes receiving an order for manufacture of a product and generating a first electronic bill of material for the product. The first electronic bill of material identifies multiple primary components to be assembled into the product. The method also includes identifying a trigger initiating substitution of one of the primary components, identifying multiple potential substitute components in response to the trigger, and identifying a substitution rule governing selection of one of the potential substitute components. The method also includes selecting one of the potential substitute components according to the substitution rule, substituting the selected one of the potential substitute components for the one primary component, and generating a second electronic bill of material for the product. The second electronic bill of material identifies the selected one of the potential substitute components.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a novel method, system and computer program product for tracing die units during material transfer from, for example, one factory or lot to another (and efficiently maintaining correspondence between die data and an individual die during, e.g., a lot transfer process). One or more embodiments of the present invention are intended to improve the mechanism of die-level traceability by assigning individual die IDs to each die unit in, e.g., each lot, and associating a range of die IDs with a corresponding index string. When, for example, some dies are transferred from, e.g., a first lot to a second lot, the entire die information associated with the first lot is copied to the second lot, and a different index string is assigned to the second lot to indicate the actual dies or range of dies that have been transferred. The first lot's index string is then adjusted to indicate the dies remaining after the transfer.

Abstract: A computerized method of assisting the routing of a part, comprising the steps of: providing at least one computer; receiving part identifier information; and generating a tag for affixing to the part. The tag has information thereon responsive to the identifier information. A computerized method of assisting the handling of a part, comprising the steps of: providing at least one computer; receiving part identifier information; processing the part identifier information; and generating output from the computer responsive to the part identifier information.

Abstract: A method and a device for providing cards for processing first cause a drawing of a card from at least one card magazine. The cards are arranged in a plurality of card magazines and may be drawn from the same, and information regarding their card type is further associated with the cards. After drawing the card, it is output for subsequent processing together with the information regarding the card type associated with the card to allow control of the subsequent processing based on the forwarded information. Cards of a known card type are arranged in a card magazine and the information regarding the card type is associated with the card magazine, wherein the information associated with the card magazine is forwarded when drawing a card from a card magazine.

Abstract: A system for managing lot transactions among business units is provided. The system comprises an interface, storage device, and a processor. The interface provides an access to a lot transaction service for the business units. The storage device stores a preset business rule and manufacturing information corresponding to a lot, comprising lot ID, part ID, WIP quality, process flow, and validity of each of the business units. The processor, linking to the storage device and the interface, performs the lot transaction service for the business units, receives the lot sent and/or received notice, checks the sent/received notice according to a preset business rule, and updates the manufacturing information accordingly.

Abstract: A system (20) for conveying semifinished products during the manufacturing of liquid crystal displays, includes a first processing station (21); a second processing station (22) proximate to the first processing station; a shortcut conveyor interconnecting the first processing station and the second processing station; a stocking conveyor interconnecting the first processing station and the second processing station, a conveyance route of the stocking conveyor being shortcut by the shortcut conveyor; a data reader (27) for judging if a to-be-processed semifinished product coming from the first processing station is instructed to be conveyed to the stocking conveyor; a sensor (29) for judging if the shortcut conveyor is fully loaded; and a controller for controlling the shortcut conveyor and the stocking conveyor to convey the semifinished product to the second processing station according to judging results of the date reader and the sensor.

Abstract: A management system for semiconductor manufacturing equipment in a manufacturing facility is provided. The system includes a host computer communicating with a tracking server, the tracking server communicating with a wireless network adapted to communicate with a radio tag associated with a wafer cassette. The tracking server is adapted to receive status information from the radio tag via the wireless network, to derive location or movement information for the wafer cassette from the status information, and to determining an optimal transfer path for the wafer cassette through the manufacturing facility.

Abstract: A brochure inventory and tracking system provides a method and apparatus for distributing and tracking brochures. A brochure inventory route is assigned to a driver of a vehicle. The brochure inventory route includes at least one brochure distribution point having at least one brochure rack having at least one brochure bin. A handheld device runs remote inventory software and is carried by the driver. A server runs central inventory software and communicates wirelessly with the handheld device. An estimated brochure level for each brochure bin and the number and identity of brochure necessary to refill each brochure bin are determined and the brochure bins are refilled. Information regarding the estimated brochure level for each brochure bin is uploaded to the server for analysis. Customer inventory software allows a customer to access substantially real time data regarding brochure distribution.

Abstract: A system, method, service and media for managing both supplier-owned and non-owned manufacturing asset types utilizing a supplier model of a product which goes across the manufacturing asset types. The invention maps the model to instances of the asset types and uses a network to control and monitor the assets. The monitoring and control occur according to the model, rules and services and does not require the vendors of non-owned manufacturing asset types to change their manufacturing execution systems.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the present technique provides a medical device component having an RF tag that is configured to provide information regarding the medical device component. Particularly, the RF tag may contain and provide information regarding maintenance, installation, and manufacture of the medical device component. Indeed, the exemplary embodiment of the present technique may facilitate the development of an “as built” or hardware configuration of the medical device through the use of RF tags. Advantageously, the medical device may be surveyed by activating the RF tags, which contain and transmit information regarding the various components in the medical device.

Abstract: An assembly system may assemble articles of manufacture at a plurality of assembly regions and may log a time at which each article of manufacture enters or exits an assembly region. Assembly regions may include sequential assembly stations that process the articles. A method of determining when a specific article was processed by a specific assembly station may include receiving input identifying a specific article; receiving additional input identifying one of the plurality of sequential assembly stations; determining an offset of the identified sequential assembly station relative to a first assembly station or to a last assembly station within a region that comprises the identified sequential assembly station; and determining a time at which a second sequentially processed article entered or exited the region. The identified specific article and the second sequentially processed article may have been separated by a number of articles corresponding to the offset.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying manufacturing anomalies in a manufacturing system comprising a plurality of products which are manufactured with a plurality of manufacturing parameters is disclosed. The system comprises a data mining program applied to the data warehouse for analyzing the stored manufacturing parameters to define a normal manufacturing parameter subset. The data mining program is further for detecting that at least one of the plurality of manufacturing parameters is excluded from the normal subset. The system further comprises a reporting means for reporting the at least one detected manufacturing parameter. The data mining program may further detect that a plurality of the manufacturing parameters are excluded from the first subset. The data mining program then analyzes the detected plurality of manufacturing parameters to define a second normal subset of the detected plurality of manufacturing parameters.

Abstract: A method for distributing materials to corresponding production lines is provided. The method includes: receiving an identification code of the materials transmitted from the scanner; querying the production line of the material by searching for the identification code in material-production line table that lists the identification codes and the production lines accordingly; and controlling an indication device to indicate the corresponding production line.

Abstract: An automated manufacturing control system is proposed to greatly reduce the human interaction relative to the data transfer, physical verification and process control associated with the movement of components, tooling and operators in a manufacturing system. This is achieved by the use of data carriers which are attached to the object(s) to be traced. These data carriers (12) can store all the relevant identification, material and production data required by the various elements, e.g. stations, of the manufacturing system. Various readers, integrated with controllers and application software, are located at strategic points of the production area, including production machines and storage areas, to enable automatic data transfer and physical verification that the right material is at the right place at the right time, using the right tooling.

Abstract: A system comprises a parser operable to receive a log file containing detailed processing tool transactional data and generate an operation journal containing a subset of the detailed processing tool transactional data arranged in a known format, a comparator operable to receive automated material tracking data, and compare with the operation journal data, and an automatic correction module operable to automatically correct the automated material tracking data in response to a discrepancy between the automated material tracking data and the operation journal data.

Abstract: An industrial truck with a data bus, to which several electronic units of the industrial truck are connected which send or receive telegrams via the data bus, and with a sending and receiving unit which can acquire data of a transponder present in the sending and receiving range of the sending and receiving unit, wherein the sending and receiving unit is connected to the data bus and analyses telegrams sent via the data bus and/or sends telegrams to the data bus.

Abstract: In a product distribution management system in which a product is packaged in an outer case and delivered, a product wireless tag is attached to a product such as a toner cartridge, and a product wireless tag ID is written on the tag at a production factory. Then, at a product warehouse, an outer-case wireless tag is attached to the outer case in which the product is packaged, and an outer-case wireless tag ID is written on this outer-case tag. A correlation computer correlates the product wireless tag ID and the outer-case wireless tag ID with each other. At a customer's premises, the outer-case wireless tag ID can be used, and at a recovery/recycling factory, the product wireless tag ID can be used. Production information, delivery information and recovery information are correlated with the wireless tag ID's and integrally managed at a data center.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus, which includes a plurality of process chambers for processing a substrate and a transfer part for carrying in and carrying out the substrate to and from the plurality of process chambers, includes a transfer history recording part, a process history recording part, and an alarm history recording part. The transfer history recording part relates history information concerning a transfer of the substrate by the transfer part to each substrate, and records the history information as first history information. The process history recording part relates history information concerning a process state of the substrate in each of the plurality of process chambers to each substrate subject to be processed, and records the history information as second history information.

Abstract: A process equipment tracking system utilizing an attached RF ID tag attached to the process equipment during manufacture or thereafter. The RF ID tag is coded with an identification specific to the particular process equipment. An RF ID tag reader is provided, which is usable by a user to obtain the identification from the RF ID tag on the process equipment, preferably after the equipment is installed at the user facility. The RF ID tag reader includes a user input for at least one trackable event and can write data based on the at least one trackable event back onto the RF ID tag. The RF ID tag reader is at least one of connectable to a PC or the internet, or is compatible for uploading the identification and any user input to an internet accessible device. A process equipment database is provided, having process equipment-related information.

Abstract: A system for tracking an activity in a healthcare environment includes a master station having a processor, a memory, and a transceiver, badges coupled to objects, each transmitting a unique badge ID, and sensors disposed throughout the environment, each including a transceiver for receiving badge IDs and transmitting to the master station transceiver the badge IDs and a unique sensor ID that relates the sensor to a location. The master station processor determines object locations from the badge and sensor IDs by identifying the badge associated with the object, relating the sensor ID to the sensor location, and storing object location information in memory. Each badge also includes a displacement sensor that generates signals indicating object movement and direction for transmission to the sensor transceivers which forward displacement information to the master station. The master station processor uses the information to update the stored object location information.

Abstract: A system and a method for in-line production of insulated glass units (IGU) for custom windows. The system and method schedule IGU production based on the order in which the cut glass is available, or broken out, from a glass cutting station. Once the IGUs are assembled, they are then sorted into the order in which they are to be further processed, i.e., into the order in which the corresponding windows are to be produced and shipped. Thus, the sorting, or carting, step occurs after the cut glass is contained in sealed IGUs, and the workers who perform the sorting step do not have to directly handle the pieces of cut glass.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring product through a batch manufacturing plant is provided. The system includes, a parallel flow mode when product flows concurrently from at least two units to a single unit; and a serial flow mode where product flows from one unit to another at a given time, wherein the batch manufacturing plant is modeled based on the parallel and serial flow modes. A lot association is built based on product flow and a parent/child record is created for lot association. The system also includes a data collection system that collects phase information for every unit and a procedure identifier is used to create a batch identifier, where a batch identifier is associated with each lot on each unit through which product is flowing to and/or from at a given time.

Abstract: Assisting-work management apparatus and an assisting-work management program for performing the assisting work in a substrate work machine system efficiently by a plurality of workers. A worker determining section (140) determines a worker to perform an objective work obtained according to assisting work occurrence information acquired by an assisting work occurrence information acquiring section (110) and a work informing section (180) informs the determined worker of the objective work. The workers determining section (140) can determine the worker of the objective work appropriately based on set worker information, current worker information, the worker intension, and the like.

Abstract: In a method for producing an item list of components for the assembly of a module including the components at a first location, wherein the components can be taken from a number of offered components, the offered components are provided with a reference number and are accessible from the first location, and at least one individual property of each component is stored together with its reference number in a databank that is arranged at a second location different from the first location.

Abstract: A process for identifying TPMS electronic wheel sensors on a production line is disclosed. The line of identification data is transmitted in digital bit stream between the electronic wheel sensor and the production line database. Data from the electronic wheel sensors is provided to the vehicle electronic control unit at a subsequent point on the assembly line.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing product location information within a store. The system comprises a first user interface fixed within the store and an inventory information unit coupled to the first user interface. The first user interface is configured to receive an input signal from a user related to the identity of a product within the store, to process the input signal and to provide a product inquiry signal in response to the input signal. The first user interface is further configured to receive a location information signal, and to provide an output signal in response to the location information signal. The inventory information unit comprises a database containing product location information and is configured to provide the location information signal to the first user interface after receiving the product inquiry signal from the first user interface.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for manufacturing an item. The method comprises the steps of creating a build schedule; creating a first portion of the item for manufacture; causing the first portion of the item to pass in close proximity to a first individual; which said individual assembles at least one of the several components on the first portion; notifying a second individual of the existence and location of the first portion of the item proximate to the first individual; causing the first portion of the item to pass in close proximity to the second individual whereby said second individual assembles at least one of the several components onto the first portion of the item. The method further includes applying dataforms or other such markings on individual components to uniquely identify them and, through such markings, tracking the application of those components to the item being manufactured at each manufacture step.

Abstract: System, method and program product for tracing first, second and third processes for producing a product. First, second and third process instances for the first, second and third processes, respectively, are generated. Tracing information is stored in association with the first, second and third process instances to indicate respective execution conditions. The third process instance is executed after the second process instance, and the second process instance is executed after the first process instance. The first process instance yields a product which is subject to the second process instance, and the second process instance yields a product which is subject to the third process instance. A first pointer indicates that the second process instance follows the first process instance, and a second pointer indicates that the third process instance follows the second process instance.

Abstract: A work-in-progress (WIP) tracking system is used to coordinate a semiconductor supply chain operation. The WIP tracking system receives WIP updates from semiconductor supply chain vendors and generates a WIP tracking report in which the volume of WIP is measured in expected good parts. In one variation, rather than reporting the WIP currently located at each step of a vendor's process, the WIP tracking report reflects the WIP located at various stages of the semiconductor manufacturing process, where the vendor's steps are mapped to a fewer number of stages.

Abstract: A ID circuit produces a unique binary identification code (ID) for each integrated circuit in which it is implemented by setting states of each bit of the ID as a function of random variations in material forming the IC that occur at the time the IC is fabricated. The ID circuit includes an ID generating circuit for generating the ID, a non-volatile memory, and a control circuit for writing the ID generated by the ID generating circuit into the non-volatile memory in response to a first occurrence of a write cue event. Thereafter the control circuit responds to each occurrence of a read cue event by reading the ID out of the non-volatile memory and providing it as an IC output.

Abstract: The invention concerns an identification process that makes it possible to confer traceability to manufactured products (PROD), from data of origin (C, D) initially brought together at a source point (P_SOURCE) and including a control identification number (C) and manufacturing data (D) common to these products (PROD). The process of the invention provides for the formation of two parallel information flows, (?1 and ?2), each of which ensures a propagation of the data of origin (C, D) in time and space from the source point (P_SOURCE), and includes three tests (COMPAR—1, COMPAR—2, COMPAR—3) that makes it possible to verify the internal consistency and integrity of these data of origin in the form in which they are propagated.

Abstract: A “woodprint™” characterization and identification technique unique employs cameras (16), lighting (14), camera interface hardware (18), a computer (20), and/or image processing software to collect and analyze surface characteristics of pieces of wood (8) to track them through an automated production process in real-time with information that is specific to each wood piece (8), such as what machining is required, its value, and/or its destination. When a wood piece (8) reaches a point in the production process where a decision is required, its unique identity is used to retrieve appropriate information previously determined and assigned to the wood piece (8).

Abstract: The present invention is related to a component and material traceability control apparatus for controlling manufacturing lot identification information of any of a component and material constituting a product manufactured according to a process where a manufacturing apparatus with not less than one component and material reserve unit picks up a needed amount out of the component and material reserved in the component and material reserve unit and manufactures the product, and the component and material traceability control apparatus is equipped with at least a processing unit, a memory unit used as a work area by the processing unit, a manufacturing performance information memory unit, a component and material supply performance information memory unit, and a manufacturing lot trace information memory unit.

Abstract: Provided are a system and method for automatically tracking a lot being moved between first and second manufacturing lines during semiconductor manufacturing. In one example, the method includes assigning a first state to the lot to indicate the lot's presence in the first manufacturing line. A trigger event indicating that the lot has been moved to the second manufacturing line may be identified, and a second state may be determined for the lot to reflect the lot's presence in the second manufacturing line. The second state may then be assigned to the lot.

Abstract: A system for tool monitoring is provided. The system comprises a first cassette, a second cassette, a processing tool, a first metrology tool, and a second metrology tool. The first cassette contains a first control wafer used for a first metrology process. The second cassette contains a second control wafer used for a second metrology process. The processing tool receives the first cassette and processes the first control wafer, and receives the second cassette and processes the second control wafer. The first metrology tool receives the first cassette from the processing tool, and performs the first metrology process on the first control wafer processed by the processing tool. The second metrology tool receives the second cassette from the processing tool, and performs the second metrology process on the second control wafer processed by the processing tool.

Abstract: Core data required to manufacture rolls in a film processing and cutting machine are obtained, and core data of cores supplied by a core supply apparatus are also obtained. These core data are compared with each other, and cores having the conforming core data are selected and supplied to the film processing and cutting machine. When supplied with the cores, the film processing and cutting machine winds films cut to a given length and width around respective cores, and then supplies obtained products to a main feed unit according to the sequence of address information established on a film roll.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for managing movement of small lots between processing tools within an electronic device manufacturing facility. In some embodiments, a number of priority lots to be processed is determined and an equivalent number of carrier storage locations are reserved at a substrate loading station of a processing tool. The number of reserved carrier storage locations are made available either by processing and advancing occupying non-priority lots and/or moving unprocessed occupying non-priority lots from the substrate loading station. Priority lots are then transferred to the reserved carrier storage locations. Other embodiments are provided.

Abstract: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and an antenna grid are used for automatic determination of cable connections. An RF antenna grid is advantageously employed on a device having a plurality of device ports (e.g., cable connection points) which may, for example, be physically organized in a two-dimensional arrangement. Then, when RFID tags are fixed to one or more cable ends, it can advantageously be determined which of the one or more cables are connected to which of the ports on the device. The RF antenna grid may comprise a plurality of individual antennas which are advantageously multiplexed such that a single RFID reader can handle the sensing for all antennas. Also, opposing ends of a given cable may be advantageously provided with RFID tags having related ID codes such that connections which exist between two connected ports of the device may be easily and efficiently determined.

Abstract: The physical movement of reticles and solder bump masks within a wafer processing plant are continually tracked and documented in a historical database for the useful life of the reticles or masks. In an example embodiment of the mask tracking method, the method includes moving the masks from one location to another in mask pods. In addition, a mask data set is generated for each mask composed of a mask identification code cross-referenced to a pod identification code and the mask data sets are processed by a computer arrangement. The mask data sets are then updated in the computer arrangement to include a facility location identification code as each mask moves to a subsequent location during wafer processing. The present invention provides the advantage that wafer lots and reticles can be matched to an event on the processing line and stored as data for later review and analysis.

Abstract: A semiconductor fabrication enterprise includes fabrication equipment, transportable containers for work—in—process and an enterprise information system. The transportable containers have associated radio frequency tags having identification codes uniquely identifying the carriers in the fabrication process. The enterprise information system contains data corresponding to each such identification code. The identification codes are read by a radio frequency interrogation device, and the radio frequency interrogation device carries out transactions with the enterprise data system to transfer the data corresponding to the identification codes to the radio frequency interrogation device. The radio frequency tags may be adapted for read/write functionality allowing for writing data to the radio frequency tags and synchronization of radio frequency tag data and enterprise information system data.

Abstract: An operator interface within a process plant includes an execution engine that implements process flow modules made up of interconnected smart process objects that are aware of devices and other entities within the plant and that can perform methods to detect conditions within the plant, especially on a system-level basis. The smart process objects include a display element to be displayed to the operator, data storage for storing data pertaining to and/or received from an associated entity within a plant, inputs and outputs for communicating with other smart process objects and methods that may be executed on the stored and received data to detect plant conditions, including system-level conditions, such as leaks, errors and other conditions. Process flow modules, which may be made up of numerous interconnected smart process objects, may also include flow algorithms associated therewith to calculate mass balances, flows, etc. for the process elements within the process flow modules.

Abstract: A substrate transfer system is used in fabricating a liquid crystal display (LCD) device. The system includes a cassette having a bar code, a cassette stocker to store the cassette; an auto guided vehicle that is able to transfer the cassette; a moving path unit to determine a moving path of the auto guided vehicle, a plurality of process stages at which processes are conducted on a substrate during fabrication of the LCD device, and a host to control the cassette stocker, the auto guided vehicle and the process stages. At least one of the auto guided vehicle and the cassette stocker having a bar code reader.

Abstract: This rotation driving apparatus includes a torque generating circuit 72 for generating a torque of a servo motor 30 with voltage supply from a power source 71 and a motor control circuit 73 for controlling rotation of the motor. In the torque generating circuit 72, a condenser 76 is arranged to detect a level of the supplied voltage and a period of voltage drop. A voltage-drop information detected by the condenser 76 can be transmitted to a host controller 70. The host controller 70 previously memorizes a power-recovery information having a voltage drop and a time under an instantaneous blackout capable of recovering within a predetermined period and a rotation control pattern information of the motor corresponding to the power-recovery information and further compares the voltage-drop information, the power-recovery information and the rotation control pattern information of the motor with each other. Based on a control signal, the controller 70 controls the rotation of the servo motor 30.

Abstract: A mask identification (ID) bit circuit (100) is disclosed that provides one of two potentials (VGND or VPWR) to a sense node (108). A mask ID bit circuit (100) may include a number of links (102-0 to 102-4) arranged in series. A link (102-0 to 102-4) may include inputs (104-0 and 104-1) and outputs (106-0 and 106-1). In one configuration, inputs (104-0 and 104-1) may be directly coupled to outputs (106-0 and 106-1). In another configuration, inputs (104-0 and 104-1) may be cross coupled to outputs (106-0 and 106-1). Cross coupling inputs (104-0 and 104-1) and outputs (106-0 and 106-1) of a link (102-0 to 102-4) can switch a potential (VGND or VPWR) supplied to a sense node (108). The configuration of more than one link (102-0 to 102-4) of a mask ID bit circuit (100) can be changed, allowing a sense node to be switched between two potential (VGND and VPWR) multiple times. According to an embodiment, n mask ID bit circuits (100) may provide as many as 2n different mask ID codes.

Abstract: An integrated circuit identification device (ICID) to be incorporated into an integrated circuit (IC) includes an array of electronic cells in which the magnitude of an output signal of each cell is a function of randomly occurring parametric variations which vary from cell-to-cell. The ICID also includes a circuit for measuring the output of each cell and for producing output data having a value reflecting the particular combination of measured characteristics of all of the elements of the array. When we make the number of elements in the array large enough, we insure that to a high degree of probability, the pattern of measured array cell characteristics for an ICID embedded in any one IC will be unique and distinguishable from such patterns measured by ICIDs embedded in millions of other ICs. Thus the value of the output data produced by an ICID circuit acts as a unique “fingerprint” for the IC in which it is installed, and can be used as a unique identification (ID) for that IC.