초록 ▼

A nonlinear model-based predictive temperature control system is described for use in thermal process reactors. A multivariable temperature response is predicted using a nonlinear parameterized model of a thermal process reactor. The nonlinear parameterized model is implemented using a neural networ

A nonlinear model-based predictive temperature control system is described for use in thermal process reactors. A multivariable temperature response is predicted using a nonlinear parameterized model of a thermal process reactor. The nonlinear parameterized model is implemented using a neural network. Predictions are made in an auto-regressive moving average fashion with a receding prediction horizon. Model predictions are incorporated into a control law for estimating the optimum future control strategy. The high-speed, predictive nature of the controller renders it advantageous in multivariable rapid thermal processing reactors where fast response and high temperature uniformity are needed.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A temperature-controlled thermal process system, comprising:a softsensor model for generating an estimated wafer temperature from one or more previous susceptor setpoint temperatures, said softsensor model comprising one or more inputs configured to receive said one or more previous susceptor set

1. A temperature-controlled thermal process system, comprising:a softsensor model for generating an estimated wafer temperature from one or more previous susceptor setpoint temperatures, said softsensor model comprising one or more inputs configured to receive said one or more previous susceptor setpoint temperatures, said softsensor model further comprising at least one output configured to provide said estimated wafer temperature, said estimated wafer temperature computed from at least a portion of said previous susceptor setpoint temperatures; a setpoint generator for generating a new susceptor setpoint temperature from a desired wafer temperature provided by a wafer processing recipe and from said estimated wafer temperature; and a model-based predictive temperature controller for controlling a wafer heat source, said new susceptor setpoint temperature provided to a control input of said model-based predictive temperature controller, and said susceptor temperature provided to a feedback input of said model-based predictive temperature controller.