Training Set Design for Test Removal Classication in IC Test

This thesis reports the performance of a simple classifier as a function of its training data set. The classifier is used to remove analog tests and is named the Test Removal Classifier (TRC). The thesis proposes seven different training data set designs that vary by the number of wafers in the data set, the source of the wafers and the replacement scheme of the wafers. The training data set size ranges from a single wafer to a maximum of five wafers. Three of the training data sets include wafers from the Lot Under Test (LUT). The training wafers in the data set are either fixed across all lots, partially replaced by wafers from the new LUT or fully replaced by wafers from the new LUT. The TRC\u27s training is based on rank correlation and selects a subset of tests that may be bypassed. After training, the TRC identifies the dies that bypass the selected tests. The TRC\u27s performance is measured by the reduction in over-testing and the number of test escapes after testing is completed. The comparison of the different training data sets on the TRC\u27s performance is evaluated using production data for a mixed-signal integrated circuit. The results show that the TRC\u27s performance is controlled by a single parameter- the rank correlation threshold

SolarWorld Amidst Uncertainty

Solar energy is turning out to be a widely accepted renewable energy alternative. It is considered as the cleanest and abundantly available source of energy. Adoption of this source for energy generation has been made possible by technological advancements. The United States has realized the potential of the solar energy but hasn’t been able to exploit the technology until recently. Since 2009, the US has seen a significant growth in consumption of solar energy. Efficiency of solar cells, tax credits, state policies, increasing public awareness on environmental pollution have resulted in increasing use of solar energy. Although a key reason for this growth has been declining prices facilitated by cheaper and efficient imported modules. American solar cell manufacturers are unable to compete with cheap and efficient imported modules and have sought the help of the International Trade Commission (ITC) to impose tariffs on them. Although tariffs would help these two failing manufacturing companies, it could negatively impact the growth of the solar industry as whole. This report studies the impact of the ITC verdict on the solar industry and SolarWorld and also proposes the direction of the outcome considering social, technological, environmental, economic and political aspects

Selecting the Best Digital Camera for an Amateur Photographer using HDM

Photography is an art that many pursue either as a hobby or as a profession. The first step to mastering photography is choosing the right camera. This project focuses on a decision-making tool to guide beginner photographers in the factors that must be considered while buying a digital camera, focusing on some popular and top entry-level digital cameras in the market. This project uses a 3 level Hierarchical Decision Model (HDM) with five selection criteria – configuration, features, dimensions and price which are further divided into 12 different sub-criteria. There were 5 different entry level digital cameras considered in the study. Judgement from 8 different experts from 3 different skill levels was obtained to be utilized in the HDM tool. The study concluded that price and configuration of the camera were the main features to be considered while purchasing an entry-level camera and even though all the models had equal weights, the Sony Alpha A6000 mirrorless camera stood out among them. This study does not include a comprehensive list of criteria, omitting some features of the camera that could be considered in a future study. Additionally, this study ignores lens comparison as a criteria to avoid complexity which could be addressed in a future study

Understanding Distributed Teams And Flexible Hours Effect on Shared Context

With globalization of industries, organizations have deviated from conventional teams and relaxed the limits on temporal and spatial boundaries to consider distributed and flexible work arrangements within teams to maximize their benefits. Different researchers have stepped in to find out the attributes of distributed teams that distinguish them from their collocated counterparts and proffer solutions that could mitigate them. Shared context and flexible work hours are among the major challenges that have been subject to various studies. Here we have critically looked at most of the popular and recent studies on these subjects to bring together different viewpoints of various studies. Our findings generally supported the claim that dissimilar contexts and flexible work hours are challenges that are well pronounced among distributed teams. Finally, we made suggestions on the missing gaps in the existing research that will require further research