Marangoni Effect-Based Under-Layer For A Dual Damascene Via-First Approach


One of the main challenges of a Dual Damascene (DD) via-first process is the control of the Critical Dimensions (CDs) in the lithography of the trenches. The PhotoResist (PhR) thickness presents variations from the via arrays to the open areas, which cause the variation of CDs: the swing effect. The planarization of a DD via-first process is reported. A dual-layer solution is used to demonstrat... » read more

Evaluation Of The Impact Of Source Drain epi Implementation On Logic Performance Using Combined Process And Circuit Simulation


In this paper, we explore an end-to-end solution using SEMulator3D to address the need to include process variation effects in circuit simulation. For the first time, we couple SEMulator3D with BSIM compact modeling to evaluate process variation impacts on circuit performance. The process integration goal of the study was to optimize contacts and spacer thickness of advanced-node FinFETs in ter... » read more

Blog Review: Feb. 17


In a video, Synopsys' Tim Mackey warns that IoT device manufacturers are dealing with a serious challenge when it comes to security and points to the types of software threats that could impact IoT products. Siemens' Paul van Straten finds that the rise in vehicle complexity and intensified global competition means traditional automotive OEMs will need to explore new approaches to vehicle de... » read more

Securing ICs With Information Flow Analysis


Following the data has new meaning when it comes to security. Alric Althoff, senior hardware security engineer at Tortuga Logic, talks about tracking the flow of data through a hardware design over time, including what happens with roots of trust, how this works with existing tools and methodologies, and what to think about when tracing potential security risks. » read more

Manufacturing Bits: Feb. 16


Hybrid bonding consortium for packaging A*STAR’s Institute of Microelectronics (IME) and several companies have formed a new consortium to propel the development of hybrid bonding technology for chip-packaging applications. The group, called the Chip-to-Wafer (C2W) Hybrid Bonding Consortium, includes A*STAR’s IME organization, Applied Materials, ASM Pacific, Capcon, HD MicroSystems, ONT... » read more

Power/Performance Bits: Feb. 16


Superconducting microprocessor Researchers at Yokohama National University created a superconducting processor with zero electrical resistance. Huge amounts of power are being used by computers today, and compared to the human brain, they are many orders of magnitude less efficient. Superconductors have been a popular approach to making computers more efficient, but this requires extreme co... » read more

Single Chip Auto-Valet Parking System with TDA4VMID SoC


Abstract "Auto-Valet parking is a key emerging function for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) enhancing traditional surround view system providing more autonomy during parking scenario. Auto-Valet parking system is typically built using multiple HW components e.g. ISP, micro-controllers, FPGAs, GPU, Ethernet/PCIe switch etc. Texas Instrument’s new Jacinto7 platform is one of industry... » read more

An Acquisition To Streamline SoC Integration


Late last year Arteris IP closed its acquisition of Magillem assets, bringing together two companies with a single mission: To support integration of systems-on-chip (SoCs) at the interconnect fabric level and the data integration level. The value of joining forces has been appealing for some time. Since the early days of both companies, we’ve been working with mutual customers and integratio... » read more

Design For Reliability


Circuit aging is emerging as a mandatory design concern across a swath of end markets, particularly in markets where advanced-node chips are expected to last for more than a few years. Some chipmakers view this as a competitive opportunity, but others are unsure we fully understand how those devices will age. Aging is the latest in a long list of issues being pushed further left in the desig... » read more

Analysis And Development of Safety-Critical Embedded Systems


Today’s automobiles and airplanes feature more electronic components than ever. Hundreds of connected systems enable safety-critical functions like braking, acceleration, steering, navigation and communication. Ansys has the only comprehensive simulation solution for designing safe, reliable systems — including hardware, electronics and embedded software — for human-controlled and autonom... » read more

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