Using AI/ML To Minimize IR Drop


IR drop is becoming a much bigger problem as technology nodes scale and more components are packed into advanced packages. This is partly a result of physics, but it's also the result of how the design flow is structured. In most cases, AI/ML can help. The underlying problem is that moving to advanced process nodes, and now 3D-ICs, is driving current densities higher, while the power envelop... » read more

LPDDR5X Opening New Markets For Low-Power DRAMs


Low-power DDR SDRAM has been one of the most widely used memories in the semiconductor market. This blog post talks about the evolutions of LPDDR DRAMs leading to the latest published standard of LPDDR5/5X. We also look at some of the traditional markets for LPDDR devices and how LPDDR5X is opening new specialized markets for the LPDDR DRAMs. History of LPDDR devices The first LPDDR standard,... » read more

Quantum Well Design Basics


Key Takeaways The choice of materials for the quantum well and barrier layers is paramount. Materials must have compatible lattice structures to minimize defects, with common combinations including GaAs/AlGaAs, InGaAs/InP, and GaN/AlGaN. The width of the quantum well significantly influences the energy levels and density of states, where narrower wells result in greater separation betwe... » read more

Blog Review: April 10


Cadence's Shyam Sharma looks at the evolution of the LPDDR standard and finds that LPDDR5X is opening new specialized markets for low-power DRAMs beyond the traditional areas of mobile, IoT, and automotive. Siemens' Hossam Sarhan and Dusan Petranovic find that new physical verification approaches are needed to ensure the performance and reliability of superconducting ICs and introduce a hybr... » read more

Data Center Security Issues Widen


The total amount of data will swell to about 200 zettabytes of data next year, much of it stored in massive data centers scattered across the globe that are increasingly vulnerable to attacks of all sorts. The stakes for securing data have been rising steadily as the value of that data increases, making it far more attractive to hackers. This is evident in the scope of the attack targets —... » read more

DNS, LES, Or RANS Simulation For Your Next Automotive Design


The automotive industry is constantly advancing, with new innovations and developments emerging almost every day. The industry is committed to creating a more sustainable future with the growing trend towards electric-powered vehicles and mass production. In 2022, the global production of motor vehicles increased by 5.7%, producing 85.4 million vehicles. However, the industry faces the challe... » read more

Blog Review: Apr. 3


Siemens' Keith Felton finds that high bandwidth memory integration poses significant challenges for package designers stemming from its unique architecture and stringent performance requirements. Synopsys' Gervais Fong finds out what's new in the USB4 v2 specification, some of its unique challenges involved in doubling the performance capabilities of the USB wired connection, and an intrigui... » read more

What’s At Stake In System Design?


When engineers refer to system analysis, they are referring to tool functions for improving an overall electronics design. What you will gain from this eBook: Power and Signal Integrity Insights into harmonic balancing and crosstalk analysis Learning about loop gain and transmission rates Examining the necessity of power-aware systems Electromagnetic Analysis Knowledge ... » read more

The Challenges Of Working With Photonics


Experts at the Table: Semiconductor Engineering sat down to talk about where photonics is most useful — and most vulnerable — with James Pond, fellow at Ansys; Gilles Lamant, distinguished engineer at Cadence; and Mitch Heins, business development manager for photonic solutions at Synopsys. What follows are excerpts of that conversation. To view part one of this discussion, click here. ... » read more

What’s Missing In 2.5D EDA Tools


Gaps in EDA tool chains for 2.5D designs are limiting the adoption of this advanced packaging approach, which so far has been largely confined to high-performance computing. But as the rest of the chip industry begins migrating toward advanced packaging and chiplets, the EDA industry is starting to change direction. There are learning periods with all new technologies, and 2.5D advanced pack... » read more

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