Imec & Synopsys Extend FinFET Research To 10nm Geometry
Imec and Synopsys, Inc. have expanded their collaboration in the field of Technology Computer Aided Design (TCAD) to next-generation FinFET technology at 10nm.
The collaboration builds on extensive work done at 14nm and several other process geometries, and will calibrate Synopsys' Sentaurus TCAD models to support the next-generation FinFET devices.
The organisations will work on 3D modelling of new device architectures and materials that will enable the semiconductor industry to continue to deliver products with higher performance and lower power consumption.
"Our focus is to address semiconductor device and material challenges at 10 nanometres and beyond," says Aaron Thean, director of the logic program at imec. "Collaborating with Synopsys, the market and technology leader in TCAD, helps us maximise the impact and reach of our advanced research programs."
Imec is partnering with leading IC companies for research in advanced CMOS scaling. Device scaling beyond feature-size reduction requires research on a range of new technologies, including new materials, device architectures, 3D integration, and photonics.
The imec and Synopsys partnership specifically focuses on the development and optimisation of new device architectures based on FinFETs and tunnel FETs (TFETs).
At this week's IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting 2012,imec presented a paper on the use of stressors to boost carrier mobility, which is critical to scale FinFET devices at 10nm and beyond. Insights and understanding obtained through the usage of Synopsys' TCAD tools will allow imec to accelerate this research.
"This expanded collaboration with imec enables us to extend Synopsys' industry leading TCAD simulation tool for next-generation FinFET device modelling and development," says Howard Ko, general manager and senior vice president of the silicon engineering group at Synopsys. "Imec is recognised worldwide for its expertise, excellent research facilities and industry focus, and our partnership will help to further advance our TCAD solutions."
Synopsys, Inc. is an innovator in electronic design automation (EDA) and semiconductor IP. Its software, IP and services help engineers address their design, verification, system and manufacturing challenges to design and create semiconductor chips and systems.
