TSMC licenses PowerQubic technology from Sofics

GISTEL, BELGIUM: Sofics bvba, a leading provider of solutions for ICs, is licensing its PowerQubic technology, which protects high-voltage integrated circuits from failure due to electrical overstress (EOS), to TSMC, the world's largest dedicated semiconductor foundry.

PowerQubic prevents latch-up and mitigates electrostatic discharge (ESD) and other forms of EOS, enabling superior reliability in such high-voltage systems as automotive and motor controls, power management and conversion circuits, and LCD drivers. It can be used without any changes to the production process.

Fully verified and optimized PowerQubic technology will soon be released for TSMC’s 0.25um/40V process. Other high-voltage processes will follow within the next year. TSMC customers can obtain PowerQubic layout cells through the foundry without separate licensing from Sofics.

“PowerQubic provides cost-effective, cutting-edge IC and system-level protection for high-voltage circuit designs,” said Koen Verhaege, CEO of Sofics. “With more electronic controls appearing in demanding applications every year, there is a growing need for system-level circuit protection. We believe PowerQubic sets a new standard for performance in this area.

“We’re gratified that after extensive testing TSMC has selected our technology to help customers protect their high-voltage circuits.”

As part of the licensing agreement, Sofics will become a member of TSMC’s IP Alliance.