X-FAB uses Silicon Frontline’s post-layout extraction software to enhance advanced mixed-signal PDK

CAMPBELL, USA: Silicon Frontline Technology Inc. (SFT) announced that X-FAB Silicon Foundries has used SFT’s R3D (Resistive 3D) software for X-FAB’s 0.18 micrometer high-voltage process (XH018), providing improvements in reliability and efficiency. X-FAB is the world's leading foundry group for More-than-Moore semiconductor applications.

X-FAB’s XH018 modular mixed-signal CMOS technology can be integrated with high-voltage (HV) and non-volatile memory (NVM) modules, making it ideal for SOC applications in the automotive market and embedded NVM applications in the communications, consumer and industrial markets. R3D is used for extraction and analysis of power devices. The combination of SFT’s R3D software and X-FAB’s 0.18 micrometer process supports advanced electronic designs targeting mixed-signal applications with HV and NVM modules.

“Our customers are seeking ways to design more reliable and efficient SOCs for their automotive, power management and NVM embedded applications,” stated Thomas Ramsch, director, Design Support at X-FAB. “After extensive evaluations, we decided to start using Silicon Frontline’s R3D software for our XH018 process. R3D enhances our customers’ SOC design quality and time to market with its powerful analysis and visualization of current density, potential distribution and IR drop. Therefore, we will offer XH018 Pcells for driver integration as part of our PDK by early March, giving customers a way to check their layout, optimize Rdson and do reliability checks.”

X-FAB manufactures wafers for automotive, industrial, consumer, medical, and other applications on modular CMOS and BiCMOS processes in geometries ranging from 1.0 to 0.13 micrometers, and offers special BCD, SOI and MEMS long-lifetime processes. It is recognized for solid, specialized expertise in advanced analog and mixed-signal process technologies, and maintains a high level of responsiveness, service and technical support for its customers.

“We are proud to add X-FAB to the list of the leading foundries that have qualified our 3D post-layout software for their advanced mixed-signal processes,” said Yuri Feinberg, SFT CEO. “We believe that our R3D’s analysis software is ideal for improving X-FAB’s customers’ design efficiency and reliability.”