Units: 12
Essentially, design of integrated circuit (IC) is nothing more than a set data files. Thus, theoretically, IC designer should have unlimited freedom in exploring IC design space. We know, however, that the reality is different. IC design space is severely restricted. On one hand it is limited by the nature of electronics marketplace and on the other hand it is bounded by "Mother Nature". Market place dictates what kind of design can be sold and with what profit. Mother Nature, i.e. laws of physics, decides what performance is achievable and what kind of IC device can be fabricated with the acceptable cost. The overall objective of this class is to derive the IC design space restrictions from the basic rules governing both electronic market place and physics of IC manufacturing process. Such an objective will be achieved by evolving subject of the discussion in the class around notion of "IC manufacturability" i.e. ability to fabricate a given design, in volume, with a necessary profit margin. The concepts of manufacturability will be developed in class by first studying in detail a number of examples of modern IC technologies. These examples will be used then to explain all major reasons limiting efficiency of manufacturing processes. Next concept of manufacturing yield and yield learning process will be explained. Relation between yield, spectrum of design attributes and limitations of key processing steps will be discussed. Design techniques instrumental in achieving desired levels of manufacturability will be reviewed as well. Finally, discussion in the class will be focused on explanation of IC industry evolution trends. These trends will be examined from the DFM perspective in order to help with the forecasting of future trends of IC industry.
