Calibrating simulation tools for nanometer designs
Article Abstract:
Silicon calibration requires closer relationships and better communication than exists among silicon foundries, IC design groups, electronic design automation (EDA) firms according to Mahmoud Shahram of Synopsys. Simulation tools can be calibrated for nanometer designs. Synopsys has established the Direct Silicon Access (DSA) laboratory to this end; it provides technology files or models calibrated for transistor-level simulation tools to represent foundry processes with accuracy. Next-generation silicon processes will bring a need for system-on-a-chip (SOC) designers to improve accuracy of data going to high-level tools. Minimum circuit features of 250 nm or less are demanding. Designers have depended almost totally on analytical model generation (Spice) for process characterization. Spice-like simulators and models cannot handle large nanometer-level SOC designs that combine high-speed digital, analog and mixed-signal applications.
Publication Name: IEEE Spectrum
Subject: Engineering and manufacturing industries
ISSN: 0018-9235
Year: 1999
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The environment
Article Abstract:
Global environmental issues will drive electronics industry innovations in 1999. Cutting greenhouse emissions, reducing water use and developing ways to take back products will be pushed. All over the world legislation is dealing with how retail products, especially electrical ones, are disposed of or re-used at the end of their usefulness. Chip fabricators are trying to cut back on use of water, and more companies are trying to deal with carbon dioxide emissions in an environment-sparing fashion. Electronics companies are now trying to cut amounts of perfluoro compounds used. Design for the Environment software aimed toward the semiconductor industry is being made, but is still limited. Companies discussed include Motorola, IBM, Compaq, Dell, Gateway, Texas Instruments, National Semiconductor, Intel, SuperSymmetry, Sematech, ST Microelectronics (France), Packaging Electronic Circuits, Nortel Networks (Canada) and Hewlett-Packard.
Publication Name: IEEE Spectrum
Subject: Engineering and manufacturing industries
ISSN: 0018-9235
Year: 1999
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The attractions of technology
Article Abstract:
A survey was conducted by IEEE Spectrum, in conjunction with IEEE-USA, to determine the reasons for the people pursuing a career in technology. The results of the survey revealed that more than three-quarters were motivated by a desire to invent, build, or design things, to solve real-world problems, and 19 percent cited the chance to have a positive influence on the environment.
Publication Name: IEEE Spectrum
Subject: Engineering and manufacturing industries
ISSN: 0018-9235
Year: 2004
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