The new predictive and physical compact model under development, Leti-NSP, will build on Leti’s experience in model development, which includes the Leti-UTSOI model for FD-SOI technology. The Leti-NSP compact model uses a novel methodology for the calculation of the surface potential, including quantum confinement. The model is able to handle arbitrary cross-section shapes of stacked planar and vertical GAA MOSFETs (circular, square, rectangular). It provides a suitable tool for design exploration of nanowire and nanosheet device architectures.
This three-year collaboration will make the new device models available to designers through SmartSpice, Silvaco’s high-performance parallel SPICE simulator for use by circuit designers. The corresponding model-parameters extraction flow will be implemented in Utmost IVTM, Silvaco’s database-driven environment for characterizing semiconductor devices, to ensure an accurate fit between simulated and measured device characteristics.
Besides accurate device characterization and simulation, a complete solution includes TCAD simulation, and 3D parasitic extraction. Silvaco’s partnership with leading research institutions for atomistic TCAD, and its solver technology, will help to provide what they suggest will be the most accurate Design Technology Co-Optimization (DTCO) solution for nanometer technologies.
“Over two decades, CEA-Leti and Silvaco have collaborated on design-technology co-optimisation, ranging from innovative TCAD simulation to the design of advanced nanoelectronics, and thus expanded and strengthened Silvaco’s suite of tools for designers,” said Emmanuel Sabonnadière, CEA-Leti CEO. “This project continues that partnership, and when these physics-based compact models are made available to designers worldwide, they will be able to evaluate the potential of advanced nanowire-based CMOS technologies under development at CEA-Leti.”
“DTCO, including circuit simulation, is fundamental to the development of electronic devices, and shrinking silicon geometries are placing an even greater premium on accuracy to capture and evaluate all the new physical effects in nanometer design,” said Eric Guichard, vice president of Silvaco's TCAD Division. “This project will provide circuit designers and technologists with powerful, advanced design flows that combine CEA-Leti’s physical, predictive, and easy-to-use models with Silvaco’s high-accuracy EDA tools.”