Abstract
This paper presents a methodology to assess the quantitative benefit of a computer-aided technology customization project in wafer foundries. As the dedicated semiconductor foundries transition to complete integrated circuit (IC) product development solution providers, offering customer-centric IC fabrication technology to fables customers has become crucial for foundry business model. In order to support customers’ niche product-line, computer-aided design (CAD) tools are used for a rapid and cost-effective customization of foundry’s core IC fabrication technology. In this paper, the efficiency and effectiveness of CAD in IC fabrication technology customization projects are evaluated by an analytical model. The data obtained by the model, clearly, shows a significant reduction in technology customization cycle time and cost by using CAD in a technology customization project compared to the conventional practice.
Highlights
One of the recent trends in the microelectronics industry is the transitioning of the “pure-play,” manufacturing only, dedicated wafer foundries to complete integrated circuit (IC) product development turn-key solution providers [1]-[6]
The data obtained by the model, clearly, shows a significant reduction in technology customization cycle time and cost by using computer-aided design (CAD) in a technology customization project compared to the conventional practice
The semiconductor wafer foundries are transitioning to a complete IC product development turn-key solution providers
Summary
One of the recent trends in the microelectronics industry is the transitioning of the “pure-play,” manufacturing only, dedicated wafer foundries to complete integrated circuit (IC) product development turn-key solution providers [1]-[6]. In the conventional foundry business model, a foundry develops or acquires a core IC fabrication technology to provide wafer fabrication solutions to fables IC manufacturing companies. Today’s fabless companies require wafer fabrication as well as design services for rapid and cost-effective product development [1] [6]. In order to gain competitive advantage in product offering, some of the fabless companies designing novelty IC-chips require specialized IC fabrication technology. A cost-effective and rapid customization of foundry’s core IC fabrication technology node to support the target design specifications of fabless customers is crucial for the success of these fabless companies as well as foundries [12] [13] [14] [15]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
