Agile Pathfinding Technology Prototyping: the Hunt for Directional Correctness

Abstract

New tools and methodologies are fused with conventional elements of the process-design-kit (PDK) and design enablement to introduce a rigorous yet fast and agile technology prototyping platform. This design technology cooptimization (DTCO) solution replaces the rigid, time and resources consuming PDK to enhance the core functions critical to evaluate power, performance area and cost (PPAC). Any technology definition with any device or process integration innovation can be evaluated at the standard cell level first, and then at the block level to explore and understand the requirements of different design applications. The flexibility and fast turn-around make it practical to imagine, test and compare many technology prototypes. From simple evolutions to innovative disruptions, the feasibility and value of the technology choices and hardware tools required can be identified early with great detail, significantly accelerating the development of future process tools. To illustrate the efficiency of the platform, complementary-FET (CFET) [1] technologies are compared to reference finFET technologies. As we approach the fundamental limits of dimensional scaling, with so many choices ahead of us including 3D constructs, we need efficient technology prototyping to navigate and steer in the right direction.