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Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) has announced
shipment of the latest release of its device modeling software platform, the Integrated
Circuit Characterization and Analysis Program (IC-CAP).
The new IC-CAP release
radically changes the way data is stored, analyzed and selected for modeling
tasks, greatly increasing workflow efficiency and ensuring continued data
integrity and traceability. IC-CAP's automated measurement solution, Wafer
Professional (or WaferPro), can now access a new SQL database called IC-CAP
Database. Destined to become the backbone of the device modeling flow, the new
database can simplify the way device modeling teams operate.
A new tool called DataPro is
also integrated with IC-CAP Database. DataPro enables rapid analysis and
selection of data for the final model parameter-extraction process.
An accurate description of process
variations when modeling today's advanced semiconductor processes has become a
core requirement for circuit design teams. At the beginning of the modeling
flow, IC-CAP WaferPro enables engineers to execute complex measurement tasks
and collect high volume data for analyzing statistical trends. Writing data
directly to a database simplifies data storage, improves security and
maintainability, and enables complex queries to be completed extremely fast.
DataPro helps identify and eliminate outlier devices/dies that show unphysical
behavior or a large statistical deviation from the mean. It then performs
statistical analysis on selected targets and identifies the golden and corner
dies to be used for model extraction.
"As the leading provider of
semiconductor device modeling solutions, we continue to innovate to improve
flow efficiency and model accuracy," said Chris Morton, device modeling
business manager with Agilent EEsof EDA. "Breakthrough capabilities like
IC-CAP Database and DataPro enable our customers to focus their modeling
resources on the core modeling task, knowing that their data is organized and
secure."
Rapid Data Analysis and Selection
Agilent's new W8503 IC-CAP DataPro
connects to database or file repositories. A convenient user interface let
users select target data for statistical analysis. Selected targets can be
either I-V curves, such as Id versus Vd or spot data, such as Vth or Idmax. The
program runs statistical analysis on the target data and calculates mean values
and variances. Statistical graphics such as histograms are available to allow
users to inspect data and its distribution, and identify and eliminate
outliers. The software then pinpoints the golden die to be used for typical
device model extraction and the corner dies to be used for corner modeling.
New IC-CAP 2012.01 Features
In addition to the SQL database support
and DataPro, IC-CAP 2012.01 provides new features and enhancements, such as a
reduced memory print (up to 5x) to allow loading of very large data files and a
driver for the new Agilent B2900A Series source/measurement unit. Existing DC
analyzer instrument drivers have also been enhanced to support time-domain
measurements and higher resolution. In addition, IC-CAP 2012.01 introduces a
new simplified licensing and product structure. Major changes include
introduction of a new bundle, the W8500, to replace the former Modeling Suite;
a new W8520 Instrument Connectivity product that includes all drivers; and the
inclusion of target and corner modeling packages into all CMOS extraction
packages. More information on the new product structure is available at www.agilent.com/find/eesof-iccap.
Agilent IC-CAP software is a
device-modeling program that delivers powerful characterization and analysis
capabilities for today's semiconductor modeling processes. Providing efficient
and accurate extraction of active device and circuit model parameters, IC-CAP
performs numerous modeling tasks, including instrument control, data
acquisition, graphical analysis, simulation and optimization. It is used by
semiconductor foundries and design houses to characterize foundry processes.
For more information about IC-CAP,
WaferPro or DataPro, visit www.agilent.com/find/eesof-iccap, www.agilent.com/find/eesof-waferpro andwww.agilent.com/find/eesof-datapro,
respectively. A high-resolution image of IC-CAP DataPro is available at www.agilent.com/find/DataPro_images.
About Agilent EEsof EDA Software
Agilent EEsof EDA is the leading
supplier of electronic design automation software for microwave, RF,
high-frequency, high-speed digital, RF system, electronic system level,
circuit, 3-D electromagnetic, physical design and device-modeling applications.
More information is available at www.agilent.com/find/eesof.
About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is
the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in chemical
analysis, life sciences, electronics and communications. The company's 18,700
employees serve customers in more than 100 countries. Agilent had net revenues
of $6.6 billion in fiscal 2011. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com.