Date: 23/09/2009

X-FAB adopted Agilent's IC-CAP device modeling platform for DC and RF apps

Agilent has announced the expansion of its Integrated Circuit Characterization and Analysis Program (IC-CAP) software platform at X-FAB. The IC-CAP software is a flexible device-modeling program that delivers characterization and analysis capabilities for semiconductor modeling processes for DC and RF applications.

The IC-CAP delivers numerous modeling tasks including instrument control, data acquisition, graphical analysis, simulation and optimization by providing efficient and accurate extraction of active device and circuit model parameters.

Using IC-CAP and its capabilities (e.g., GUI Studio), X-FAB was able to implement a customized device modeling flow that included proprietary, RF model extraction techniques and corner simulation setups. It also implemented on-target modeling, automated documentation tools and enhanced leakage modeling of CMOS transistors. Additionally, X-FAB was able to develop special IC-CAP-based applications like One-Time Programmable (OTP) memory and high-voltage CMOS transistor models.

"We are pleased that IC-CAP's flexible, easily customizable platform enabled X-FAB to implement the strategies and techniques necessary to effectively meet its device modeling goals while also realizing improved time-to-market," said Todd Cutler, marketing manager with Agilent's EEsof EDA division. "The major software/platform technology enhancements we have implemented in the 2009 release of IC-CAP will ensure that X-FAB is equipped with the most powerful and flexible device modeling platform to meet their needs for years to come."

"For the past eight years, IC-CAP has been X-FAB's workhorse device modeling tool," said Sebastian Schmidt, group coordinator of SPICE modeling at X-FAB's facility in Erfurt, Germany. "With the platform enhancements being implemented in IC-CAP 2009 and its high level of customization that enables us to easily exchange information among our worldwide fabs via IC-CAP project files, Agilent's IC-CAP software offers us the most efficient path to accurate model extraction."

For more details visit www.agilent.com