CMC Designates Leti’s L-UTSOI Standard Model as Chip Industry FD-SOI Standard

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soiconsortium.org, May. 04, 2020 – 

The Compact Model Coalition (CMC) has selected Leti's L-UTSOI as a standard model for FD-SOI in the industry. The CMC is a working group composed of the major semiconductor companies and is part of the Silicon Integration Initiative (Si2).

L-UTSOI is derived from the Leti-UTSOI compact model, which has been implemented in circuit-simulation software and used in industrial process design-kits for several years.

Thierry Poiroux, head of CEA-Leti's Simulation and Compact Model Laboratory, said the selection of L-UTSOI as a Si2-CMC standard model ensures that it will be supported as long CMC industry members use it. "This is of paramount importance for large chip makers who will use this model in the future," he continued. "With a standard model, they are assured that a team of model developers is able to take care of the model improvements and/or bug fixes they need during the whole lifetime of their technology. It also positions CEA-Leti among the few compact-model developer teams able to develop and support a standard model."

The role of compact models

Once a new or enhanced chip is designed, it must be simulated prior to entering the expensive manufacturing phase. This proof-of-concept step relies on compact models that are expressed through a set of equations implemented in a form ensuring accuracy, robustness and numerical efficiency. Such compact models are approved and supported by the standard-setting arm of Si2, the CMC, which is an international working group focused on standardizing SPICE device models.

"As a member-driven organization, the CMC strives to provide value for its members and the semiconductor supply chain," said Peter Lee, CMC chair. "With 15 models now available, CMC members have a distinct competitive advantage with early access to new features and bug fixes, and an 18-month lead on standard models released to the public. Adding L-UTSOI to the mix of models was a direct response to our customer requests for model support as we continue to add value to their membership."

Standard models are developed by the world's leading SPICE-model experts. They are used by designers working at the most advanced fabless semiconductor companies, foundries, and IDMs. Implemented in the industry's top versions of circuit-simulation software and duly qualified, standard models give designers the assurance that their integrated circuits will perform according to the design specifications.

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