摘要:
An integrated circuit (IC) includes multiple embedded test circuits that all include a ring oscillator coupled to a test load. The test load either is a direct short in the ring oscillator or else is a interconnect load that is representative of one of the interconnect layers in the IC. A model equation is defined for each embedded test circuit, with each model equation specifying the output delay of its associated embedded test circuit as a function of Front End OF the Line (FEOL) and Back End Of the Line (BEOL) parameters. The model equations are then solved for the various FEOL and BEOL parameters as functions of the test circuit output delays. Finally, measured output delay values are substituted in to these parameter equations to generate actual values for the various FEOL and BEOL parameters, thereby allowing any areas of concern to be quickly and accurately identified.
摘要:
An integrated circuit (IC) includes multiple embedded test circuits that all include a ring oscillator coupled to a test load. The test load either is a direct short in the ring oscillator or else is a interconnect load that is representative of one of the interconnect layers in the IC. A model equation is defined for each embedded test circuit, with each model equation specifying the output delay of its associated embedded test circuit as a function of Front End OF the Line (FEOL) and Back End Of the Line (BEOL) parameters. The model equations are then solved for the various FEOL and BEOL parameters as functions of the test circuit output delays. Finally, measured output delay values are substituted in to these parameter equations to generate actual values for the various FEOL and BEOL parameters, thereby allowing any areas of concern to be quickly and accurately identified.
摘要:
An integrated circuit (IC) includes multiple embedded test circuits that all include a ring oscillator coupled to a test load. The test load either is a direct short in the ring oscillator or else is a interconnect load that is representative of one of the interconnect layers in the IC. A model equation is defined for each embedded test circuit, with each model equation specifying the output delay of its associated embedded test circuit as a function of Front End OF the Line (FEOL) and Back End Of the Line (BEOL) parameters. The model equations are then solved for the various FEOL and BEOL parameters as functions of the test circuit output delays. Finally, measured output delay values are substituted in to these parameter equations to generate actual values for the various FEOL and BEOL parameters, thereby allowing any areas of concern to be quickly and accurately identified.
摘要:
A method for dealing with process specific physical effects applies dimensional modifications to an IC layout to compensate for performance variations caused by the physical effects. Because the dimensional modifications harmonize the performance of the actual IC with the performance of the IC model, time-consuming re-verification operations are not required. Current drive variations caused by shallow trench isolation (STI) stress can be compensated for by adjusting the gate dimensions of the affected transistors to increase or decrease current drive as necessary. Such physical effect compensation can be applied before, after, or even concurrently with optical proximity correction (OPC). The dimensional modifications for physical effect compensation can also be incorporated into an OPC engine.
摘要:
An integrated circuit (IC) includes multiple embedded test circuits that all include a ring oscillator coupled to a test load. The test load either is a direct short in the ring oscillator or else is a interconnect load that is representative of one of the interconnect layers in the IC. A model equation is defined for each embedded test circuit, with each model equation specifying the output delay of its associated embedded test circuit as a function of Front End OF the Line (FEOL) and Back End Of the Line (BEOL) parameters. The model equations are then solved for the various FEOL and BEOL parameters as functions of the test circuit output delays. Finally, measured output delay values are substituted in to these parameter equations to generate actual values for the various FEOL and BEOL parameters, thereby allowing any areas of concern to be quickly and accurately identified.
摘要:
An integrated circuit (IC) includes multiple embedded test circuits that all include a ring oscillator coupled to a test load. The test load either is a direct short in the ring oscillator or else is a interconnect load that is representative of one of the interconnect layers in the IC. A model equation is defined for each embedded test circuit, with each model equation specifying the output delay of its associated embedded test circuit as a function of Front End OF the Line (FEOL) and Back End Of the Line (BEOL) parameters. The model equations are then solved for the various FEOL and BEOL parameters as functions of the test circuit output delays. Finally, measured output delay values are substituted in to these parameter equations to generate actual values for the various FEOL and BEOL parameters, thereby allowing any areas of concern to be quickly and accurately identified.
摘要:
An integrated circuit (IC) includes multiple embedded test circuits that all include a ring oscillator coupled to a test load. The test load either is a direct short in the ring oscillator or else is a interconnect load that is representative of one of the interconnect layers in the IC. A model equation is defined for each embedded test circuit, with each model equation specifying the output delay of its associated embedded test circuit as a function of Front End OF the Line (FEOL) and Back End Of the Line (BEOL) parameters. The model equations are then solved for the various FEOL and BEOL parameters as functions of the test circuit output delays. Finally, measured output delay values are substituted in to these parameter equations to generate actual values for the various FEOL and BEOL parameters, thereby allowing any areas of concern to be quickly and accurately identified.