Uniformity-Aware standard cell design with accurate shape control

Hongbo Zhang, Martin D.F. Wong, Kai Yuan Chao, Liang Deng, Soo Han Choi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

When the VLSI technology scales down to sub 40nm process node, the application of EUV is still far from reality, which forces 193nm ArF light source to be used at 32nm/22nm node. This large gap causes severe light refraction and hence reliable printing becomes a huge challenge. Various resolution enhancement technologies (RETs) have been introduced in order to solve this manufacturability problem, but facing the continuously shrinking VLSI feature size, RETs will not be able to conquer the difficulties by themselves. Since layout patterns also have a strong relationship with their own printability, therefore litho-friendly design methodology with process concern becomes necessary. In the very near future, double patterning technology (DPT) will be needed in the 32nm/22nm node, and this new process will bring major change to the circuit design phases for sure. In this paper, we try to solve the printability problem at the cell design level. Instead of the conventional 2-D structure of the standard cell, we analyze the trend of the application of 1-D cell based on three emerging double patterning technologies. Focusing on the dense line printing technology with off-axis illumination, line-end gap distribution is studied to guide our methodology for optimal cell design.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationDesign for Manufacturability through Design-Process Integration III
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
EventDesign for Manufacturability through Design-Process Integration III - San Jose, CA, United States
Duration: Feb 26 2009Feb 27 2009

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume7275
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Other

OtherDesign for Manufacturability through Design-Process Integration III
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Jose, CA
Period2/26/092/27/09

Keywords

  • 1-D patterning
  • Dense Line Printing
  • Double Patterning
  • Gap Distribution
  • Standard Cell Design

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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