Category Archives: LEDs

December 13, 2007 – The Semiconductor Research Corp. (SRC) and U. of Glasgow are partnering to identify “the best” p-channel material to scale MOSFET minimum feature sizes, including gate length, down to 8nm, possibly extending scaling for another 4-6 years beyond current projections.

Industry efforts have managed to improve switching speeds by nearly 20% annually, keeping scaling on the pace of Moore’s Law. But that pace is in danger of slowing down unless the industry can find and integrate new compound materials (e.g. InGaAs and others) to replace silicon as the channel region of the MOSFET, they explained, in a statement.

One of Glasgow’s research goals will be to “strain” p-type compound semiconductors similar to how performance enhancements have been realized in silicon, targeting yield mobilities of ~ 6000-50,000 cm2/Vs. That’s more than 10x the values achievable in silicon, which has the potential to significantly reduce switching speeds to produce faster chips, they claim.

The Glasgow team will collaborate with the Non-Classical Research Center (NCRC), launched in 2006 by SRC-GRC and led by U. of California-Santa Barbara, which is working on one half of the compound semiconductor challenge to provide a sharp increase in carrier velocities in the n-channel. The aim of the new work at Glasgow will be to complete the other half, identifying significantly improved velocities in the p-channel, also using compound elements.

The three-year project will begin in January with a total investment of $2.5 million, complementing and enhancing work already underway at Glasgow that is supported by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

“Being able to utilize MOSFETs in compound semiconductors has been the elusive Holy Grail of scaling for 30 years,” said Jim Hutchby, senior scientist for the Global Research Collaboration (GRC), a unit of the SRC responsible for narrowing the options to keep scaling CMOS. “With what we expect to accomplish with the University of Glasgow, we may be only 2-3 years away from achieving that breakthrough.”

“We’re on our way to proving a new class of compound semiconductors that will provide better peak carrier velocities and lower voltages and allow the industry to supplement silicon’s critical paths for speed and power,” added Professor Iain Thayne, project leader for the Glasgow team.

After customers forward their PWB drawing files to Palomar, the company then coordinates with VMI to procure piece parts and perform SMT processes such as solder stencil, surface mount pick and place, solder reflow, cleaning, and inspection. The assembled parts are then returned to Palomar for microelectronic packaging assembly, test, and shipping. Palomar also offers other services through qualified vendors such as plating, sputtering, wafer dicing, and LED repackaging.

(December 12, 2007) SAN JOSE, CA &#151 Teradyne Inc. and Nextest Systems Corp. have signed a definitive agreement under which Teradyne will acquire Nextest. As a result, Teradyne will expand its served market into the flash memory test segment, estimated to be more than $700M in 2006. Of Nextest’s $95.8M in revenue in CY06, flash memory tester sales totaled about $80M. Upon closing, which is expected in 1Q08, Nextest will be run as a business unit within Teradyne’s Semiconductor Test Division.

Firm tips all-epi LED


December 11, 2007

December 10, 2007 – Carlsbad, CA-based light source technology manufacturer Goldeneye says it has developed an “epi-only” light-emitting diode (LED), using what it calls an “economical” thick epitaxial layer in a “novel” patent-pending fabrication process.

The company, which sells high-brightness RGB light sources for projection displays and bio-medical applications, initially developed its new EpiChip technology for its patent pending light recycling systems, but claims it found the technology is versatile and offers cost/performance benefits for other applications, including automotive, architecture, and general lighting.

“The EpiChip is the ultimate simplification in LED design in that it is simply all epi,” said Scott Zimmerman, Goldeneye VP of technology, in a statement. “It provides the lowest thermal resistance, highest extraction efficiency, lowest cost of manufacturing, and maximum flexibility in packaging.”

Both blue and green EpiChips up to 1 sq. mm in size have been produced, with typical output levels at 20ma exceeding 5mW at 520nm for 200×200 micron emitters. Devices from 350nm-585nm have been demonstrated the company says, and a number of die configurations, sizes, and colors (including amber and white) are in development.

New products utilizing the EpiChip are expected to be rolled out over the next year or so, according to the company.

by Brian Dance, European Contributing Editor, Solid State Technology

This year’s MEDEA+ annual forum in Budapest, Hungary (Nov. 26-28) reviewed final projects for the eight-year pan-European collaborate program for microelectronics R&D, set to expire in 2008. MEDEA+ has overseen three generations of CMOS technology, spanned 77 labeled projects involving 465 partner organizations from 22 countries and ~ 20,000 person-years, and enabled the European industry to become a world leader in such sectors as automotive electronics, smart card technology and image sensing.

Replacing MEDEA+ starting in January will be a new public-private partnership, “CATRENE” (Cluster for Application and Technology Research in Europe on NanoElectronics), a €6B (US ~$8.7B) four-year program (extendable another four years, as was MEDEA+) to take up the challenge of help Europe’s microelectronics industry develop and maintain strengths in nanoelectronics. R&D spending in technology and architecture will continue to rise, as R&D effort in Europe increases, with new applications addressing societal needs. Jozef Cornu, chairman of MEDEA+ and designated chairman of CATRENE, indicated that a first call for projects will be made by around March under Eureka project rules, based on a “bottom-up” procedure with experts judging the proposed projects’ quality and making recommendations for public funding.

Developments in lithography to support half-pitch resolutions down to 45nm and possibly 38nm appear well on track, according to ASML VP Paul van Wijnen, discussing the MEDEA+ 2T304 project LIQUID (LIthography based on Quite extreme Ultrahigh-NA 193 nm optical Immersion Development). He noted that a 1.35 NA system will be the industrial immersion standard, capable of 131 WPH throughput with 600 mm/s scan speed and 40nm resolution. NAND flash has been resolved down to 38nm, he noted, and work is underway for a new platform to push 193nm double patterning down to 32nm, with major changes including new high-speed high-acceleration stages and new technology to replace interferometer control.

No fluids suitable for immersion lithography have indices of over 1.7, but five fluids with refractive indices of about 1.65 look promising, with lower surface tension and higher viscosity than water, though their high temperature coefficients of refractive index necessitate temperature control to better than 1mK. Their latent heats are about a tenth of that of water. Work on 193nm based solutions for 38nm-32nm half-pitch resolutions has started using double patterning and liquids with high indices.

Increasing health care demands in aging worldwide populations is creating markets for devices such as “lab-on-a-chip” systems that will enable people to stay longer in their own homes, with remote monitoring where necessary. Laurent Malier, director of CEA-LETI, described a fully integrated point-of-care system for detecting nosocomial diseases. DNA can be directly grafted onto a CMOS ‘active pixel sensor,’ and chemiluminescence used to achieve a detection limit of <1pM. He cited cancer pre-diagnosis as an example of a possible future consumer application, detecting metabolic changes by the presence of specific volatile organic compounds in breath using very sensitive and selective chemical sensors.

The FDQ (Failure mechanism Driven Qualification) A407 project for reliability and analysis of electronic components was covered by Christian de Prost and Pascal Lecuyer of Atmel, with particular reference to the automotive and avionics sectors where the origins of failure causes are similar. They compared two imaging techniques for 65nm SRAM cells — a standard SEM picture lacked material details and showed no visible grains in a blurred image, whereas a He-ion microscope picture had sharp interfaces and showed W and Si grains.

A half-day ENIAC (European Nanoelectronics Initiative Advisory Council) Forum followed the MEDEA+ event, including details of a three year GOSSAMER project, a joint effort led by STMicroelectronics and Qimonda to investigate new architectures and materials for gigabyte non-volatile memories for mass storage, targeting the 32nm technology node, according to ST’s Livio Baldi. Strong gate and dielectric material innovations are needed so that charge trapping NAND can be considered as an alternative to floating gate at <40 nm. — B.D.

This improvement applies to the ST Micro Large Page Family from densities ranging from 1Gb to 8Gb in size. Four 1Gb (gigabit) STMicro NAND01 devices are programmed in 19.8 sec with a full data pattern on the Flashstream programmer. A new feature in BPM Microsystems’ software has the ability to use factory cache programming modes in conjunction with the Flashstream’s Vector Engine Co-processor to give the additional speed during programming. BPM’s Vector Engine Co-processor Technology hardware accelerates waveforms with minimal latencies from the programmer.

As I waited my turn at the grocery checkout recently, I passed the time scanning magazines for juicy tabloid gossip. Much to my surprise, tucked between covers revealing the truth about Britney’s drug problem and Brad and Angelina’s most recent tiff, was a cover line on Diabetic Living, a Better Homes and Gardens publication, about ultra-small insulin pumps, which reportedly rely on MEMS devices to achieve miniature size and increased functionality. A few inches away from that, the cover of Newsweek featured a story about the Kindle eReader, the brainchild of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, who intends to revolutionize book reading with this wireless device. To top it all off, I pulled a consumer news item off the wire about high-brightness LEDs replacing incandescent bulbs in Christmas tree lights. Maybe it’s because my line of work makes me notice those things, but it seems to me that this is solid proof that semiconductor technology has hit the big time: consumer awareness.

Fan Filter Units


December 1, 2007

Compiled by Carrie Meadows

Air quality is a dominant factor in any clean environment. Fan filter units (FFUs) are often used in “clean zones” because of their ability to be added to existing areas without major refitting. Advances in the control and monitoring capabilities and increased energy efficiencies help achieve the highest levels of contamination control.

Motorized ceiling filter modules

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Clean Air Products introduces Series 109BL motorized ceiling filter modules. The low-profile units are designed for use in tee-bar ceiling grid systems and allow ease of installation when overhead space is limited. Available in three sizes (2×4 ft, 2×3 ft, and 2×2 ft), with a variety of filters and other options, the Series 109BL has an integral backward curved blower/motor assembly for maximum energy efficiency. The aluminum filter frame, pre-filter, self-powered blower, and HEPA filter module offer simplicity, reliability, and quality. The units are well suited for cleanrooms of Class 10,000 to Class 10. Additional features include an all-metal filter housing and 90 fpm average face velocity. These units are tested to provide 99.99 percent DOP at 0.3 µm.

Clean Air Products
Minneapolis, MN
www.cleanairproducts.com

Energy-efficient fan filter units

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SAM FFUs made by Clean Rooms International meet the most exacting cleanroom specifications. Powered by energy-efficient EBM motors and compatible with the company’s exclusive Airlink Control System, SAM units are routinely used for cleanrooms, clean benches, and workstations worldwide. SAM units are offered in a wide array of models for meeting specific needs, such as standard units with HEPA or ULPA filters replaceable from roomside, ultra-low power consumption, reverse flow units, or models for hazardous locations. Most units carry the UL Mark with all electrical components UL Listed or UL Recognized. For more information, call one of the company’s cleanroom experts in your area or consult with the factory sales department at 616-452-8700.

Clean Rooms International
Grand Rapids, MI
www.cleanroomsint.com

Modular, horizontal fan systems

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The HEPAir® horizontal series by Cleanroom Systems can be mounted directly or remotely to most manufacturers’ fan filters for process level control of temperature and humidity. Available in half-ton to 2-ton capacities, HEPAir is modular and can be quickly installed, relocated, or added onto. Its multi-panel design allows for variable duct connections, making it suitable for plenum, once-through, and recirculating installations used in softwall cleanrooms, upgrades, problematic areas, additions, spot cooling, and process isolator applications. The system’s lightweight, all-aluminum outer body features a self-contained design that is factory tested prior to shipment under process load conditions and is ETL and CSA approved. Mechanical components are accessible from the front or through removable access panels for ease of start-up and maintenance. Options include air- or water-cooled condensers; integral stainless-steel humidification; electric reheat; high static pressure plug fans; integral HEPA filtration, chemical filtration, and UV lighting; PID control; and duct collars.

Cleanroom Systems, a division of Air Innovations
Syracuse, NY
www.cleanroomsystems.com

FFUs for stand-alone or ceiling grid installation

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Connecticut Clean Room Corp. (CCRC) offers FFUs that are designed for stand-alone or cleanroom ceiling grid systems. Available in standard sizes or built to specification with room-side accessible variable speed control, motor running light, plugged power cord, and room-side replacement HEPA or ULPA filters. With nearly 30 years of experience in cleanroom products, CCRC can assist in selecting the right FFU for the customer’s application. CCRC’s new catalog features an assortment of special products that meet all critical manufacturing, industrial, and sanitary standards. To receive a catalog or for information on BEE SMART, call 860-589-0049 and ask the Customer Care Team for more details.

Connecticut Clean Room Corp.
Bristol, CT
www.ctcleanroom.com

System controls for networked FFUs

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Envirco’s Small System Controls offer a cost-effective and simplified method for monitoring and controlling a network of cleanroom FFUs, especially for applications that require frequent adjustment of airflow rates. These control systems provide intelligent speed control and a versatile design; they also enable control of an array of Mac 10-installed Envirco Phase Controllers, providing a “Smart Mac10” system solution. Features include a seven-segment LED control console display; global standby feature for energy savings; pre-programmed user access levels and passcode to prevent tampering or accidental system changes; soft-start power-up; FFU error reporting; and alarm signals/emergency shutdown capability. To place an order for The Mac10 “Smart” Original (standard 2×4 ft format), call 800-545-6589.

Envirco Corp.
Albuquerque, NM
www.envirco.com

Motorized and terminal ceiling filter units

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Innotech Products is a complete source for motorized and terminal ceiling filters. The company’s 112-424 HEPA filtered recirculation system will create a positive-pressure cleanroom in new or existing spaces. The self-contained filter draws air in through a top-mounted pre-filter, then blows the air out the other side through a HEPA filter (ULPA filters available) into a controlled space. This model can be installed into a 2×4 ft ceiling grid system, mounted on support frames, or suspended from support structures. Innotech’s recirculating 112-424AR HEPA filter system with an air return grill offers an easy and low-cost solution for retrofitting existing rooms into cleanroom spaces. The “closed-loop” airflow system eliminates the concern of drawing in air from a drop-ceiling, which can be too warm or too cold for comfort. A “T” fitting can be installed onto the blower inlet. One leg connects to the pre-filter return; the other connects to the HVAC system. As the thermostat calls for heating or cooling, the air flows through the HEPA filter and into the cleanroom. The unit is UL Listed, USP <797> compliant, and draws only 3.5 A at 115 V. To speak to a cleanroom specialist regarding these and other cleanroom needs, call 888-270-0458 or e-mail [email protected].

Innotech Products
Minneapolis, MN
www.innotechprod.com

“There is much more proximity to the manufacturers of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) and the semiconductor industry than to the metal sheet exhibition that has taken place simultaneously in 2007,” comments Edgar M

High-volume production for these LEDs began in 1Q07 with a work force of 150 employees. This work force will expand to 900 employees when the facility is operating at full capacity.

By Manish Ranjan, Ultratech Inc.

November 27, 2007 — Three patents covering high-temperature, harsh-environment silicon carbide pressure sensors have been licensed by NASA’s Glenn Research Center to Endevco Corp., San Juan Capistrano, Calif.

The technologies include a packaging technique and chip fabrication methods that were developed by a team led by Robert Okojie at Glenn for use in aircraft engine combustion chambers. Silicon carbide (SiC) pressure sensors manufactured using these new processes can be used to improve testing of jet engines, in deep well drilling (where pressure and temperature increase as drilling depth increases), and in automobile combustion cylinders.

Silicon carbide is used for these new technologies, rather than the traditional silicon, which eliminates the need for cooling and enables operation in extreme temperatures. Currently, SiC-based pressure sensors built using these NASA technologies are able to operate for 130 hours at 600 degrees Celsius in air, making it durable and reliable for use for the first time in engine ground testing and short duration flight test instrumentation.

Glenn had used an Endevco silicon-based accelerometer in 2000 as a benchmark to validate Glenn’s SiC accelerometer. Test results showed the NASA device operated as well as the Endevco benchmark device. However, NASA’s SiC accelerometer had the added advantage of operating at much higher temperatures. This led to discussions between Endevco and Glenn about licensing opportunities to acquire Glenn’s SiC pressure and accelerometer sensor fabrication and packaging technologies.

According to Okojie, “Operation at high temperatures allows the SiC pressure sensors to be located in closer proximity to the sensed environment than conventional silicon based sensors, which must be isolated or protected in a water-cooled controlled environment. Placing the sensor closer to the harsh environment provides more reliable measurements. Additionally, its lighter weight due to absence of water-cooling plumbing makes the device less complex, relatively inexpensive and reduces tear-down cycle for engine maintenance. Its lightweight and reduced complexity leads to reduced engine weight for flight vehicles, hence improved fuel efficiency.”

By Brian Dance, Small Times contributing writer

November 26, 2007 — A report reviewing the British government’s progress on nanotechnologies and the data needs for addressing risks they may pose, was the subject of discussion during an October 19 policy meeting in London. The meeting was organized by Defra (Great Britain’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and ENTA (European Nanotechnology Trade Alliance).

Speaking at the meeting, Steve Morgan of the Chemicals and Nanotechnologies Division of Defra said that the report — prepared by the Council for Science and Technology (CST, an independent science advisory group to the UK government) and published in March 2007 — recommends the coordination of policies, including greater strategic cross-government action, with more departmental funding ring-fenced for research into health, safety and environmental impacts, and technology. The CST review further recommends that the government should continue its engagement with international organizations, promoting coordinated activity and collaborative research.

The UK government is also currently reviewing the role and objectives of the Nanotechnologies Stakeholders Forum, exploring ways in which the forum might better serve the needs of its membership. The government and its European Union (EU) partners will undertake research to enable the existing regulations to be applied effectively, with regulatory gaps addressed.

A Nanotechnologies Research Co-ordination Group (NRCG), chaired by Defra, works to ensure that the research effort is effectively coordinated across government. The NRCG is becoming more directly involved in the co-ordination of funding strategies for research and has recently expanded its membership to include industry representatives and more social and independent scientists in its taskforces.

In September 2006, the UK government launched a two-year Voluntary Reporting Scheme (VRS), with submissions invited from industry and academia on engineered nanoscale materials to help improve understanding of hazard and exposure pathways, both in the occupational setting and in the environment. This scheme aims to contribute to the process of gathering evidence on the potential health and environmental impacts of nanomaterials. There are uncertainties about the risks of nanoparticles currently in production that need to be addressed immediately to safeguard workers, consumers and the environment and to support regulatory decisions that may be necessary. However, Del Stark, chief executive officer of ENTA, told Small Times that ENTA believes that we know more than we realize, so ENTA supports the development of a database for negative toxicological test results. He said ENTA supports all actions to develop nanotechnology responsibly and in a safe manner.

During the meeting, Defra representative John Garrod reported on the work of the five task forces set up by the NRCG under its terms of reference in response to the concerns noted above:

Task Force 1 (covering metrology, characterization and standards): A REFNANO (Reference materials for engineered Nanoparticle toxicology and metrology) project, led by the Institute of Occupational Medicine, has been completed. The materials suggested for priority consideration are: carbon black, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, silver, single and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, polystyrene, metals, metal oxides and combustion products. The characteristics to be determined for individual reference materials would most likely comprise a selection from absolute length, specific surface area, particle numbers per unit mass, concentration of bulk or other surface contaminants and polymorphic composition.

Task Force 2 (covering exposure issues, occupational and environmental): The Health and Safety Executive has set up a NanoAlert helpdesk, which is an information bulletin service reviewing studies and health effects in occupational settings. Nanoparticle Occupational Safety and Health Consortium (NOSH) is an industry led project (DuPont) looking at issues related to exposure to nanoparticles in the workplace. A Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) monitoring program in UK universities will, among other objectives, look at problems of identification of manufactured materials over the background levels of nanoparticles in the environment.

Task Force 3 (dealing with human health hazard and risk assessment): determining the characteristics of nanomaterials that confer toxicity, including investigating the value of inhalation studies and the uptake, distribution and excretion of nanoparticles within and from the body. The Task Force is also looking at the potential role for in vitro methods for the investigation of nanomaterial hazards and the properties that control the ability of nanoparticles to penetrate cells in the respiratory epithelium.

Task Force 4 (covers environmental hazard and risk assessment): is working with the development of the Environmental Nanoscience Initiative (ENI), which is a joint venture between the Natural Environment Research Council, the Environment Agency and Defra. The ENI has now made 18 small grants in the areas of fate, behavior and effects of nanomaterials in the environment. This is mainly a capacity building exercise to develop the research base for this type of work in the UK.

Task Force 5 is for the social and economic dimensions of nanotechnologies.

Findings from extensive public engagement exercises have shown that the attitudes of the population to nanotechnology are similar to those for any new technology, namely generally positive, with strong support for fundamental science to provide answers. However, there are concerns about the lack of knowledge about the human health and environmental risks. These findings are summarized in the reports of the Nanodialogues project and of the Nanotechnology Engagement Group.

Christian Inglis, Advanced Materials Technologist at the Technology Strategy Board, told the meeting participants that The Technology Strategy Board, which was established by the government in 2004, became operational in July 2007 and is responsible for innovation funding. It promotes and supports R&D and the exploitation of science and technology for business benefit and quality of life. It will deliver a program of financial support to encourage business investment by world leading companies in all sectors of technology, providing leadership and advice to government departments and the research councils. It has a budget of some GBP 200 million (~$410 million) this year and about 75 staff. Following the Comprehensive Spending Review by Lord Sainsbury announced in October 2007, the Technology Strategy Board budget has been increased to a potential GBP 1 billion (~$2 billion) over the next 3 years inclusive of recommendations for potential joint funding with Regional Development Agencies and Research Councils. The underpinning key technology areas are advanced manufacturing, advanced materials, bioscience, electronics, photonics and electrical technologies, and information and communication technologies.

The Micro- and Nanotechnology Network (MNT) is underpinning a number of Technology Strategy Board Key Technology sectors, with funding of GBP 90 million (USD 185 million) over 6 years announced in July 2003. This is broken down into two areas: first, a capital facilities program covering materials, manufacture, medicine, and metrology, jointly with other funding bodies and industry; and second, a program of collaborative R&D resulting in some 50 projects funded by the Technology Strategy Board and matched by industry R&D funding. A Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network is also in the process of being formed.

The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) has a Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials (WPMN) with six projects, each overseen by a steering group. Addressing the meeting participants again, John Garrod gave details of these project groups:

SG1: Database on Environment Health and Safety (EHS) research to be launched in February 2008.

SG2: EHS Research strategies on manufactured nanomaterials.

SG3: Safety testing of a representative set of manufactured nanomaterials (14 materials provisionally agreed) with a sub-group to pursue in vitro methods.

SG4: Manufactured nanomaterials and test guidelines (closely linked with SG3).

SG5: Co-operation on voluntary schemes and regulatory programs providing details on exposure measurement and mitigation.

SG6: Co-operation on risk assessment for manufactured nanomaterials. A research project related to this objective has recently been let by Defra to Cranfield University.

The EU Framework 7 (FP7) research program has a 3.5 billion Euro ($ 5.1 billion) funding for nanotechnology for the period 2007 through 2013. The first call proposals are undergoing final assessment, with a second call in December 2007.