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Two ARM Cortex A9 processors connected on 2.5D silicon interposer

Date: 21/11/2013
Open-Silicon, Inc., and GLOBALFOUNDRIES have demonstrated a functional system-on-chip (SoC) solution featuring two 28nm logic chips, with embedded ARM processors, connected across a 2.5D silicon interposer.

Two ARM Cortex-A9 processors built on a GLOBALFOUNDRIES’ 28nm-SLP (Super Low Power) process technology are attached to a silicon interposer, which is built on a 65nm manufacturing flow with through-silicon-vias (TSVs) to enable high-bandwidth communication between the chips. This approach allows designers to choose the most appropriate process technology for each function of their SoC, while the interposer and TSVs allow for finer grain and lower power connectivity than traditional packaging solutions, leading to smaller form factors and reduced power budgets for next-generation electronic devices.

“We are now much closer to building a system in package than before and Open-Silicon is extremely pleased to be at the forefront of making 2.5D a reality with our foundry and OSAT partners,” said Dr. Shafy Eltoukhy, vice president of technology development at Open-Silicon. “Given the multitudes of advantages that this technology offers, we firmly believe that widespread adoption along with heterogeneous die-integration will ensue soon.”

“As chip designers face growing complexity and cost at smaller geometries, the adoption of 2.5D technology is increasingly being viewed as an alternative to traditional scaling at the transistor level,” said Srinivas Nori, director of SoC innovation at GLOBALFOUNDRIES. “By collaborating closely with design partners like Open-Silicon and OSAT partners like Amkor, we will be able to accelerate the availability of this technology while minimizing cost, improving yield, maximizing re-use, and decreasing risk.”