25th Feb 09
Synopsys, Powerchip and Nikon partnering
on 42-nm flash memory optimization
Synopsys in partnering with Powerchip and Nikon to deploy
the Nikon Scanner Signature Files (NSSF) as a method to
increase Proteus ProGen model accuracy on 42-nanometer (nm)
flash memory designs. The NSSF parameters provide factory-averaged
empirical data from the illumination source, lens and stage,
which ports directly into Proteus ProGen models to capture
the unique scanner signatures. Some or all of these parameters
can be deployed to provide increased model accuracy for
critical designs, like memory cells, with little to no impact
on optical proximity correction (OPC) runtime. The migration
from ideal to empirical scanner parameters enables enhanced
physical modeling and progression to future technology nodes
in which customized or aggressive off-axis illumination
is common with memory processes.
"We expect the stepper-specific NSSF parameters can
provide the additional modeling accuracy required in this
highly competitive memory market," said Nelson Lai,
OPC department manager for the Nano-Printing Technology
Group at Powerchip, a Taiwan-based manufacturer of memory
products and foundry services. "This NSSF collaboration
will be instrumental in increasing yield for our unique
42-nanometer flash memory and in future designs."
"We are committed to providing regular progressions
in modeling accuracy to equip our customers with the tools
necessary to increase yield in highly competitive markets,"
said J. Tracy Weed, director of marketing for the Silicon
Engineering Group at Synopsys. "Our strong collaboration
with Nikon has been very effective in our drive toward sub-nanometer
model accuracy by creating a more physical system."
"By incorporating proprietary Nikon scanner information
into the Proteus software, customers can gain a competitive
advantage through improved OPC accuracy and faster optimization
time," said Toshikazu Umatate, operating officer and
general manager, Development Headquarters, Precision Equipment
Company, Nikon Corporation. "Through this collaboration
with Synopsys we have been able to show clear benefits to
our customers."
This phase of NSSF deployment is the latest milestone in
an ongoing collaboration between Synopsys and Nikon to develop
the required model accuracy value links between OPC software
and Nikon hardware.
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