News: Microelectronics
17 December 2024
X-FAB launches next-gen silicon carbide process platform for power MOSFET designs
As its next-generation XbloX platform, analog/mixed-signal, MEMS and specialty foundry X-FAB Silicon Foundries SE of Tessenderlo, Belgium has launched XSICM03 (available now for early access), advancing silicon carbide (SiC) process technology for power metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). A significantly reduced cell pitch enables increased die per wafer and improved on-state resistance without compromising reliability, the firm says.
XbloX is X-FAB’s streamlined business process and technology platform designed to accelerate the development of advanced SiC MOSFET technology. It integrates qualified SiC process development blocks and modules for planar MOSFET production, simplifying the onboarding process and significantly reducing design risks and product development time. By combining proven process modules with robust design rules, control plans and failure mode and effects analysis (FMEAs), XbloX is said to enable faster prototyping, easier design evaluation, and shorter time to market. This approach is claimed to give customers a competitive edge, allowing designers to create a diverse product portfolio while achieving production timelines up to nine months faster than traditional development methods.
The next-generation platform provides active area design cell size reduction while maintaining robust process controls, as well as leakage and breakdown device performance. The XSICM03 platform with robust design rules allows customers to create SiC planar MOSFETs with a cell pitch that is over 25% smaller than the previous generation, increasing the die per wafer by up to 30%. Leveraging proven process blocks, the platform is said to ensure exceptional gate oxide reliability and device robustness. The enriched PCM library and enhanced design support allow fast customer tape-out, resulting in faster product development.
“With its streamlined approach, our next-generation process platform addresses the increasing demand for high-performance SiC devices in automotive, industrial and energy applications,” notes Rico Tillner, CEO of X-FAB Texas. “We enable existing and new customers in creating application-optimized product portfolios through accelerated prototyping and design evaluation, significantly reducing time to market.”
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