GF is the third largest foundry internationally and this is the technology they offer with the smallest line width (transistor size). This is a modern technology with high transistor density, low power consumption, and very good frequency characteristics. The process also offers some extra features that are attractive for analog design.
IDEAS (Integrated Detector Electronics AS) is a private Norwegian company that develops integrated circuits and electronics for radiation detection and space technology. We find the GF process interesting, among other things, for infrared image sensors. In addition to the usual benefits of the technology, we find it particularly interesting because it can make devices more radiation tolerant (which is important for space applications) and because it has the potential to be used down to 4 Kelvin. The latter is interesting in relation to space, quantum sensors, and low-noise applications.
IDEAS is in the process of installing the technology files (PDK – Process Design Kit) for the process on our server.
The master's thesis involves developing circuit schematics and analysing and verifying through simulation. Processing/production is not part of the master work.
• Bandgap references are used to generate a fixed and stable reference voltage and reference current. Applications include ADCs, DACs, and voltage and current sensors and regulators.
• Comparators are used to compare two analog signals and give give an digital output signal indicate which is the larger. Comparators are a key element in ADCs.
• Integrators can be used in ADCs and sensor frontend amplifiers. Suggested specifications for the integrator could be:
- High linearity within a narrow (10mV) input voltage range.
- Large output voltage range
• Large supply voltage range
• Switch polarity.
Student qualifications:
Courses in analog and mixed CMOS design. Analog electronic courses.