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TSMC's 0.18-micron High Voltage Process Enters Volume Production |
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The first 0.18-micron process
among foundries for high-end small TFT LCD displays! |
| TSMC
is the first foundry to deliver a 40volt high process technology at the
0.18-micron process node. The new process is ideal for single-chip SoC designs
for high-end TFT LCD drivers of QVGA resolution or higher. |
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The 0.18-micron high voltage process is particularly appropriate for portable
applications because it can integrate various combinations of power management
devices, source drivers, gate drivers, SRAM, graphic controllers, MCU's
and OTP NVM's in a single process. The new process will run in Fab 8. |
| TSMC
supports a variety of high voltage devices structures such as symmetric
NMOS and PMOS devices, asymmetric NMOS/PMOS devices, and isolated HV N/PMOS
devices. The process also offers one-time programmable non-volatile memory,
which enhances calibration or yield improvement. Thick top metal layer,
high value resistors and capacitors are also part of the high voltage option
at all process nodes. |
| One
of the most important features of the high voltage 0.18-micron process is
that it is logic and mixed signal compatible. Designers can easily integrate
any library cell or IP designs targeted to run on the process. |
| TSMC
has started a cost reduction project for 0.18-micron 40V process that will
reduce the SRAM bit cell from 4.89sq. micron meters to 3.91sq. micron meters.
This will result in a 20% reduction in the bit cell and a 30% to 50% reduction
in chip size, depending on the LCD's resolution. Design rules will be tightened
to allow for smaller die size designs. Masks will also be reduced by two
layers. TSMC is planning to release this "Phase-II" option in the fourth
quarter of 2005. |
| TSMC
is also planning a low power version of the 0.18-micron process featuring
1.8V/5V/18V capabilities that serve both low temperature Poly-silicon (LTPS)
and organic LED (OLED) display drivers. LTPS is regarded as a more advanced
display technology than TFT because it consumes less power. OLED displays
have additional benefits, such as brighter, thinner displays, faster response
rates, wider viewing angles, and can be fabricated on flexible substrates,
such as plastic. |
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