Improved Mixed-Mode Simulation Tools for Radiation Hardening of Nanoscale Semiconductor Integrated Circuits

Strategic DoD satellite and missile systems (Space Based Radar, Space Tracking Surveillance Systems) operate in harsh radiation environments, and will be increasingly based on novel sub-100-nm semiconductor technologies and highly complex circuits. To ensure interruption-free operation, accurate prediction of the radiation response of these technologies and circuits is critical. Predictive calculations require efficient mixed-mode simulation capability and advanced models for both the device physics and circuit solver components, which have not been available in commercial mixed-mode tools. CFDRC, in collaboration with Vanderbilt University/ISDE, Northrop Grumman, Lynguent, Georgia Tech, MIT Lincoln Lab, and Mentor Graphics, is developing an innovative mixed-mode simulation tool. In Phase I, it was upgraded with newest Spice compact models (BSIM3v3, BSIM4, BSIMSOI) and demonstrated for Single Event Effects in digital circuits for 180-nm CMOS and SOI technologies. In Phase II, we will enhance the mixed-mode simulator to address the analog circuitry (SiGe BiCMOS, HBTs, VBIC model for Spice), deep-submicron physics models (stress/strain effects on mobility, quantum effects and tunneling) important for nanoscale technologies, and alternative coupling mechanisms of CFDRC’s 3D NanoTCAD with Eldo circuit solver (Mentor Graphics). We will validate the new models and tools with experimental data, and perform Beta Site testing of the upgraded mixed-mode simulator.