X-FAB enhances its 180nm automotive grade high voltage CMOS semiconductor manufacturing

     X-FAB Silicon Foundries SE has enhanced its XP018 high-voltage CMOS semiconductor production platform by introducing new 40V and 60V high-voltage basic devices. These devices have an increased safe operating area (SOA) to enhance their operational reliability.

     The second-generation high-voltage primitive devices demonstrate a significant decrease of up to 50% in RDS(on) values as compared to the prior iteration. This provides a superior option that is more suitable for addressing specific essential uses, especially in cases when the size of devices needs to be decreased and the prices per unit need to be cut.

     The XP018 platform is a customizable 180nm high-voltage EPI technology solution. It is built around a single-gate core module with a low number of masks and operates at 5V. The device has a temperature range of -40 to 175°C and provides several optional components such as high-gain bipolar devices, standard and high-capacitance MIM capacitors, multi-threshold (Vt) choices, Schottky diodes, and depletion devices.

     The platform is bolstered by dependable automotive non-volatile memory (NVM) solutions, including embedded Flash, EEPROM, and OTP. This architecture specifically caters to cost-sensitive and resilient automotive, industrial, and medical applications.

     Furthermore, the platform has been improved by using 5.3V Zener diodes, with the new 40V/60V devices. The newly developed Zener diode with minimal leakage is specifically designed to provide efficient protection for the gate oxide in crucial applications, such as Wide Bandgap gate driver applications. In addition, there are also newly developed drain high-voltage devices available, capable of handling up to 24V, as well as a new option for medium Vt at 1.8V.

     X-FAB’s update of the XP018 platform showcases their dedication to improving existing semiconductor technologies, as stated by X-FAB. XP018 has been in production for over ten years and continues to be widely adopted for new designs in our target market segments: automotive, industrial, and medical.

     According to the company, the introduction of new high-voltage gadgets and updates would allow customers to create more inventive and cost-efficient products. Designers who use the new XP018 primitive devices can benefit from extensive Process Design Kit (PDK) support on leading Electronic Design Automation (EDA) platforms including as Cadence, Siemens EDA, and Synopsys. This support guarantees smooth integration and optimization for many applications. A new Vt standard cell library is planned for delivery in the third quarter of 2024.