Graphene and VLSI Interconnects


Book Description

Copper (Cu) has been used as an interconnection material in the semiconductor industry for years owing to its best balance of conductivity and performance. However, it is running out of steam as it is approaching its limits with respect to electrical performance and reliability. Graphene is a non-metal material, but it can help to improve electromigration (EM) performance of Cu because of its excellent properties. Combining graphene with Cu for very large-scale integration (VLSI) interconnects can be a viable solution. The incorporation of graphene into Cu allows the present Cu fabrication back-end process to remain unaltered, except for the small step of “inserting” graphene into Cu. Therefore, it has a great potential to revolutionize the VLSI integrated circuit (VLSI-IC) industry and appeal for further advancement of the semiconductor industry. This book is a compilation of comprehensive studies done on the properties of graphene and its synthesis methods suitable for applications of VLSI interconnects. It introduces the development of a new method to synthesize graphene, wherein it not only discusses the method to grow graphene over Cu but also allows the reader to know how to optimize graphene growth, using statistical design of experiments (DoE), on Cu interconnects in order to obtain good-quality and reliable interconnects. It provides a basic understanding of graphene–Cu interaction mechanism and evaluates the electrical and EM performance of graphenated Cu interconnects.




Graphene and VLSI Interconnects


Book Description

Copper (Cu) has been used as an interconnection material in the semiconductor industry for years owing to its best balance of conductivity and performance. However, it is running out of steam as it is approaching its limits with respect to electrical performance and reliability. Graphene is a non-metal material, but it can help to improve electromigration (EM) performance of Cu because of its excellent properties. Combining graphene with Cu for very large-scale integration (VLSI) interconnects can be a viable solution. The incorporation of graphene into Cu allows the present Cu fabrication back-end process to remain unaltered, except for the small step of “inserting” graphene into Cu. Therefore, it has a great potential to revolutionize the VLSI integrated circuit (VLSI-IC) industry and appeal for further advancement of the semiconductor industry. This book is a compilation of comprehensive studies done on the properties of graphene and its synthesis methods suitable for applications of VLSI interconnects. It introduces the development of a new method to synthesize graphene, wherein it not only discusses the method to grow graphene over Cu but also allows the reader to know how to optimize graphene growth, using statistical design of experiments (DoE), on Cu interconnects in order to obtain good-quality and reliable interconnects. It provides a basic understanding of graphene–Cu interaction mechanism and evaluates the electrical and EM performance of graphenated Cu interconnects.




Carbon Nanotube Based VLSI Interconnects


Book Description

The brief primarily focuses on the performance analysis of CNT based interconnects in current research scenario. Different CNT structures are modeled on the basis of transmission line theory. Performance comparison for different CNT structures illustrates that CNTs are more promising than Cu or other materials used in global VLSI interconnects. The brief is organized into five chapters which mainly discuss: (1) an overview of current research scenario and basics of interconnects; (2) unique crystal structures and the basics of physical properties of CNTs, and the production, purification and applications of CNTs; (3) a brief technical review, the geometry and equivalent RLC parameters for different single and bundled CNT structures; (4) a comparative analysis of crosstalk and delay for different single and bundled CNT structures; and (5) various unique mixed CNT bundle structures and their equivalent electrical models.




Carbon Nanotube and Graphene Nanoribbon Interconnects


Book Description

An Alternative to Copper-Based Interconnect Technology With an increase in demand for more circuit components on a single chip, there is a growing need for nanoelectronic devices and their interconnects (a physical connecting medium made of thin metal films between several electrical nodes in a semiconducting chip that transmit signals from one point to another without any distortion). Carbon Nanotube and Graphene Nanoribbon Interconnects explores two new important carbon nanomaterials, carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphene nanoribbon (GNR), and compares them with that of copper-based interconnects. These nanomaterials show almost 1,000 times more current-carrying capacity and significantly higher mean free path than copper. Due to their remarkable properties, CNT and GNR could soon replace traditional copper interconnects. Dedicated to proving their benefits, this book covers the basic theory of CNT and GNR, and provides a comprehensive analysis of the CNT- and GNR-based VLSI interconnects at nanometric dimensions. Explore the Potential Applications of CNT and Graphene for VLSI Circuits The book starts off with a brief introduction of carbon nanomaterials, discusses the latest research, and details the modeling and analysis of CNT and GNR interconnects. It also describes the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties, and structural behavior of these materials. In addition, it chronicles the progression of these fundamental properties, explores possible engineering applications and growth technologies, and considers applications for CNT and GNR apart from their use in VLSI circuits. Comprising eight chapters this text: Covers the basics of carbon nanotube and graphene nanoribbon Discusses the growth and characterization of carbon nanotube and graphene nanoribbon Presents the modeling of CNT and GNR as future VLSI interconnects Examines the applicability of CNT and GNR in terms of several analysis works Addresses the timing and frequency response of the CNT and GNR interconnects Explores the signal integrity analysis for CNT and GNR interconnects Models and analyzes the applicability of CNT and GNR as power interconnects Considers the future scope of CNT and GNR Beneficial to VLSI designers working in this area, Carbon Nanotube and Graphene Nanoribbon Interconnects provides a complete understanding of carbon-based materials and interconnect technology, and equips the reader with sufficient knowledge about the future scope of research and development for this emerging topic.




Nano Interconnects


Book Description

This textbook comprehensively covers on-chip interconnect dimension and application of carbon nanomaterials for modeling VLSI interconnect and buffer circuits. It provides analysis of ultra-low power high speed nano-interconnects based on different facets such as material modeling, circuit modeling and the adoption of repeater insertion strategies and measurement techniques. It covers important topics including on-chip interconnects, interconnect modeling, electrical impedance modeling of on-chip interconnects, modeling of repeater buffer and variability analysis. Pedagogical features including solved problems and unsolved exercises are interspersed throughout the text for better understanding. Aimed at senior undergraduate and graduate students in the field of electrical engineering, electronics and communications engineering for courses on Advanced VLSI Interconnects/Advanced VLSI Design/VLSI Interconnects/VLSI Design Automation and Techniques, this book: Provides comprehensive coverage of fundamental concepts related to nanotube transistors and interconnects. Discusses properties and performance of practical nanotube devices and related applications. Covers physical and electrical phenomena of carbon nanotubes, as well as applications enabled by this nanotechnology. Discusses the structure, properties, and characteristics of graphene-based on-chip interconnect. Examines interconnect power and interconnect delay issues arising due to downscaling of device size.




Integrated Devices for Artificial Intelligence and VLSI


Book Description

With its in-depth exploration of the close connection between microelectronics, AI, and VLSI technology, this book offers valuable insights into the cutting-edge techniques and tools used in VLSI design automation, making it an essential resource for anyone seeking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving field of VLSI design. Very large-scale integration (VLSI) is the inter-disciplinary science of utilizing advanced semiconductor technology to create various functions of computer system. This book addresses the close link of microelectronics and artificial intelligence (AI). By combining VLSI technology, a very powerful computer architecture confinement is possible. To overcome problems at different design stages, researchers introduced artificial intelligent (AI) techniques in VLSI design automation. AI techniques, such as knowledge-based and expert systems, first try to define the problem and then choose the best solution from the domain of possible solutions. These days, several CAD technologies, such as Synopsys and Mentor Graphics, are specifically created to increase the automation of VLSI design. When a task is completed using the appropriate tool, each stage of the task design produces outcomes that are more productive than typical. However, combining all of these tools into a single package offer has drawbacks. We can’t really use every outlook without sacrificing the efficiency and usefulness of our output. The researchers decided to include AI approaches into VLSI design automation in order to get around these obstacles. AI is one of the fastest growing tools in the world of technology and innovation that helps to make computers more reliable and easy to use. Artificial Intelligence in VLSI design has provided high-end and more feasible solutions to the difficulties faced by the VLSI industry. Physical design, RTL design, STA, etc. are some of the most in-demand courses to enter the VLSI industry. These courses help develop a better understanding of the many tools like Synopsis. With each new dawn, artificial intelligence in VLSI design is continually evolving, and new opportunities are being investigated.




Graphene–Electrolyte Interfaces


Book Description

Graphene–electrolyte systems are commonly found in cutting-edge research on electrochemistry, biotechnology, nanoelectronics, energy storage, materials engineering, and chemical engineering. The electrons in graphene intimately interact with ions from an electrolyte at the graphene–electrolyte interface, where the electrical or chemical properties of both graphene and electrolyte could be affected. The electronic behavior therefore determines the performance of applications in both Faradaic and non-Faradaic processes, which require intensive studies. This book systematically integrates the electronic theory and experimental techniques for both graphene and electrolytes. The theoretical sections detail the classical and quantum description of electron transport in graphene and the modern models for charges in electrolytes. The experimental sections compile common techniques for graphene growth/characterization and electrochemistry. Based on this knowledge, the final chapter reviews a few applications of graphene–electrolyte systems in biosensing, neural recording, and enhanced electronic devices, in order to inspire future developments. This multidisciplinary book is ideal for a wide audience, including physicists, chemists, biologists, electrical engineers, materials engineers, and chemical engineers.




CMOSET 2013: Abstracts


Book Description




Crosstalk in Modern On-Chip Interconnects


Book Description

The book provides accurate FDTD models for on-chip interconnects, covering most recent advancements in materials and design. Furthermore, depending on the geometry and physical configurations, different electrical equivalent models for CNT and GNR based interconnects are presented. Based on the electrical equivalent models the performance comparison among the Cu, CNT and GNR-based interconnects are also discussed in the book. The proposed models are validated with the HSPICE simulations. The book introduces the current research scenario in the modeling of on-chip interconnects. It presents the structure, properties, and characteristics of graphene based on-chip interconnects and the FDTD modeling of Cu based on-chip interconnects. The model considers the non-linear effects of CMOS driver as well as the transmission line effects of interconnect line that includes coupling capacitance and mutual inductance effects. In a more realistic manner, the proposed model includes the effect of width-dependent MFP of the MLGNR while taking into account the edge roughness.




Nano Interconnects


Book Description

This textbook comprehensively covers on-chip interconnect dimension and application of carbon nanomaterials for modeling VLSI interconnect and buffer circuits. It provides analysis of ultra-low power high speed nano-interconnects based on different facets such as material modeling, circuit modeling and the adoption of repeater insertion strategies and measurement techniques. It covers important topics including on-chip interconnects, interconnect modeling, electrical impedance modeling of on-chip interconnects, modeling of repeater buffer and variability analysis. Pedagogical features including solved problems and unsolved exercises are interspersed throughout the text for better understanding. Aimed at senior undergraduate and graduate students in the field of electrical engineering, electronics and communications engineering for courses on Advanced VLSI Interconnects/Advanced VLSI Design/VLSI Interconnects/VLSI Design Automation and Techniques, this book: Provides comprehensive coverage of fundamental concepts related to nanotube transistors and interconnects. Discusses properties and performance of practical nanotube devices and related applications. Covers physical and electrical phenomena of carbon nanotubes, as well as applications enabled by this nanotechnology. Discusses the structure, properties, and characteristics of graphene-based on-chip interconnect. Examines interconnect power and interconnect delay issues arising due to downscaling of device size.