Technology Files and Library

High ESD I/O Pad Libraries

The first transistors were rather robust to the problems of Electro Static Discharge (ESD) due to their sheer bulk and size. But as their sizes decreased, the idea of static sensitivity became known. With the invention of the microprocessor and the explosion of integrated circuit technology, ESD related problems became a very real issue which could not only affect the production yields and profitability of electronics manufacturers, but also cause failures later in the product life due to latent defects.

ESD is known to be a significant cause of device failures through all stages of production, assembly, test, installation and field use. Even though designs may include some protection circuitry, it is relatively easy to generate static potentials during regular handling that exceed the protection limit. A catastrophic ESD event may cause permanent damage to the circuit like junction breakdown or oxide failure. Such failures are detected quite easily when the device is tested. On the other hand, latent defects are more difficult to identify because the circuit may only be partially degraded. In most cases, the operating life of the device is significantly reduced.

Tanner EDA has designed and developed a set of I/O Pads that emphasizes the need for ESD protection in integrated circuits. These pads are targeted to meet the MIL388D standard (Class II, 2KV HBM). Tests performed in an independent research lab showed that the HP/MOSIS 0.5m High ESD Pads passed 2KV test and the AMI/MOSIS 0.5m High ESD Pads passed 4KV test. The pad set includes buffered input and output pads, a bi-directional pad, an analog pad, power and ground pads, as well as a spacer, a no-connect and a corner pad.

Currently, Tanner EDA has process setup files for several different process vendor technologies. Please refer to our Technology Files and Libraries list to locate the particular set you are interested in. If you are interested in a particular process technology setup that is not currently listed, or have special requirements in terms of design rule checks or extraction capability, please contact us so that we can help meet your specific needs. We would be happy to develop a technology file and rule set tailored to your requirements.

For more information on Tanner EDA's Technology Files and Libraries, please contact our Sales Department:
phone +1-626-471-9700
toll free +1-877-325-2223
email salesw@tanner.com