Ridgetop TDDB EPU

Time-Dependent Dielectric Breakdown Electronic Prognostics Unit

Download a TDDB overview

The Ridgetop TDDB EPU is a pad-limited CMOS leakage detection cell.

Its unique and proprietary architecture behaves as an early-warning “sentinel” of upcoming gate oxide failure. The amount of pre-warning is dependent on the prognostic distance, which depends on the area and the stress voltage.

The Ridgetop TDDB EPU is designed to be co-located with the host circuit and subjected to the same environmental stresses. These environmental stresses contribute to aging of the circuit and can include over- and under-voltage conditions, transient spikes, radiation exposure, humidity, and excessive temperature conditions.

Features and Benefits

  • Alerts upcoming gate oxide failure condition due to TDDB
  • Consumes approximately 600 microwatts of power
  • Efficient size at 500 μm2 at the 0.13 micron process size
  • Scalable using design equation
  • Detects both hard and soft breakdowns
TDDB Layout

Fabless Semiconductor
Design House?

Was it a design problem or a process/foundry problem?

Ridgetop’s PDKChek® die-level test structure provides independent verification of foundry-supplied parameters.

Process-aware designs?

Ridgetop’s PDKChek provides in-situ measurements to correct for parametric variations in the die, improving production yields and major savings!

The Ridgetop View Newsletter Sign-up




Video

Watch our company intro

Video

Watch a demonstration of RingDown technology