Ridgetop Group offers a range of training courses covering the theory and application of the various products and technologies we provide. Training is available on-site, at Ridgetop’s facilities, and over the web (when appropriate). Training may be customized to the specific organizational needs and application.
Ridgetop Group is excited to announce its new training course offerings that are taught by the best and brightest distinguished engineers and leading mathematicians who are well recognized throughout private, commercial, and governmental sectors:
- Prognostics & Health Management (PHM) Theory and Implementation
Abstract: This course provides the basic foundation in prognostics, how to extract degradation signatures, and process data to provide information that supports a comprehensive health management system. Relevant examples of an electromechanical actuator, jet engine and module-level power systems will be used in the course.
- RotoSense™ Advanced Rotary Systems Diagnostics and IoT Application
Abstract: This training class covers the theory of operation of the RotoSense wireless sensor, how to configure an effective monitoring system of rotational vibration and speed for rotary systems such as spinning shafts, epicyclic gears and wheel/axel assemblies.
- SJ BIST™ Theory and Operation
Abstract: The participant will learn the theory behind the SJ BIST interconnection reliability monitor, details of its operation, and the practicalities of implementing in a board-level design or in other environments. This hands-on course also provides instruction in the HDL code for implementing SJ BIST.
Note: This course is required for all first time SJ BIST customers.
- Semiconductor Reliability Testing with ProChek™
Abstract: The participant will learn the theory of the ProChek platform for semiconductor fabrication process characterization, details of the operation and application of the various stress / measurement units (SMUs) that are available inside the system. The student will also learn how to set up and run tests for bias temperature instability (BTI), time-dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB), hot carrier injection (HCI), electromigration, and stress migration. Instruction will be provided on how to collect, analyze, and understand the results from these tests.
Note: This course is required for all first time ProChek customers.
- ProChek™ Test Coupon Design and Implementation
Abstract: The participant will learn the theory of ProChek test coupon test structures, chip- and system-level control and observation switching matrix mechanisms, embedded chip-level heating structures, and general guidelines for the design, layout, and verification of these parts of the test coupon. It also covers the relative benefits and implementation strategies of the integrated (single-chip) test coupon vs. test supervisor IC (TSIC) and DUT IC approach.
Note: This course is required for all first time ProChek Test Coupon customers.
- Precision Semiconductor Characterization Measurements
Abstract: Students will learn practical methods to compare the performance of different semiconductor processes for specific, targeted application areas. Included are extracting short-channel aging phenomena such as Time Dependent Dielectric Breakdown (TDDB), Hot Carrier Injection (HCI), Stress Migration, xBTI (NBTI and PBTI) and others. Emphasis will be on supporting fabless and foundry Wafer Level Reliability (WLR) applications.
- IVHM and Prognostics for Reliability Engineers
Abstract: Students will learn how to incorporate System and Subsystem degradation monitoring with conventional reliability tools to achieve higher levels of overall system reliability and performance. Issues such as sensing, anomaly detection, and determination of State-of-Health (SoH) and Remaining Useful Life (RUL) of complex aerospace, automotive and industrial systems will be covered.
- IoT-based Sensing Strategies for IVHM Applications
Abstract: Students will learn practical methods of wireless sensing using internet-based protocols to remotely sense physical degradation, while eliminating the need for bulky cabling. Example protocol used will be IEEE802.15.4. Issues include IP address assignments, range of transmission, interference, robustness, time/date stamps and GPS locators.
- Board and Module-Level No Fault Found (NFF) Methods
Abstract: Students will learn practical methods of reducing occurrences of No Fault Found (NFFs) on legacy Circuit Card Assemblies. Related terms include Could not Duplicate (SND), Bounce Rate, No Trouble Found (NTF) will also be covered. Methodology of detecting ‘soft faults’ and intermittencies to improve test coverage and increase testing throughput.
Please contact us to arrange for an on-site training course or for more information about our training course content, schedules, and availability.
Ridgetop is certified as category 1A under the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA) as part of the Trusted Supplier Program. Ridgetop has history of designing analog and mixed signal ICs for demanding applications in space satellites that are subjected to extreme temperatures and radiation. Our designs have utilized bulk CMOS, CMOS-SOI, and SiGe at process geometries down to 28 nm channel lengths. Radiation hardness is also a concern, and Ridgetop has addressed those requirements as well. A recent Ridgetop design was delivered to ON Semiconductor for the U.S. Air Force STELLAR Star Tracker.
Under contract to NASA, Ridgetop designed an effective 3-axis wireless rotational sensor. The RotoSense™ sensor has been tested on fast-spinning pinion gears on helicopter gear boxes, and also rolling stock for railroad safety improvements.