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Novel Mixed-mode TCAD-Commercial PDK Integrated Flow for Radiation Hardening By Design

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Defense Threat Reduction Agency
Contract: HDTRA117P0040
Agency Tracking Number: T16A-003-0012
Amount: $149,991.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: DTRA16A-003
Solicitation Number: 2016.0
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2016
Award Year: 2017
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2017-07-06
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2018-02-05
Small Business Information
701 McMillian Way NW
Huntsville, AL 35806
United States
DUNS: 185169620
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: Yes
Principal Investigator
 Ashok Raman
 Senior Principal Engineer
 (256) 726-4981
 proposals-contracts@cfdrc.com
Business Contact
 Deborah Phipps
Phone: (256) 726-4884
Email: deb.phipps@cfdrc.com
Research Institution
 Vanderbilt University
 Dr. Kevin Warren
 (615) 322-3813
 Nonprofit College or University
Abstract

Cost-effective application of advanced commercial electronics technologies in DoD space systems requires early development of radiation-hardened-by-design (RHBD) techniques, and use of simulations is critical to the efficiency of this process. CFDRC has developed an integrated, mixed-mode simulation approach allowing their NanoTCAD device physics simulator to interface with commercial circuit simulator used in foundry process design kits (PDKs). This integrated approach: (1) maintains required fidelity of radiation-response mechanisms without the need for new compact model development for each technology, (2) overcomes limited compact model availability in TCAD tools for mixed-mode simulations, and (3) allows for larger circuit to be simulated vs. practical using TCAD alone, while leveraging foundry-supported compact models. This project will combine CFDRCs unique mixed-mode capability with Vanderbilts experience in RHBD approaches for digital and analog/mixed-signal circuits. Phase I will demonstrate efficacy of the approach through application to a case where TCAD fidelity is required to capture radiation-response mechanisms and the electrical response of surrounding circuitry is necessary to determine the circuit response. Phase II will automate the mixed-mode setup and calculation procedures, and apply the upgraded tools to additional technology and RHBD demonstrations. Phase III will deliver a high-value documented simulation flow for application to RHBD library development.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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