X-Fab Silicon Foundries expanded its 0.35 micrometer technology offerings with a foundry technology optimized for Blu-ray and high-speed optical data communication applications. Dubbed XO035, the 0.35 micrometer process includes X-Fab's blue PIN module. This integration of the PIN diode into the 0.35 micrometer CMOS environment enables the design of high-performance photo detectors. Both the sensitivity - especially in the blue wavelength range - and the speed for the entire detectable light spectrum are higher than for X-Fab's optical sensor at 0.6 micrometers, allowing customers to develop their next generation of products.

Available now, the XO035 is optimized for all applications for which high sensitivity and high bandwidth are crucial - such as photo detector chips (PDICs) for Blu-ray and other optical data storage applications, optical data communication devices and high dynamic range cameras.

The PIN diode's sensitivity for red and IR wavelengths is higher than 0.4 A/W, resulting in good performance for DVDs and CDs, and making it suitable for combined optical data storage drives. The modular approach also offers bipolar transistors required for low noise applications, and fast MOS transistors required to support high-speed PIN diodes with signal conditioning.

Availability

An XO035 process design kit (PDK) is available. As a special feature, it includes a dedicated Verilog-A behavioral photo diode model. This model enables designers to apply their standard electrical design flow to the complicated physical process of light sensing.

The XO035 PDK also features a variety of dense standard cell libraries optimized for area, speed, low power and low noise; and I/O libraries, including ESD support. The PDK, and analog and digital libraries, are available from X-TIC, X-Fab's online Technical Information Center.