The agreement enables Synopsys to deliver accurate, process-calibrated models for its Sentaurus TCAD (technology computer aided design) tools to semiconductor manufacturers for use during 5-nm technology node research and development. This latest agreement between imec and Synopsys follows successfully completed collaborations on FinFET and 3D-IC technologies for the 10-nm and 7-nm technology nodes.

"At imec, we focus on bringing the semiconductor industry leaders together to deliver future technologies," said An Steegen, senior vice president of process technologies at imec.

"We are excited to expand our cooperation with Synopsys, the primary TCAD provider, to explore next-generation device and process technologies for 5 nanometer. This continued tight collaboration with Synopsys will enable us to tackle the physics and engineering of advanced devices and introduce a new device design infrastructure for the industry."

Working closely together, the joint Synopsys-imec team is investigating, among other topics, a vertical nanowire-nanosheet hybrid SRAM cell to target 5-nm technology. Early studies show the benefits of nanowire-nanosheet technology in density and performance compared to conventional FinFETs and lateral nanowires.

"This is the first time a process-calibrated TCAD simulation flow has been used to comprehensively study the process, device and circuit architectures so early in the technology path-finding process," said Anda Mocuta, logic device manager at imec.

"This expanded collaboration with imec builds on the success of previous collaborations to address key challenges at the 5 nanometer technology node," said Howard Ko, senior vice president and general manager of the Silicon Engineering Group at Synopsys.

"Imec's advanced technology prototyping and characterization capabilities make it an ideal partner for our development and calibration of advanced Sentaurus TCAD models to address the significant technical and business challenges that our customers face in the development of 5-nm node technologies."