ASX-listed semiconductor company Weebit Nano (WBT) has confirmed test results showing its arrays can be manufactured for embedded applications with just a single added mask, compared to the seven to 10 additional masks normally required for existing Flash memory.
Testing conducted over recent months with research partner Leti confirmed Weebit’s ReRAM technology can be produced as an embedded memory using two, or possibly only one, additional mask.
A second study by the joint Weebit-Leti team confirms novel methodologies can improve production yield by mitigating device malfunctions. These achievements can significantly benefit manufacturing costs and potential profits.
Semiconductor devices are produced by depositing layers of different materials, one on top of the other, patterning them through masks in a series of steps. When going to geometries below 28nm the mask set required to produce a semiconductor device can cost millions of dollars. The first report from Leti confirms that a “one additional mask” strategy is possible and defines the trade-offs between using one and two masks.
During the production of semiconductor wafers there are always challenges resulting from the fact that some of the dies on the wafer malfunction due to the delicate production process.
One of the biggest challenges in semiconductors is to improve the yield (number of working dies per wafer) trying to get closer to 100 per cent, as this has a direct impact on the profits from the device. The second report from Leti analyses the different causes for malfunctions in ReRAM devices and defines ways to avoid or fix these issues in ways which can improve the yield and increase the profitability of each device.
Coby Hanoch, CEO of Weebit Nano, said: “To date, Weebit has been working in a development fab where the focus was on producing a viable silicon oxide memory technology. Now that the technical parameters of our ReRAM technology are at the forefront of the market and we are in the process of moving to production facilities, issues like the number of masks and yield become very important and can make a significant impact on the speed of the company’s progress. The reports from Leti are very encouraging.
In discussions with prospective customers, any efficiencies such as reduced mask rates and yield improvements have been high on their agenda as they seek to optimise the production process and supplier chain. With Weebit arrays now being confirmed as being able to use a smaller number of masks while providing increased yield we will be able to save our customers millions of dollars, reduce manufacturing times significantly and decrease error risks in their production processes.”
