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reportIntegrated Circuits
8.2.3 Short description
As the number of functions that can be integrated on a single chip or package grows exponentially, so grow the associated technological challenges. In the semiconductor industry, R&D has been structured into parallel technology domains, in order to be able to draw clear roadmaps and assign research priorities. This report is structured according to this following division.
The domains are:
1. "More Moore" (MM): miniatuarisation / scaling
The MM domain is defined as an attempt to further develop advanced CMOS technologies with the objective to continue "Moore's Law" (the prediction that the cost-per-transistor on a silicon chip will halve every two to three years). This technology domain continues to target reduction of device dimensions in order to improve density (cost per function reduction), performance (speed, power) and reliability values. It also includes the development of new processes and materials that improve device performance.
2. "More than Moore" (MtM): diversification
The MtM domain refers to a set of technologies that enable non-digital functions (e.g., RF communication, power control, passive components, sensors, actuators). They do not necessarily scale according to "Moore's Law," but provide additional value to the end customer in different ways. From the application perspective, MtM allows interaction with people and the environment. This includes conversion of non-digital and non-electronic information (such as mechanical, thermal, acoustic, chemical, optical and biomedical functions) to digital data and visa versa, providing a functional diversification to the CMOS based digital information processing.
3. "Heterogenous integration" (HI): higher value systems
The HI domain refers to "System-in-Package" (SiP) solutions in which a combination of MM and MtM components are integrated together. These are multifunctional systems in which digital and non-digital functionalities are integrated into compact packages with IC dimensions.
4. "Beyond CMOS": disruptive technologies
The Beyond CMOS domain refers to a set of disruptive functions that, in the long term, will complement or replace conventional silicon technology. These technologies are described in the ICT sector sub-report "Beyond CMOS".
The semiconductor industry carries out extensive road mapping exercises in order to agree on key research priorities for these domains. Internationally, the main agreed foresight of research is consolidated in the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors (ITRS). The objective of the ITRS is to ensure cost-effective advancements in the performance of the integrated circuit and the products that employ such devices, thereby continuing the health and success of this industry.
At European level, the European Nanoelectronics Initiative Advisory Council (ENIAC) has set up a "strategic research agenda" (SRA) that emphasizes the areas of particular interest for European-based research.
This report summarises the main research priorities reported in the ENIAC Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) and ITRS 2007 Edition from a nanotechnology enabled development perspective.
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Tags: ict, Technology Analysis, Short Description