Research

We began with a series of training seminars by Dr. Wang's graduate students that gave a general introduction to IC design, simulation, and testing.

Isaac look at an IC on a probe testing station

David (left) and Cody watch as the testing procedure is explained.

Learning about the simulation devices

We will be focusing on ESD protection for ICs. For more information, see the book by Dr. Wang:

On-Chip ESD Protection for Integrated Circuits

Previous Years Research

2008

US-China IRES Program: Design, fabrication and characterization of semiconductor devices for RF and mixed-signal integrated circuits.

Ramirez, Israel; Ballou, Mike; Ukwu, Margaret; Lu, Robert. University of California Riverside

Abstract: In an increasingly fast-changing technological world, engineers and researchers need to learn how to collaborate with people from different backgrounds. Sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under the International Research Experience for Students (IRES) Program, 4 students had the opportunity to spend 3 weeks in Beijing at the Institute of Microelectronics, Tsinghua University (IMETU.) During this time, we had the opportunity to conjointly work with students from IMETU on design, fabrication and measurement of semiconductor devices. There are a lot of parameters to take into account in transistor design such as the length and width of BJT to control emitter-base and base-collector operation. We learned design and optimize transistor specifications by CAD, including saturation, cutoff point, and breakdown threshold, etc. Once fabricated, testing is a crucial part before a transistor is mass-produced. The testing either confirms your simulation or provides insights to modify it. Knowledge of design, fabrication and characterization of transistors is essential to design RF and mixed-signal integrated circuits that we will learn in future. During this time, we also learned about various technical challenges in modern IC technologies. Moreover, we learned to effectively work in a team with foreign colleagues and share ideas at cultural and academic levels, which shall benefit us in our future career.

IRES2008Report.pdf (6.39 MB)
SCCUCR_poster.pdf (548 KB)