A mixed TCAD/Electrical simulation laboratory to open up the microelectronics teaching

Abstract

In classical microelectronics engineer curriculum, students have to acquire skills in device physics as well as in analog and digital IC design. As a rule, each course is illustrated in a dedicated CAD tools laboratory. Over time, this method leads to a compartmentalizing of the teaching by putting conceptual barrier in the student's mind. This article proposes a laboratory in which students can mix TCAD electrical and SPICE simulation. With this tutorial, the instructor is able to highlight the possible interdependence between these tools but overall he demonstrates students that associated teachings are linked and share the same objectives.