About GlobalFoundries
GlobalFoundries (GF) is a leading full-service semiconductor foundry providing a unique combination of design, development, and fabrication services to some of the world’s most inspired technology companies. With a global manufacturing footprint spanning three continents, GF makes possible the technologies and systems that transform industries and give customers the power to shape their markets. For more information, visit gf.com
Project Objective / Purpose
This project, in collaboration with Global Foundries, aims to provide the student with theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in the field of on-chip Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) protection, specifically focusing on automotive chip electronic control units (ECUs). The student will gain a solid foundation in semiconductor device knowledge, including ESD diodes, gate-ground NMOS (GGNMOS), and bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), and apply this understanding to develop and test ESD protection mechanisms.
Project Description
The student will start by learning -or refreshing previous knowledge of- the basics of semiconductor devices, such as diodes, MOSFETs, and BJTs necessary for understanding the behavior and characteristics of these devices under ESD stress conditions. The core of the project involves working on on-chip ESD protection strategies. The student will explore various ESD protection techniques and their applications in automotive ECU protocol, such as Controller Area Network (CAN), Local Interconnect Network (LIN), FlexRay, etc., understanding the unique challenges posed by the automotive environment, such as high voltage and temperature variations.
To evaluate the effectiveness of ESD protection designs, the student will perform a series of tests, including DC testing to measure the breakdown characteristics of the baseline and ESD protection devices, Human Body Model (HBM) testing to simulate the ESD event caused by human contact, Transmission Line Pulse (TLP) testing to analyze the dynamic response of the ESD protection devices, and IEC61000-4-2 testing to ensure compliance with international standards for ESD protection. Additionally, the student will use Sentaurus TCAD simulation tools to model and simulate the behavior of ESD protection devices, helping to predict performance under various ESD stress conditions and guiding the design process.
The project will be divided into several phases. Initially, the student will undergo a thorough review of semiconductor device fundamentals and ESD protection principles, including literature review, online courses, and hands-on experiments with basic semiconductor devices.
In the design and development phase, the student will design ESD protection circuits for automotive ECUs, using simulation tools to validate their designs and make necessary adjustments based on the simulation results.
During the testing and validation phase, the student will perform the DC, HBM, TLP, and IEC61000-4-2 tests on the designed ESD protection circuits, analyzing the results to evaluate performance and reliability.
The student will compile their findings into a comprehensive report, detailing the design process, simulation results, test outcomes, and recommendations for future improvements.
Project Outcome
By the end of the project, the student will have a deep understanding of semiconductor devices and ESD protection techniques and make him/her proficient in using simulation tools and conducting various ESD tests. The project will equip the student with useful skills needed for a career in semiconductor device engineering.
Required Qualifications
- Masters in Electronics / Microelectronics Engineering
- Any TCAD/ Analytical skills
- Semiconductor device knowledge, including ESD diodes will be an added advantage
#InternshipProgramSGP
GlobalFoundries is an equal opportunity employer, cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We believe having a multicultural workplace enhances productivity, efficiency, and innovation whilst our employees feel truly respected, valued and heard.
As an affirmative employer, all qualified applicants are considered for employment regardless of age, ethnicity, marital status, citizenship, race, religion, political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation and medical and/or physical abilities.
All offers of employment with GlobalFoundries are conditioned upon the successful completion of background checks, medical screenings as applicable and subject to the respective local laws and regulations.
Information about our benefits you can find here: https://gf.com/about-us/careers/opportunities-asia
