This course treats the most important component in all integrated circuits - the MOSFET-transistor that is produced in silicon with nanometer dimensions. The focus is on low power CMOS-technology.

Course main content

• Basic physics for the MOS-system and formulation of approximate current-voltage relations for the MOS-transistor. Compact physics based models for circuit simulation. Modelling of process corners.
• Scaling theory and technology nodes for CMOS technology.
• Modern CMOS device topologies, SOI and FinFET, 3D-structures including nanowire/sheet.
• Power consumption, crosstalk and scaling of interconnects.
• Memory technologies, charge based, resistive or based on other physical principles.
• New technologies and applications as for instance spintronics, 2D-materials, and 3D-fabrication.
• Circuit design for nanometer CMOS, ASIC, FPGA, design rules, robustness, testing, reliability, error analysis, variability on component, chip and wafer level.

After passing the course, the student shall be able to

• describe properties and limitations of a MOSFET transistor in an advanced CMOS technology node
• give an account of a methodological circuit design in nanometer CMOS technology that takes into account  power consumption robustness, design rules, variations in device performance etc          
• justify the need of new component and circuit topologies including 3D-fabrication
• give examples of components and materials that are appropriate to replace or would be complementary to silicon-based CMOS or charge based memories for example for low supply voltages or low power applications
• use physical and compact modelling to design components with desirable properties equivalent to a future technology node
• analyse and critically discuss research publications with regard to the relevance for technical development in the device field
• discuss advanced semiconductor fabrication from a sustainability perspective with a focus on energy consumption and other finite resources and raw materials.

Schema VT-2022-203

A basic course in semiconductor devices or semiconductor physics.

Main reading

Harry Veendrick - Nanometer CMOS ICs, From Basics to ASICs, 2ed, 2017 (Canvas pdf)

Download from Springer Link both PDF and EPUB available via KTHB subscription

We will also use chapter 4 from Energy Efficient Computing & Electronics, CRC Press 2019,
co-authored by Gunnar Malm (Entire book or Chapter 4 download)

Students at KTH with a permanent disability can get support during studies from Funka:

Funka - compensatory support for students with disabilities

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

• LAB1 - Computer labs and home assignments, 3.0 credits, Grading scale: P, F
• TEN1 - Oral exam, 4.5 credits, Grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

The previous examination module ANN1 is replaced by TEN1 and LAB1. 

Computer labs and home assignments ( LAB1 )

Weekly home assignments will be given with submission in Canvas. Based on problems from the main text book.

The computer lab is based on applications in the online NanoHub portal.  Written report(s) with a fixed template/headings are required. Submission according to deadlines in Canvas.

Oral exam ( TEN1 )

Will be organized in the exam week of period 4. Preparatory questions will be made available at the course start. Individual examination of about 30 minutes per student.

Grading criteria for all learning objectives will be posted in Canvas.

Late submissions of homework and lab reports will be considered within reasonable time frames until the end of the current academic year.

Re-examination is only offered according to the official exam schedule of KTH.

NO individual/special examination opportunities outside these periods will be offered.

"Plussning" is normally not offered in this course.

Missed tasks cannot be completed until next course round.

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

New learning objectives have been formulated to align better with the text book and to allow clear grading criteria.

The examination modules have been clarified.