Analog Devices Selects Sofics® to Develop On-Chip ESD Protection for 60V Products
PowerQubic® ESD/EOS Technology from Sofics Chosen to Enhance Product Reliability, Enable Maximum Performance, Reduce Cost
GISTEL, BELGIUM (December 11, 2012) – Sofics® bvba (www.sofics.com) of Gistel has been selected by Analog Devices (ADI) to develop a library of on-chip electrostatic discharge and electrical overstress (ESD/EOS) clamps based on its PowerQubic® technology for ADI devices with 60V interfaces. The clamps will enhance the reliability of the devices by protecting them from ESD, EOS, and latchup, while enabling maximum performance.
Sofics, a leading provider of ESD solutions for ICs, will adapt PowerQubic ESD/EOS technology to ADI’s custom requirements. PowerQubic provides robust on-chip protection for high-voltage interfaces in such applications as power control and mixed signals without the need for costly process changes. ADI, the world leader in data conversion and signal conditioning technology, has licensed the resulting technology.
“As a leader in analog and mixed-signal ICs and SoCs, we are committed to providing customers with the highest levels of reliability and performance,” said David Robertson, vice president of analog technology for ADI. “We need strong, sophisticated ESD protection for 60V devices without compromising the mixed signal performance of the products and we look forward to working with Sofics to that end. “Sofics technology offers a proven solution which is to be adapted to the needs of ADI applications.”
“We need strong, sophisticated ESD protection for 60V devices without compromising the mixed signal performance of the products. Sofics technology offers a proven solution which is to be adapted to the needs of ADI applications.”
David Robertson, vice president of analog technology for ADI
According to Koen Verhaege, Sofics CEO, PowerQubic includes proprietary clamps that dissipate more energy per area than any other device, allowing it to deliver the highest level of ESD/EOS protection available for high-voltage ICs, including IEC 8kV contact discharge. Extremely low leakage and the lowest capacitance in the industry help enable maximum device performance.
“PowerQubic is a breakthrough in cost as well as performance,” said Verhaege. “It’s a proven design solution technology, so it can be implemented with no process changes. Licensees can actually lower their overall cost by opting for our advanced technology because of this factor alone.”
“PowerQubic is a breakthrough in cost as well as performance. It’s a proven design solution technology, so it can be implemented with no process changes.”
Koen Verhaege, Sofics CEO
“We are very pleased that Analog Devices has chosen to license and utilize our technology.” PowerQubic (PQ) and TakeCharge® (TC) ESD/EOS technologies from Sofics are proven across multiple applications, processes, and foundries. TSMC-9000 quality approval for both PQ and TC has been granted or is pending in several processes. Both technologies have proven to be readily portable among various foundries and processes.
About Analog Devices
Innovation, performance, and excellence are the cultural pillars on which Analog Devices (www.analog.com) has built one of the longest standing, highest growth companies within the technology sector. Acknowledged industry-wide as the world leader in data conversion and signal conditioning technology, Analog Devices serves over 60,000 customers, representing virtually all types of electronic equipment. Analog Devices is headquartered in Norwood, Massachusetts, with design and manufacturing facilities throughout the world. Analog Devices is included in the S&P 500 Index.
About Sofics
Sofics (www.sofics.com) focuses on product development, licensing, engineering tools and design services for on-chip device- and system-level protection and reliability. Sofics is an independent IP provider, formerly known as Sarnoff Europe.
Sofics® and the Sofics logo are registered trademarks of Sofics BV.
Contact information
Stay Connected: