Jazz Semiconductor Expands Advanced Analog Platform with Addition of Vertical PNP Module.

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- Enhanced Specialty CMOS Enables Higher Levels of Integration for Analog and RF Products

Jazz Semiconductor, an independent semiconductor wafer foundry, today announced availability of a 17GHz Vertical PNP module on its 0.18um RFCMOS platform. The addition of the Vertical PNP (VPNP) module to its RFCMOS platform enables the design of analog circuits that require high voltage, complementary drive or amplification beyond the capability of standard CMOS. The new module enables greater levels of integration than are currently available with existing CMOS, RFCMOS and BiCMOS products.

The VPNP module enhances the company's pure-play foundry offerings of specialty CMOS process technologies that are optimized for integrated analog and mixed signal semiconductor chips. The process feature was developed to address a market requirement for advanced analog integration and is designed on the company's RFCMOS platform that supports advanced SiGe NPN transistor modules.

"The vertical PNP module is another example of our commitment to quickly respond to the needs of our customers in their relentless pursuit of analog integration for new wireless and consumer products where reducing analog/RF sub-system cost and size are critical to product success," said Paul Kempf, Jazz Semiconductor CTO and CMO. "This new process module and its associated device model and advanced simulation capability have been developed based on specifications determined by customers who are leaders in their market segments."

The VPNP can be paired with either a SiGe NPN, for a complementary SiGe BiCMOS process, or with an NFET device to achieve high-current complementary push-pull functions needed in circuit designs that require balanced performance, such as disk drive pre-amplifiers or laser drivers. The use of this complementary pair can also enable higher speeds over a wider operating range, a requirement for many analog circuits today. The VPNP achieves an Ft of 17GHz with a peak Beta of 50, and includes a deep N-well for better device isolation and improved performance.

Jazz processes are built upon the concept of modularity, which is realized by the addition of advanced modules, such as the Vertical PNP, to industry standard CMOS technology, enabling circuit designers to reduce their bill of materials, or die cost, by increasing the number of functions contained on a single die. The Vertical PNP joins various existing module options available to Jazz customers on its 0.18um platform, including high-density capacitors, resistors, inductors, varactors and various CMOS transistor options (1.8, 3.3, 5 and 8V).

When paired with these other available features in the Jazz 0.18um (RF) CMOS and SiGe BiCMOS platforms, the VPNP module allows for more integration of functions typically relegated to discrete devices scattered on a system board.

"Our goal is to expand the reach of Jazz Semiconductor's advanced process offerings by adding critical modules to address functions that could otherwise not be integrated," said Kempf. "Analog integration requires more than standard CMOS to meet all of the analog sub-system requirements."

About Jazz Semiconductor

Jazz Semiconductor is an independent wafer foundry focused primarily on specialty CMOS process technologies, including SiGe BiCMOS and RFCMOS for the manufacture of highly integrated analog and mixed-signal semiconductor devices. Jazz's executive offices and its U.S wafer fabrication facilities are located in Newport Beach, California. Jazz has expanded its wafer capacity in China through manufacturing partnerships with Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation and Hua Hong NEC Electronics Co., Ltd. Contact Jazz Semiconductor at www.jazzsemi.com.