softMEMS

MEMS Pro v6.0 is a flexible, powerful, easy-to-use CAD tool suite for the design and analysis of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). It offers an integrated solution for the design process that shortens development time while providing designers reliable analysis for manufacture. Functionalities include mixed MEMS/IC schematic capture and simulation, full custom mask layout capability and verification, 3D model generation and visualization, behavioral model creation and links to 3D analysis packages.

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Download the DATA SHEET and CONFIGURATIONS document in .pdf format.

System-level Tools: MEMS Pro v6.0 provides system-level design capability through fully hierarchical schematic capture and behavioral level simulation of MEMS devices with electronics and packaging. MEMS devices are represented with multi-physics signals in mechanical, thermal, magnetic, fluidic, optical, and electro-static domains. MEMS models are represented in high level behavioral languages, SPICE, C-code, or data tables.

Simulation modes include AC, DC operating point, DC transfer sweep, Fourier, Noise, Transient, Transfer function, and Parametric Sweep. Furthermore, powerful optimization algorithms determine device or process parameters that will optimize MEMS design performance. Statistical analysis allows designers to simulate process corners, run Monte Carlo simulations with statistical distributions of process and geometrical parameters, create response surface models, and perform sensitivity analysis to understand which geometrical or process parameters most effect device performance and estimate yield.

MEMS Pro v6.0 allows easy creation and modification of schematics, and generates netlists for simulation, optimization, statistical analysis, and layout verification combining MEMS and IC design. The component library includes symbols and parameterized behavioral models for a variety of MEMS components. The integrated simulation environment allows users to probe signals of interest on the schematic and simulation results and waveforms are displayed. Users can also easily perform waveform arithmetic and calculations.

Modeling Tools: MEMS Modeler automatically generates behavioral models ready for system simulation with electronics and packaging from 3D data from analysis packages. Complex, finite element models involving a large number of degrees of freedom are reduced to a few master degrees of freedom. Users can also create their own models from analytical equations and the tool generates simulation-ready descriptions in a variety of popular formats.

Layout Editing: MEMS Pro v6.0’s physical design environment includes a fully hierarchical and full custom editor engineered for MEMS and IC design. The program uses an intuitive interface and provides specific MEMS-related capabilities that greatly reduce layout time. It provides all-angle support. A curve generator allows designers to create MEMS primitives, such as torii, splines, fillets and general equation-based curves. The EasyMEMS tool helps to automate tasks that are time-consuming for creating MEMS mask layout such as creating polar arrays. Useful macros include the generation of holes and dimples to properly release MEMS structures. A powerful interface is included for automating, customizing and extending the layout editor command and function set using the C language. Popular output formats are supported so mask designs are “foundry ready”.

MEMS Verification provides a configurable design rule checker that verifies MEMS layout against fabrication requirements to prevent costly design errors causing extra fabrication runs and ensures manufacturability. In addition, application and device specific context sensitive rule checking is included. An Extractor generates a SPICE netlist from a MEMS layout including MEMS devices, their parameters and multi-domain connectivity. The LVS (Layout vs. Schematic) tool takes the extracted data and compares it against the SPICE netlist from the schematic editor to ensure that the mask layout captures the designer’s intent.

The 3D Solid Modeler creates a 3D view of a MEMS device from the device layout and fabrication process description. An easy to use GUI permits designers to enter fabrication process steps and sequences. Surface and bulk micromachining process steps such as material deposit, etch, mechanical polish, diffusion, growth, electroplating and wafer manipulation steps are supported. The 3D model may be scaled and a subset of mask layers may be selected for view. Models can be viewed with rotations, zooms, and preset views. The Cross Section Viewer displays a cutaway view in the z-dimension based on a user-specified cut line. As MEMS are inherently 3D structures use of these tools is important to understand the resulting fabricated device structure in 3D dimensions. 3D-To-Layout converts 3D solid models into 2D mask layouts using user-specified fabrication process descriptions, enabling capture of device mask modifications made in 3D analysis programs.

Foundry Modules enable targeting of specific process technologies and provide process-specific device intellectual property. A variety of foundry-specific modules are fully integrated with SoftMEMS’ tool suites to ensure process compatibility and manufacturability with the world’s leading MEMS foundries. Foundry modules include design rules, mask layer descriptions, device descriptions for extraction, process parameters and material properties, and fabrication process descriptions.

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