New automated online multi-project wafer quote system delivers instant pricing

eSilicon provides immediate access to multiple silicon shuttles

SUNNYVALE, Calif. — October 1, 2013 — eSilicon Corporation, the largest independent semiconductor design and manufacturing services provider, today announced its new automated, instant online quotes for multi-project wafer (MPW) shuttle services. The service, accessed through user-friendly web or smartphone interfaces, instantly generates executable MPW quotes. Typically it can take up to a week to get a quote using a manual process.

eSilicon’s online MPW quote system allows users to evaluate the wafer cost of multiple options in real time. Because the form is automated, it prevents costly user errors. eSilicon’s MPW services are available on most nodes from TSMC at 20nm-350nm and most nodes from GLOBALFOUNDRIES at 20nm-180nm.

MPWs reduce prototype cost by up to 90 percent versus a full production mask by grouping multiple IC designs on one wafer shuttle; mask and wafer costs are shared by multiple program participants. MPWs are used for product prototyping; verification of IP, standard-cell libraries and I/Os; device characterization; and low-quantity production runs. MPWs are a good match for research or early development projects looking for proof of concept, rather than thousands of die. IP suppliers use low-cost MPW shuttles to experiment with new circuitry or verify working silicon.

Once an MPW order is in process, eSilicon’s foundry engineering team provides a number of services to ensure quality in production, including:

• Validate database integrity
• Validate CAD content
• Validate process options and attributes
• Submit tooling request after thorough data collection and checking
• Address mismatches between the database and plan of record
• Address database- mask shop issues during data conversion and mask making
• Assess DRC violations

“Having the ability to efficiently perform ‘what if’ MPW scenarios with different technology possibilities leads to the best cost/performance selection. Then validating designs on an MPW allows our customers to mitigate risk prior to moving to high-quality production silicon,” said Gino Skulick, eSilicon’s VP and GM, IC Solutions. “A number of customers have been using the online MPW quote system to plan budgets as well as place MPW shuttle orders.”

“The ability to use the automated form to compare multiple options for an MPW is a big time saver,” said Dr. Runsheng He, CTO of Credo Semiconductor. “And having eSilicon manage the process with the foundry simplifies the project for me and my team—we can spend our time focusing on design and differentiation.”

Availability

To access the automated MPW quoting system, eSilicon customers can simply log in to their eSilicon® Access® account, online or via smartphone, and go to the “Quoting” tab. Those who do not have an eSilicon Access account can request an account on the eSilicon website.

About eSilicon

eSilicon, the largest independent semiconductor design and manufacturing services provider, delivers custom ICs and custom IP to OEMs, independent device manufacturers (IDMs), fabless semiconductor companies (FSCs) and wafer foundries through a fast, flexible, lower-risk path to volume production. eSilicon serves a wide variety of markets including the communications, computer, consumer and industrial segments. www.esilicon.com.