Semiconductor parameter analyzer

Tampere University (Contracting authority) is publishing direct award notice for 'Semiconductor parameter analyzer '.

BACKGROUND INFO The Laboratory for Future Electronics (LFE) at Tampere University (TAU) includes research groups led by Prof. Matti Mäntysalo and Assoc. Prof. Sayani Majumdar. The research topics are technologies and solutions related to energy-autonomy (storage and harvesting), sensors, neuromorphic computing hardware for next generation of energy-efficient, intelligent and adaptive computing, conformably wearable electronics (soft/stretchable, on-skin, textile), and hybrid system integration. Strong emphasis is placed on scalable, low-cost manufacturing methods such as printing as well as the integration of printed components and circuits with more conventional component assembly methods as well as on non-volatile memories, synaptic weight elements and leaky-integrate and fire neuron components based on back-end CMOS compatible ferroelectric thin films and oxide or 2D semiconductor based heterostructures. LFE explores also new device and circuit approaches based on printable organic and metal oxide semiconductors. NEED The research groups currently have a Keysight B1500A semiconductor parameter analyzer, which was originally purchased in 2015 and upgraded in 2024. It is in continuous use and reserved full-time during working hours. It has several source/measure units (SMU), a waveform generator/fast measurement unit (WGFMU), two remote-sense and switch units (RSU) and a semiconductor pulse generator unit (SPGU). However, the limits of the current equipment are increasingly met: • The full-time booking of the Keysight B1500A requires often working outside office hours, which is a safety risk in a laboratory environment • Insufficient voltage supply range • The need to manually switch cables between each measurement utilizing the different measurement heads, leading to a heightened chance of breakage of measured device. • Pulse width of below 50 ns can’t be achieved • Limited programming possibilities CONCLUSION FOR DIRECT AWARD The market research made by LFE’s experts shows that Keithley 4200A-SCS semiconductor parameter analyzer is the only one on the market meeting the requirements needed in the research work and fitting within TAU’s budget limitations. The analyzer can generate even 10 ns pulses, which is a unique feature and required in the characterization work. Its current resolution is 10 times better than available from other suppliers. Also the frequency range is the widest among competing analyzers. These properties are needed especially in neuromorphic computing hardware characterization. In addition the programming possibilities make the Keithley essentially more versatile equipment for future semiconductor device measurement needs.