1 May 2018

INEX selects Keysights’s Advanced Design System to deliver GaN PDK

© Semiconductor Today Magazine / Juno PublishiPicture: Disco’s DAL7440 KABRA laser saw.

Semiconductor and MEMS device maker INEX Microtechnology Ltd of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK (which was formed in 2014 to provide micro/nano-fabrication services to emerging technology supply chains globally) has selected the Advanced Design System (ADS) electronic design automation software of Keysight Technologies Inc of Santa Rosa, CA, USA to deliver its gallium nitride (GaN) process design kit (PDK).

INEX says that the ability to support customers with PDKs is integral to its quality commitment and to enable customers to achieve right-first-time success.

“Our GaN HEMT process addresses a strong and growing UK space and defence customer base,” says INEX’s chief technology officer Dr Matthew O’Keefe. “The process developed over the last two years enables a unique UK sovereign supply,” he adds. “The technical capabilities of the Keysight solution - from simulation to layout to data presentation and manipulation as well as the support to INEX - are key factors in our choice, ensuring we provide a solution that meets our specific customers’ needs.”

INEX provides a wide range of technologies including gallium nitride (GaN), gallium arsenide (GaAs), indium phosphide (InP) and diamond for RF and microwave power applications. Its foundry services’ GaN process is said to provide high efficiency, power and ruggedness and the ability to operate over a wide bandwidth.

“Our customers design chips for their systems. Simulating the design at the chip level and up the chain in the overall system is an essential part of their approach,” says O’Keefe. “By providing Keysight-based PDK’s we aim to be completely aligned with our customers’ requirements,” he adds.

“INEX is a rather unique microfabrication foundry with a collaborative business model,” comments Keysight ADS product manager Joe Civello. “Time-to-success is critical for all business but especially so for a leading-edge specialist like INEX,” he adds. Their selection of Keysight to enable right-first-time customer engagements is a reflection of Keysight’s approach to quality, from product specification to end-customer experience.”

Tags: Keysight EDA software GaN

Visit: www.inexmicro.com

Visit: www.keysight.com