FYP Student ESD Latchup

About GlobalFoundries

GlobalFoundries (GF) is a leading full-service semiconductor foundry providing a unique combination of design development and fabrication services to some of the worlds most inspired technology companies. With a global manufacturing footprint spanning three continents GF makes possible the technologies and systems that transform industries and give customers the power to shape their markets. For more information visit

Project Objective / Purpose

This project in collaboration with Global Foundries aims to provide the student with theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in the field of on-chip Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) protection specifically focusing on automotive chip electronic control units (ECUs). The student will gain a solid foundation in semiconductor device knowledge including ESD diodes gate-ground NMOS (GGNMOS) and bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) and apply this understanding to develop and test ESD protection mechanisms.

Project Description

The student will start by learning -or refreshing previous knowledge of- the basics of semiconductor devices such as diodes MOSFETs and BJTs necessary for understanding the behavior and characteristics of these devices under ESD stress conditions. The core of the project involves working on on-chip ESD protection strategies. The student will explore various ESD protection techniques and their applications in automotive ECU protocol such as Controller Area Network (CAN) Local Interconnect Network (LIN) FlexRay etc. understanding the unique challenges posed by the automotive environment such as high voltage and temperature variations.

To evaluate the effectiveness of ESD protection designs the student will perform a series of tests including DC testing to measure the breakdown characteristics of the baseline and ESD protection devices Human Body Model (HBM) testing to simulate the ESD event caused by human contact Transmission Line Pulse (TLP) testing to analyze the dynamic response of the ESD protection devices and IECtesting to ensure compliance with international standards for ESD protection. Additionally the student will use Sentaurus TCAD simulation tools to model and simulate the behavior of ESD protection devices helping to predict performance under various ESD stress conditions and guiding the design process.

The project will be divided into several phases. Initially the student will undergo a thorough review of semiconductor device fundamentals and ESD protection principles including literature review online courses and hands-on experiments with basic semiconductor devices.

In the design and development phase the student will design ESD protection circuits for automotive ECUs using simulation tools to validate their designs and make necessary adjustments based on the simulation results.

During the testing and validation phase the student will perform the DC HBM TLP and IECtests on the designed ESD protection circuits analyzing the results to evaluate performance and reliability.

The student will compile their findings into a comprehensive report detailing the design process simulation results test outcomes and recommendations for future improvements.

Project Outcome

By the end of the project the student will have a deep understanding of semiconductor devices and ESD protection techniques and make him/her proficient in using simulation tools and conducting various ESD tests. The project will equip the student with useful skills needed for a career in semiconductor device engineering.

Required Qualifications

• Masters in Electronics / Microelectronics Engineering
• Any TCAD/ Analytical skills
• Semiconductor device knowledge including ESD diodes will be an added advantage

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GlobalFoundries is an equal opportunity employer cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We believe having a multicultural workplace enhances productivity efficiency and innovation whilst our employees feel truly respected valued and heard.

As an affirmative employer all qualified applicants are considered for employment regardless of age ethnicity marital status citizenship race religion political affiliation gender sexual orientation and medical and/or physical abilities.

All offers of employment with GlobalFoundries are conditioned upon the successful completion of background checks medical screenings as applicable and subject to the respective local laws and regulations.