Tiptek LLC

Purpose

Tiptek LLC seeks to create new and critically-needed Gigahertz nanoprobes. Current nanoprobe technology is limited to DC or megahertz frequency probing, which is orders of magnitude slower than the current chip clock speeds of about six gigahertz and limits the ability of semiconductor failure analysis engineers to locate and analyze high frequency electrical faults.  

Activities to be performed

The awardee will build ultra high-speed nanoprobe prototypes capable of operating at gigahertz frequencies and evaluate their capacity to detect "soft' electrical faults that occur on the most advanced semiconductors and are otherwise difficult to detect.  

Expected Outcomes

Increased ability to locate and analyze high frequency electrical faults occurring in semiconductor manufacturing.  

Intended Beneficiaries

 Researchers and semiconductor failure analysis engineers in the U.S. semiconductor industry.  

Subrecipient Activities

The recipient plans to subaward funds for consultations for technology assessment, modeling, simulations, and development for this project.