Mapper Lithography develops a groundbreaking maskless lithography solution for the semiconductor industry. With Mapper chip makers will be able to create new applications within existing processes: for example, improve the resolution of one critical layer, increase the capacity of a small piece of integrated memory, or increase the depth of focus in a complicated layer: this simplifies the integration of different types of function, or can even make entire layers redundant… And all without expensive masks.
A Mapper solution is cost-effective for both small and large production runs, because there are no startup costs (masks) for a new design. This makes small series affordable, and allows very small production runs that previously would have been impossible. In the extreme case, every chip can be made-to-measure. This opens the door to giving every chip its own physical hallmark. This hallmark could be used to protect bank cards, cars and equipment that is connected to the cloud.
For most applications, it is sufficient to employ Mapper for only a few process steps which increase the functionality of the chip significantly. Because existing processes can continue to be used for all the other steps, existing infrastructure can be re-used.
Since 10 years Leti and Mapper work together to develop the necessary infrastructure to implement this technology into chip manufacturing, this collaboration is called the IMAGINE program. In the program Leti evaluates the machine’s capability and develops the process integration and data handling infrastructure together with industry partners. Leti offers chip manufacturers and designers the opportunity to assess Mapper’s technology in a real manufacturing environment.
Mentor Graphics is a leader in electronic design automation software. It enables companies to develop better electronic products faster and more cost-effectively. Innovative products and solutions help engineers conquer design challenges in the increasingly complex worlds of board and chip design. Among several subjects of interest where Mentor Graphics and Leti are collaborating together, Mentor Graphics is part of the IRT NanoElec, a renowned global public-private french hub located in Grenoble, for research and innovation in microelectronics.
Lynred and its subsidiary US-based Lynred USA are global leaders in designing and manufacturing high quality infrared technologies for aerospace, defense and commercial markets. Their vast portfolio of infrared detectors covers the entire electromagnetic spectrum from near to very far infrared. The Group’s products are at the center of multiple military programs and applications. Its IR detectors are the key component of many top brands in commercial thermal imaging equipment sold across Europe, Asia and North America. The organization is the leading European manufacturer for IR detectors deployed in space.
Soitec designs and produces innovative semiconductor materials for manufacturers of electronic components. The company offers unique and competitive solutions for miniaturizing chips, improving their performance and reducing their energy usage. In meeting the technical and economic challenges of mainstream electronics, Soitec helps speed up the mobile and digital revolutions. Soitec was founded in 1992 by two researchers from Leti and uses the Smart Cut™ process (invented at Leti) to produce on an industrial scale silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates. For the past 20 years, Soitec and Leti have joined their R&D efforts within a common laboratory supporting an important R&D program aiming at developing disruptive technologies and new advanced substrates, for the next generation of Soitec’s products.
STMicroelectronics is a world leader in providing the semiconductor solutions that make a positive contribution to people’s lives, today and into the future. Offering one of the industry’s broadest product portfolios, ST serves customers across the spectrum of electronics applications with innovative semiconductor solutions for Smart Driving and the Internet of Things. By getting more from technology to get more from life, ST stands for life.augmented. As part of several spin-offs coming from Leti, the company EFCIS created in 1977 is behind the creation of STMicroelectronics. Since then, Leti and ST Microelectronics never stop to collaborate together following ST’ technical roadmaps and business targets. Presently Leti and ST Microelectronics are mainly partnering about Non-Volatile Memory, Imaging, Ultra-Low Power solutions for IoT.