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84 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I MARCH 2022 feeds into the design and layout tools, which help us with the FHE design and the design rule checks (DRC). e DRC feeds intelligent design artwork into the simulator, where we double-check our design against the specifi- cations we've placed in it. e simulator also receives tested and validated properties from the materials and processes database. Ulti- mately, by following this design and process cycle, we come out with predictable manu- facturing, predictable performance, and more reliable FHE devices. Materials and Process Database e materials and process database is the cul- mination of what we know about all the mate- rial interactions and the processes in place for FHE manufacturing. It contains the materials, substrates, inks, and encapsulants. It contains how they work together, how they don't work together, what their interactions are, how fine you can print on different processes, how large you can print conductivity, electrical proper- ties, and materials. For example, we are running a three-phase study to produce a large amount of data that links process, materials, and performance for RF/antenna designs covering 0.4, 2.4, and 10 GHz. For this project we looked at fine-line test patterns and prints as well. e data collected covered a wide variety of materials, substrates, and ink combinations. We also took data from other projects that are focused on surface- mount and die attach. rough these, thou- sands of data records are being compiled into the NextFlex process and materials database, which we are generating for member access. FHE Process Development Kit Following the building of the materials and process database, the next step of the design process is the creation of the FHE PDK. A good way to think of the FHE PDK is as an interface that allows us to intelligently access data from the different databases and sources. e FHE PDK collects data from the materi- als and process database. Because these parts have been tested and validated, we can simply pull them into our design, knowing that there is simulated and tested data behind them. e PDK also contains reliability test data: what the effects of thermal aging and humid- ity and bending are on our structures and sys- tems. It includes the multi-physics models that are associated with that and the design rule checker. By associating a design rule checker with our PDK, when we create a design we can test it against different printing processes at different manufacturing sites. is allows us a way to interface with the data from manufacturing sites, and it allows us to pick blocks and components that we know will work. Importantly, it allows us to start creating reuse blocks, or FHE IP blocks and modules. ese modules enable us to start an FHE design, not from scratch, but by pulling known-good components and known-good blocks together to make our designs. is gives us all the advantages and benefits of a truly plug-and-play system, just like you would on an IC design PDK. End users, IP developers, foundries, and everyone else in the ecosystem will benefit from this. Now we have a much easier way to develop FHEs. It's no longer tribal knowledge, but it's something that anyone can pick up using these tools. You don't have to spend the extra time going through costly redesigns and The materials and process database is the culmination of what we know about all the material interactions and the processes in place for FHE manufacturing.