X-FAB's manufacturing process breakthrough adds CMOS integration options to electrical isolation solutions

     X-FAB Silicon Foundries (" X-FAB "), a globally recognized analog/mixed-signal foundry of excellence, has announced a significant advance in the field of electrical isolation technology - after X-FAB introduced in 2018 optimization for robust discrete capacitance or inductive couplers based on its advanced process XA035. The direct integration of electrical isolation element and active circuit is realized on this platform. This is another major breakthrough in the semiconductor manufacturing process for X-FAB. This integrated approach makes the design of isolated products more flexible to address emerging opportunities in renewable energy, EV powertrains, factory automation and industrial power supplies.

     Based on 350 nm process nodes, the XA035 is ideal for manufacturing automotive sensors and high-pressure industrial equipment. The high voltage signal isolation capability currently supported by the XA035 means consistent operating performance even in demanding environments. The technology enables the manufacture of robust components that meet AEC-Q100 class standards and industrial grades, such as digital isolators, isolator gate drivers, and isolator amplifier ics. X-FAB offers a comprehensive PDK that supports new and improved process technologies from all major EDA suppliers.

     "We are seeing increasing customer demand for robust foundry solutions in electrical isolation product design, and X-FAB's highly reliable isolation layer for discrete coupler implementations has been in production for several years." Tilman Metzger, X-FAB High Voltage product Marketing Manager, said, "By utilizing the same process modules, we are now able to integrate CMOS circuits directly on the same bare chip, creating greater flexibility in the design of such products. We are also excited to see our customers' first integrated products coming into production."