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On November 14, 2000, TSMC announced a test chip for a planned 0.13-micron mixed-signal and radio-frequency process. The chip was a process-characterization vehicle—not a claim that the process was already in production. TSMC said production was planned for the fourth quarter of 2001, while the test vehicle and design kit were intended to help customers characterize the process and prepare designs.
What TSMC announced
TSMC described the test chip as an industry-first comprehensive vehicle for evaluating its 0.13-micron mixed-signal/RF process. Its purpose was to generate characterization reports and design-kit elements for customer design starts. The announcement therefore concerned process evaluation and design enablement, rather than a finished communications product.
TSMC tied the platform to designs for higher-bandwidth communications and consumer applications. Examples named in the announcement and contemporaneous coverage included cellular phones, Bluetooth, 802.11 wireless, home RF and SONET-based communications.
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The announced functional cells and supporting structures covered several parts of an RF signal chain and its passive components:
#1 Best Overall
- [Evaluating and Learning Nanaovna] The RF Demo Kit is a NanoVNA RF test board independently designed by BH5HNU, with a size of 10*10cm / 3.94*3.94 inch. The demo calibration board for evaluating and learning nanaovna vector network analyzer, antenna analyzer test calibration learning, making sure your setup is working
- [Tiny but Mighty] This RF Demo Kit is integrated with 18 functional modules. Can be used to measure 30MHz short wave low-pass-filter LPF, 100MHz FM high-pass filter HPF, 433MHz commonly used SAW band pass filter BPF, 6.5MHz ceramic trap BSFtt
- [Note] The test parameters of the 18 patterns of the test board are described as follows. Two steps must be performed before testing: Step 1. Connect the two 20CM SMA to IPEX adapter cables to the NanoVNA-F machine. Step 2. Recalibrate the machine using the 13 Short, 14 Open, 15 Load, and 16 Thru circuits on the test board, and save the parameters to SAVE 0
- [Applicability] It works with Nanovna-h / Nanovna-h4 / Nanovna-f / f v2 / f v3 / Nanovna saa-2n, and other nanovna antenna analyzer
- [Package Included] 1x PCB RF tester board, 2 x 20cm U.FL connectors (Be aware the connectors on the test cables that connect to the PCB are only good for a hand-full of connection/disconnection cycles before they break)
- Voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO)
- Low-noise amplifier (LNA)
- High-Q inductor
- RF MOS device
- Transformer and transmission lines
- Precision capacitors and resistors, inductors, varactors and diodes, as reported by EDN
Taken together, these structures allowed the process to be characterized across active RF devices and passive components, rather than relying on a general-purpose digital logic test alone.
Electrical targets reported in 2000
EDN reported the following electrical details for the announced process. These are historical figures reported in 2000, not current TSMC process specifications.
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- [Function]: RF Demo Kit NanoVNA RF test board demo calibration board for learning Vector Network Analyzer , Analyzer test calibration learning
- [18 Functional Modules]: The board is totally integrated with 18 functional modules
- [Equipped with 2 Pieces of UFL Patch Cord]: Equipped with 2 pcs of UFL patch cord for convenient use
- [Portable Design]: The board is small and light ,suitable for carrying with
- Each module is well selected of and great reliability
| Item | Reported value | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Core voltage | 1.2 V | Reported by EDN in 2000 for the announced process |
| I/O voltage | 2.5 V or 3.3 V | Reported by EDN in 2000 for the announced process |
| Cutoff frequency (fT) | Higher than 80 GHz | EDN’s 2000 report described the process as optimized for NMOS devices with this target |
| Maximum frequency (fmax) | Higher than 60 GHz | EDN’s 2000 report described the process as optimized for NMOS devices with this target |
The frequency figures were process targets reported at the time; they should not be read as measurements of every device or as present-day product specifications.
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Why the design kit mattered
Characterization data and design-kit elements were meant to give customers process-specific information for designing mixed-signal and RF circuits. In TSMC’s framing, that support could reduce uncertainty before a design start, improve the prospects of a successful first silicon pass and shorten the path from concept to silicon.
Rank #3
- The NanoVNA Vector Network Analyzer Test Board Kit is designed for all of Nanovna analyzer series testing , include NanoVNA-F NanoVNA-H NanoVNA-H4 Network Analyzer.
- This test board contains a plug-in test circuit suitable for VNWA Test board, and a set of 0805 and 1206 patch test circuits are added.
- Suitable Model: This test board kit is used for NanoVNA NanoVNA-H NanoVNA-H4 NanoVNA-F series vector network analyzer user-friendly measurement plug-ins and SMT devices.(if you want the series of NanoVNA ,ples welcome to our store)
- DIY kit,stable performance, high accuracy, high sensitivity.Made of fine quality material, has a long service life.
- What you can get: The package includes Test board x1, 6X SMA Female Adapter , 4x 6mm Copper Stud, 4x M2.5 Screw , 2x 40pin Round Socket ,2x 0805 49R9 Calibration Resistance.
David Sheng, then TSMC’s director of advanced technology product marketing, said the test chip and design kit would “take the guesswork out of the design process.” He presented the effort as a way to increase the chances of right-the-first-time design success and shrink the concept-to-silicon cycle.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When was production expected?
TSMC said production for the 0.13-micron geometry was planned for the fourth quarter of 2001. That date was a forward-looking schedule announced in 2000; the announcement alone does not establish when production actually began.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Specialty - Demo Kit for VNA Testing: The VNA test board demo calibration board is specially designed for learning how to use Vector Network Analyzers and Antenna Analyzers for test calibration purposes
- Comprehensive Functional Modules: Featuring a total of 18 integrated functional modules, this board enables measurements of various filters including a 30MHz shortwave low-pass-filter LPF, 100MHz FM high-pass filter HPF, 433MHz commonly used SAW band pass filter BPF, and a 6.5MHz ceramic trap BSF
- Reliable Components: Each module in the kit is carefully selected for its reliability, and practicality, ensuring a long service life for the board
- Functional Module: Contains R, L, C and combination circuits, open-short circuit and load calibration circuits, attenuation circuits. Used for learning vector network analyzer VNA, Antenna Analyzer test calibration learning and use
- Important Note: Please be aware that this product includes only 2 UFL Patch Cords. If frequent changes in connection are needed, additional UFL patch cords may be required for convenience. Purchase carefully, or consider acquiring extra patch cords for seamless operation
Rank #4
- RF LEARNING TOOL: Elevate your learning prowess with our comprehensive RF demo kit. This meticulously designed test board calibration board serves as a potent resource for those eager to delve into Vector Network Analyzer and Antenna Analyzer testing and calibration. Providing a cohesive learning platform, our RF demo kit can shape and refine your understanding of this complex domain.
- INTEGRATED SYSTEM: Housing 18 specialized functional modules, our demo kit encapsulates a broad spectrum of RF testing and calibration capacities. Assuring consistent and accurate performance, each module is stringently chosen for its superior quality and reliability. This kit emerges as an all-in-one solution to your RF requirements.
- USER-FRIENDLY OPERATION: Intensifying the ease of use, the inclusion of 2 UFL patch cords sets the stage for a seamless testing experience. Unfussy connections lay out a clear path for initiating your journey through intricate RF measurements. Furthermore, the straightforward usage makes this kit a perfect choice for beginners and experts alike.
- TRAVEL-FRIENDLY DESIGN: Tailored for your convenience, our demo kit is acclaimed for its compact design and lightweight feature, ensuring effortless portability. Be it home-based learning, attendance at workshops, or field pursuits; this kit manifests as the ideal accompaniment.
- EXPERIENCE-ENHANCING KIT: Designed for a wide range of RF learners, including students, engineers, and hobbyists, this demo kit brings forth a profound opportunity to expand their expertise. Expose yourself to diverse applications, experiment freely under various setups, and acquire invaluable hands-on experience- all made possible with our all-encompassing RF demo kit.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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