Academia Reclaims Innovation with New Pathfinding Design Kits

The introduction of pathfinding process design kits (P-PDKs) marks a significant shift in the semiconductor industry, revitalizing the role of academic research in process development. Historically, as the industry advanced towards smaller nodes—specifically below the 20-nanometer mark—innovations such as FinFETs and 3D stacking began to dominate chip design. This evolution led to a state of design-technology co-optimization (DTCO) and system-technology co-optimization (STCO), pushing the boundaries of traditional semiconductor architecture.

However, as the complexity of semiconductor design escalated, academia struggled to keep pace. Traditional abstraction layers, which previously allowed universities to engage in realistic design scenarios, became inadequate for advanced technologies. This disconnect resulted in academic research gradually moving away from direct industrial application, limiting its impact on innovation.

P-PDKs: A Game Changer for Semiconductor Research

The introduction of P-PDKs aims to bridge this gap, allowing academic researchers to re-engage with cutting-edge semiconductor development. These kits are distinguished by their ability to predict future technologies, enabling researchers to conduct early explorations of system-level trade-offs and architectural implications. According to Anita Farokhnejad, DTCO Program Manager at imec, “When it comes to beyond-2nm semiconductor innovation, you can’t tape out a physical circuit, because the technology simply doesn’t exist yet. But you can already explore what the performance will look like, what the system implications are, and how to prepare architecture and design flows for what’s coming.”

The P-PDKs are grounded in imec’s 2nm process flows, and they provide researchers with access to comprehensive design environments. These include detailed 3D device structures, compact models for circuit-level simulation, full standard cell libraries, predictive transistor models, and design rule files. This robust toolkit not only facilitates early-stage design but also establishes a feedback loop that connects design insights back to technology development.

Restoring Collaboration Between Academia and Industry

The release of the first P-PDK in 2024, with a second kit scheduled for November 2025, signifies more than just a technical advancement. It offers a crucial bridge between process innovation and system design, ensuring that the future of computing is shaped collaboratively. The NanoIC pilot line is poised to foster an ecosystem where academic researchers can align their explorations of innovative architectures with realistic technology paths.

This alignment benefits both universities and industry, as it allows for the development of disruptive ideas that are informed by practical technology benchmarks. By restoring this connection, P-PDKs enable academia to play a pivotal role in the evolving semiconductor landscape, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in chip design. As the industry gears up for the next wave of innovations, the integration of academic research into the development process may prove essential for achieving new technological heights.