Standardizing compact models for IC simulation

The idea of standard compact (SPICE-like) model equations has gained support recently throughout the semiconductor industry. In the past, compact models have been developed independently either by a single company or by a university or research group. These models have lacked diverse technology coverage and normally were not fully tested or productized. The concept of standardization is embraced by the semiconductor industry in several other areas, yet simulation has lagged behind due to the difficult notion of standardizing software. In this article, the idea of a standard compact model will be described as well as the industry consortium supporting the standardization effort.