High-Speed Interconnects: History, Evolution, and the Road Ahead

An integrated circuit (IC), or chip, is a set of electronic circuits and components placed on a tiny planar silicon (Si) semiconductor substrate. These electronics circuits and components are electrically connected to one another with the help of planar and vertical conductor elements known as
interconnects
. This article presents a detailed overview of the evolution of interconnects, highlighting the technological milestones that have been achieved during the past four decades. Interconnects form the backbone of signal communication among devices on a chip and between chips on a printed circuit board (PCB). The layout and design of interconnects on an IC are vital to the chip’s performance, functionality, reliability, efficiency, and overall fabrication yield.