The first ASIC from the CNRS Nucléaire & Particules R&T BiCMOS has arrived at Subatech
The first batch of integrated circuits from the CNRS Nucléaire et Particules BiCMOS R&T is currently being tested at Subatech's electronics department. BiCMOS R&T is a project run by Microelectronics des 2 Infinis (MI2I) that aims to compare different analog ASICS technologies for future detector requirements.
Unlike digital functions, which improve with finer engraving, for analog circuits, overly fine engraving degrades performance. The challenge is therefore to find the right size, neither too large nor too fine.
The CNRS Nucléaire et Particules has therefore launched the BiCMOS R&T program led by Didier Charrier of Subatech, bringing together the APC laboratories in Paris, IP2I in Lyon, LPC Caen, Subatech in Nantes, and the CNRS Engineering Plasma Physics Laboratory in Palaiseau. This program identifies, tests, and compares available industrial offerings by producing prototype circuits.
A first prototype comprising seven different modules was fabricated by IHP in SGS13S 130nm. This circuit contains a thermometer, transistor arrays, and SiGe amplifiers, including a prototype for the R2D2 experiment.
All modules are operational and are currently being characterized using precision measurements.
Further information on BiCMOS R&T is available here:
https://caemi2i.in2p3.fr/index.php/les-groupes-et-cellules/
[B. TON et al., Cryogenic concept LNA using IHP130 soumis à IEEE Tr. applied Superconductivity, 2025](B. TON et al., Cryogenic concept LNA using IHP130 soumis à IEEE Tr. applied Superconductivity, 2025)
