Carver Mead (CalTech) (Feb 2011)

Carver Mead (CalTech Professor) – The History of VLSI (Feb 2011)

Chapters

00:00:00 The Influence of Carver Mead on the Semiconductor World

00:05:35 Early Integrated Circuit Design Processes

00:11:48 Birth of the Silicon Foundry

Introduction of Gerber Code and Machine Code:
Carver Mead began using the Gerber plotter to create mask layouts, initially writing raw Gerber code and later learning to write machine code and using an assembler to generate layouts.

Challenges and Solutions:
Mead faced the issue of seeing the results of his work due to the slow turnaround time of IBM 360 computers and punching cards. He utilized a campus computer’s scientific data plotter to visualize the center lines and outlines of contacts, allowing him to continue his work.

Teaching the First VLSI Design Course:
Mead introduced the first course in VLSI design in 1971, teaching students to use the artwork language he had developed. Each student worked on their own project, and Mead combined them into a single chip with bonding pads, allowing them to test their designs.

Collaboration with Lynn Conway and Hosting Teacher’s Courses:
Mead collaborated with Lynn Conway to write a book on VLSI design, which was completed in 1979. The University of Washington hosted a teacher’s course in 1979, where attendees learned how to teach VLSI design and spread the knowledge to other universities.

Caltech VLSI Conference and the Emergence of Silicon Foundries:
At the Caltech VLSI conference in 1979, Dave Johanson presented his silicon compiler, and Mead introduced the concept of silicon foundries for fabless chip design. This led to the establishment of the Moses facility, directed by George Lewicki, to support VLSI design and fabrication.

Promoting the Fabless Semiconductor Model and the Rise of TSMC:
Mead spent several years convincing semiconductor companies to adopt the fabless semiconductor model, facing initial resistance from those who wanted to own the design. In 1987, Morris Chang founded TSMC in Taiwan, which became a major supplier of foundry services and revolutionized the semiconductor industry.

The Importance of Independent Design and Openness:
Mead emphasized the significance of allowing designers to write their own code and build masks and test vectors independently. He believed that dictating what people can do with tools would lead them to seek alternatives.

Coining the Term “Silicon Foundry”:
The term “silicon foundry” was not coined by Carver Mead but originated from Intel’s Bowers Avenue fab, where Ted Jenkins helped Mead sneak lots through the production line.

00:23:39 Silicon Foundry Origin

Abstract

Carver Mead: The Architect of the Modern Semiconductor Era

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Abstract:

Carver Mead’s unparalleled contributions to the semiconductor industry have revolutionized the world of electronics. From pioneering work in semiconductor theory to the establishment of MOSIS and his advocacy for silicon foundries, Mead’s journey encapsulates a remarkable blend of scientific innovation, industrial foresight, and educational leadership. His close collaborations with industry giants like Gordon Moore and his pioneering efforts in VLSI design have left an indelible mark on modern technology. This article delves into the multifaceted career of Carver Mead, highlighting his key contributions, the genesis of groundbreaking ideas, and their lasting impact on the semiconductor world.

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Early Influence and Contributions:

Carver Mead’s half-century impact on the semiconductor industry is profound. His early work laid the foundation for understanding semiconductor device behavior, notably through his research on metal semiconductor junctions and trap states. His invention of the MESFET and exploration of transistor limits predated the realization of ultra-small transistors. Notably, Mead coined “Moore’s Law” and authored a seminal textbook, significantly influencing engineers and researchers.

Gordon Moore and Carver Mead’s Relationship:

Carver Mead and Gordon Moore shared a close relationship, frequently dining together and exchanging insights and information. Their discussions about the Livermore Fab highlighted the concept of specialized chip manufacturing, underscoring Moore’s foresight and Mead’s influence in shaping the industry’s future.

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MOSIS and Commercialization:

Mead’s establishment of MOSIS, facilitating multiproject wafers, revolutionized chip fabrication. His input at companies like Fairchild and Hewlett-Packard led to new technologies, including camera sensors and trackpads, marking a significant leap in commercial applications of semiconductor technology.

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Awards and Recognition:

Mead’s recognition includes prestigious awards like the National Medal of Technology and the Lemelson-MIT Award. He is celebrated as the “grandfather” of semiconductor electronics, a testament to his vast influence in the field.

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Collaboration with Gordon Moore and Intel’s Genesis:

Mead’s bond with Intel co-founder Gordon Moore dates to the 1960s, leading to pivotal discussions about starting a new company. Mead’s influence was instrumental in the birth of Intel, marking a significant milestone in semiconductor history.

Livermore Fab as a Foundry:

Carver Mead discussed the Livermore Fab with Gordon Moore. Moore predicted that the Livermore Fab would become a foundry for mass-producing the Intel 1103 dynamic RAM chip.

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Microprocessors and Intel’s Direction:

Mead foresaw the potential of microprocessors, convincing Moore to focus on this revolutionary technology. This vision was crucial for Intel’s success and the microcomputer revolution, showcasing Mead’s foresight and innovative thinking.

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Consultancy and Intel’s Early Days:

Mead’s consultancy with NM Electronics, which became Intel, focused on the potential of small electronic devices, laying the groundwork for personal computing. His early involvement with Intel’s team highlights his role in shaping the company’s foundational years.

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Challenges in Traditional Design Process:

Mead’s frustration with the inefficient traditional design process of integrated circuits led him to seek a more automated approach. This drive for efficiency became a cornerstone of his later contributions.

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Inspiration from the Aerospace Industry:

Mead’s encounter with the aerospace industry’s Gerber plotters led to an epiphany. He realized this technology could be adapted for integrated circuit design, a pivotal moment in his career.

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Vision for Automated Design:

Mead’s vision for computer-aided design (CAD) tools simplified the integrated circuit design process. His idea of inputting designs into a computer to automatically generate manufacturing masks was revolutionary.

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Mead’s Research Agenda and the Birth of VLSI:

Mead’s experiences culminated in a dedicated research agenda to develop CAD tools for integrated circuits. His work laid the foundation for the modern era of IC design.

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Embracing the Gerber Plotter and Assembly Code:

Mead’s utilization of the Gerber plotter and assembly code for IC fabrication was a significant innovation, allowing for more efficient design processes.

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Overcoming Challenges with Punch Cards:

Mead navigated the complexities of punch cards to create assembly code programs, showcasing his determination to streamline the IC design process.

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The First VLSI Course and Student Projects:

The first VLSI course in 1971, led by Mead, was groundbreaking. Students designed their own IC projects, providing hands-on experience in the design flow.

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Collaboration with Intel and the Caltech VLSI Conference:

Mead’s collaboration with Intel for fabricating student IC designs was crucial. The 1979 Caltech VLSI conference, featuring significant milestones like the introduction of the silicon compiler concept, marked a turning point in VLSI design.

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Establishing the Moses Facility:

The establishment of the Moses facility, under Mead and Ivan Sutherland, was a key development in VLSI design and computer graphics, symbolizing a guiding force in the semiconductor industry.

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Advocacy for Silicon Foundries and TSMC’s Rise:

Mead’s promotion of the silicon foundry model was visionary. His advocacy paved the way for TSMC’s founding in 1987, revolutionizing semiconductor manufacturing.

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Empowering Designers through Code:

Mead stressed the importance of allowing designers to write their own code, fostering innovation and breaking free from constraints of predefined toolkits.

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Long-Term Impact and the Term “Silicon Foundry”:

The journey from the initial VLSI course to the establishment of TSMC illustrates the transformative impact of Mead’s vision. The term “silicon foundry,” originating from Intel’s fabrication facility, reflects the industry’s evolution influenced by Mead’s ideas.

Gordon Moore and the Concept of “Silicon Foundry”:

Moore coined the term “Silicon Foundry” in reference to the Livermore Fab’s projected role in manufacturing the Intel 1103 chip. This term would later become synonymous with the industry’s shift toward specialized chip manufacturing.

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In summary, Carver Mead’s journey in the semiconductor industry is a testament to his visionary approach, innovative mindset, and educational prowess. His contributions have not only shaped the modern electronics landscape but also continue to inspire future generations of engineers and entrepreneurs.

Notes by: Rogue_Atom

Carver Mead (CalTech Professor) – The History of VLSI (Feb 2011)

Chapters

Abstract

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