What are the advantages of FD-SOI technology? Still the ideal solution for the Internet of Things?

In 2018, the semiconductor industry was heavily focused on advanced process technologies for the next five years. While 7nm FinFET technology was set to enter mass production, and 5nm nodes were expected to integrate fully with extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, the foundry sector also showed a strong interest in the low-power, low-cost segment of the expanding Internet of Things (IoT) market. This demand drove the development of various low-end process technologies tailored for different applications. For instance, TSMC offered 16nm and 12nm FinFET Compact (FFC) processes, 22nm ultra-low power (ULP), 28nm High Performance Computing (HPC)/HPC+, and 40nm ULP and 55nm Logic ULP and LP processes. Intel introduced its 22nm low-power FinFET (22FFL), while GlobalFoundries provided 28nm High Performance Plus (HPP)/Super Low Power (SLP), 22FDX, and Samsung launched 28nm FDSOI, LPP, and LPH. These solutions were well-suited for the diverse needs of the IoT market. One key difference between GlobalFoundries’ FDX series and Samsung’s FD-SOI is the use of “full-vacuum insulation silicon-on-silicon” (FD-SOI) technology. This innovation was first promoted by the SOI Industry Consortium, along with ST, IBM, GlobalFoundries, and Samsung in 2011. FD-SOI at 28nm and 22nm nodes can deliver performance comparable to next-generation FinFETs from Intel and TSMC, but at a lower cost and risk. What makes FD-SOI unique? Unlike FinFETs, which are 3D structures, FD-SOI is a planar process. According to ST’s technical data, FD-SOI has two major innovations: an ultra-thin buried oxide (BOX) layer placed on a silicon substrate, and an ultra-thin silicon film over the transistor channel. Because of this thinness, doping is not required, allowing complete depletion of the channel. This combination is known as “ultra-thin body and buried oxide FD-SOI” (UTBB-FD-SOI). ST claims that FD-SOI offers better electrostatic characteristics than conventional bulk silicon. The buried oxide layer reduces parasitic capacitance between the source and drain, effectively limiting electron flow and reducing leakage current, which impacts component performance. Additionally, FD-SOI allows control of the transistor through substrate bias, similar to bulk silicon, but with greater efficiency. Unlike bulk silicon, where substrate bias is limited due to reduced geometry and increased leakage, FD-SOI provides better bias efficiency thanks to its structure and ultra-thin insulating layer. The buried oxide allows higher substrate bias voltage, enabling dynamic control of the transistor. When the substrate is positively biased (forward body bias, or FBB), it increases switching speed, optimizing both performance and power consumption. According to ST, FD-SOI enables FBB and dynamic adjustment during operation, offering design engineers high flexibility—especially for portable and wearable devices that prioritize power savings over raw performance. It's an ideal solution for consumer electronics where power efficiency is crucial. Market research firm International Business Strategies (IBS) CEO Handel Jones noted in a 2014 report that using the 28nm FD-SOI process could reduce chip costs by 3% compared to bulk CMOS, and at 20nm, the cost could drop by 30%. This is because higher yield rates lead to lower wafer costs. The complexity of FD-SOI dies is also 10–12% less than that of bulk CMOS. Jones further explained that combining smaller die size and higher yield gives FD-SOI a 20% cost advantage over bulk CMOS at the 20nm node. At 28nm, FD-SOI outperforms 20nm bulk CMOS by 15%. He also highlighted that FD-SOI offers higher energy efficiency across high and low Vdd levels and has better immunity to alpha particles, making it more reliable in critical applications. Overall, FD-SOI stands out as a compelling option for the IoT market, offering performance, efficiency, and cost advantages that make it a strong contender in the evolving semiconductor landscape.

Battery

The Solar Battery is an innovative device that harnesses the power of the sun to store energy for later use. It combines the benefits of solar panels and energy storage, providing a sustainable and reliable solution for powering your home or business. Let's explore how to use it, how it works, and what it can do.

How to Use the Solar Battery:

Using a Solar Battery is quite straightforward. Here are the basic steps:

1. Installation: The Solar Battery is typically installed alongside your existing solar panel system. It can also be retrofitted to an existing solar panel setup. A professional installer can guide you through the process.

2. Charging: During daylight hours, the solar panels generate electricity from the sun's energy. This electricity is used to power your home or business, and any excess energy is directed to charge the Solar Battery.

3. Energy Storage: The Solar Battery stores the excess energy generated by the solar panels. It can store energy for later use when the sun is not shining or during power outages. The stored energy can be used during the night or when the demand exceeds the solar panel's production capacity.

4. Powering Devices: The stored energy in the Solar Battery can be used to power various devices in your home or business. It can provide electricity to appliances, lighting, and other electrical systems just like a traditional power source.

5. Monitoring: Many Solar Battery systems come with monitoring capabilities, allowing you to track the energy production, storage, and usage. This helps you optimize your energy consumption and make informed decisions.

How the Solar Battery Works:

The Solar Battery works by utilizing advanced lithium-ion battery technology combined with a charge controller and inverter. Here's a simplified explanation of how it operates:

1. Solar Panel Integration: The Solar Battery is connected to the solar panel system, which generates DC (direct current) electricity from sunlight.

2. Charge Controller: The charge controller regulates the flow of electricity from the solar panels to the battery. It ensures that the battery is charged efficiently and protects it from overcharging or discharging.

3. Battery Storage: The Solar Battery stores the excess electricity generated by the solar panels. It converts and stores the DC electricity as AC (alternating current) energy, which is the standard for most household appliances.

4. Inverter: The inverter converts the stored AC energy back to DC electricity when needed. This allows the Solar Battery to power devices and appliances in your home or business.

5. Energy Management: The Solar Battery's management system optimizes the flow of electricity, ensuring efficient usage and minimizing wastage. It intelligently manages the stored energy based on your consumption patterns and energy needs.

What the Solar Battery Can Do:

The Solar Battery offers several benefits and capabilities:

1. Energy Independence: By storing excess solar energy, the Solar Battery reduces reliance on the grid and allows you to use renewable energy even during non-sunny periods or power outages.

2. Cost Savings: Utilizing stored solar energy can significantly reduce your electricity bills by minimizing the need to draw power from the grid during peak rate periods.

3. Environmental Impact: By using solar energy, the Solar Battery helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels, contributing to a cleaner and greener environment.

4. Backup Power: During power outages, the Solar Battery can provide a reliable backup power source, ensuring uninterrupted operation of critical devices and appliances.

5. Load Shifting: The Solar Battery allows you to shift energy usage from high-demand periods to low-demand periods, further optimizing energy consumption and potentially reducing costs.

Lithium-ion Battery, Lead-acid Battery, Rechargeable Battery, Battery Capacity, Battery Voltage

Bosin Power Limited , https://www.bosinsolar.com