Heungbu, the Swallow, and the Unseen Revolution in Semiconductor Modeling

In the heart of Korea's rich tapestry of folktales lies the story of Heungbu and the swallow's gratitude. Heungbu, a kind-hearted but poor man, found a swallow with a broken leg and nursed it back to health. In appreciation, the swallow gave Heungbu a pumpkin seed. He planted the seed, and it grew into an enormous pumpkin, which, when opened, was filled with gold, silver, and treasures. Thanks to these treasures, Heungbu became wealthy, and his family lived happily ever after. This tale finds a curious echo in the world of semiconductor modeling, particularly in the field of Technology Computer-Aided Design (TCAD). Much like Heungbu, TCAD has played a nurturing role in the technological world, leading to invaluable advancements in ways initially unexpected.

In the very early days, TCAD held a somewhat humble role in the complex world of chip design and manufacturing. Initially viewed as a supplementary tool, TCAD was confined to basic research, exploratory analysis, and occasional failure investigations. Its utility was appreciated, yet not deemed critical. Design and process engineers managed their tasks without in-depth TCAD knowledge, relying largely on experimental methods.

However, as the demands of technology scaling grew exponentially, driven by a voracious appetite for performance, density, and cost-efficiency, the limitations of relying solely on experimental methodologies became starkly apparent. This marked a turning point for TCAD, transforming it from a "nice to have" feature into an indispensable element of semiconductor landscape.

Propelled by leaps in computational power, sophisticated software algorithms, and surging academic interest, TCAD's evolution has been nothing short of remarkable. It swiftly transitioned from a rudimentary modeling tool to a sophisticated simulation powerhouse and paved the way for breakthroughs not just in TCAD itself but also became a catalyst for broader advancements in high-performance computing (HPC). This, in turn, laid the groundwork for the emergence and spread of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) as mainstream technologies across various industries.

TCAD's contribution to computing and AI/ML have been pivotal, yet, until recently, this influence seemed to follow a one-way trend: from foundational TCAD studies, to new module development, to process optimization for high-volume production and ultimately powerful CPUs, GPUs and memory for advanced AI and ML applications. However, the narrative is shifting.

Today, we stand at a juncture where the "swallow" - the advanced AI and ML technologies - are returning the favor to "Heungbu" - the field of TCAD. With ever-growing demands for accuracy and complexity in semiconductor modeling, including atom-level simulations for novel devices and intricate statistical models for process optimization, the integration of ML and AI has become vital, not only as tools for innovation but as essential interpreters of the vast and complex datasets. This ability to extract meaningful conclusions reveals insights and values previously hidden. This integration is central to the "digital twin" approach, revolutionizing the entire process of development to manufacturing cycle by replacing real materials to digital models.

While TCAD's quiet yet monumental impact on the semiconductor industry often goes unnoticed, overshadowed by the visible end products it enables, these "treasures" of technological progress are now paying their dues back. They are contributing right from the very beginning of the design and process, forming a symbiotic relationship of TCAD with advanced computing technologies. It illustrates a harmonious cycle of technological advancement, echoing the timeless narrative of Heungbu and the swallow.

In conclusion, like the hidden treasures buried within Heungbu's pumpkin, the field of TCAD, once a humble tool in the vast landscape of semiconductor technology, has unveiled its invaluable riches. It stands as a testament to the unforeseen potential of nurturing emerging technologies, a principle as timeless as the folktale itself.

Daebin Yim is a senior manager, Semiconductor Process & Integration Engineering