IEC 60748-5:1997

Overview

IEC 60748-5:1997 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It focuses on semiconductor devices, specifically integrated circuits, and provides essential standards for semicustom integrated circuits (ICs). This part of the IEC 60748 series outlines classifications, terminology, graphical symbols, required characteristics, measuring methods, acceptance criteria, reliability, and design considerations for semicustom integrated circuits.

Semicustom ICs represent a key subset of integrated circuits, offering customizable solutions within certain predefined constraints. This standard is essential for manufacturers, designers, and suppliers involved in the development, specification, and application of semicustom ICs.

Key Topics

• Classification of Semicustom ICs: IEC 60748-5 provides a family tree distinguishing semicustom ICs from full custom and standard ICs, including types like gate arrays, standard cells, and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

• Terminology and Graphical Symbols: The standard defines and standardizes terminology and symbols to ensure clear communication across the industry. It references related IEC standards for electrotechnical vocabulary and graphical representation.

• Essential Ratings and Characteristics: Guidelines are provided for specifying crucial properties such as electrical ratings, functional specifications, and permitted operating conditions of semicustom ICs.

• Functional Specification: The document addresses how to specify programmable elements (like cells and macros), general and application-specific functions, and circuit blocks.

• Measuring Methods: Standardized methodologies for evaluating static and dynamic characteristics of semicustom ICs are described, supporting consistent quality assurance and performance assessment.

• Acceptance and Reliability: IEC 60748-5 details procedures for endurance testing, environmental tests, and failure analysis, promoting reliability and international market acceptance.

• Design Aspects and Interfaces: The standard addresses design flows, including the use of computer-aided engineering tools, supplier-provided libraries, and standard forms for user/supplier communication.

Applications

IEC 60748-5:1997 is relevant across multiple stages of the semicustom IC life cycle:

• Product Specification: Ensures all key device characteristics and necessary data are uniformly specified and communicated between suppliers and users, facilitating tailored semiconductor solutions.

• Manufacturing and Quality Control: Supports manufacturers in meeting international expectations for product quality, conformity, and reliability through prescribed measurement and testing methods.

• Design and Development: Guides electronic engineers and designers in selecting the correct subcategory of semicustom ICs and in performing compliant design, simulation, and library management.

• Procurement and Supplier Management: Standardizes interface and documentation requirements, ensuring efficient and reliable user/supplier interaction during specification, design, and delivery phases.

• End-User Applications: Facilitates application-specific designs in sectors such as telecommunications, industrial controls, automotive systems, and any field requiring semi-personalized integrated solutions.

Related Standards

The scope of IEC 60748-5 intersects with and references several important IEC documents:

• IEC 60747-1: Semiconductor devices - Part 1: General guidelines for discrete devices and ICs
• IEC 60748-1: Semiconductor devices - Integrated circuits - Part 1: General
• IEC 60617: Graphical symbols for diagrams (Parts 12 and 13 for binary logic and analogue elements)
• IEC 60050: International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV)
• IEC 60748-2/-3/-4/-11: Parts addressing digital, analogue, interface ICs, and sectional specifications

Knowledge of these related standards ensures comprehensive compliance and supports best practices in integrated circuit design and manufacturing.

Applying IEC 60748-5:1997 helps ensure interoperability, high reliability, and global market access for semicustom integrated circuits, supporting effective communication and quality management across the electronics industry.