CMC Microsystems provides products and services for microsystems researchers in the following technology areas:

• Microelectronics:
  • Integrated Circuits (ICs)
  • Embedded System Design & Prototyping
• Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS)
• Microfluidics
• Optoelectronics
• Technology Integration

CMC Microsystems enables researchers to manufacture microfluidic chip design through a strategic partnership with Micralyne Inc. of Edmonton.

Microelectronics Integrated Circuits (Digital, Analog, RF, Mixed-Signal)

For: Applications requiring computing/processing, communication, and sensor capability  

• Design environments (CAD software) and methodologies: all Unix-based
• Intellectual property (cell libraries, memory compilers, processor cores)
• Prototype manufacturing services (national and international manufacturers)
• Packaging services
• Test equipment
• Tutorials and other training materials
• Engineering support

Supported technologies include CMOS and Silicon Germanium, with different processes providing different capabilities. For example, more advanced process may be more suitable when the research project requires an integrated circuit that operates at high speed. More mature processes are supported by more complete design environments and methodologies than are available for the advanced processes.

Embedded System Design & Prototyping

For: Applications requiring digital signal processing, multimedia, embedded software, network processing

• Design environments (CAD software) and methodologies: mostly PC-based (Windows and Linux)
• Rapid system prototyping (programmable hardware platforms and microprocessor intellectual property) targeting specific application areas
• Verification tools and methodologies
• Tutorials and other training materials
• Engineering support

Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS)

Primary application areas: telecommunication, bio-MEMS, opto-MEMS, sensors and actuators

• Design environment: CAD tools and methodologies for design, device modeling with multi-physics finite element analysis techniques (ANSYS- Electrostatic, electrothermal and other analysis)
• Prototype manufacturing services: two poly-silicon layers surface micromachining process on silicon substrate (Poly-MUMPs from MEMSCAP); silicon-on-insulator (SOI)-based single crystal silicon layer process on glass substrate (Micragem from Micralyne)
• Design kits (technology files) for Poly-MUMPs and Micragem processes
• Training materials on supported CAD tools and manufacturing technologies
• Limited test equipment (probe stations, spectrum analyzers, etc)
• Engineering support

Microfluidics

Primary application areas: electro-osmatics/electrophoresis flows (mixing, separation and detection), chemical analysis including DNA/blood analysis, DNA amplifications, electronics cooling

• Design environments: CAD tools for design, (L-Edit from SoftMEMS/Tanner) and fluidic analysis with finite element analysis techniques (ANSYS)
• Prototype manufacturing services: fabrication of networks of closed microchannels in glass substrate (Protolyne from Micralyne)
• L-Edit/MEMSPro based technology files for Protolyne processes
• Tutorial on Protolyne technology
• Engineering support

Photonics and Optoelectronics

Primary application areas: optical communications, sensing & imaging

• Design environment including CAD software is under development, will include: layout tool with photonic element library, design flow, mode solver, BPM tool, FDTD tool, active device simulation tool
• Prototype manufacturing services, including InP- and GaAs-based devices (epitaxy, process & back end) and silica on silicon (low index contrast process). Silicon on insulator (high index contrast process) is expected to be available in mid-2006
• Test equipment
• Engineering support

Technology Integration

CMC is undertaking projects to explore ways to support research requiring technology integration — for example microelectronics and MEMS.