E-beam Probing and E-beam-Assisted Device Alteration (EADA) for Fault Isolation in PowerVia and Advanced Technology Nodes

Abstract This paper demonstrates that e-beam assisted device alteration (EADA) is a powerful, high-resolution technique for fault isolation debug for advanced technology nodes. A case study using this technique is reviewed and shows successful isolation of a defective single inverter. In addition, fundamental studies of ring oscillator behavior and device perturbations with e-beam exposure found clear correlations for electron beam exposure with NMOS/PMOS device parameters. Electron-hole pair generation in the device with beam exposure is likely the main component for the perturbation, but there may be other contributing factors including charging effects and/or heating.