Z2 – Lithographically fabricated IC in a garage fab
4 days ago
- #Homebrew Projects
- #DIY Electronics
- #Semiconductor Fabrication
- The author created homemade integrated circuits in their garage fab, starting with the Z1 amplifier in 2018.
- The Z2 chip features a 10×10 array of transistors (100 total) on a 10µm polysilicon gate process, similar to Intel's first processor.
- Switching from a metal gate to a polysilicon gate process improved performance, reducing threshold voltage and making chips compatible with lower voltage logic levels.
- The new FETs exhibit excellent electrical properties, including low leakage current and high on/off ratios.
- The author's process uses impure chemicals and homemade equipment, demonstrating the feasibility of DIY semiconductor fabrication without a cleanroom.
- Future plans include designing more complex digital and analog circuits and automating the testing process.
- The author modified standard processes to avoid expensive or dangerous steps, such as using pre-deposited polysilicon wafers.
- A variety of chemicals and minimal equipment were used in the fabrication process, emphasizing accessibility.
- The project has garnered significant interest and praise from the community for its innovation and transparency.