Use of a 3D Graphical User Interface in Microelectronics Learning and Simulation of an Industrial Application

Abstract

The COMSON project (COupled Multiscale Simulation and Optimization in Nanoelectronics) is a Marie Curie Research Training Network (RTN) supported by the European Commission within the 6th Framework Research Programme of the EU. One of the outcomes of the COMSON project is the e-learning system linked to the Demonstrator Platform (DP). This framework is intended for researches in the Microelectronics, Physics and Applied Mathematics fields. It is also intended for industries and expert technical personnel. The main aim of the project is to provide an effective training to students and young researchers with a hands-on experience with the DP, which comprises coupled simulation of devices, interconnects, circuits, electromagnetic (EM) fields and thermal effects in one single framework. Furthermore, the project has a Virtual Working Place system in which it is possible to share experiments and results among the partners. As this domain of knowledge is very complex - there are strong requirements in Industry in order to train young researchers and improve the know-how in a process of continuous education in these topics - the approach we propose overcomes the traditional difficulties of delivering contents, providing the user with a transparent interface, which hides the mathematical technalities. The user has only to follow a procedure by using a visual, tactile and explorative interface. It allows a graphical access to a preset library of models in the form of equations and algorithms for model manipulation. Furthermore, in this approach the researcher can define new models and algorithms by means of a constructivist metaphor. Finally, this method permits an easy control of the DP simulation function, together with a complete monitoring and data analysis facility.