10:37 <SpeedEvil> https://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1335216&_mc=RSS_EET_EDT&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=link&utm_medium=EETimesDaily-20191021#

10:37 <SpeedEvil> Bipolar-Zener Combo Takes On CMOS

10:37 <SpeedEvil> The Bizen process is named for its combination of a bipolar junction with concepts from a Zener diode. It uses the quantum tunnelling effect to eliminate the resistor, and all metal layers, from a traditional bipolar transistor. The transistor’s input is via a quantum tunnelling connection and the device has two identical outputs, allowing for AC signals (anodes 1 and 2; analogous to collector and emitter in a bipolar junction transistor or

10:37 <SpeedEvil> BJT). The transistor is normally on; bringing the tunnel to the highest potential turns it off.

10:37 <SpeedEvil> A collaboration between a British startup and a British foundry has produced test devices of a new transistor type that can be produced with just three weeks’ lead time, as it requires only eight mask steps.

11:17 <mrdata> does this thing have 4 legs

11:21 <SpeedEvil> In the same way a MOSFET does.

11:21 <SpeedEvil> - there is no thought of making these as isolated parts AIUI

11:45 <mrdata> ok, good: tunnel, substrate, anode 1, anode 2.

11:50 <SpeedEvil> https://www.electronicsweekly.com/news/design/tunnelling-transistor-offers-logic-power-easy-make-ic-2019-10/ has more details

11:51 <SpeedEvil> and only four process lithography masks (instead of eight for the full process) are required to implement logic-only chips as transistor-to-transistor connections can be made within the four layers – no metal layers are required. As mentioned above, design tools are being prepared. “If we did an ARM or an x86 [processor], we would use a couple of metal layers for routing,” said Summerland.

17:41 <pie_> huh

18:43 <Degi> Oh sounds fancy

18:54 <lain> wonder if that's patented...

20:31 <SpeedEvil> I'm betting on a yes.

20:31 <SpeedEvil> Though I suspect it's not riduculous to suppose that they might be amnneable to licencing for garage stuff.

20:42 <gruetzkopf> "our process is so reliable it could be done in a garage"

20:44 <SpeedEvil> semefab is - not quite - garage scale.

20:44 <SpeedEvil> It's very much not a huge place

20:46 <SpeedEvil> https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Semefab/@56.1860257,-3.1426275,159m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x48864b2016f16b3f:0x92ce8300b90ffc51!8m2!3d56.1859115!4d-3.141965?shorturl=1

20:47 <SpeedEvil> I think only the bright white topped buildings are semefab

20:49 <SpeedEvil> A quick measure says 8000m^2 and ~40 cars. Which - well isn't quite garage scale, isn't far off.

22:41 <qu1j0t3> SpeedEvil: funny, i suggested using lithography equipment in here a few months ago :) should be cheap on surplus market

22:56 <SpeedEvil> I keep tripping over ion etch machines in the street.

23:27 <qu1j0t3> SpeedEvil: oh, i see there's a misunderstanding... due to the overloaded term.

23:27 <qu1j0t3> SpeedEvil: never mind, ignore me, my suggestion was for optical (printing grade) lithographic negative recorders

23:28 <SpeedEvil> ah

23:28 <qu1j0t3> but apparently this isn't a very good idea so i'll be quiet

23:29 <SpeedEvil> I'm not saying it's a bad idea

23:32 <qu1j0t3> i mean when i originally raised it there were some objections

23:32 <qu1j0t3> i forget the details :)