Tonyplot QT: User'S Manual
Tonyplot QT: User'S Manual
Users Manual
SILVACO
4701 Patrick Henry Drive, Bldg. 6 January 27, 2010
Santa Clara, CA 95054
Telephone (408) 567-1000
Internet: www.silvaco.com
TonyPlot QT
Users Manual
Copyright 2010
Silvaco
4701 Patrick Henry Drive, Building #6
Santa Clara, CA 95054
ii Silvaco
Notice
Silvaco iii
How to Read this Manual
Style Conventions
NEW CENTURY SCHOOLBOOK This represents the names of ATHENA and ATLAS.
IN SMALL CAPS the Silvaco products.
Silvaco iv
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
1.1: What is TonyPlot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
1.1.1: Examining Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
1.1.2: Online Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
1.1.3: Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
1.1.4: Standard Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Chapter 2
Using TonyPlot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
2.1: Starting TonyPlot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
2.1.1: Command Line Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
2.1.2: Loading Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
2.2: The Base Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
2.2.1: File Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
2.2.2: Edit Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
2.2.3: Plot Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-32
2.2.4: Tools Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-40
2.2.5: The Production Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-52
2.2.6: Help Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-62
2.3: Plot Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-64
2.3.1: Plot Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-64
2.3.2: Pointer Zooming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-64
2.3.3: TonyPlot Command Stream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-65
2.3.4: Key Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-71
2.3.5: 3D Plot Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-72
2.4: Key Legends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-73
2.4.1: Key Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-73
2.4.2: Positioning Key Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-73
2.4.3: Drawing Styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-74
2.5: Plot Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-75
2.5.1: 2D Mesh Plot Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-75
2.5.2: X-Y Graph Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-84
2.5.3: Cross Section Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-86
2.5.4: RSM Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-87
2.5.5: Statistics Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-90
Chapter 3
Data Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
3.1: User Data Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
3.1.1: Loading User Data Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
3.1.2: Creating User Data Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
3.1.3: Data Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
3.1.4: Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
3.2: Set Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
3.2.1: Creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Silvaco v
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
vi Silvaco
Chapter 1:
Introduction
Users of earlier versions of TONYPLOT will find some of the functionality familiar. But this version has
new some capabilities and a new user interface. The interfaces are easier to use and the resulting dis-
play has improved. This version provides:
Multiple file loading
Command language control
Plot comparison and overlay
Movie function (replaces the Master tool Movie)
HP4145 emulator
Process animation
Cross section profile integration
Poisson Solver
Many more user defined preferences
Improved user interface and ease of use
Improved cutline definition and creation
Faster drawing
New Structure file features
User definable setup parameters and set files
All the features already available in TONYPLOT are still supported in this version.
Silvaco 1-1
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
1.1.3: Terminology
The following terminlogy is used throughout TONYPLOT that have certain meanings and
relationships. See Table 1-1 explains this terminology.
Terms Definition
Structure This is the set of data contained within a structure file (e.g., doping,
geometry, or biaspoints). One structure usually requires one plot but
sometimes two. The same structure can be repeated in many plots.
Plot This is one drawing. A plot can be of one or more structures but
cannot exist without a structure. Several plots can show the same
structure, which allows the data to be simultaneously examined from
two different angles. TONYPLOT is capable of displaying three kinds of
plots, each with its own distinct preferences: 2d-Mesh plots, Graph
plots, and Cross-Section plots.
Selected Plot Not all plots need be operated on at once. A subset of plots is defined
by selecting required plots. Selected plots are shown by having bold
borders. Unselected plots are shown by having dull borders.
View This is the collection of plots in the main window. This term refers to
all plots, selected or not.
Subwindow This is the area where a plot is shown. Each plot has a unique sub-
window, and each subwindow can only show one plot. You can modify
the arrangement of subwindows within the view.
Display Each plot has a display setting, which is the set of parameters that
defines how to draw the structures in the plot.
Silvaco 1-2
Introduction
Clicking on causes the current settings on the dialog box to be loaded from the
defaults file.
Save as Defaults: This button appears as an icon showing data flow from a dialog box to a disk.
Clicking on causes the current settings on the dialog box to be applied first (as if
Silvaco 1-3
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Silvaco 1-4
Chapter 2:
Using TonyPlot
Silvaco 2-1
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
-ttitle is the same as -mtitle but sets the subtitle instead of the main title.
The -da, -st and -bin options to TONYPLOT are all optional. When TONYPLOT loads a file, it
automatically converts the format of the data and loads it in. The options override this action, how-
ever, if needed. Here are some examples of TONYPLOT command line options.
Silvaco 2-2
Using TonyPlot
Silvaco 2-3
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Open
This creates a dialog box (see Figure 2-3) that can be used to load structures. A list shows the
current contents of the directory specified at the top of the dialog box. All subdirectories are shown
(as folder icons) as all files are matching the specified filter.
Silvaco 2-4
Using TonyPlot
Silvaco 2-5
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Save As
This creates a dialog box (see Figure 2-5) that can be used to save a plot or to save a plot as a
particular graphic type (such as JPG, PNG, or GIF). You can select the format you wish to save by
choosing it from the File Type list.
Silvaco 2-6
Using TonyPlot
This allows you to save all currently selected plots as a series of graphical output files, such as
output1.jpg, output2.jpg, output3.jpg. This can be useful if you want to import the plots
into an animation program. The dialog box contains controls to set the base directory, where all
files will be saved, the base filename that all generated files have in common, and a drop down
menu to choose the graphical filetype that you wish to save as.
Silvaco 2-7
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Export
This allows you to create data files from plots. To export data, choose one plot that you wish to
write to a file and select Export. The Export dialog box will then appear (see Figure 2-8). You can
export some files as Master files (Silvaco format) or in a user data format.
Silvaco 2-8
Using TonyPlot
Page Setup
This allows you to change general printer settings, such as page size, page orientation, margins,
and color mode (see Figure 2-9).
Silvaco 2-9
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Print
This allows you to print (depending on your print preferences, see Print Options on page 2-30)
either the currently selected plots, one per page or all plots on one page. You can print on a large
variety of paper sizes at full printer resolution.
Silvaco 2-10
Using TonyPlot
Silvaco 2-11
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Delete Selected
This removes plots from the view. All selected plots are deleted. This option is only active when at
least one plot is selected.
Materials
This allows you to customize the colors of materials. It also controls whether a particular material
is shown on keys. The colors used by TONYPLOT to represent the different types of materials that
can be altered. To change the colors, select EditMaterials and the Materials dialog box will
appear.
Silvaco 2-12
Using TonyPlot
Functions
Functions allow you to further customize the output that can be produced and to extend the
amount of data that can be plotted without needing further simulation runs and large data files.
TONYPLOT allows you to create functions for use with any type of plot. It also uses an advanced
mathematical parser to calculate function results from arbitrarily complex math expressions.
Silvaco 2-13
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Defining Functions
The Functions dialog box is split into two sections. The top section allows function macros to be
set up. The lower section is where the functions are actually defined. You can define two types of
functions.
Graph functions: These are used on XY Graph plots only and are defined in terms of graph
(electrical) quantities.
Impurity functions: These functions can be used in Mesh plots and Cross Section plots only
and are defined in terms of impurities.
Two of each type of function is supplied and either or both can be shown on any plot. It is possible
to nest functions by including the name of one function as a variable in another.
Plotting
When choosing Function 1 or Function 2, TONYPLOT evaluates the results of the function at each
data point and stores these values in the data attached to each plot level. Then, the function can be
drawn along with any other quantity also selected.
Example
Suppose a Master file contains values for the four dopant impurities boron, arsenic, phosphorus
and antimony. We can use a function to compute the net doping by entering the following as
Function 1.
boron arsenic -phosphorus antimony
Most plots of net doping, however, are shown on log scales (this is the default for TONYPLOT) so you
need to calculate the log of this sum. Make sure the total is positive beforehand, so use abs() to
get the absolute value:
log10 (abs (boron arsenic phosphorus antimony))
The data for each dopant, however, is not useful below values of around 1e12. TONYPLOT usually
does not show values below this level. But with a function, it cannot tell that this is needed.
Therefore, use the MAX() operator to keep the function result within a useful range:
max (log10 (abs (boron arsenic phosphorus antimony)), 12)
Simplify this expression by splitting into two functions and nesting one inside the other, as follows:
Function 1 = boron arsenic phosphorous antimony
Function 2 = max (log10 (abs (Function 1)), 12)
Now plot Function 2 on a Mesh or Cross Section plot. It will show the profile of Net Doping
(clipped at 1e12).
Function Macros
To allow further simplification of functions, the macro section is provided on the Functions dialog
box. It can be used to store common functions and identify them with an easy to remember name.
You can use the following options to modify macros.
Macro List: This shows all the macro names currently known to TONYPLOT. Select names here
to view or edit the macros.
Name: Shows the name of the selected macro and is used to change macro names and add new
macros.
Definition: This is a small edit window where the full macro definition is displayed. Use this
edit window to enter new definitions.
Silvaco 2-14
Using TonyPlot
Create: To create a new macro, enter a new name and definition for the macro, and click on this
button. The new name appears in the list. If the name already exists, the old definition is
replaced.
Delete: This deletes the macro that is currently selected int the name list.
Replace: This can be used to change a macro name or definition or both. Enter the new text and
click on this button to replace the selected macro.
The macro names can then be used in any function as though the whole definition had been typed.
For example, in the Net doping example, we could add a macro called net_dop and in the
definition window, enter:
max (log10 (abs (boron arsenic phosphorus antimony)), 12)
Then, we could define either Impurity Function to simply be net_dop.
This makes the function definitions easier to read and allows useful names to be added to the plot
key. The Property called Function label can be used to change how functions are labelled on the
plot key.
All macros can be saved to a defaults file for use any time TONYPLOT is used. Two buttons on the
dialog box allow defaults to be saved and loaded at any time.
Function Syntax
Functions are constructed just like normal math expressions, but with names of quantities from
data files used as variable names. Functions can be built with the following operators:
Normal operator precedence is obeyed.
Expressions can use parentheses to change the operator precedence where needed.
If an expression contains an error, this is reported when the function is plotted. Invalid values are
for the most part plotted as zero, except for log(), which uses the value predefined in the
Property called Log Zero. If a function does contain an error, TONYPLOT displays a notice box
informing you of the type of error encountered. A syntax error causes all function values to be zero.
An evaluation error causes just the offending data points to be zero.
a + b a plus b
a b a minus b
a / b a divided by b
a * b a multiplied by b
a ^ b a to the power b
-a negative a
abs(a) absolute value of a
log(a) natural log (base e) of a
exp(a) inverse natural log of a (e^a)
log10(a) log base 10 of a
sqrt(a) square root of a
sin(a) sine of a (a in radians)
cos(a) cosine of a (a in radians)
tan(a) tangent of a (a in radians)
asin(a) arcsine of a
Silvaco 2-15
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
acos(a) arccosine of a
atan(a) arctangent of a
sinh(a) hyperbolic sine of a
cosh(a) hyperbolic cosine of a
mag(a,b) magnitude of vector [a,b]
hypot(a,b) hypotenuese of a and b (same as mag(a,b))
max(a,b) maximum of a and b
min(a,b) minimum of a and b
dydx (a,b) derivative of a with respect to b
The derivative function dydx can take any two variables. It also accepts distance to represent
the x value. For example, a vertical cutline dydx (boron, distance) would give the derivative of
boron concentration against depth.
Functions In TPCS
If youre unfamilar with TPCS, see Section 2.3.3: TonyPlot Command Stream.
Expressions can be evaluated in TPCS. TPCS, however, does not perform the variable substitution
the functions perform. To evaluate an expression in TPCS, use the following command:
TPCS> eval <expression>
where <expression> is constructed according to the syntax rules explained above. The result is
printed out below the input. For example:
TPCS> eval log10 (sqrt(sin(0.4)))
-0.204792
TPCS>
When TONYPLOT plots functions, it uses TPCS commands such as these to work out the new
values. Therefore, you can use this to check for computation, syntax errors, or even for a quick
calculator.
Silvaco 2-16
Using TonyPlot
Preferences
TONYPLOT has many preferences that you can set. You can alter these preference to suit your
needs. All preferences can be viewed and modified using the Preferences dialog box. To open
dialog box, select EditPreferences.
Toolbars
Display large icons: This controls the size of the icons on the toolbar.
Display text labels: This controls whether descriptive text is shown beneath the icons on the
toolbar.
Display hints: This controls whether or not tool tips are displayed when you hover the mouse
cursor over an icon on the toolbar.
Customize: Clicking this button displays a dialog box that allows you to customize which
buttons are currently shown on the toolbar.
Silvaco 2-17
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Shortcuts
Assign: This customizes which keyboard shortcuts you use for any menu item. Select the menu
item you wish to customize. If there is a shortcut currently assigned to it, it will appear in the
Current Keys box. Press your new desired shortcut (e.g., Ctrl+A) and it will appear in the Press
new shortcut key box. It will also tell you if the shortcut is currently being used for another
menu item. Press the Assign button to assign the new shortcut to the menu item.
Remove: This removes the currently assigned keyboard shortcut from the current menu item.
Details: This gives an overview of all the currently assigned shortcuts.
Silvaco 2-18
Using TonyPlot
Window Options
Layout selects the style used for laying out subwindows within the view. The first two options
represent Multiple mode (with either horizontal or vertical preference). The third option is
Palette mode (where one plot is larger than all the others). The fourth option is Stacked
Window mode, where you view one plot at a time and can flip between plots using the Plot
Next Page and PlotPrevious Page menu items.
Panner Jump sets the amount of new plot exposed when a zoomed plot is panned with the zoom
panner. The fractions shown are fractions of the window size.
Silvaco 2-19
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Drawing Options
Grid level: This controls whether the axis grid is drawn on top of the displayed structures or
underneath them. The axis grid is controlled from the Annotation dialog box.
Mesh level: This controls whether the simulation mesh is drawn on top of the displayed
structures or underneath them. The simulation mesh is controlled from the Display dialog box
for either 2D Mesh plots or XSection plots.
Mark frequency: For line plots, this controls the number of marks or points that are drawn
along the curve. 1 draws a mark at each and every data point, while any other value draws
marks at the specified frequency.
Log axis numbers: When log axes are displayed on either XSection or XYGraph plots, the
way numbers are drawn depending on this item. The number 3 is used as an example.
Line widths: This group of controls sets the thickness of the lines used to draw Graph Lines,
Edges (2D Mesh, XSection), Vectors, Cutlines, Junctions, and Mask lines. 1 represents nor-
mal thickness, with 2 to 4 representing increasingly thicker lines. Small Font, Medium Font,
and Large Font are used to control the font TONYPLOT uses when rendering plots at different
screen sizes.
Silvaco 2-20
Using TonyPlot
Plot Options
Duplicate: When a plot is duplicated, the display settings can be applied to the new plot. This
causes the new plot to look identical to the original. If you select Structure Only, it will use a
default display setting for the new plot.
Plot margins: This controls the space between the edges of the plot and the edges of the
window. These are specified in terms of a percentage of the window dimension (window width for
left and right and window height for top and bottom).
Minimum doping: This either displays doping concentrations to their actual minimum values
(choose Actual) or to a specified value (choose Clip to) with the value in the text field indicating
the minimum value at which doping is clipped.
Log. of zero: When plotting results that involve the logarithm of zero (in any base), TONYPLOT
uses this predefined number as the result. Zero is used by default.
Axis Precision: When required, the axis ticks are rounded up to the maximum number of digits
(Axis Precision) to avoid cluttering the plots.
XY plot ratio: This controls the relative scaling in the X and Y directions of the data. If To
Window is chosen the axes scale independently so that the whole window is occupied. If To
Data is chosen, the axes scale together so that the aspect ratio of the data is maintained. In this
mode, at least one of the axes span the subwindow.
Net Doping: This controls whether the absolute on signed values of the net doping are used in
plots (absolute or n/p types).
Export Resolution: This controls the resolution of images saved from the Save As menu item
under the File menu. The default is 800x600.
Export Compression: This controls the compression ratio used when saving files using the
Save As menu item under the File menu. This only applies to image formats that use
compression, such as JPEG.
Silvaco 2-21
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Silvaco 2-22
Using TonyPlot
Tool Settings
Probe refresh: This refreshes the probe by removing old probe targets from the plot area.
Ruler readout: This displays the position of the pointer in the frame footer whenever the rules
are being used.
Cutline X axis: There are three methods for marking the X axis on cutline profiles. By default,
the X coordinate is relative to the start of the line, and so measures distance along the line. If you
select Absolute, the axis shows the X coordinate of the original mesh (if the cutline is horizontal)
or the Y coordinate (if the cutline is vertical). Cutlines that are neither horizontal or vertical
show a Relative X axis. If you select Interface, the X axis centers around the first material
interface in the cross section. For example, the first interface is at X=0. If no interface exists, a
Relative X axis will be drawn.
Probe impurities: This controls how impurity values reported by the Probe tool are shown. By
default, true linear scale values are shown. Select Log of value to see the values on a log scale.
Silvaco 2-23
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Overlays
Creating: When creating overlays, this item either allows you to leave the original plots in place
(choose Leaves Originals) or delete them (choose Deletes Originals). If you delete the
originals, you can retrieve them by splitting the overlay. If they remain, splitting the overlay
duplicates the originals.
Level colors: This can show overlay plots each level in the same color (choose Single) or use a
different color for each (choose In Sequence).
Number of Levels: To avoid confusing plots, you can limit the number of levels added to an
overlay. Choose unlimited to deactivate this feature.
Display option: This allows you to choose whether to use mark types for quantities plotted and
color for the level, or to use mark types for the level and color for the quantity.
Silvaco 2-24
Using TonyPlot
General Colors
General colors are colors of items that are not related to any specific data type. Each can be
specified independently and set to any color that TONYPLOT supports.
Window: The color of the subwindow.
Background: The color of the plot background.
Foreground: The color of the plot foreground.
Dark border: The color of borders on unselected plots.
Light border: The color of borders on selected plots.
Zoom: The color used when dynamically defining areas, lines, and other attributes on the plot.
For example, zooming and placing cutlines. The color specified here cannot be the color observed
if the color where the lines appear is not the actual Background color. This is due to the
graphics operation used. If you have problems distinguishing the lines from the color on which
they are drawn, changing this color may improve the contrast.
Grid: The color of the axis grid.
Silvaco 2-25
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Structure Colors
Structure colors are colors of items related to specific data items. Each is specified independently
and set to any color that TONYPLOT supports.
Mesh: The color of the simulation mesh on 2D Mesh plots and Cross Section plots.
Edges: The color of edges on 2D Mesh plots and Cross Section plots.
Cutlines: The color of cutline positions on 2D Mesh plots. The color specified here cannot be the
color observed if the color where the line appears is not the actual Background color. This is due
to the graphics operation used. If you have problems distinguishing the lines from the color on
which they are drawn, changing this color may improve the contrast.
Depletions: The color of Depletion Edges on 2D Mesh plots.
Junctions: The color of Junction on 2D Mesh plots.
Electrodes: The color of hatching used to indicate electrodes on 2D Mesh plots.
Outlines: The color of contour outlines.
Silvaco 2-26
Using TonyPlot
Sequence Colors
TONYPLOT uses sequence colors whenever a group of items are plotted and each needs its own
color. Examples are lines on items, such as Graph and Cross Section plots, regions, and levels. The
colors used are defined by the list of sequence colors indicated on this dialog box. For example, if
the first color is red, the level one is Red, the first cross section profile is Red, region 1 is Red, and
so on. If you need more than twelve colors , the color sequence repeats at one.
Silvaco 2-27
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Sequence Marks
Graph lines are represented by Lines and Marks. TONYPLOT uses different mark types to represent
either quantities or levels. You can define these mark types in this dialog box. The types are:
Cross, Circle, Plus, Triangle, Square, and Star. This dialog box also allows you to change the
size and width of the marks, from a scale of 1 to 6 in size, and 1 to 3 in width.
Silvaco 2-28
Using TonyPlot
Key Options
Each key position item provides eight options. If you select Off, then that key will not be drawn. If
you select any of the six specific positions, the key will be drawn in that position in the plot. If the
icon with the arrow is displayed, then the key has been positioned by hand and is in none of the six
standard locations. For more information, see Section 2.4: Key Legends.
Contours: There are three contour keys: one for each set. There are three items to control each
one separately.
Regions: This indicates the color used to distinguish each material region or region parameter
in 1D and 2D Mesh plots.
Graphs: The Line key for any graph plot, showing line colors and mark types.
Vectors: The vector key for 2D Mesh plots.
Levels: The level key for overlay plots.
Key Type: This sets the ways the keys or legends are drawn in plots. Transparent (the default)
allows the key box to show the plot underneath. Opaque covers over any part of the plot under
the key.
Function Label: This determines whether functions appear on key legends as names (e.g.,
Function 1) or as their definitions, as shown Figure 2-13.
Contours Color Set: This allows you to choose which palette of colors to use when doing
contour drawing.
Silvaco 2-29
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Print Options
Print Plots: This allows you to choose whether to print selected plots, one plot per page, or all
current plots on one page.
Silvaco 2-30
Using TonyPlot
Miscellaneous
Electrodes Drawn: When electrodes are drawn in mesh plots, TONYPLOT indicates them by
using a hashing in the defined color for electrodes. If this property is set to With names, then the
names of the electrodes (where defined) are also drawn at a point near to the actual electrode
region.
Min Contour: This determines whether the minimum contour is displayed as transparent.
Default File Filter: This allows you to change the default file filter used in the Open Dialog
box.
Sort Quantity: This allows you to display quantities in dialog boxes such as the Contours
Dialog in alphabetical order or unsorted.
Silvaco 2-31
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Silvaco 2-32
Using TonyPlot
Display
This dialog box is used to change how the data is displayed. See Section 2.5: Plot Display for more
information.
Silvaco 2-33
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Annotation
The Annotation dialog box (Figure 2-31) allows you to specify plot parameters that are indepen-
dent on the data, which do not fall into the category of display settings. These are features such as
titles and axis ranges. The features of a plot that are independent from the type of plot are called
annotation features. To access this dialog box, select PlotAnnotation.... The Annotation dialog
box works over multiple plots in the same way as the display dialog boxes. The difference is that
this dialog box affects all selected plots, regardless of their respective types.
Silvaco 2-34
Using TonyPlot
Note: If you select Specify, you can change the titles. If Auto is selected, titles cannot be changed. This allows you to
change more than one plot with the Annotation dialog box without the titles on all plots ending up the same.
Show
This item controls features that appear around the edge of the plot. The icons represent, from left
to right, x-axis ticks and numbers, y-axis ticks and numbers, grid, x axis label, y axis label, and
zero lines. The large buttons can be used to invert the plot. For example, reverse the positive and
negative directions of the x- or y-axis.
Range
The default ranges on the X and Y axes are calculated to ensure that all of the data from all struc-
tures in the plot can be seen. You can change these values. Selecting Specify rather than Auto
enables the axis control items, allowing you to enter the minimum and maximum values, as well
as the division and number of ticks per division. For axes that are plotted on a log scale, the divi-
sion is always 1.0 regardless of the value entered manually.
When the axis ranges are specifically set and applied to multiple selected plots, all plots are scaled
the same. This allows easy plot comparison of similar data.
Statistics Plots
Some statistics plots do not have the regular range controls as described above. Instead, the
controls allow you to enter user-specified bin values, which are used when calculating data
distributions.
When you select a statistics plot and summon the Annotation plot, the range controls include a
choice to allow you to select Auto bins (automatically determined by TONYPLOT according to the
data range) or to specify the bin values. When you choose Specify, use the min and max text
fields to enter the minimum and maximum bin values. Then, enter the Number of bins to be used
between these limits. TONYPLOT adds each bin value to the scrolling list when you press the Apply
button.
Axis Labels
The x axis and y axis labels can be modified. These are only updated on the plot when the Apply
button is clicked on. Once an axis label has been set this way, it is always shown, even if the
quantity represented on the axis is changed. To return to the normal axis label, erase the user-
specified label from this field and click on Apply again.
Note: Cross Section plots generated by the Cutline tool will display an automatic x axis label if none is entered manually.
This automatic title is provided by TonyPlot according to the type of cutline x axis desired (see Preferences on page 2-
17).
Footers
Any plot can have footer subtitles in the left or right or both corners. No footers are drawn by
default. You can add them with these text fields on this dialog box.
Special Characters and Macros
Titles, axis labels and footers may all contain special characters if needed. These allow
alternative letters and symbols to be drawn, such as Greek letters, and superscript numbers. The
titles and footers may contain title macros (see Preferences on page 2-17).
Silvaco 2-35
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Labels
Labels are used to add arbitrary notes and informative text to any plot. These labels can be drawn
with leader arrows or can be free standing. The Labels dialog box is used to add, change, and
delete these labels (see Figure 2-32). To access this dialog box, select PlotLabels. As with the
Annotation dialog box, the Labels dialog box is the same for all plot types. The difference, however,
is that only the first selected plot is affected. Each plot has a list of labels associated with it. Each
label has a position in the plot to which it belongs. The labels that belong to the selected plot are
shown in the list on the Labels dialog box.
Silvaco 2-36
Using TonyPlot
Direction: This determines the direction of the text. The normal choice is Right, which draws
regular text. Up and Down draw text rotated by 90 upwards or downwards.
Size: This controls the size of the letters in the label. Three sizes are possible: Small, Medium,
and Large.
Color: A color palette is provided for selection of the label color. This is used for both the text and
the leader line.
Placing Labels
Labels are placed on the selected plot in one of two ways. One, by clicking to place a simple text-
only label. Two, by dragging to place a label with leader line (see Figure 2-33).
Silvaco 2-37
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
If you place a simple text-only label, the cursor indicates how the text is positioned by pointing to a
corner. For example, if the cursor points up and right, the text will be placed so that the clicked
point is in the bottom left of the text. You can change the cursor to obtain different alignments by
pressing the P key on the keyboard. Four positions are available.
To move a label, repeat the placing procedure. The old label is drawn in the current background
color as a quick erase operation that does not redraw the whole plot. Once placed correctly, a
redraw of the view tidys up the display.
Note: If the first character of a label is a space, then TONYPLOT will draw a small blob on the end of a leader line. This
can be useful in identifying the location to which the label refers.
Special Labels
In some cases, TONYPLOT generates labels automatically. If text appears on a plot, it is usually
label, placed by TONYPLOT, that can be controlled with the regular label dialog box as explained
above. Some examples of special labels are:
Integration Tool: This tool (see Integrate on page 2-47) adds a label to show the integrated x-
range and area. Although placed in a default position, you can customize the label attributes
cwith the Labels dialog box.
2D RSM Plots: Pressing the v key in a 2D RSM plot adds a spot height label to the plot. The
label can be moved but the height does not change, so the label value would then be invalid.
Electrode Names: 2D Mesh structures from ATHENA or ATLAS can contain electrode
information. When electrode names are plotted, they appear as labels. By default, they are
positioned over the appropriate electrode but can be moved if desired.
Silvaco 2-38
Using TonyPlot
Level Names
This allows you to change the names assigned to overlay plots. Overlay plots use the data file
name as a default name for each level. This dialog box also allows you to select whether graph
lines have points or lines for individual levels. See Chapter 4: Overviews for details about
overlays.
Silvaco 2-39
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Silvaco 2-40
Using TonyPlot
Note: While dragging, holding down the SHIFT key causes the start point to move as well as the end point.
Free: To define a free cutline, drag the mouse over the source plot to define a line through the
mesh. Releasing the mouse button creates the cross section.
Vertical: Same as free but dragging is restricted to a vertical direction. Release the mouse
button to create the cross section.
Horizontal: Same as free but dragging is restricted to a horizontal direction. Release the mouse
button to create the cross section.
Chained: To create a chained cutline, click on the mouse SELECT button in various places to
create a polygon of chain line segments. To erase to last point placed, use the ADJUST button.
Press the Return key to create the cross section.
Interface: To create this type of cutline, click on the mouse SELECT button to place two points
on any interface (region boundary). Click on ADJUST to erase to last point placed. Press Return
to see the portion of the interface along which the cross section is calculated. If the portion is
wrong, press to try other routes. When ready to create to cross section, press the Return key once
more.
Keyboard: To create a new cutline with exact start and end coordinates, enter the start and end
points into the text fields supplied and click on Return. This creates the new cross section from
the line so defined.
Silvaco 2-41
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Silvaco 2-42
Using TonyPlot
Ruler
The Ruler tool can be used on any type of plot. It provides coordinate geometry information of any
line drawn over a structure. The Ruler shows useful data such as length, gradient, and intercepts
of a line you defined. To use the Ruler (Figure 2-38), select the plots in which measurements are to
be taken and choose ToolsRuler.... This item is only active when at least one plot is selected.
Silvaco 2-43
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Type: Two types of ruler are available. The default ruler is called a temporary ruler because
once the mouse button is release, the lines are removed from the plot (but the values remain
displayed in the Tool dialog box). A permanent ruler, however, remains in the plot. The tempo-
rary ruler lines are drawn in the plot window, and some of the values from the dialog box are also
added at relevant places. This permanent ruler remains on the plot until you place the ruler once
more. Switching the ruler type back to temporary also removes a permanent ruler.
To return to normal use of the plot window, dismiss the Ruler dialog box.
Probe
The Probe tool can be used to look at structure information in a 2D Mesh. It provides both geome-
try and impurity data and can be used to find specified structural features. This can be useful for
debugging simulator output as well as for general use. To use the Probe, select one or more 2D
Mesh plots and choose ToolsProbe.... Click anywhere within a structure to activate the probe. A
crosshair marker indicated the last position clicked. Measurements are then displayed in the
Probe dialog box as shown in Figure 2-39. This item is only active when at least one 2D-Mesh plot
is selected.
Silvaco 2-44
Using TonyPlot
Find: This menu allows the probe to work in reverse. Enter the number of the triangle or point
to be probed into the appropriate text field and choose the required option from this menu. The
triangle is indicated by a brief sequences of flashes, and points are marked by the probe marker
moving to the point on the plot. Alternatively, choosing Obtuse Triangles highlights all mesh
triangles that contain an angle greater than 90.
Note: When used with RSM plots (drawn in the 2D mode only), only the probe coordinates and impurity (i.e., RSM output)
value are displayed. There is no mesh information available and the find features are not applicable.
Movie
The Movie tool allows you to combine a group of plots into an animated sequence, which can be
viewed in playback like a slideshow. To create a movie, you must select the slides. To do this, create
a group of plots in the main TONYPLOT view, select this group, and choose Movie.... This item is
active when you select at least two plots. You will notice a delay while TONYPLOT creates the movie
sequence. The messages will then appear in the frame footer indicating progress. When complete,
the Movie dialog box (Figure 2-40) appears, showing the first frame of the movie and a group of
control items.
Silvaco 2-45
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Video controls: The five play buttons perform the following functions: rewind to first frame,
play backwards, stop at current frame, play forwards, and skip to last frame.
Repeat: This is the item marked with a looping arrow. This repeats playback in an endless cycle
in the direction determined by the play button pressed.
Speed: Three playback speeds are available. To see playback speed, select the new speed and
press a play button.
Export: This item allows you to export the current movie as an animated GIF.
TONYPLOT can create automatic movie sequences from cutlines without repetitive use of the
Cutline and Movie tools.
HP4145
The HP4145 Emulator is available for any graph plot. Only one plot, however, can be used with the
emulator at any one time. When you select this option (ToolsHP4145), the first selected graph
plot changes to mimic the output of the HP4145. A HP4145 dialog box (Figure 2-41) appears
containing the controls that resemble the functions of the HP4145.
Silvaco 2-46
Using TonyPlot
Silvaco 2-47
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Features Box
This list shows all the points of interest on the curve in the plot used. It shows all minima and
maxima, as well as the start and end X values and positions of all material interfaces. The marker
lines, which are used to define the X interval for the integration, can be moved to any of these
features, using the arrow buttons or by using the mouse. You can also use the mouse pointer to add
more features. See Using the Mouse and Pointer on page 2-48 for more information.
Options
You can toggle some options when using the Integrate tool. The following options appear in a line
under the scrolling list.
Draw area fills the area under/between the curve(s) with a hatched pattern when turned on. If
turned off, no area is drawn, but it is still calculated.
Absolute value uses positive areas only, taking the absolute value of all Y axis values. If turned
off, areas below the Y=0 line have a negative area.
Use log of Y calculates the area using log values of Y, rather than the true linear value. This
option is independent of the method used to draw the Y axis. In other words, you can draw a
curve on a log Y-axis scale but calculate the area on a linear scale.
Convert X um to cm converts from microns to centimeters. X axis quantities are sometimes
plotted in microns (e.g., cross section plots). Y axis quantities are often given in terms of cm or
cm3. Use this option to calculate the area with the X-axis values converted from microns to cm.
Results continually displays the current area and interval on the right.
Line control positions the two lines that specify the interval used for area calculation. These
lines can be moved with the buttons marked with left and right arrows. The lines can be placed
at any of the features that are shown in the list. You can move a line directly to any feature by
choosing either Move RED line to selected or Move BLUE line to selected from the list.
This causes the appropriate line to move to the feature currently selected in the list.
Add Label creates a label in the plot with the integral information. Pressing the button multiple
times updates the label with the latest Real and Interval values.
Using the Mouse and Pointer
The mouse pointer can be used to move either of the marker lines, and to add new features at any
point along the X-axis. To move a line, click the SELECT mouse button anywhere near one of the
lines and drag the mouse. The line moves to the feature nearest to pointers position. This method
allows you to pick up a line, move it to a new position, and put it back down. You can also create
new features.
To do this, hold down the SHIFT key and repeat the procedure above. This time, the marker line
can be moved to any x location. When you release the mouse button, add a new feature at the
current line position and move the line to it.
Silvaco 2-48
Using TonyPlot
Tracers
Tracers are used to illustrate the path of vector fields within 2D Mesh structures. They are drawn
as small markers, which can be positioned anywhere inside a vector field, and are then animated
by TONYPLOT to show field strength and direction. The Tracers dialog box (Figure 2-43) is used to
control the positioning and animation of the markers.
Silvaco 2-49
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Setup
Clicking on the Setup... button to reveal the options panel on the Tracer tool dialog box
Color: All markers placed use the currently selected color. Different markers can have different
colors by changing the color for each marker placed. Tracer path lines are drawn in the same
color as the marker that follows it.
Max. jump: This value controls the granularity of the path calculation. Higher numbers
reduce the calculation time, but give only approximate paths with long jumps. Smaller numbers
produce more accurate paths, but take longer to calculate.
Lines: When turned on, lines are drawn along the tracer paths as the paths are calculated. If
turned off, the path is not shown but the tracers still follows the same route.
Cycle: Three cycle modes are available which control the action of markers when they reach the
ends of their paths. The first choice stops all tracers as soon as one tracer reached the end. The
second choice stops each marker as it reaches the end of its own path. The third choice makes
each tracer move in a loop, returning to its start point each time it reaches the end.
Poisson Solver
The Poisson Solver (see Figure 2-44) performs an electrical simulation with the 1D structure, and
calculate profiles for a set of electrical quantities.
Silvaco 2-50
Using TonyPlot
Marker control: The left and right buttons can be used to move the marker arrow from one
layer to the next. The marker arrow is used to select layers for applying an external bias (see
Applying A Bias To A Layer on page 2-51).
Setup...: Click on this button to open the Poisson Solver options panel. These options control
the solver (see Setup Panel on page 2-51).
Solve: Click on this button to perform the simulation with the current options and biases.
When the solution is complete, a plot of potential is displayed. Other solutions can be plotted by
using the Plot display dialog box. The following list of quantities solved is:
Electron QFL
Hole QFL
Electron density
Hole density
Intrinsic conc. (nio)
Potential
Electron (e-) Mobility
Hole (h+) Mobility
Electric Field
Electrical Conductivity
The Poisson Solver tool provides a built-in 1D electrical solver, which can be used to perform
basic simulations of 1D structures. When it is used, the display of the first selected 1D plot shows
all electrical layers in the structure and one profile (usually net doping). An arrow is drawn at
the first layer.
Applying A Bias To A Layer
To apply an external bias to any layer, move the marker to any layer that is not an insulator. This
can be done either with the left and right buttons on the dialog box, or by using the mouse pointer
to drag the arrow into a layer.
The current layer is selected in the scrolling list on the dialog box. The bias can then be specified
by typing the value into the field marked Bias on the dialog box. Press Return to update the list.
For p-type silicon, the bias is converted to a negative value automatically, and to a positive value
for n-type. When you set all the desired biases, initiate the solver by clicking on the Solve button.
Setup Panel
To access Poisson Solver Setup panel, click on the Setup... button on the Poisson Solver dialog
box. The following controls are available:
Display Solved Quantities: This list shows all the quantities that the solver calculates. Only
the ones selected, however, are displayed when the solution in complete. All other quantities can
be accessed later from the Plot Display dialog box. If other quantities are to be displayed auto-
matically, choose them here. More than one can be selected. This does not affect which quantities
are calculated, only the ones that are displayed by default.
Temperature: This specifies the temperature to be used for the simulation or use the automatic
default.
FE Mobility: This activates the field effect mobility option for the simulation.
Work function: Enter a specific workfunction with this option or use the default value.
SOI Device: This simulates a device with Silicon On Insulator (SOI) structure layers.
Silvaco 2-51
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Silvaco 2-52
Using TonyPlot
Failure Analysis
This predicts the most likely cause of failure in a production situation, given the characteristics of
the input parameters and the failed condition.
Figure 2-46: VWF Production Mode Dialog with Failure Analysis selected
Silvaco 2-53
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Calibration
The Calibration Tool is used to to calibrate model parameters. This tool will vary model
parameters to best fit a set of measured data points.
Silvaco 2-54
Using TonyPlot
Synthesis
After a set of outputs required from a production environment is given, this feature calculates the
best set of inputs that should be used to achieve that goal.
Silvaco 2-55
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Yield Analysis
This can predict the characteristics of output yield from a production situation from known
experimental data of the following input parameters. The following options in this dialog box
(see Figure 2-49) provide access to the various parameter editing dialog boxes that are used.
Figure 2-49: VWF Production Mode Dialog with Yield Analysis selected
Production Mode
These are same options from the main VWF Production Mode Dialog.
Silvaco 2-56
Using TonyPlot
Figure 2-50: VWF Production Mode showing the Input Ranges Dialog
Silvaco 2-57
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Input distributions
As RSMs are loaded into TONYPLOT, a default distribution is assigned to each one. This
distribution represents the statistical spread of values that would be obtained for this input
parameter in an experimental situation. Using this data, TONYPLOT can simulate real-life input
values by sampling data with the given distribution parameters.
The default distribution given to each input is Gaussian with a mean value halfway between the
minimum and maximum value of that input. The standard deviation will be 10% of the mean.
To alter the distributions for any input, use the Input Distribution dialog box (Figure 2-51).
Figure 2-51: VWF Production Mode showing the Input Distributions Dialog
Silvaco 2-58
Using TonyPlot
SPC limits
Each output parameter used in Production mode has a set of Statistical Process Control (SPC)
parameters, which can be used to monitor the value of some measured value. There are five SPC
limits:
upper spec limits (maximum values permitted)
lower spec limits (minimum values permitted)
upper and lower control limits (ideal maximum)
lower control limits (ideal minimum)
center limit (ideal value)
These limits are abbreviated to USL, LSL, UCL, LCL, and CL respectively. Values for each of
these are sometimes passed to TONYPLOT through the RSM data. If not, or if they need to be
modified, the SPC Limits dialog box can be used to add or modify SPC Limit values for any output.
To display these values, select ProductionSPC Limits and the SPC Limits Dialog will appear
(Figure 2-52).
Figure 2-52: VWF Production Mode showing the SPC Limits Dialog
Silvaco 2-59
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Experimental Results
Each output parameter modeled by an RSM has an associated experimental value that was
measured when the process input parameters used in the model were set to their nominal values.
If no experimental value is given for an output, or one needs to be changed, select
ProductionExperimental Results and the Experimental Results will appear (Figure 2-53).
Figure 2-53: VWF Production Mode showing the Experimental Results Dialog
Silvaco 2-60
Using TonyPlot
Optimizer Setup
The Synthesis mode of the Production dialog box provides two synthesis methods. One method is
the Levenberg-Marquardt optimizer, and the other method is Adaptive Simulated Annealing
(ASA). The parameters for the Levenberg-Marquardt optimizer can be changed in the Optimizer
Setup dialog box (Figure 2-54).
Silvaco 2-61
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
ASA Setup
The Synthesis mode of the Production dialog box provides two synthesis methods. One method is
the Levenberg-Marquardt optimizer, and the other method is Adaptive Simulated Annealing
(ASA). The parameters for Adaptive Simulated Annealing (ASA) can be changed in the ASA Setup
dialog box (Figure 2-55).
Silvaco 2-62
Using TonyPlot
About
This shows a dialog box notice displaying the version number of the program and its component
libraries.
Silvaco 2-63
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Note: All selected plots of the same type are zoomed in by the same relative coordinate of the zoom rectangle.
When you zoom at least one plot, the Zoom Panner will appear (Figure 2-58). The panner consists
of nine buttons: eight directional and a central Zoom Out button. Press the directional buttons to
pan around the plot at the same zoom scale. Press the central diamond to zoom out, and restore
the plots to their original sizes.
Note: You can also perform zooming by specifying the exact coordinates of a zoom rectangle. To do this, use the Zoom
dialog box by choosing PlotSet Zoom....
Silvaco 2-64
Using TonyPlot
Silvaco 2-65
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Help
TPCS has a built-in help system. Enter help at the TPCS prompt to get started. Entering help
<word>, where <word> is a topic name (enclosed in quotes) gives a list of commands associated
with that topic. For example:
TPCS> help contours
shows a list of all commands that have something to do with contours.
Finishing TPCS
To end a TPCS session, enter quit and hit the <Enter> key on your keyboard.
TPCS Supported Statements
The following statements are supported in TPCS.
draw <int>
draw all
draw auto
load <string>
load <string>
load <string> overlay
select <int>
select all
select none
delete
duplicate
show mesh on|off
show edges on|off
show materials on|off
show contours on|off
show vectors on|off
show light on|off
show junctions on|off
show electrodes on|off
show threed on|off
show points on|off
show lines on|off
show xaxis on|off
show yaxis on|off
show axes on|off
show grid on|off
show label xaxis on|off
Silvaco 2-66
Using TonyPlot
Silvaco 2-67
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Silvaco 2-68
Using TonyPlot
Silvaco 2-69
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Silvaco 2-70
Using TonyPlot
cos (<expr>)
tan (<expr>)
asin (<expr>)
acos (<expr>)
atan (<expr>)
hypot (<expr>, <expr>)
mag (<expr>, <expr>)
sinh (<expr>)
cosh (<expr>)
maximum (<expr>, <expr>)
minimum (<expr>, <expr>)
help
help <string>
quit
app_exit
print <string>
comment
Silvaco 2-71
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Silvaco 2-72
Using TonyPlot
Silvaco 2-73
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Key type: This can be transparent or opaque. Transparent keys allows you to see the plot
underneath. to some extent. Opaque keys overwrite the plot underneath them. Only opaque keys
are used in hardcopies.
Function label: When a function is plotted, it can be indicated on the appropriate key with
either its name or its definition. For example, if Function 1 has been set up as log (current/10).
If you choose Name, the key says Function 1. If you choose Definition, it says log (current/10).
Silvaco 2-74
Using TonyPlot
Silvaco 2-75
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
(Lines): Adds lines dates to plots for ionization integrals or Monte Carlo ion implant.
Some of these features have further control dialog boxes, which can be accessed from the Define
button. The features that have detailed control are: Regions, Contours, Vectors, Light,
Junctions, 3D, and Lines.
Regions
There are a number of ways that TONYPLOT can display mesh regions. The Regions dialog box
Silvaco 2-76
Using TonyPlot
Contours
Contouring is the most commonly used method for visualizing data on two dimensional meshes.
The contouring facilities in TONYPLOT provide sufficient control for obtaining any desired plot.
Both contour plots and fringe plots (filled contours) are available with material naming and range
control to limit the plot to a restricted subset of the data. Each plot can have up to three sets of
contours displayed at once. This makes it possible to view more than one quantity simultaneously,
either all filled but in different material regions, or all lines over all materials or any other
combination. Of course, if all three sets are filled sets and all are plotted over the same materials,
only the third set (the last one to be drawn) will be visible. If lines and filled sets are combined, the
filled set should come before the line set.
TONYPLOT selects a default quantity whenever possible. This allows contours to be plotted without
the need to use the Contours dialog box (Figure 2-61).
Silvaco 2-77
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Just select contours from the Mesh Display dialog box, and plot them by clicking on the Apply
button. The Contours dialog box appears if you select contours on the 2D Mesh dialog box and
click on and then selecting DefineContours. The dialog box is divided into subsections,
as follows:
Set number: This subsection shows which set is currently being edited. Set 2 will only be
plotted if set 1 is plotted, and set 3 will only be plotted if set 2 is plotted. To plot a set, the
quantity (see below) must be anything other than None.
Quantity: Choose the quantity to be contoured. If the range items (see below) are set to Auto,
the corresponding minimum and maximum text fields are updated to show the range of the new
quantity. If None is selected, the current contour set is not be plotted. One of two functions may
also be chosen. Functions are defined from the Functions dialog box (see Figure 2-13).
Materials: The part of the structure on which contours are drawn can be limited to regions of a
certain material. If no materials are selected in the list, this is treated as all being selected (the
default). If you do not plot the contourson any material, set the Quantity to None (see above).
Range: The group of items on the right part of the dialog box control the range of the data
through which contours are plotted. The maximum (top item), minimum (middle item), and
interval or number of steps (bottom item) can be set or left to automatic defaults. The default
minimum and maximum values are the minimum and maximum values of the data in the
structure(s). The default number of steps is the same as the number of colors in the current color
set (see below).
Drawing style: Selecting the pencil creates line contours, while the paintbrush creates filled
contours (fringe plot). If you plot filled contours, you can add optional outlines by selecting the
Outline icon, which is to the right of the paintbrush. TONYPLOT provides several color sets which
can be used for contour plotting. If the contour range is determined by the number of steps (Num:
selected), the number updates to match the number of colors available in the color set when one
is selected.
Level widths: If you set the drawing style to line contour, this option forces overlayed plots to
use a different line width for each level.
Key title: The key title can either be set automatically by TONYPLOT (set to Auto), or manually
entered to create a custom title (set to Specify). An automatic title consists of the name of the
quantity plotted, with units if appropriate. A custom title is created by entering the desired text
into the text field supplied. This title is used on the contour key for this contour set.
Functions: Click on this button to display the Functions dialog box. This dialog box can be
used to define the functions of the original quantities that can be selected from the choice of
Quantities.
Silvaco 2-78
Using TonyPlot
Vectors
Vectors can be plotted for standard (the default) or user-defined vectorial quantities. TONYPLOT
automatically detects the standard quantities made of an X component and a Y component. They
are shown in the Quantity pulldown menu. To create a vector made of unrelated X and Y
quantities, select the Custom option.
Vectors are represented on the plot by arrows. The direction of the arrow shows orientation of the
vector. The color or length of the arrow or both shows the magnitude of the vector. The Vectors
dialog box (Figure 2-62) will appear if you choose Vectors on the Mesh 2D display dialog box.
Silvaco 2-79
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
(the default). If you do not plot the vectors in any materials, set the Quantity or Component X/
Y to None.
Range: The range items on the right hand side of the dialog box control the sizes of the vector
arrows drawn. The longest arrow matches the vector with the greatest magnitude, and the
shortest arrow matches the smallest magnitude. If the smaller length is specified as zero, then
the lengths of the draw arrow are directly proportional to the vector magnitude.
Colors: This specifies the color sets for the arrows. These are the same color sets that are used
on the Contours dialog box.
Functions: This displays the Functions dialog box used to define the two functions you can
select in the Quantity pulldown menu.
Light Rays
If a structure contains light ray information, the Light dialog box can be used to display that data
in a number of ways. Light information consists of a number of Beams, and each beam is
comprised of a series of Rays. A ray is a section of a beam between reflections and refractions. For
example, if a beam originates from outside a structure, enters the structure (is refracted), travels
to the bottom of the structure (gets reflected), and then moves back to the top of the structure, it
consists of three rays. The Light dialog box (Figure 2-63) appears if you choose Light on the 2D
Mesh plot dialog box.
Silvaco 2-80
Using TonyPlot
Show as: There are two ways to show light beams. One way as lines that show the path of the
beam. Another way solid areas that also show the width of the beam. Choose the required option
with this item.
Color function: The light beam rays can be colored in a variety of ways. Wavelength colors the
rays to match the wavelength. Wavelengths less than ultra-violet are shown as magenta and
those above infra-red as pink. Power assigns a color from the chosen color set dependent on the
beam intensity. Beam number assigns one color to each beam. Reflection Index assigns the
color of a ray according to the number of times it has been reflected.
Colors: This allows you to choose a color set. These are the same as those available on the
Contour and Vector dialog boxes.
Maximum reflection: This can be used to limit the number of rays drawn. Only rays that have
been reflected a number of times equal to or less than the number shown are drawn.
Junction
You can plot depletion region edges from device simulations (Figure 2-64) and metallugical
junctions. Depletion factor is the value of the ratio of majority carriers to doping used to determine
the depletion region edge.
Silvaco 2-81
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
3D
A structure that can be contoured can also be elevated by choosing the 3D option and defining
some parameters in this dialog box.
Silvaco 2-82
Using TonyPlot
Lines
You can overlay lines onto a 2D plot using the Lines dialog box (Figure 2-66). This is used to show
static field lines on ion implant tracks.
Drawing Style: If you select , TONYPLOT will simply draw lines using the range of colors
selected in the Line/Contour Colors drop down menu. If you select , TONYPLOT will draw
pseudo contours between the lines. If you select while the paint brush button is selected,
TONYPLOT will draw lines and contours.
Silvaco 2-83
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Silvaco 2-84
Using TonyPlot
Cartesian Graphs
Scales
Since only one quantity can be plotted on the x-axis, there is an item to select a linear or log (base
10) x-axis. Choose the one desired. For the y-axis, more than one quantity can be plotted. If all of
them are to be on a linear scale, choose Linear for the y scale. Choose Log if they are all to be log.
Choose Mixed if both linear and log quantities are to be plotted on the y-axis.
X Quantity
One quantity can be chosen for plotting on the x-axis. All quantities available in all selected plots
appear in this list. If one of the plots does not have data for the chosen quantity, nothing is drawn.
Y Quantities
Any number of quantities can be chosen for plotting on the y-axis. All quantities available in all
selected plots appear in two lists. There is a list for choosing quantities to be plotted on a linear
axis, and a list for those to be plotted on a Log axis. These lists are active, depending on the setting
of the Y scale item above.
A menu attached to each list (accessed by pointing to the list and clicking on the MENU mouse
button) makes list control a little easier. There are options to move selections from one list to the
other, and for rapidly selecting, deselecting and locating choices in the lists.
Group
When Cartesian data is plotted that contains different groups of data sets for the same y quantity,
this item can be used to specify which quantity divides the y value into its distinct groups. For
example, a structure may contain data to show several plots of drain current against drain voltage
for different values of gate voltage. In this case, the x-axis would be set to drain voltage, the y-
axis to drain current and the Group item to gate voltage. The plot would show one curve of Id
vs. Vd for each value of Vg.
Polar Charts
When the graph type is Polar, four subpanels are shown. Each subpanel can be used to display
quantities. In other words, up to four polar curves can be plotted.
Two quantities are used to specify each curve. By default, the quantities real and imaginary are
used when the data is not converted. If the data is to be converted, the quantities R (radius) and A
(angle) are used. The data should only be converted if it appears in (r, theta) form in the structure.
When quantities are present that TONYPLOT recognizes as being usually displayed on polar charts,
TONYPLOT tries to automatically select an i (or A) quantity whenever you choose an r (or R)
quantity.
The real or radius quantity can be logged before plotting, and the angle quantity can be specified
in terms of degrees or radians. Choose the setting which corresponds to the data in the structure.
There are some options to control the polar chart drawn. The chart can be drawn proportionally
(e.g., concentric circles appear as circles, even if the plot window is not square) and radial labels
can be shown in degrees (radians is the default). The radial lines can be drawn at various
intervals. Choose the interval desired from the item marked Radials.
Smith Charts
When the graph type is Smith, four subpanels are shown. Each subpanel can be used to display
quantities. In other words, up to four Smith curves can be plotted. This is basically the same as
Polar charts described previously.
Two quantities are used to specify each curve. By default, the quantities real and imaginary are
used when the data is not converted. If the data is to be converted, the quantities R and X are
used. The data should only be converted if it appears in R, X form in the structure.
Silvaco 2-85
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
When quantities are present that TONYPLOT recognizes displayed on smith charts, TONYPLOT tries
to select an i (or X) quantity whenever you choose an r (or R) quantity. There are some
options to control the Smith chart drawn. The chart can be drawn proportionally (e.g., concentric
circles appear as circles, even if the plot window is not square), and axis arms can be drawn in all
four Smith quadrants (only the first quadrant is shown by default).
Silvaco 2-86
Using TonyPlot
The type of y axis drawn depends on the quantities being plotted. If log scale quantities are drawn,
such as Net Doping, then TONYPLOT draws a true log scale axis. If linear quantities are drawn,
such as Potential, a normal linear axis is drawn. If a mix of the types of quantities are drawn,
TONYPLOT draws both types of axis: the log axis that appears on the left side of the subwindow, and
the linear axis that appears on the right. When reading values from the curve, be sure to use the
correct scale.
For dopants, the log axis shows values below 1e12. You can change this value in the Plot Options
panel of the Preferences dialog box (see Preferences on page 2-17).
Silvaco 2-87
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
To draw any RSM plot, TONYPLOT samples the input(s) a number of times to calculate values for
the output. The number of samples taken (which are always regularly spaced) is determined by the
setting of the Density item. Higher densities generate more points, creating smoother curves or
surfaces, but take longer to compute. Low density plots are quick to calculate and draw, but
provide only approximate plots.
For total control of RSM plots and access to a selection of analysis tools, enable the VWF
PRODUCTION MODE. A description of these features can be found in the Chapter 5: Production
Mode. Without Production Mode, the benefit of RSM plots is greatly reduced.
1D RSM Graphs
When you plot RSMs in the 1D mode, you can select any one input for the x- axis, and you can
select any output(s) for the y-axis. All RSMs that contain both the input and output are plotted.
Show
There are a number of ways to display data on 1D RSM plots. These are selected from the row of
icons near the top of the control panel.
puts being plotted. activates the Valid X Range marker, showing the range of the input
that is valid for the model used. The drawn range can be extended in certain cases to values out-
side the valid range. represents Measured Points, which are plotted if measured data
was passed with the RSM. normalizes all outputs to a range between 0 and 1, for easier
comparison of different models. activates a Gunsight, which can be used to track x- and y-
coordinates along the curve.
X Quantity: Any input parameter can be chosen for plotting on the x-axis. In addition, values of
this input can plotted on a log scale.
Y Quantities(s): Any output parameters can be chosen for plotting on the Y axis. There are two
lists: one for outputs to be plotted on a linear axis, and one for a log axis. Any combination of the
two can be used.
2D RSM Contours
In the 2D mode, RSM plots show how outputs vary with respect to two independent input
parameters. You can specify the way to draw contours the same way contours are drawn in regular
2D Mesh plots from ATLAS or ATHENA.
X and Y Quantities
You must choose two inputs for contour plots: one for the x-axis and one for the y-axis. The inputs
chosen must be different. Each of these can be plotted on a log scale if desired.
Z Quantity
The Z Quantity cannot be chosen (it is always the RSM output parameter that is plotted). But you
can specify a linear or log scale for the Z axis.
Silvaco 2-88
Using TonyPlot
Contour Type
Contours can be drawn as lines or filled areas, and filled areas can be outlined. There are a
number of color sets that can be used to create the contours. All these options are controlled with
the items in the lower left corner of the control panel.
Mesh
Next to the icons for controlling the contour types is an icon that draws the sample mesh on top
of the contour plot. This mesh shows the points where outputs were calculated to generate the plot.
A triangular mesh is created from these points to draw contours.
Projection
This is not used in the 2D mode. See 3D on page 2-82 for an explanation.
Output Range
The range over which contours drawn can be selected as one of two options. The first option is to
use the highest and lowest output values over the sampled input range. This ensures all contour
colors are drawn on the plot. The second option is to use to absolute range of the model output,
which can be a greater range than that plotted.
3D RSM Surfaces
When you choose the 3D mode, TONYPLOT draws an RSM as a three dimensional surface with con-
tours draw according to surface height. Control over the display of these plots is the same as
described above for 2D plots, except that projection may also be specified. Projection allows you
to choose either parallel or perspective projections when the 3D surface is displayed.
Note: These 3D plots can be rotated and scaled (but not zoomed). See Section 2.3: Plot Control for details on 3D
rotation and scaling.
Silvaco 2-89
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Silvaco 2-90
Using TonyPlot
Show
The icons along the bottom control what items can be draws on a histogram plot.
(Solid Bars) draws a standard bar chart. This is the default option.
(Cumulative Curve) shows the total number of data points over the X axis range.
(SPC Limits) are drawn when RSM output quantities are plotted on the histogram. See
Section 5.2.9: SPC Limits for information about SPC limits.
Pie Charts
Controlling of pie charts is simple. Just select the quantities to be displayed from the list, and a pie
will be drawn for each of them. To remove a slice from each pie, enter the number of the slice into
the text field labeled Remove Slice. A value of zero means remove no slice.
Scatter Plot
Scatter plots show distributions of data in an x-y graph. By selecting various parameters for the X
and Y axes, you can see the correlation of parameters graphically.
X Axis
Choose one quantity to be plotted along the X axis.
Y Axis
Choose one or more quantities to be plotted along the Y axis.
Box Plot
Box plots are used to examine the overall structure of the data. Use the list to select the quantities
to be plotted, and a box will be drawn for each one. You can display the boxes horizontally or
vertically. When they displayed horizontally, you can add a jitter plot. A jitter plot shows the
distribution of all the data points for each box.
Sunray Plot
Sunray plots show data values distributed around a central point with the distance of each point
from the center proportional to the data value. This yields a star or hedgehog-like plot (see Figure
2-71).
Select the quantities to be plotted from the scrolling list, and a sunray plot will be drawn for each
one. The icons along the bottom control how to draw the sunray plots. These are circumference
lines, radial lines, and an bounding circle whose radius is the maximum data value.
Silvaco 2-91
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Silvaco 2-92
Chapter 3:
Data Files
Silvaco 3-1
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
3.1.4: Examples
The following are examples of some user data files and descriptions of each. These can be entered
into a text file and tested with TONYPLOT, if needed.
Equation
This simple example plots a section of a curve of the equation y=sin(x). This type of file is the
simplest.
y = sin (x)
10 2
0.1 0.09983
0.2 0.19867
0.3 0.29552
0.4 0.38942
0.5 0.47943
0.6 0.56464
0.7 0.64422
0.8 0.71736
0.9 0.78333
1.0 0.84147
Transistor
This example contains information about an NMOS transistor. This example shows how columns
are named.
1.0 um NMOS Id/Vg
10 2 2
gate bias (V)
drain current (A)
0.0 1.0E-14
0.1 1.0E-13
0.2 1.0E-12
0.3 1.0E-11
0.4 1.0E-10
0.5 1.0E-09
0.6 1.0E-08
0.7 1.0E-07
Silvaco 3-2
Data Files
0.8 5.0E-07
0.9 8.0E-07
1.0 8.9E-07
Display
User data files are treated in the same way as normal XY Graph plots in TONYPLOT. This display
dialog box for these plots is exactly the same as the Graph display dialog box. In fact, once loaded
into TONYPLOT, there is no difference between these two type of data at all.
Silvaco 3-3
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
3.2.1: Creating
To create a set file, choose FileSave Set Files. Move to the directory where the set file is to be
created, and enter the name of the desired file into the field marked File name. If the file already
exists, select it from the scrolling list (use the Filter to screen out undesired files from the list).
When you click on the Save button, the set file will be created. Confirmation is required if the file
is overwritten.
3.2.2: Loading
To load a previously created set file, locate the file by select the FileOpen Set Files. Then, click
on the Open button and the view will update. You can also load set files from the command line
with the -set option. If an error occurs when loading the file, a warning notice appears.
When a set file is created while there are multiple plots in the view, it is important that the same
plots are present when the set file is loaded, since a set file cannot store information about dupli-
cated or deleted plots. For example, suppose TONYPLOT is started with the name of one data file:
% tonyplot diode.str
When the plot appears, you can show contours in one window and the mesh in another. The plot is
duplicated to allow this, and the appropriate display parameters is applied to each plot. A set file is
then saved called (for example) setup.set. You then quit from TONYPLOT.
At a later date, if the same view is to be created automatically, you must enter:
% tonyplot diode.str diode.str -set setup.set
because there were two plots of diode.str when the set file was created. If only one file name was
given, the set file would not be loaded completely.
Similarly when plots are deleted, restart TONYPLOT only with the names of files that were being
plotted when the set file was created.
Set files cannot record any actions you performed to create overlay plots, although they can store
setup information about the overlay itself. Therefore, you must recreate the overlay manually
before loading the set file. For example, suppose you start TONYPLOT with the following two data
files:
% tonyplot drn.log src.log
and you then overlay these two files. Also, assume you delete the second plot. In other words, the
plot of src.log, leaving a plot of drn.log, and a plot of both data sets overlaid. Then, save a set
file called log.set. To recreate this view in another TONYPLOT window, you must enter:
% tonyplot drn.log drn.log -overlay src.log -set log.set
This also illustrates the point about not including filenames from deleted plots when restarting.
Silvaco 3-4
Data Files
Note: The deleted src.log plot was not included in the command to restart TONYPLOT.
Cross section plots that are generated using the Cutline tool can be created from the original 2D
Mesh plot using set files. Therefore, you can save a view with a mesh and a cross section and
recreate it from the mesh alone. For example, suppose you load a mesh file called pmos.str, cre-
ates a cutline cross section, and then saves a set file called cut.set. You can then recreate the
view with:
% tonyplot pmos.str -set cut.set
The set file automatically takes a cutline from the PMOS mesh and display the cross section plot
as it appeared when the set file was created.
Silvaco 3-5
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Silvaco 3-6
Chapter 4:
Overlays
4.1: Overviews
One of TONYPLOTs most useful features is the ability to directly compare different sets of structure
data. This not only means loading several output files at once and looking at each one in the same
view, but also overlaying the data sets in the same plot subwindow.
When different files are overlaid, the plot is called an overlay plot, and has some characteristics not
shown by normal plots. Each structure is drawn on a separate level in an overlay plot, and the levels
are transparently stacked upon one another. Each level uses the same axes and display settings, so
that the data can be readily compared. Obviously, each level must be of the same plot type (2D Mesh,
Cross Section or XY Graph).
Silvaco 4-1
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
4.1.7: Cutlines
When the Cutline tool is used on an overlay 2D Mesh plot, a section is taken from each level.
TONYPLOT automatically overlays each of these when it creates the new cross section plot.
4.1.8: Preferences
There are some TONYPLOT preferences that apply to overlays. These are accessed by choosing
Overlay Options from the Preferences dialog box. Although explained in the Preferences on
page 2-17, they are briefly described here.
Creating: When creating overlays from existing plots, TONYPLOT just creates a new plot. The old
plots still remain in the view. If you choose the Deletes originals, however, the plots that made
up the overlay will be deleted when you create the overlay.
Level colors: As explained above, each level is identified with its own color. If the same color is
to used for all levels, choose Single for this property.
No. of levels: As explained previously, the number of levels in a plot is limited. You can override,
however, this limit and have has many levels as required in an overlay. Use this switch to toggle
this limit.
Display option: Although the default setup is to use different colors for different levels and
different mark symbols for different quantities, this can be reversed by using the Display option
property. Select color/mark or mark/color as desired.
Silvaco 4-2
Chapter 5:
Production Mode
5.1: Overview
TONYPLOT provides the graphics behind the VWF PRODUCTION MODE, using a special set of controls and
dialog boxes. With you enable Production mode, you can examine and interact with response surface
models (RSMs) in one, two or three dimensions. These RSMs can be examined with a selection of
Production Mode features, such as Failure Analysis, Disposition, and Synthesis. This section
discusses the advanced Production Mode features available.
An RSM consists of a response parameter, sometimes called an output or simply model, and a
number of input parameters. The output is calculated form the inputs according to the RSM
definition, which is passed from VWF to TONYPLOT.
RSM plots are displayed as either simple XY graphs, where the model is plotted against the variation
of one input, or as 2D or 3D contour plots, where the model is plotted against two inputs. In all cases,
inputs not plotted are held at fixed values, although you can set these fixed values.
Controlling RSM plots are described Section 2.5.4: RSM Display. See those pages for an
explanation of how to draw RSM graphs, contours and surface plots.
Silvaco 5-1
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Note: Since plots are updated interactively, it is usually preferable to set the RSM plot density to low. This speeds up the
calculations and greatly improves the response time.
This interactive control is available regardless of the current dialog box mode. That is, sliders can
be dragged in any of the production modes, and plots are still updated interactively as described in
Section 5.2.1: Interactive RSM Control.
Silvaco 5-2
Production Mode
Note: Each input is tested individually. The analysis tries to find the one single input that could cause the specified failure
in all outputs. The highest bars show inputs that are most likely to have caused the failure(s).
TONYPLOT also adds a set of labels to the plot. These labels indicate the values of each input which
would have generated the failed value, if that input had been the cause of the failure.
5.2.4: Calibration
The initial condition of the calibration function requires an overlayed display of the measured and
RSM data to be made. At this time, choose which parameters are to be varied to do the calibration.
Your choice is to set the process parameters to be fixed while the model parameters are allowed to
vary.
Setup
The following is the sequence for the calibration tool using VWF AUTOMATION TOOLS.
1.Generate a Design of Experiments (DOE) employing the Most Practical and the Most
Important Process Parameters and the Most Important Calibration Parameters.
2.Split lots can be Orthogonal DOE's or Random DOE's.
3.Run the Simulation Split Lot in Parallel on MP machine.
4.Generate RSM for each Process Parameter.
5.Load the (Calibration Parameters and Processing Parameters) RSMs into VWF PRODUCTION
TOOLS.
Silvaco 5-3
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
5.2.5: Synthesis
In Synthesis mode, TONYPLOT tries to find a value for each selected input that produces a desired
set of outputs. Two algorithms are provided to perform this reverse calculation a Levenberg-
Marquardt optimizer and a method known as Adaptive Simulated Annealing.
Setup
Before starting the synthesis calculations, you must set the desired output values. Use the text
field labeled Target Value to enter a desired value for the output currently selected in the list on
the left. Press the Return key to submit this value.
When all target values are entered correctly, select the desired method. There is a choice between
the Levenberg-Marquardt optimizer and Adaptive Simulated Annealing. Select the method
desired.
Select the input sliders that are to be used in the synthesis: not all of them need to be used.
Unselected inputs will be fixed at their current values when the RSM computations use them.
Certain operational parameters specific to each synthesis method can be customized to help obtain
the required results. See Sections 5.2.11: Optimizer Setup or 5.2.12: ASA Setup for further
details.
Click on the START button to start the synthesis procedure. As the calculations progress, the
latest results achieved will be displayed in the Current value text field. A status message
describes the current state.
To abort the synthesis at any point, click on the STOP button. The procedure is cancelled and
reset.
Results
The inputs sliders changes as the synthesis calculations progress. When the procedure is
successful and complete, the input slider positions shows the values of the inputs needed to
produce the output value(s) that were specified in the list of targets.
Silvaco 5-4
Production Mode
The number of samples taken by TONYPLOT of each input parameter can be set to any value. The
default is 5000 samples. The more samples that are taken, the more accurate the results, but it
takes longer to perform the analysis.
Click on the green START button to start the analysis. The number of samples taken is
continuously displayed next to the start and stop buttons. To abort the analysis at any time, click
on the STOP button.
When all samples have been taken, TONYPLOT takes a few moments to collate the data it has
obtained, and then a barchart is plotted.
Results
The default result plot that Yield Analysis creates is a barchart showing the distribution of the
output parameter(s). This plot is an instance of a standard Statistics plot, and can be manipu-
lated further with the normal dialog boxes for Statistics plots.
The plot also contains data for all the input values that were used: these can also be plotted. Use
the Stat plot Display dialog box to select sets of data to be plotted, and the type of plot. It is possi-
ble to draw pie charts, scattergrams, box plots, and other figures, to examine the data. See Section
2.5.5: Statistics Display for more information.
Silvaco 5-5
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Silvaco 5-6
Production Mode
Control Items
The scrolling list on the SPC Limits dialog box shows all output parameters and the USL, UCL,
CL, LCL, and LSL values for each one. Underneath the list are five text fields where these values
can be changed. Use the scrolling list to select the output that is to be modified, and enter new SPC
values into text fields provided. Press the Update button in each text field to submit changes to
the list.
If an output parameter has no defined SPC limits, use the word None to indicate missing values.
To remove defined values, enter the word None into the text field and click on the Return key.
When you made all desired changes, click on the Apply button to store the new values. Values in
the list are not stored until the Apply button is clicked.
Uses
SPC Limits are used to monitor measured output values to ensure that these values stay within
predefined boundaries and generate some warning when the boundaries are crossed.
Outputs generated by RSMs in TONYPLOT can be compared to SPC Limits in a similar way. As long
as these values are defined, the control lines can be added to any 1D RSM plot. See Section 2.5.4:
RSM Display for details on how to add these SPC limits to a plot.
Silvaco 5-7
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
Silvaco 5-8
Appendix A:
Models and Algorithms
A.1: Introduction
Models and Algorithms used by one dimensional (1D) electrical solvers in DECKBUILD and TONYPLOT.
Note: This appendix is intended to serve as a quick reference only. A detailed description of the semiconductor device physical
models is provided in the ATLAS manual.
1D electrical solvers, available by using the extract command in DECKBUILD or in TONYPLOT, are based
on the iterative solution of the Poisson equation:
+
div ( ) = q p n + N D N A F A-1
where is the potential, is the dielectrical permittivity, n and p are the electron and hole
concentrations, and p F is the fixed charge.
1
--- divJ n U n = 0 A-2
q
1
--- divJ p U p = 0 A-3
q
where:
J n = q n E n n + qD n n A-4
J p = q p E p p + qD p p A-5
kT kT
D n = ------- n, D p = ------- p A-6
q q
A.1.1:Physical Models
All electrical solvers take into account the following models and effects:
Temperature dependence, such as kT/q or Eg
Concentration-dependent mobility (with built-in temperature dependence)
Field-dependent mobility (perpendicular field with built-in temperature dependence)
Material work function (for MOS structures)
Fixed interface charge
Silvaco A-1
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
D n
n = nmin + --------------------------------------------------
- A-7
1+N total N nref
D p
p = pmin + --------------------------------------------------
- A-8
+N total
N pref
where:
0.57
nmin = 88 ----------
Y
A-9
300
0.57
nmin = 54.3 ----------
Y
A-10
300
2.33
n = 1252 ----------
Y
A-11
300
2.33
p = 407 ----------
Y
A-12
300
17 Y 2.456
N nref = 1.432 10 ---------- A-13
300
17 Y 2.456
N pref = 2.67 10 ---------- A-14
300
A-2 Silvaco
Models and Algorithms
nD
n = ------------------------------------------------------ A-15
5
1 + 1.54 10 E
pD
p = ------------------------------------------------------ A-16
5
1 + 5.35 10 E
Silvaco A-3
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
xleft and xright are determined by the p-n junction locations and the semiconductor material
boundaries.
A-4 Silvaco
Models and Algorithms
O corresponds to the oxide-silicon interface and xinv is the boundary of the inversion layer. Threshold
voltage will be determined using the g(Vg) curve as an intersection with the Vg axis of the straight line
drawn through two points on the g(Vg) curve, corresponding to the maximum slope region shown
below.
BN BETAN
n = AN exp --------- A-19
E
BP BETAP
p = AP exp -------- A-20
E
Silvaco A-5
TonyPlot QT Users Manual
where:
AN = AN1 if E < EGRANAN = AN2 if E > EGRAN
AP = AP1 if E < EGRANAP = AP2 if E > EGRAN
BN = BN1 if E < EGRANBN = BN2 if E > EGRAN
BP = BP1 if E < EGRANBP = BP2 if E > EGRAN
The values of the parameters ANI, AN2, AP1, AP2, BN1, BN2, BP1, BP2, BETAN, BETAP, EGRAN are user-
definable (through the extract command or pop-up menu). Their default values are:
AN1=7.03e5 cm-1
AN2=7.03e5 cm-1
BN1=1.231e6 V/cm
BN2=1.231e6 V/cm
AP1=6.71e5 cm-1
AP2=1.582e6 cm-1
BP1=1.693e6 V/cm
BP2=2.036e6 V/cm
BETAN=1.0 (unitless)
BETAP=1.0 (unitless)
EGRAN=4e5 V/cm
A-6 Silvaco
Index
Numerics O
2D Mesh Plot Display Overlays
3D .............................................................................2-82 Controlling .....................................................................4-1
Contours ............................................................2-772-78 Creating ........................................................................4-1
Junction ......................................................................2-81 Cutlines .........................................................................4-2
Light Rays ..........................................................2-802-81 Displaying ......................................................................4-1
Lines ..........................................................................2-83 Identifying Data ...............................................................4-2
Regions ......................................................................2-76 Level Names ..................................................................4-2
Vectors ..............................................................2-792-80 Preferences ...................................................................4-2
3D Plot Control Splitting .........................................................................4-1
Rotation ......................................................................2-72
Scaling .......................................................................2-72 P
See also Plot Control
Physical Models ................................................................. A-1
Plot Control
A 3D .............................................................................2-72
Adaptive Simulated Annealing ...............................................5-4 Key Commands ............................................................2-71
Pointer Zooming ............................................................2-64
B Selecting .....................................................................2-64
TonyPlot Command Stream ................................... 2-652-71
Base Window See also TPCS
Edit Menu ...........................................................2-112-32
Plot Display
File Menu .............................................................2-32-10
2D Mesh ........................................................... 2-752-83
Help Menu ..........................................................2-622-63
See also 2D Mesh Plot Display
Plot Menu ...........................................................2-322-39
Cross Section ..................................................... 2-862-87
Production Menu ..................................................2-522-62
RSM ................................................................. 2-872-88
See also VWF Production Menu
See also RSM Display
Tools Menu .........................................................2-402-51
Statistics ........................................................... 2-902-92
Breakdown Voltage Calculation ............................................. A-5 See also Statistics Display
X-Y Graph ......................................................... 2-842-86
C See also X-Y Graph Display
Calculation
Breakdown Voltage ......................................................... A-5 R
Sheet Resistance ........................................................... A-4 RSM Display ....................................................................2-87
Threshold Voltage .......................................................... A-5 1D Graphs ...................................................................2-88
Concentration Dependent Mobility ......................................... A-2 2D Contours ....................................................... 2-882-89
3D Surfaces .................................................................2-89
D
Data Visualization. See TonyPlot and TonyPlot 3D S
Set Files
F Creating ........................................................................3-4
Loading ................................................................. 3-43-5
Field Dependent Mobility Model ............................................ A-3 Syntax ..........................................................................3-5
Sheet Resistance Calculation ............................................... A-4
K Starting TonyPlot ........................................................ 2-12-2
Key Legends Command Line Options ....................................................2-2
Drawing Styles .............................................................2-74 Examples ......................................................................2-2
Positioning Key Boxes ....................................................2-73 Statistics Display
Types .........................................................................2-73 Box Plot ......................................................................2-91
See also TonyPlot Histograms ........................................................ 2-902-91
Pie Charts ...................................................................2-91
Scatter Plot ..................................................................2-91
Sunray Plot ........................................................ 2-912-92
Silvaco Index-1
TonyPlotQT Users Manual
U
User Data Files
Creating ........................................................................3-1
Examples .............................................................. 3-23-3
Format .................................................................. 3-13-2
Loading .........................................................................3-1
V
VWF Production Menu
ASA Setup ...................................................................2-62
Calibration ...................................................................2-54
Experimental Results .....................................................2-60
Failure Analysis ............................................................2-53
Input distributions ..........................................................2-58
Input Parameter Ranges .................................................2-57
Interactive ....................................................................2-52
Optimizer Setup ............................................................2-61
Production Mode ...........................................................2-56
SPC limits ....................................................................2-59
Synthesis ....................................................................2-55
Yield Analysis ...............................................................2-56
VWF Production Mode
ASA Setup .....................................................................5-8
Calibration ............................................................. 5-35-4
Dialog Box .....................................................................5-2
Enabling ........................................................................5-1
Experimental Results .......................................................5-7
Failure Analysis ..............................................................5-3
Input Distributions ............................................................5-6
Input Parameter Ranges ...................................................5-5
Input Sliders ...................................................................5-2
Index-2 Silvaco