Local InterConnect Layers at lower technologies

[shabazsyed]

Hi all,
I read a article that there is a new local interconnect layer @ lower nodes like 28nm and 20nm. Can anyone explain what is this layer and i Also read its not drawn in layout.. Is Local Interconnect layer and MET1 same or Different....

Thanks and Regards

 

[erikl]

Here's an article on Local Interconnect (LI), essentially saying

... in fact, these days, LI involves metal. The real difference is that LI contacts silicon directly, without going through a contact hole. And multiple layers of LI overlap each other to make contact, and, again, they don’t use any intervening dielectric with vias.

So it's not identical to MET1 (or MET1 & MET2), and presumably, as a layout guy, you won't have access to this/these LI layers, if you just aren't a standard cell designer.