Neocera Magma SSM Magnetic Field Imaging Microscope System

Overview

The Neocera Magma SSM Magnetic Field Imaging Microscope System is a purpose-built, cryogenically operated electromagnetic failure analysis platform engineered for high-precision, non-destructive localization of static electrical faults in advanced microelectronic devices. It leverages superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry as its core sensing modality—operating at liquid helium temperatures—to detect nanoscale magnetic field perturbations generated by sub-microampere currents flowing within integrated circuits. Unlike conventional thermal or optical fault isolation techniques, the Magma SSM requires no device modification, decapsulation, or backside preparation; its magnetic field penetration enables full volumetric interrogation of multilayered structures—including 2.5D/3D ICs, heterogeneous SiP assemblies, stacked die packages, and fully encapsulated PCBs—without compromising structural integrity or functional state. The system integrates synchronized optical imaging (2 µm resolution in visible/NIR bands) with quantitative magnetic field mapping, enabling precise co-registration of current density distributions against layout data and optical reference frames for unambiguous 3D defect localization.

Key Features

• High-sensitivity SQUID sensor with typical field noise floor of 15 pT/√Hz, enabling detection of currents as low as 500 nA at 333 µm standoff distance
• 3 µm spatial resolution in magnetic field imaging mode, supported by precision XYZ scanning stage with ≥100 mm × 100 mm active scan area
• Dual-sensor HiRes configuration: Co-located SQUID and anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) sensors provide simultaneous optimization of current sensitivity and positional fidelity
• EFI (Electromagnetic Fault Isolation) module for high-contrast open-circuit localization via current injection and phase-sensitive magnetic field reconstruction
• Integrated function generator (DC–200 kHz, ±10 V / 100 mA) supporting both DC biasing and AC stimulus protocols for dynamic fault characterization
• Cryogenic infrastructure designed for stable, low-vibration operation; compatible with standard laboratory liquid helium transfer systems
• Full-stack Windows 10 64-bit control environment with deterministic real-time data acquisition and hardware synchronization

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Magma SSM accommodates a broad spectrum of semiconductor form factors without mechanical or electrical adaptation: bare 300 mm wafers at die-level interconnect, fully packaged ICs (QFN, BGA, WLCSP, fan-out), multi-chip modules (MCMs), silicon interposers, and assembled printed circuit boards up to ATX dimensions. Its non-contact, field-penetrating methodology complies with industry requirements for non-destructive evaluation under ASTM E2978 (Standard Guide for Electromagnetic Testing Methods) and supports GLP/GMP-aligned workflows through audit-trail-capable software logging. While not inherently FDA-regulated, the system’s deterministic measurement chain and traceable calibration paths align with ISO/IEC 17025 principles for testing laboratories. All electromagnetic stimulation and signal acquisition protocols are designed to avoid device overstress—particularly critical when characterizing high-impedance opens (>100 kΩ) where conventional current-driven methods risk irreversible damage.

Software & Data Management

The proprietary Magma Control Suite provides unified instrument orchestration, including stage motion control, SQUID flux-locked loop tuning, optical image capture, and synchronized stimulus delivery. Raw magnetic field data (B_x, B_y, B_z) are acquired at user-configurable rates up to 25 kHz bandwidth and stored in HDF5 format with embedded metadata (timestamp, position, stimulus parameters, sensor gain settings). Post-processing modules support current density reconstruction via inverse Biot-Savart modeling, vector field decomposition, and overlay registration with GDSII/OASIS layout files. Audit trails record all operator actions, parameter changes, and calibration events in accordance with 21 CFR Part 11 readiness guidelines—supporting electronic signatures, role-based access control, and exportable PDF reports compliant with internal QA documentation standards.

Applications

• Localization of short circuits, leakage paths, and high-resistance opens in advanced nodes (≤5 nm FinFET, GAA, CFET)
• Failure analysis of 3D-stacked memory (HBM, Wide I/O), chiplets, and heterogeneous integration platforms
• Verification of bump/TSV continuity and interposer routing integrity in 2.5D packaging
• Dynamic current path validation during functional test (e.g., IDDQ screening, power rail collapse analysis)
• Characterization of electromigration-induced voids and intermetallic degradation in Cu/low-k interconnects
• Non-invasive debugging of RF/mmWave front-end modules where probe loading would distort behavior

FAQ

What types of devices can be analyzed without deprocessing?
The Magma SSM supports fully packaged ICs, multilayer PCBs, wafer-level die, and complex SiPs—including those with metal shielding, molded compounds, or ceramic substrates—provided magnetic permeability permits field penetration.
Is liquid helium consumption rate specified?
Typical hold time exceeds 48 hours per fill under continuous operation; exact consumption depends on ambient thermal load and duty cycle—detailed cryogenic performance data is provided in the Installation Qualification (IQ) protocol.
Can the system distinguish between AC and DC current sources?
Yes. The SQUID electronics support selectable bandwidth modes (DC–25 kHz), enabling separation of steady-state leakage from switching-related transients via spectral gating or lock-in detection.
Does the system support automated defect classification?
While the base platform delivers quantitative field maps, optional AI-assisted pattern recognition modules (available under NDA) can correlate magnetic signatures with known failure modes using supervised training on historical FA datasets.
What level of technical support is included with purchase?
Neocera provides factory-certified installation, on-site operator training, annual preventive maintenance contracts, and remote diagnostics support—with SLAs aligned to semiconductor industry uptime expectations (≥95% operational availability).