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{{title|Stepping}}
 
{{title|Stepping}}
 
'''Stepping''' (also '''core stepping''' or '''stepping level''') refers to a specific revision of an [[integrated circuit]].
 
'''Stepping''' (also '''core stepping''' or '''stepping level''') refers to a specific revision of an [[integrated circuit]].
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== Overview ==
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Stepping is analogous to [[software versioning]]. Following the successful completion of an [[RTL]] development, the first silicon [[tapeout]] is usually called "A0". Manufacturing enhancements, as well as functional bug fixes, can later be introduced which alters the [[photomask]]. Those alterations progressively increment the stepping. Minor changes increment the revision number (e.g., "A1", "A2", and "A4"). Larger changes usually increment the revision letter (e.g., from "A4" to "B0").

Latest revision as of 06:39, 31 October 2018

Stepping (also core stepping or stepping level) refers to a specific revision of an integrated circuit.

Overview[edit]

Stepping is analogous to software versioning. Following the successful completion of an RTL development, the first silicon tapeout is usually called "A0". Manufacturing enhancements, as well as functional bug fixes, can later be introduced which alters the photomask. Those alterations progressively increment the stepping. Minor changes increment the revision number (e.g., "A1", "A2", and "A4"). Larger changes usually increment the revision letter (e.g., from "A4" to "B0").