The blog post explores the construction of the Pentium processor and focuses on antenna diodes, which are special diodes used to prevent damage during manufacturing. These antenna diodes are shown on the Pentium die as square regions of doped silicon and play a crucial role in mitigating the antenna effect caused by plasma etching. While most antenna issues on the Pentium were resolved through proper routing, the presence of these diodes is still notable. The post discusses the complexity of chip design, the importance of proper wiring and layering, and emphasizes the ongoing relevance of antenna effects in modern integrated circuits.
http://www.righto.com/2024/11/antenna-diodes-in-pentium-processor.html