Embodiments herein relate generally to field effect transistors and specifically to metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs).
MOSFETs are selected for different applications based on a variety of parameters including maximum rating parameters and electrical performance parameters. Maximum rating parameters include, e.g., maximum drain to source voltage, maximum gate to source voltage, continuous drain current, pulsed drain current and total power dissipation. Electrical performance parameters include, e.g., drain to source breakdown voltage, gate threshold voltage, gate to source leakage current, drain to source leakage current, drain to source on state resistance, and forward transconductance.
Semiconductor materials for use in fabrication of MOSFETs include, e.g., silicon (Si), silicon carbide (SiC), gallium nitride (GaN), aluminum nitride (AlN), and germanium (Ge).
There is set forth herein, according to one embodiment, a field effect transistor comprising a substrate; a semiconductor layer formed over the substrate; a source formed in the semiconductor layer; a drain formed in the semiconductor layer, whereon the drain is disposed laterally relative to the source; and a gate; wherein a spacing distance of the gate to the drain is greater than a spacing distance of the source to the drain.
There is set forth herein, according to one embodiment, a field effect transistor comprising a substrate; a semiconductor layer formed over the substrate; a source formed in the semiconductor layer; a drain formed in the semiconductor layer, whereon the drain is disposed laterally relative to the source; a gate having a gate dielectric; and wherein the field effect transistor is operative in a blocking mode in which the field effect transistor supports a blocking mode drain voltage, and wherein the field effect transistor includes shielding so that the gate is shielded from the blocking mode drain voltage.
There is set forth herein, according to one embodiment, a field effect transistor comprising a substrate; a silicon carbide semiconductor layer formed over the substrate; a source formed in the silicon carbide semiconductor layer; a drain formed in the silicon carbide semiconductor layer, whereon the drain is disposed laterally relative to the source; a P well formed about the source, wherein the P well is spaced apart from the drain; and a gate having gate dielectric; wherein a spacing distance between the gate dielectric of the gate and a drain contact of the drain is greater than a spacing distance between a source contact of the source and the drain contact of the drain.
It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.
One or more aspects of the present invention are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed as examples in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
System 200 as shown in
System 200 can include a MOSFET 20 defined by source 210, drain 212, and gate 235. MOSFET 20 can include a lateral MOSFET architecture. In accordance with a lateral MOSFET architecture, drain 212 can be disposed laterally with respect to source 210, e.g., so that a horizontally extending plane running parallel to the depicted Y axis of the reference coordinate system can intersect the source 210 and drain 212. In further aspects, gate 235 can include gate electrode 2321 and gate dielectric 2201, wherein gate dielectric 2201 herein can refer to a section of dielectric layer 220 aligned under gate electrode 2321. In one embodiment, gate electrode can include, e.g., polysilicon or metal, and oxide forming gate oxide can be provided by silicon dioxide (SiO2). While the field effect transistor is referred to as a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET), embodiments herein recognize that gate electrode 2321 defining gate 235 can be formed of a conductive non-metal, e.g., polysilicon.
System 200 can define a MOSFET 20 provided by a lateral MOSFET that includes source 210 and drain 212 disposed laterally relative to one another. Source 210 and drain 212 can be formed by appropriate doping of semiconductor layer 206, e.g., by ion implantation or diffusion. System 200 can also include a P well region 213 that surrounds source 210 formed bottom adjacent and side adjacent to source 210. System 200 can also include a P+ region formed side adjacent to source 210 and bottom adjacent to source contact 2241.
System 200 can include dielectric layer 220, contact layer 224, dielectric layer 230, vias layer 234, and metallization layer 244. Dielectric layer 220 can be deposited on semiconductor layer 206 after doping of semiconductor layer 206. Subsequent to depositing dielectric layer 220, electrode material layer 232 can be deposited on dielectric layer 220 and can subsequently be patterned to define gate electrode 2321 defining gate 235. Dielectric layer 230 can subsequently be deposited over electrode material layer 232 and dielectric layer 220. Once planarized, dielectric layer 230 can be subject to etching to define trenches which can be filled by conductive material layer defining vias layer 234 to define vias 2341 and 2342.
After formation of dielectric layer 220, dielectric layer 220 can be etched to form trenches. Contact layer 224 can be deposited in the formed trenches and then planarized to define source contact 2241 that contacts source 210 and drain contact 2242 that contacts drain 212. Source 210 can include associated source conductive material formations including source contact 2241, source vias 2341, and source wiring 2441. Drain 212 can include associated source conductive material formations including drain contact 2242, drain vias 2342, and drain wiring 2442. The conductive material formations including source contact 2241, source vias 2341, source wiring 2441, drain contact 2242, drain vias 2342, and drain wiring 2442 can be formed of conductive material, e.g. metal, e.g., aluminum, copper, gold, silver, nickel and the like.
In one embodiment, MOSFET 20 can be configured as a high voltage (HV) power MOSFET that features a breakdown voltage of about 100V or greater. In one embodiment, for increasing breakdown voltage of MOSFET 20, semiconductor layer 204 and semiconductor layer 206 can be formed of silicon carbide (SiC). SiC features a wide bandgap 3-3.2 eV, high breakdown field 2.5-3 MV/cm and large thermal conductivity 4-5 W/cm-K. Embodiments herein recognize that in vertical MOSFETs (wherein a source and drain are in vertical orientation), MOSFET breakdown voltage can be increased by increasing a source to drain spacing distance. Embodiments herein recognize that increasing drain spacing in a lateral MOSFET design (while potentially helpful in increasing breakdown voltage) will increase device pitch and consume wafer real estate in the (top view) X-Y plane. Accordingly, embodiments herein include features for improving X-Y plane space economization while increasing breakdown voltage of MOSFET 20 as well as additional performance characteristics.
Embodiments herein recognize that when SiC, featuring a high breakdown field, is selected as the material for semiconductor layer 206, other materials of MOSFET 20 can experience breakdown prior to the components formed of SiC, including dielectric material of gate dielectric 2201. Embodiments herein can include features for realization of reduced electric field at gate dielectric 2201.
Operation of system 200 as shown in
In a blocking mode of operation, the defined channel in P well 213 adjacent gate dielectric 2201 between source 210 and the body of semiconductor layer 206 can be “OFF”, source 210 and gate 235 can be grounded and blocking mode drain voltage (i.e., up to the breakdown voltage) can be applied to drain 212. Embodiments herein recognize that a blocking mode drain voltage can be supported by structures within MOSFET 20 that define the minimum distance between the high voltage applied at drain 212. Accordingly, embodiments herein recognize that when both source 210 and gate 235 are grounded, and the distance from gate 235 to drain 212 is less than the distance from source 210 to drain 212 as shown in
In one aspect, MOSFET 20, for shielding gate 235 from a blocking mode drain voltage, can be configured so that gate 235 is disposed a greater distance from drain 212 than source 210. According to such configuration, a spacing distance of gate 235 to drain 212 can be greater than a spacing distance of the source 210 to drain 212. In one aspect, MOSFET 20, for shielding gate 235 from blocking mode drain voltage, can be configured so that a gate dielectric 2201 of gate 235 (defined by a portion of dielectric layer 220 aligned under gate electrode 2321) is disposed a greater distance from drain 212 than source 210. According to such configuration, a spacing distance of gate dielectric 2201 to a drain contact 2242 of the drain 212 can be greater than a spacing distance of a source contact 2241 of the source 210 to the drain contact 2242 of the drain 212. In one aspect, providing MOSFET 20 so that a gate dielectric 2201 of gate 235 (defined by a portion of dielectric layer 220 aligned under gate electrode 2321) is disposed a greater distance from drain 212 than source 210, can be characterized by source contact 2241 of source 210 being disposed closer to drain contact 2242 of drain 212 than gate dielectric 2201. In another aspect, in reference to the gate shielded architecture of
In one embodiment, the relative spacing distances between drain contact 2242 and source contact 2241 and between drain contact 2242 and gate dielectric 2201 can be based on the closest point spacing distances, i.e., D1<D2 as shown in
Accordingly, there is set forth herein, in one embodiment, a substrate 202; a semiconductor layer 206 formed over the substrate 202; a source 210 formed in the semiconductor layer 206; a drain 212 formed in the semiconductor layer 206, whereon the drain 212 is disposed laterally relative to the source 210; a gate 235 having a gate dielectric 2201; wherein the field effect transistor provided by MOSFET 20 is characterized by a spacing distance of the gate 235 to the drain 212 being greater than a spacing distance of the source 210 to the drain 212.
Accordingly, there is set forth herein, in one embodiment, a field effect transistor provided by MOSFET 20 comprising substrate 202; a silicon carbide semiconductor layer formed over the substrate, e.g., semiconductor layer 206 when formed of silicon carbide; a source 210 formed in the semiconductor layer 206; a drain 212 formed in the semiconductor layer 206, whereon the drain 212 is disposed laterally relative to the source 210; a P well 213 formed about source 210, wherein the P well 213 is spaced apart from drain 212; a gate 235 having a gate dielectric 2201; wherein the field effect transistor provided by MOSFET 20 is characterized by a spacing distance between a gate dielectric 2201 of the gate 235 and a drain contact 2242 of the drain 212 being greater than a spacing distance between a source contact 2241 of source 210 and the drain contact 2242 of drain 212.
In one embodiment, MOSFET 20 can include a finger architecture as shown in the schematic layout top view of
The referenced sectional aspect, wherein source 210 can be defined by a plurality of source sections, drain 212 can be defined by a plurality of drain sections, and gate 235 can be defined by a plurality of gate sections is described further in reference to
In reference to
Accordingly, there is set forth herein, in one embodiment, a field effect transistor provided by MOSFET 20 comprising a substrate 202; a semiconductor layer 206 formed over the substrate; a source 210 formed in the semiconductor layer; a drain 212 formed in the semiconductor layer 206, wherein drain 212 is disposed laterally relative to source 210; and a gate 235; wherein a spacing distance of the gate 235 to the drain 212 is greater than a spacing distance of the source 210 to the drain 212, wherein gate 235 includes a first side edge, e.g., bounded by vertically extending plane 2311 and an opposite second side edge, e.g., bounded by vertically extending plane 2312, wherein the first side edge of the gate is aligned over the source 210, and wherein the opposite second side edge of the gate 235 is aligned over the source 210.
In reference to
Accordingly, there is set forth herein, in one embodiment, a field effect transistor provided by MOSFET 20 comprising a substrate 202; a semiconductor layer 206 formed over the substrate; a source 210 formed in the semiconductor layer; a drain 212 formed in the semiconductor layer 206, wherein drain 212 is disposed laterally relative to source 210; and a gate 235; wherein a spacing distance of the gate 235 to the drain 212 is greater than a spacing distance of the source 210 to the drain 212, wherein source 210 includes a first drain side edge, e.g., bounded by vertically extending plane 2131 and an opposite second side edge, e.g., bounded by vertically extending plane 2132, wherein the first drain side edge of source 210 is closer to the drain 212 than the second opposite side edge of the source 210, and wherein the second opposite side edge of source 210 is aligned under gate 235.
In one embodiment, spacing distance relationships described herein apply on a half cell view basis, as set forth in
In the embodiment of
Embodiments herein recognize that the architecture of
In one aspect, system 200 of
Embodiments herein recognize that the gate shielded configuration of
Embodiments herein recognize that by reduction of an electric field strength at gate dielectric 2201, gate dielectric 2201 can be protected and breakdown of gate dielectric 2201 can be avoided. With breakdown of gate dielectric 2201 avoided, leakage current performance of MOSFET 20 can be improved. Configured according to the architecture of
With breakdown of gate oxide 2210 avoided, the breakdown voltage of MOSFET 20 can be favorably limited by the breakdown of voltage of semiconductor material defining semiconductor layer 206, rather than a breakdown field of dielectric material, e.g., oxide forming gate dielectric 2201. Configured according to the architecture of
Table A presents design specifications for the MOSFET described in reference to
The MOSFET of
In
According to an isolation architecture of system 200 as shown in
In one embodiment, doped isolation formation 260 can be formed by ion implantation of semiconductor layer 206. In one embodiment, doped isolation formation 262 can be formed by ion implantation of semiconductor layer 206. The ion implantation of doped isolation formation 260 and doped isolation formation 262 can be performed using channel implantation. Embodiments herein recognize that the use of channel ion implantation facilitates increase in a depth dimension of doped isolation formation 260 and doped isolation formation 262 to significant depths, e.g., to about 2 μm or longer. In another aspect, the formation of doped isolation formation 260 and doped isolation formation 262 can be performed so that a depth of doped isolation formation 260 and doped isolation formation 262 extends to a top elevation of semiconductor layer 204, thus removing a leakage path between high voltage MOSFET region 250 and low voltage CMOS region 252, and between low voltage NMOS region 253 and low voltage PMOS region 254.
Embodiments herein recognize that voltages regarded to be HV and LV can be application dependent. In one embodiment, a HV MOSFET can refer to a MOSFET having a breakdown voltage of about 100V or greater. In one embodiment, a LV MOSFET can refer to a MOSFET having a breakdown voltage of about 50V or less. In
The integrated circuit also includes a substrate; a semiconductor layer formed over the substrate; a source formed in the semiconductor layer; a drain formed in the semiconductor layer, whereon the drain is disposed laterally relative to the source; a gate having gate oxide; and a source contact; where the source contact is disposed at first distance from a drain contact of the drain, where the gate oxide is disposed at a second distance from the drain contact, the second distance being longer than the first distance. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.
Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The integrated circuit where the semiconductor layer is a silicon carbide layer. The semiconductor layer is a doped silicon carbide layer. The semiconductor layer is an epitaxially grown doped silicon carbide layer. The source contact is disposed intermediate the gate oxide and the drain. The semiconductor layer is formed on the semiconductor layer. The source, the drain and the gate define a high voltage power MOSFET region, and where the integrated circuit includes a low voltage CMOS region, the low voltage CMOS region including a low voltage NMOS region, and a low voltage PMOS region, where the low voltage CMOS region is defined by the substrate and the semiconductor layer.
One general aspect includes the field effect transistor also includes a substrate; a semiconductor layer formed over the substrate; a source formed in the semiconductor layer; a drain formed in the semiconductor layer, whereon the drain is disposed laterally relative to the source; a gate having a gate dielectric; where the field effect transistor is characterized by a spacing distance of the gate to the drain being greater than a spacing distance of the source to the drain.
Implementations may include one or more of the following features, the field effect transistor where the field effect transistor includes a P well formed about the source, the P well spaced apart from the drain. The spacing distance of the gate to the drain being greater than a spacing distance of the source to the drain is characterized by a spacing distance between a gate dielectric of the gate and a drain contact of the drain being greater than a spacing distance between a source contact of the source and the drain contact of the drain. A source contact of the source, a drain contact of the drain, and the gate dielectric extend at a common elevation, and where the spacing distance of the gate to the drain being greater than a spacing distance of the source to the drain is characterized by a spacing distance between a gate dielectric of the gate and a drain contact of the drain being greater than a spacing distance between a source contact of the source and the drain contact of the drain. The semiconductor layer is a doped silicon carbide layer. The gate includes a first edge and an opposite second edge, where the first edge is aligned over the source, and where the second edge is aligned over the source. The semiconductor layer is an epitaxially grown doped silicon carbide layer. The semiconductor layer is a silicon carbide layer. The semiconductor layer is a doped silicon carbide layer. The semiconductor layer is an epitaxially grown doped silicon carbide layer. The source is disposed intermediate the gate dielectric and the drain. The semiconductor layer is formed on the semiconductor layer. The source, the drain and the gate define a high voltage power MOSFET region, and where the integrated circuit includes a low voltage CMOS region, the low voltage CMOS region including a low voltage NMOS region, and a low voltage PMOS region, where the low voltage CMOS region is defined by the substrate and the semiconductor layer.
One general aspect includes, the field effect transistor also includes a substrate; a semiconductor layer formed over the substrate; a source formed in the semiconductor layer; a drain formed in the semiconductor layer, whereon the drain is disposed laterally relative to the source; a gate having a gate dielectric; and where the field effect transistor is operative in a blocking mode in which the field effect supports a voltage drop, and where the field effect transistor includes shielding so that the gate is shielded from the voltage drop.
Implementations may include one or more of the following features, the field effect transistor where the field effect transistor is configured so that in the blocking mode, the source and the gate are grounded. The shielding is characterized by a spacing distance of the gate to the drain being greater than a spacing distance of the source to the drain. The shielding is characterized by a spacing distance of the gate to the drain being greater than a spacing distance of the source to the drain, where the spacing distance of the gate to the drain being greater than a spacing distance of the source to the drain is characterized by spacing distance between a gate dielectric of the gate and a drain contact of the drain being greater than a spacing distance between a source contact of the source and the drain contact of the drain. The field effect transistor is configured so that in the blocking mode, the source and the gate are grounded, where the shielding is characterized by a spacing distance of the gate to the drain being greater than a spacing distance of the source to the drain, where the spacing distance of the gate to the drain being greater than a spacing distance of the source to the drain is characterized by spacing distance between a gate dielectric of the gate and a drain contact of the drain being greater than a spacing distance between a source contact of the source and the drain contact of the drain.
One general aspect includes, the field effect transistor also includes a substrate; a silicon carbide semiconductor layer formed over the substrate; a source formed in the semiconductor layer; a drain formed in the semiconductor layer, whereon the drain is disposed laterally relative to the source; a P well formed about the source, where the P well is spaced apart from the drain; a gate having gate dielectric; where the field effect transistor is characterized by a spacing distance between a gate dielectric of the gate and a drain contact of the drain being greater than a spacing distance between a source contact of the source and the drain contact of the drain.
The field effect transistor also includes a substrate; a semiconductor layer formed over the substrate; a source formed in the semiconductor layer; a drain formed in the semiconductor layer, whereon the drain is disposed laterally relative to the source. The transistor also includes a gate; where a spacing distance of the gate to the drain is greater than a spacing distance of the source to the drain.
The field effect transistor where the field effect transistor includes a P well formed about the source, the P well spaced apart from the drain. A spacing distance between a gate dielectric of the gate and a drain contact of the drain is greater than a spacing distance between a source contact of the source and the drain contact of the drain. A source contact of the source, a drain contact of the drain, and the gate dielectric extend at a common elevation, where a spacing distance between a gate dielectric of the gate aligned under a gate electrode of the gate and a drain contact of the drain is greater than a spacing distance between a source contact of the source and the drain contact of the drain. The semiconductor layer is a doped silicon carbide layer. The gate includes a first side edge and an opposite second side edge, where the first side edge of the gate is aligned over the source, and where the opposite second side edge of the gate is aligned over the source. The source includes a first drain side edge and an opposite second side edge, where the first drain side edge of the source is closer to the drain than the second opposite side edge of the source, and where the second opposite side edge of the source is aligned under the gate. The semiconductor layer is an epitaxially grown doped silicon carbide layer. The semiconductor layer is a silicon carbide layer. The semiconductor layer is a silicon carbide layer, where a source contact of the source, a drain contact of the drain, and the gate dielectric extend at a common elevation, where a spacing distance between a gate dielectric of the gate and a drain contact of the drain is greater than a spacing distance between a source contact of the source and the drain contact of the drain, where the field effect transistor includes a P well formed about the source, the P well being spaced apart from the drain. The semiconductor layer is an epitaxially grown doped silicon carbide layer. The source is disposed intermediate the gate and the drain. The source, the drain and the gate define a high voltage power MOSFET region, and where the integrated circuit includes a low voltage CMOS region, the low voltage CMOS region including a low voltage NMOS region, and a low voltage PMOS region, where the low voltage CMOS region is defined by the substrate and the semiconductor layer. The source, the drain and the gate define a high voltage power MOSFET region, and where the integrated circuit includes a low voltage CMOS region, the low voltage CMOS region including a low voltage NMOS region, and a low voltage PMOS region, where the low voltage CMOS region is defined by the substrate and the semiconductor layer, where the integrated circuit includes a doped formation isolating the high voltage power MOSFET region from the low voltage CMOS region, the doped formation extending an entire depth of the semiconductor layer, and being formed by use of channel ion implantation. The source, the drain and the gate define a high voltage power MOSFET region, and where the integrated circuit includes a low voltage CMOS region, the low voltage CMOS region including a low voltage NMOS region, and a low voltage PMOS region, where the low voltage CMOS region is defined by the substrate and the semiconductor layer, where the integrated circuit includes a doped formation isolating the high voltage power MOSFET region from the low voltage CMOS region, the doped formation extending an entire depth of the semiconductor layer, and being formed by use of channel ion implantation, where the integrated circuit includes a second doped formation isolating the low voltage NMOS region, and the low voltage PMOS region, the second doped formation extending an entire depth of the semiconductor layer, and being formed by use of channel ion implantation, where the semiconductor layer is a silicon carbide layer, where a source contact of the source, a drain contact of the drain, and the gate dielectric extend at a common elevation, where a spacing distance between a corner of a gate electrode of the gate adjacent the gate dielectric and a drain contact of the drain is greater than a spacing distance between a source contact of the source and the drain contact of the drain, where the field effect transistor includes a P well formed about the source, the P well being spaced apart from the drain, where the gate includes a first side edge and an opposite second side edge, where the first side edge of the gate is aligned over the source, and where the opposite second side edge of the gate is aligned over the source, where the source includes a first drain side edge and an opposite second side edge, where the first drain side edge of the source is closer to the drain than the second opposite side edge of the source, and where the second opposite side edge is aligned under the gate.
One general aspect includes the field effect transistor also includes a substrate; a semiconductor layer formed over the substrate; a source formed in the semiconductor layer; a drain formed in the semiconductor layer, whereon the drain is disposed laterally relative to the source. The transistor also includes a gate having a gate dielectric; and where the field effect transistor is operative in a blocking mode in which the field effect transistor supports a blocking mode drain voltage, and where the field effect transistor includes shielding so that the gate is shielded from the blocking mode drain voltage.
Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The field effect transistor where the shielding is characterized by a spacing distance of the gate to the drain being greater than a spacing distance of the source to the drain. The shielding is characterized by a spacing distance between a gate dielectric of the gate and a drain contact of the drain being greater than a spacing distance between a source contact of the source and the drain contact of the drain. The field effect transistor is configured so that in the blocking mode, the source and the gate are grounded, where the shielding is characterized by a spacing distance of the gate to the drain being greater than a spacing distance of the source to the drain, where the spacing distance of the gate to the drain being greater than a spacing distance of the source to the drain is characterized by spacing distance between a gate dielectric of the gate and a drain contact of the drain being greater than a spacing distance between a source contact of the source and the drain contact of the drain.
The field effect transistor also includes a substrate; a silicon carbide semiconductor layer formed over the substrate; a source formed in the semiconductor layer; a drain formed in the semiconductor layer, whereon the drain is disposed laterally relative to the source. The transistor also includes a P well formed about the source, where the P well is spaced apart from the drain; and a gate having gate dielectric, where a spacing distance between a gate dielectric of the gate and a drain contact of the drain is greater than a spacing distance between a source contact of the source and the drain contact of the drain.
Embodiments herein recognize that silicon carbide (SiC) provides a wide-bandgap semiconductor material that features superior electrical properties when compared to gate unshielded silicon (Si) material for targeted applications. SiC exhibits considerable advantages over Si for certain applications, such as a higher thermal conductivity, a larger critical electric field, and a higher breakdown voltage, making it a compelling candidate for high-power and high-temperature applications. Embodiments herein recognize that SiC-based power devices can exhibit increased efficiency, reduced switching losses, and superior performance compared to their Si-based counterparts, resulting in significant advancements in the field of power electronics [1] for certain applications. Accordingly, practicing embodiments herein with SiC can provide advantages for certain applications.
In one aspect, embodiments herein can provide silicon carbide (SiC)-based power integrated circuits (ICs) that unite the advantages of SiC power devices with those of integrated circuit (IC) technology, such as superior reliability and performance, reduced weight, size, and cost. Embodiments herein can be incorporated into applications demanding high efficiency and reliability, such as renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and industrial motor drives, where high-power and high-voltage are required. Embodiments herein featuring HV Power ICs in SiC can be incorporated for use in high-power and high-temperature applications.
Certain embodiments herein provide fully integrated high voltage (HV) silicon carbide (SiC) power MOSFET integrated circuits (ICs). Embodiments herein can include monolithically integrating the HV power nMOSFET and low-voltage (LV) complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) circuitry onto a single chip utilizing a single process flow and multi-metal stack was verified on an N− epi/N+ substrate, as illustrated in [3]. To address isolation between the voltage-differential regions of a wafer based structure, an epitaxial (epi) layer stack can be re-engineered and fine-tuned to an N-epi/P− epi/N+ substrate configuration, which allows for complete isolation of the HV blocks while still being integrated with the LV CMOS [4].
While embodiments herein refer to integrated circuits, circuit structures set forth herein can alternatively define discrete devices. Embodiments of HV nMOSFETs herein can be provided as discrete devices or can be incorporated into integrated circuits. In HV nMOSFETs herein can be integrated into HV power integrated circuits (ICs) in 4H—SiC. Embodiments herein recognize that HV nMOSFETs, e.g., as reported in [3], [4], [5], and [6] can exhibit substantial leakage during their operation. Embodiments herein improve design architecture for lateral MOSFETs, which effectively addresses the leakage issue while simultaneously achieving increased breakdown voltage.
Additional aspects and features of system 200 are set forth with reference to the following examples.
Integrated circuits according to the design of
The sample of Table B (
In Example 2, testing results are compared for fabricated devices fabricated according the gate unshielded architecture of
All of the p-type regions in the HV nMOSFETs were formed by Aluminum ion implants. The n-type regions were formed by Nitrogen ion implants. Subsequent to the ion implantation process, the wafers were subjected to annealing at 1650° C. for 10 min with a carbon cap to activate the implanted aluminum and nitrogen ions.
The gate oxide with a desired thickness of 50 nm was formed through the thermal oxidation process, followed by a post-oxidation annealing (POA) step conducted for 180 minutes under NO atmosphere. A gate polysilicon layer of 0.5 μm thickness was deposited, doped with phosphorus, and subsequently patterned after the formation of the gate oxide layer.
After the gate formation, ohmic contacts were established by depositing 1000 μA of Nickel, followed by annealing at 750° C. for 2 min to form Nickel silicide. Further annealing was performed at 1000° C. for 2 min to achieve optimum contact resistance. Subsequently, a 0.5 μm Aluminum was deposited, patterned, and etched to form the metal layers.
The SEM and schematic cross-section of the gate unshielded HV lateral nMOSFETs are shown in
The measured gate-source leakage from the gate unshielded and the gate shielded devices are shown in
The critical dimensions (dimensions shown in
In conclusion, this example demonstrates an architecture that effectively suppresses the leakage current from high-voltage lateral MOSFETs in 4H—SiC. The fabricated gate shielded MOSFETs were evaluated and compared with the gate unshielded architecture, demonstrating a substantial reduction in the leakage current. These outcomes confirm the effectiveness of the gate shielded design architecture, which meets the requirements for a durable lateral power MOSFET, suitable for use in the development of SiC power integrated circuits. This research provides valuable insights into the evolution of advanced SiC power electronics that can lead to more efficient and reliable power conversion systems in the future.
This example demonstrates and presents an enhanced design architecture to suppress the leakage from the high-voltage (HV) lateral MOSFETs in 4H—SiC. The demonstrated MOSFETs were fabricated on an N-epi/P-epi/N+ substrate. A comparative analysis was conducted between the performance of the improved desig architecture and the gate unshielded architecture, and the outcomes exhibit a notable decrease in the magnitude of the leakage current. The gate shielded device architecture possesses the capability to effectively fulfill the design specifications of a durable lateral power MOSFET to be used in silicon carbide (SiC) power integrated circuits (ICs).
It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claims subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the subject matter disclosed herein. It should also be appreciated that terminology explicitly employed herein that also may appear in any disclosure incorporated by reference should be accorded a meaning most consistent with the particular concepts disclosed herein.
This written description uses examples to disclose the subject matter, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the subject matter, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various examples without departing from their scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various examples, they are by no means limiting and are merely exemplary. Many other examples will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various examples should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Forms of term “based on” herein encompass relationships where an element is partially based on as well as relationships where an element is entirely based on. Forms of the term “defined” encompass relationships where an element is partially defined as well as relationships where an element is entirely defined. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such objects or advantages described above may be achieved in accordance with any particular example. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the systems and techniques described herein may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.
The terms “substantially”, “approximately”, “about”, “relatively”, or other such similar terms that may be used throughout this disclosure, including the claims, are used to describe and account for small fluctuations, such as due to variations in processing, from a reference or parameter. Such small fluctuations include a zero fluctuation from the reference or parameter as well. For example, they can refer to less than or equal to ±10%, such as less than or equal to ±5%, such as less than or equal to ±2%, such as less than or equal to ±1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.5%, such as less than or equal to ±0.2%, such as less than or equal to ±0.1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.05%. If used herein, the terms “substantially”, “approximately”, “about”, “relatively,” or other such similar terms may also refer to no fluctuations, that is, ±0%. It is contemplated that numerical values, as well as other values that are recited herein can be modified by the term “about”, whether expressly stated or inherently derived by the discussion of the present disclosure. Further, any description of a range herein can encompass all subranges.
The terms “connect,” “connected,” “contact” “coupled” and/or the like are broadly defined herein to encompass a variety of divergent arrangements and assembly techniques. These arrangements and techniques include, but are not limited to (1) the direct joining of one component and another component with no intervening components therebetween (i.e., the components are in direct physical contact); and (2) the joining of one component and another component with one or more components therebetween, provided that the one component being “connected to” or “contacting” or “coupled to” the other component is somehow in operative communication (e.g., electrically, fluidly, physically, optically, etc.) with the other component (notwithstanding the presence of one or more additional components therebetween). It is to be understood that some components that are in direct physical contact with one another may or may not be in electrical contact and/or fluid contact with one another. Moreover, two components that are electrically connected, electrically coupled, optically connected, optically coupled, fluidly connected or fluidly coupled may or may not be in direct physical contact, and one or more other components may be positioned therebetween.
While the subject matter has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of examples, it should be readily understood that the subject matter is not limited to such disclosed examples. Rather, the subject matter can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the subject matter. Additionally, while various examples of the subject matter have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the disclosure may include only some of the described examples. Also, while some examples are described as having a certain number of elements it will be understood that the subject matter can be practiced with less than or greater than the certain number of elements. Accordingly, the subject matter is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.
The following references are incorporated by reference in their entireties and a skilled person is considered to be aware of disclosure of these references.
This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/451,253, filed Mar. 10, 2023, entitled, “Lateral SIC HV MOSFET Design and Isolation Technique”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
This invention was made with government support under DE-AR0001028 awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy. The U.S. government has certain rights in the invention.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63451253 | Mar 2023 | US |