INTEGRATED CIRCUIT AND METHOD OF FABRICATING SAME

Abstract

An integrated circuit includes a plurality of transistors. Each transistor is associated with a corresponding body terminal. At least one transistor is reverse biased at a first voltage level, and at least one other transistor is reverse biased at a second voltage level that is different from the first voltage level. Each body terminal is electrically isolated from every other body terminal via an isolation barrier. A transistor that is reverse biased at the first voltage level is electrically connected to a transistor that is reverse biased at the second voltage level, such that the electrically connected transistors operate to interact with each other while the respective body voltage levels are different from each other and are changing independently of each other during operation of the integrated circuit.

Description

BACKGROUND

The subject matter described herein relates generally to integrated circuits and, more particularly, to methods and apparatus for fabricating integrated circuits that facilitate electrical isolation of components on a semiconductor wafer, chip, or die, and facilitate use of the integrated circuits in high-temperature environments.

At least some known silicon carbide (SiC) integrated circuits include a wafer substrate that includes at least one semiconducting layer. The substrate is sometimes referred to as the body and may be fabricated from a p-type material, an n-type material, and/or a semi-insulating material. Further, the SiC integrated circuits may, or may not, have an epitaxial layer formed on top of the substrate.

Many of these known SiC integrated circuits include a plurality of electronic devices, for example, transistors, resistors, and diodes, and include a body terminal embedded in a portion of the substrate. Such body terminals share the same substrate and are therefore substantially electrically coupled. However, the substrate can only be maintained at a single voltage and the body terminals of the transistors and the substrate are maintained at the lowest voltage potential of the plurality of transistors to facilitate proper operation of the integrated circuit. Energizing the substrate to a particular voltage is often referred to as back-biasing. The source terminals of each transistor can be energized to voltages different from the substrate. Therefore, the source-to-body voltage differential, i.e., V_SB, sometimes referred to as a reverse-bias voltage, is maintained at approximately 0 volts (V) or higher. Otherwise, if the body voltage exceeds a source voltage for a transistor, the body and source junction may operate as a diode and current paths will form between source terminals of different transistors.

When the source voltage exceeds the body voltage, an incremental increase in V_SB facilitates an incremental increase in the V_TH of the transistor, thereby necessitating an incremental increase in a gate-to-source voltage (V_GS) to overcome the increased V_TH. Furthermore, an incremental increase in V_TH of the transistor facilitates an incremental decrease in a drain-to-source (or, source-to-drain) current. Therefore, body voltage has an effect on the operation of the affected transistor, and the body acts as a second gate. Such effect is referred to as the “body effect”.

In some known integrated circuits, in order to facilitate conditions such that V_SB is a positive value, each transistor includes a hard-wired interconnection to each associated body terminal to attain the lowest voltage potential required for that particular set of transistors. These connections increase the interconnect complexity of the integrated circuit. The additional hard-wired interconnections increase the die area required for fabrication of the integrated circuit, decrease a yield per wafer, chip, or die, and increase a cost of integrated circuit fabrication.

Moreover, many known integrated circuits include other electronic devices, for example, resistive devices such as resistors that include resistive properties that are voltage and temperature dependent. Therefore, varying voltage conditions associated with the common substrate during dynamic operation of the integrated circuit induces variations in the resistance of the resistive devices, and thus detrimentally affects circuit performance. Furthermore, varying environmental conditions associated with the technical or industrial application of the integrated circuit may include significant temperature variations that will also vary the resistance. Anticipation of such varying circuit voltages and temperatures impose either more restrictive constraints on integrated circuit design and fabrication of the circuits, more restrictive constraints on industrial applications, or more complex and costly fabrication materials and techniques.

Furthermore, many known integrated circuits are limited to operating temperatures of approximately 175 degrees Celsius (° C.) (347 degrees Fahrenheit (° F.)), while many industrial applications include environments that exceed 175° C. Hardening integrated circuits to be more robust in such high-temperature environments significantly increases design and fabrication costs of such circuits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

An integrated circuit according to one embodiment, comprises a first transistor and a corresponding body terminal, wherein the first transistor is reverse biased at a first body voltage level. The integrated circuit further comprises a second transistor and a corresponding body terminal electrically isolated from the first transistor body terminal. The second transistor is reverse biased at a second body voltage level different from the first body voltage level. The first transistor is electrically connected to the second transistor, such that the first and second transistors operate to interact with each other while the respective body voltage levels are different from each other and are changing independently of each other during operation of the integrated circuit.

An integrated circuit according to another embodiment, comprises a plurality of transistors. A corresponding body terminal is associated with each transistor. One or more isolation barriers substantially eliminate electrical connectivity between the body terminals. The body terminal of a first transistor of the plurality of transistors is biased to a first voltage level. The body terminal of a second transistor of the plurality of transistors is biased to a second voltage level different from the first voltage level. The first transistor is electrically connected to the second transistor, such that the first and second transistors operate to interact with each other while the respective body voltage levels are different from each other and are changing independently of each other during operation of the integrated circuit. The substantial elimination of electrical connectivity between the body terminals is maintained during simultaneous operation of the first and second transistors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presently described embodiments will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a prior art integrated circuit;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an integrated circuit according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a portion of the integrated circuit shown in FIG. 2 that includes a pre-etched substrate including a first semiconducting layer and a second semiconducting layer;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a portion of the integrated circuit shown in FIG. 2 that includes a plurality of trenches etched therein;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a portion of the integrated circuit shown in FIG. 2 after a photolithography pattern is removed and the trenches are filled with a non-conductive material;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a portion of the integrated circuit shown in FIG. 2 that has been subjected to further etching;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an integrated circuit according to another embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a portion of the integrated circuit shown in FIG. 7 after a photolithography pattern is removed and the body wells are filled with a doped material;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an example method used in fabricating the integrated circuit shown in FIGS. 2 and 7;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an integrated circuit according to yet another embodiment; and

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an integrated circuit according to still another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following specification and the claims, which follow, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings.

The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event occurs and instances where it does not.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about” and “substantially”, are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

The example integrated circuits and methods described herein may overcome disadvantages of known integrated circuits by defining a trench and/or a body well within a semiconducting layer between each individual electronic device positioned on the integrated circuit. The trenches and body wells can be formed using known methods of photolithography patterning and etching. The trenches can be filled with non-conductive materials that do not substantially increase costs of circuit fabrication. The body wells can be filled with a doped material that does not substantially increase costs of circuit fabrication. The trenches and body wells are isolation barriers. Each isolation barrier can surround a transistor, diode, or a resistor, thereby substantially eliminating electrical connectivity between a body terminal of a device and a body terminal of other devices. Such etching may be deep enough to extend through the semiconducting layer that houses the body of transistors and resistors, thus forming islands and isolating each device. Such island isolation may significantly reduce the body effect, i.e., the effect attained if a source terminal voltage exceeds a body voltage at which the substrate is maintained, thereby facilitating improvements in circuit performance.

Also, such isolation facilitates reducing a complexity of circuit interconnectivity, thereby potentially reducing an associated die area, facilitating an increase in yield per wafer, and facilitating a reduction of cost per die. Moreover, such isolation may facilitate a reduction of voltage variations in the vicinities of each resistor in the integrated circuit, thereby further facilitating improved circuit performance with varying operating conditions and further facilitating simplifying circuit design. Furthermore, decreasing voltage variations facilitates increasing functionality of integrated circuits in apparatus that include a wider tolerance range for varying temperatures, including extended high-temperature operations. Examples of such high-temperature apparatus include high-temperature tools and equipment for exploration of deep oil wells, in some case in conditions in excess of 175 degrees Celsius (° C.) (347 degrees Fahrenheit (° F.)), including temperatures that exceed 300° C. (572° F.), and in some cases, up to 500° C. (932° F.) for extended periods of time.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a prior art integrated circuit 100 that includes a silicon carbide (SiC) wafer substrate 102 that includes at least one semiconducting layer 104. The substrate is sometimes referred to as the body and may be fabricated from a p-type material, an n-type material, and/or a semi-insulating material. Further, integrated circuit 100 may, or may not, have an epitaxial layer formed on top of substrate 102.

Circuit 100 also includes a first electronic device, or transistor 106 embedded within substrate 102. Circuit 100 also includes a second electronic device, or transistor 108 embedded within substrate 102. Circuit 100 further includes a first body terminal 110 associated with first transistor 106 and a second body terminal 112 associated with second transistor 108. First body terminal 110 and second body terminal 112 are coupled to each other via a body terminal interconnection 114. Circuit 100 also includes a first source terminal 116 coupled to first transistor 106 and a second source terminal 118 coupled to second transistor 108. Circuit 100 further includes a first drain terminal 120 coupled to first transistor 106 and a second drain terminal 122 coupled to second transistor 108. Circuit 100 also includes a first gate terminal 124 coupled to first transistor 106 and a second gate terminal 126 coupled to second transistor 108.

First transistor 106 has a first threshold voltage, or V_TH1, wherein V_TH1 is the first gate-to-first source differential voltage at which a current path (not shown) between first source terminal 116 and first drain terminal 120 is formed such that electric current flows therebetween and first transistor 106 changes from an “off state to an “on” state. Similarly, second transistor 108 has a second threshold voltage, or V_TH2, wherein V_TH2 is the second gate-to-second source differential voltage at which a current path (not shown) between second source terminal 118 and second drain terminal 122 is formed such that electric current flows therebetween and second transistor 108 changes from an “off state to an “on” state.

In operation, first source terminal 116 is energized to a source voltage of approximately 0 volts (V) and first gate terminal 124 has a gate voltage of approximately 0V. Therefore, the differential voltage is approximately 0V which is less than V_TH1 and first transistor 106 is in an “off state. As the gate voltage increases and the differential voltage between first gate terminal 124 and first source terminal 116, i.e., V_GS1 exceeds V_TH1, first transistor 106 changes to an “on” state. Also, in operation, second source terminal 118 is energized to a source voltage of approximately 1V and second gate terminal 126 has a gate voltage of approximately 1V. Therefore, the differential voltage between second gate terminal 126 and second source terminal 118, i.e., V_GS2, is approximately 0V which is less than V_TH2 and second transistor 108 is in an “off state. As the gate voltage increases and V_GS2, exceeds V_TH2, second transistor 108 changes to an “on” state.

First body terminal 110 and second body terminal 112 share semiconducting layer 104 and are substantially electrically coupled, therefore, terminals 110 and 112 and semiconducting layer 104 can only be maintained at a single voltage. Body terminal interconnection 114 facilitates maintaining first body terminal 110, second body terminal 112, and semiconducting layer 104 at approximately 0V, thereby maintaining a source-to-body voltage differential, i.e., V_SB, sometimes referred to as a reverse-bias voltage, at approximately 0V for first transistor 106 and approximately 1V for second transistor 108, thereby subjecting second transistor 108 to the body effect as described herein. First body terminal 110, second body terminal 112, and semiconducting layer 104 are maintained at the lowest voltage potential of transistors 106 and 108 to facilitate proper operation of integrated circuit 100. Therefore, the lowest voltage of 0V is selected rather than 1V.

Otherwise, if the voltage of 1V were selected, the voltage of semiconducting layer 104 exceeds the voltage of 0V for first source terminal 116 for first transistor 106. In some circumstances, first body terminal 110 and first source terminal 116 cooperate to act in a manner similar to a diode and may forward-bias to facilitate electric current flow within semiconducting layer 104 and disrupt normal transistor operation.

Also, otherwise, if the voltage of 0V is selected, if base terminal interconnection 114 is not present, and if the voltage of second source terminal 118 is 1V, the voltage of second source terminal 118 exceeds the voltage of semiconducting layer 104. Such conditions give rise to the body effect. The incremental increase in V_SB facilitates an incremental increase in V_TH2 of second transistor 108, thereby necessitating an incremental increase in second gate terminal 126-to-second source terminal 118 voltage (V_GS2) to overcome the increased V_TH2. Furthermore, an incremental increase in V_TH2 facilitates an incremental decrease in a second drain terminal 122-to-second source terminal 118 current (not shown). Therefore, the voltage of semiconducting layer 104 has an effect on the operation of affected second transistor 108, and semiconducting layer 104 acts as a second gate. Body terminal interconnection 114 facilitates maintaining body terminal 110 and 112 of transistor 106 and 108, respectively, at the lowest potential of integrated circuit 100. Such body terminal interconnection 114 increases the interconnect complexity of integrated circuit 100. Also, such additional hard-wired interconnections 114 increase a value of the die area required for fabrication of integrated circuit 100, decrease a yield per wafer, and increase a cost of fabrication of integrated circuit 100.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an example device, e.g., integrated circuit 200. In the example embodiment, circuit 200 includes a first semiconducting layer 202 and a second semiconducting layer 204 formed over a substantial portion of first semiconducting layer 202 to define a substrate 205, sometimes referred to as a base or a body. Also, in the example embodiment, first semiconducting layer 202 and second semiconducting layer 204, and therefore substrate 205, are formed from silicon carbide (SiC). Alternatively, layers 202 and 204, and therefore substrate 205 are formed from any semiconducting material that enables operation of integrated circuit 200 as described herein including, without limitation, gallium nitride (GaN), indium nitride (InN), and aluminum nitride (AlN). A plurality of isolation barriers, that is, substantially vertical trenches 210 are formed within substrate 205 and extend through second semiconducting layer 204. Body terminal interconnection 114 (shown in FIG. 1) is removed in FIG. 2 since first body terminal 110 and second body terminal 112 are not coupled to each other. Moreover, first body terminal 110 is energized with a voltage potential of 0V and second body terminal 112 is energized with a voltage potential of 1V.

In the example embodiment, trenches 210 are formed within substrate 205 to extend through second semiconducting layer 204 and at least some trenches 210 extend into first semiconducting layer 202 a distance 240 that is up to approximately 5 microns. Also, in the example embodiment, trenches 210 are positioned to surround a device, e.g., a transistor or a resistor, and define a plurality of device islands by breaking electrical connection between a body terminal of a device and those of other devices, and thus first transistor 106 may be substantially electrically isolated from second transistor 108. In one embodiment, first transistor 106 is positioned on first device island 220, second transistor 108 is positioned on second device island 230. In general, such electrical isolation facilitates each device on each device island to be back-biased at different potentials. Therefore, in the example embodiment, first device island 220 can be back-biased to a voltage of approximately 0V and second device island 230 can be back-biased to a voltage of 1V.

Forming trenches 210 to define first device island 220 and second device island 230 may facilitate substantially reducing deleterious consequences associated with the body effect. For example, threshold voltages for each device may be more stable with little variability. Also, for example, current flow through second semiconducting layer 204 associated with first device island 220 between first source terminal 116 and first drain terminal 120 may be substantially isolated to first transistor 106 and first device island 220. Similarly, current flow through second semiconducting layer 204 associated with second device island 230 between second source terminal 118 and second drain terminal 122 may be substantially isolated to second transistor 108 and second device island 230. Therefore, overall current flow through substrate 205 may be improved. Moreover, forming trenches 210 as described herein facilitates matching two similar devices in close physical proximity to each other since similar devices with similar operation may be candidates for positioning on one island together. Also, positioning similar devices on different islands facilitates each device operating in a substantially similar manner, thereby facilitating similar devices behaving in a consistent manner, also facilitating consistent operation of integrated circuit 200. Furthermore, elimination of such additional hard-wired interconnections, e.g., body terminal interconnection 114, facilitates decreasing the die area required for fabrication of integrated circuit 200, increasing a yield per wafer, and decreasing a cost of integrated circuit fabrication.

Further, in the example embodiment, first transistor 106 may be replaced by a first resistor 256 and second transistor 108 may be replaced by 258 to illustrate that resistors, as well as any other electronic device, including diodes, may be positioned on first device island 220 and second device island 230, respectively. Resistors 256 and 258 include resistive properties that are voltage and/or temperature dependent. Therefore, in the example embodiment, forming trenches 210 in substrate 205 facilitates substantially reducing varying voltage conditions associated with common second semiconductor layer 204 during dynamic operation of integrated circuit 200, therefore significantly reducing inducement of variations in the resistance of resistors 256 and 258 and, further, other resistances within integrated circuit 200.

Such reduction in resistance variations of integrated circuit 200 due to voltage variations facilitates a greater tolerance of varying environmental conditions associated with the technical or industrial application that integrated circuit 200 may be employed. Significant temperature variations will also vary the resistance of integrated circuit 200; however, in the example embodiment, integrated circuit 200 may be employed in environments with operating temperatures in excess of 175 degrees Celsius (° C.) (347 degrees Fahrenheit (° F.)), including temperatures that exceed 300° C. (572° F.), and in some cases, up to 500° C. (932° F.) for extended periods of time. Therefore, integrated circuit 200 may be embedded within high-temperature apparatus that include, without limitation, semiconductor wafers, chips, and dies. Moreover, integrated circuit 200 may be embedded within larger-scale high-temperature apparatus that include, without limitation, high-temperature tools and equipment for exploration of deep oil wells.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a portion 300 of integrated circuit 200 (shown in FIG. 2) that includes a pre-etched substrate 301 including first semiconducting layer 202 and second semiconducting layer 204. Portion 300 also includes a pattern 302 that is, for example, photolithography-based, positioned on top of second semiconducting layer 204, thereby masking a portion of pre-etched substrate 301. Pattern 302 includes a plurality of unmasked, or target cutouts 304 formed therein to facilitate subsequent etching via, for example, and preferably, plasma etching.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a portion 320 of integrated circuit 200 (shown in FIG. 2) that includes a plurality of trenches 322 etched therein. In the example embodiment, trenches 322 are formed within a trenched substrate 321 and extend through second semiconducting layer 204 and may extend up to approximately 5 microns into first semiconducting layer 202.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a portion 340 of integrated circuit 200 (shown in FIG. 2) after pattern 302 is removed and trenches 322 are filled with a non-conductive material 342. Portion 340 includes a filled base 341 including a layer of non-conductive material 342 formed on second semiconducting layer 204 such that filled base 341 includes filled trenches.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a portion 360 of integrated circuit 200 (shown in FIG. 2) that has been subjected to further etching. Nonconductive material 342 is planarized, i.e., a portion of non-conductive material 342 is removed from the surface of second semiconducting layer 204 and filled trenches 210 are substantially planar with second semiconducting layer 204. Alternatively, any method of planarizing filled trenches 210 that enables operation of integrated circuit 200 as described herein is used including, without limitation, polishing, wet etching, and non-plasma etching of non-conductive material 342. First device island 220 is sufficiently formed to facilitate receipt of first transistor 106 or first resistor 256 (both shown in FIG. 2) thereon.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an alternative example integrated circuit 370. Integrated circuit 370 is similar to integrated circuit 200 (shown in FIG. 2) with the exception that integrated circuit 370 includes a first alternative device island 372 and a second alternative device island 374. Instead of plurality trenches 210 (shown in FIG. 2) formed within base 205, a plurality of isolation barriers, that is, body wells 376 are formed within second semiconducting layer 204. Body wells 376 are filled with a doped material 378 that includes dopants such as, without limitation, phosphorous, nitrogen, boron, and aluminum. Device islands 372 and 374 are doped with materials that are similar to device body terminals 110 and 112, that is, doped materials 378 are either an n-type or a p-type. However, doped materials 378 are a different type than that of second semiconducting layer 204, thus facilitating formation of device islands 372 and 374 in second semiconducting layer 204. In the example embodiment, the concentration of doping material 378 is substantially homogeneous within a range of approximately 1e¹⁵ dopant atoms per cubic centimeters (cm³) to approximately 1e²⁰ dopant atoms per cm³. In the exemplary embodiment, device islands 372 and 374 extend approximately 10 microns into second semiconducting layer 204. Alternatively, device islands 372 and 374 extend any depth into second semiconducting layer 204 that enables operation of integrated circuit 370 as described herein including, without limitation, less than 10 microns.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a portion 380 of integrated circuit 370 (shown in FIG. 7) after a photolithography pattern is removed and body wells 376 are filled with doped material 378. In a manner similar to that for integrated circuit 200, second semiconducting layer 204 is masked using lithography. Body wells 376 are formed by doping of portions of second semiconducting layer 204. Doped material 378 is incorporated directly into body wells 376 using methods that include, without limitation, implantation and diffusion.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an example method 400 used in fabricating integrated circuit 200 (shown in FIG. 2). In the example embodiment, substrate 205 (shown in FIG. 2) with at least one semiconducting layer, e.g., first semiconducting layer 202 and second semiconducting layer 204 (both shown in FIG. 2), is provided 402. A plurality of isolation barriers, that is, a plurality of trenches 210 (shown in FIG. 2) or a plurality of body wells 376 (shown in FIG. 7) are etched 404 through second semiconducting layer 204, thereby forming a plurality of device islands 220 and 230 (both shown in FIG. 2) or device islands 372 and 374 (both shown in FIG. 7). A plurality of electronic devices 106, 108, 256, and 258 (all shown in FIGS. 2 and 7) are inserted 406 into a portion of second semiconducting layer 204 such that each electronic device 106 and 256 is substantially isolated from each electronic device 108 and 258 by device islands 220 and 230 and/or device islands 372 and 374.

FIG. 10 illustrates an integrated circuit 500 according to yet another embodiment. The integrated circuit 500 is identical in structure to the integrated circuit 200 described with reference to FIG. 2, except the integrated circuit 500 further comprises electrical interconnections 502 between a plurality of integrated circuit transistors 106, 108 that are otherwise completely isolated from each other. Transistors 106, 108 may be depletion mode MOSFET transistors, according to one embodiment. The plurality of electrically interconnected integrated circuit transistors 106, 108 operate to interact with each other while the transistor body voltages are different from each other and are changing independently of each other during operation of the integrated circuit 500. Electrical connectivity between the body terminals 110, 112 is substantially eliminated during simultaneous operation of the plurality of electrically interconnected transistors 106, 108. Substantial elimination of electrical connectivity between body terminals as described herein shall mean the resistance between the body terminals is greater than 1 MOhm or alternatively shall mean the resistance between the body terminals of two transistors is substantially greater than the resistance between the body and source of each of the two transistors, i.e., the resistance between the body terminals of two transistors is at least ten times larger than the resistance between the body and source terminal on each of the two transistors.

Similar to the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 2, the body terminal 110 of first transistor 106 and the body terminal 112 of second transistor 108 may be at different potentials with respect to each other, thus allowing each device 106, 108 to perform at its optimal bias point, without affecting the performance of the other device. The source terminal 116 of transistor 106 is shown connected to the body terminal 110 of transistor 106, although such an interconnection may be unnecessary based on a particular application when using the isolation principles described herein. Similarly, the source terminal 118 of transistor 108 is shown connected to the body terminal 112 of transistor 108; but such an interconnection may be unnecessary when using the isolation principles described herein, based on a particular application.

The drain terminal 120 of transistor 106 may be electrically connected directly to the source terminal 118 of transistor 108 as shown according to one embodiment, even though the two transistors 106, 108 are isolated from each other by deep trench isolation barriers 210. The electrical connections/interconnections 502 may comprise, for example, discrete wires or one or more patterned layers integrated with the integrated circuit 500. An alternative embodiment replaces the deep trench isolation barriers 210 with body wells 376 such as depicted in FIG. 7. It can be appreciated that the voltage at the source terminal 118 of transistor 108 and at the drain terminal 120 of transistor 106 vary during normal operation. Because the body terminal 110 of transistor 106 is connected to the source terminal 116 of transistor 106, the voltage difference between the source and body of transistor 106 remains constant during normal operation; and transistor 106 experiences minimal body effect, which is an undesirable effect where transistor performance degrades. In similar fashion, transistor 108 experiences a constant source to body terminal voltage, and also sees minimal body effect.

The structural and operating characteristics described herein with reference to FIG. 10, advantageously allow the simultaneous use of two or more transistors in an integrated circuit to perform a useful function together, while the respective body voltages are different from each other and changing while in operation to perform the useful function. The simultaneous use of transistor 106 that operates at a first body voltage and transistor 108 that operates at a second body voltage that is different than the first body voltage is achieved according to one embodiment by interconnecting the source terminal 118 of transistor 108 and the drain terminal 120 of transistor 106 that are otherwise completely isolated from each other by isolation barriers 210, 376.

Integrated circuit structures with particular types of isolation regions between transistors and other devices are known. The body effect is much more pronounced in depletion mode type devices when compared with enhancement mode devices. Thus, complete device isolation is more beneficial when an integrated circuit employs depletion mode transistors such as depletion mode MOSFET transistors. Such integrated circuit structures strive to completely segregate transistors that have differing body effects, thus limiting the number of possible future applications for the integrated circuit. In such integrated circuit structures, interconnections between transistors, for example, are limited to connecting together transistors having substantially identical body voltages and/or body effects. The embodiment described herein with reference to FIG. 10 advantageously provides an integrated circuit structure that allows the simultaneous use of two or more transistors in an integrated circuit performing a useful function, in which at least two of the transistors that are operating to simultaneously perform the useful function are electrically interconnected directly with each other and have body voltages that are different from each other and changing while in operation. The body to source voltage being constant for each transistor minimizes body effects and provides optimal transistor performance. A wider range of integrated circuit applications is made possible using the principles described herein that allow a plurality of transistors to simultaneously interact with each other while allowing each transistor to operate at its optimal operating point.

FIG. 11 illustrates an integrated circuit 600 according to still another embodiment. The integrated circuit 600 is identical in structure to the integrated circuit 200 described with reference to FIG. 2, except the integrated circuit 600 further comprises more than one transistor 108, 130 sharing the same device island 230 as well as the same source terminal 132. Other embodiments may also comprise more than one transistor sharing the same device island 220 such that one or both device islands 220, 230 each comprise multiple transistors according to the principles described herein. Further, transistor 108 includes a separate gate terminal 126 and a separate drain terminal 122, while transistor 130 includes a separate gate terminal 128 and a separate drain terminal 134. Electrical interconnections 602 are provided between integrated circuit transistor 106 on device island 220 and integrated circuit transistor pair 108, 130 on device island 230, wherein transistor 106 is otherwise completely isolated from transistor pair 108, 130. Transistors 106, 108, 130 may be depletion mode MOSFET transistors, according to one embodiment. The plurality of electrically interconnected integrated circuit transistors 106, 108, 130 operate to interact with each other while the transistor body voltages on device island 220 are different from transistor body voltages on device island 230 and are changing independently of each other during operation of the integrated circuit 600. Electrical connectivity between the body terminals 110, 112 is substantially eliminated during simultaneous operation of the plurality of electrically interconnected transistors 106, 108, 130. Substantial elimination of electrical connectivity between body terminals as stated herein means the resistance between the body terminals is greater than 1 MOhm or alternatively shall mean the resistance between the body terminals of two transistors is substantially greater than the resistance between the body and source of each of the two transistors, i.e., the resistance between the body terminals of two transistors is at least ten times larger than the resistance between the body and source terminal on each of the two transistors.

Similar to the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 2, the body terminal 110 of first transistor 106 and the body terminal 112 of transistor pair 108, 130 may be at different potentials with respect to each other, thus allowing device 106 and device pair 108, 130 to perform at their optimal bias points, without affecting the performance of the other device. The source terminal 116 of transistor 106 is shown connected to the body terminal 110 of transistor 106, although such an interconnection may be unnecessary based on a particular application when using the isolation principles described herein. Similarly, the source terminal 132 of transistor pair 108, 130 is shown connected to the body terminal 112 of transistor pair 108, 130; but such an interconnection may be unnecessary when using the isolation principles described herein, based on a particular application.

The drain terminal 120 of transistor 106 may be electrically connected directly to the source terminal 132 of transistor pair 108, 130 as shown according to one embodiment, even though transistor 106 is isolated from transistor pair 108, 130 by deep trench isolation barriers 210. The electrical connections/interconnections 602 may comprise, for example, discrete wires or one or more patterned layers integrated with the integrated circuit 600. An alternative embodiment replaces the deep trench isolation barriers 210 with body wells 376 such as depicted in FIG. 7. It can be appreciated that the voltage at the source terminal 132 of transistor pair 108, 130 and at the drain terminal 120 of transistor 106 vary during normal operation. Because the body terminal 110 of transistor 106 is connected to the source terminal 116 of transistor 106, the voltage difference between the source and body of transistor 106 remains constant during normal operation; and transistor 106 experiences minimal body effect, which is an undesirable effect where transistor performance degrades. In similar fashion, transistor pair 108, 130 experiences a constant source to body terminal voltage, and also sees minimal body effect.

The structural and operating characteristics described herein with reference to FIG. 11, advantageously allow the simultaneous use of two or more transistors in an integrated circuit to perform a useful function together, while the respective body voltages associated with each device island are different from each other and changing while in operation to perform the useful function. The simultaneous use of transistor 106 that operates at a first body voltage and transistor pair 108, 130 that operates at a second body voltage that is different than the first body voltage is achieved according to one embodiment by interconnecting the source terminal 132 of transistor pair 108, 130 and the drain terminal 120 of transistor 106 that are otherwise completely isolated from each other by isolation barriers 210, 376.

Integrated circuit structures with particular types of isolation regions between transistors and other devices are known, as stated herein. The body effect is much more pronounced in depletion mode type devices when compared with enhancement mode devices, as also stated herein. Thus, complete device isolation is more beneficial when an integrated circuit employs depletion mode transistors such as depletion mode MOSFET transistors. Such integrated circuit structures strive to completely segregate transistors that have differing body effects, thus limiting the number of possible future applications for the integrated circuit. In such integrated circuit structures, interconnections between transistors, for example, are limited to connecting together transistors having substantially identical body voltages and/or body effects. The embodiment described herein with reference to FIG. 11 advantageously provides an integrated circuit structure that allows the simultaneous use of two or more transistors in an integrated circuit performing a useful function, in which at least two of the transistors that are operating to simultaneously perform the useful function are electrically interconnected directly with each other and have body voltages that are different from each other and changing while in operation. The body to source voltage being constant for each transistor and/or group of transistors minimizes body effects and provides optimal transistor performance. A wider range of integrated circuit applications is made possible using the principles described herein that allow a plurality of transistors to simultaneously interact with each other while allowing each transistor and/or group of transistors to operate at their optimal operating points.

It can be appreciated that transistors 106, 108, 130 may be depletion mode transistors, enhancement mode transistors, or a combination of depletion mode transistors and enhancement mode transistors. Although integrated circuit 600 depicts two transistors 108, 130 sharing a common source terminal, other embodiments in which each transistor 108, 130 is associated with its own source terminal are also contemplated depending upon the particular application. It can further be appreciated that in most practical applications, the source terminals in the same device island are shared to provide the best performance and reduce device area.

The above-described integrated circuits and methods of fabrication may overcome disadvantages of known integrated circuits by defining an isolation barrier within a semiconducting layer between each individual electronic device positioned on the integrated circuit. The isolation barriers can be formed using known methods of patterning and etching. The isolation barriers may include trenches that may be filled with non-conductive materials that do not substantially increase costs of circuit fabrication. The isolation barriers may also includes body wells that may be filled with a doped material that does not substantially increase costs of fabrication. Each isolation barrier may surround a transistor or a resistor, thereby substantially eliminating electrical connectivity between a body terminal of a device and a body terminal of other devices. Such etching may be deep enough to extend through the semiconducting layer that houses the body of transistors and resistors, thus forming islands and isolating each device. Such isolation significantly reduces the body effect, thereby facilitating improvements in circuit performance. Also, such isolation facilitates reducing a complexity of circuit interconnectivity, thereby potentially reducing an associated die area, facilitating an increase in yield per wafer, and facilitating a reduction of cost per die. Moreover, such isolation may facilitate a reduction of voltage variations in the vicinities of each resistor in the integrated circuit, thereby further facilitating improved circuit performance with varying operating conditions and further facilitating simplifying circuit design. Furthermore, decreasing voltage variations facilitates increasing functionality of integrated circuits in apparatus that include a wider tolerance range for varying temperatures, including extended high-temperature operations. Examples of such high-temperature apparatus include high-temperature tools and equipment for exploration of deep oil wells, in some case in conditions in excess of 175 degrees Celsius (° C.) (347 degrees Fahrenheit (° F.)), including temperatures that exceed 300° C. (572° F.), and in some cases, up to 500° C. (932° F.) for extended periods of time.

Example embodiments of integrated circuits and methods for fabricating such integrated circuits are described above in detail. The integrated circuits and fabrication methods are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, devices of integrated circuits and/or steps of the fabrication methods may be utilized independently and separately from other devices and/or steps described herein. For example, the integrated circuits and methods may also be used in combination with other electronic devices and fabrication methods, and are not limited to practice with only the integrated circuits as described herein. Rather, the example embodiment can be implemented and utilized in connection with many other electronic system and fabrication applications.

Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. Moreover, references to “one embodiment” in the above description are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention 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.

Claims

1. An integrated circuit, comprising: a first transistor and a corresponding body terminal, wherein the first transistor is reverse biased at a first body voltage level; anda second transistor and a corresponding body terminal electrically isolated from the first transistor body terminal, wherein the second transistor is reverse biased at a second body voltage level different from the first body voltage level, and further wherein the first transistor is electrically connected to the second transistor, such that the first and second transistors operate to interact with each other while the respective body voltage levels are different from each other and are changing independently of each other during operation of the integrated circuit.

2. The integrated circuit according to claim 1, wherein the first and second transistors comprise depletion mode transistors, enhancement mode transistors, or a combination of depletion mode transistors and enhancement mode transistors.

3. The integrated circuit according to claim 1, wherein the first and second transistors comprise MOSFET devices.

4. The integrated circuit according to claim 1, wherein the first transistor is electrically isolated from the second transistor via one or more deep trench isolation barriers or a plurality of body wells.

5. The integrated circuit according to claim 1, wherein the first transistor body terminal is biased at the first voltage level, and the second transistor body terminal is biased at the second voltage level.

6. The integrated circuit according to claim 1, wherein the first and second transistors are embedded within a substrate comprising a first semiconducting layer and a second semiconducting layer formed over a substantial portion of the first semiconducting layer to define the substrate.

7. The integrated circuit according to claim 6, wherein the first and second transistors are electrically isolated from each other via one or more deep trench isolation barriers extending completely through the second semiconducting layer.

8. The integrated circuit according to claim 6, wherein at least one deep trench extends completely through the second semiconducting layer into the first semiconducting layer.

9. The integrated circuit according to claim 6, wherein the first semiconductor layer comprises one of an n-type layer, a p-type layer, an insulating layer, and a semi-insulating layer, and further wherein the second semiconductor layer comprises one of an n-type layer and a p-type layer.

10. The integrated circuit according to claim 6, wherein the first semiconductor layer comprises a semi-insulating layer and the second semiconductor layer comprises one of a p-type layer and an n-type layer.

11. The integrated circuit according to claim 1, further comprising at least one additional transistor, wherein the first transistor and the at least additional transistor share the first transistor body terminal, and further wherein the at least one additional transistor and the first transistor further share a common source terminal, and further wherein the at least one additional transistor comprises a drain terminal and a gate terminal that are independent from a drain terminal and a gate terminal associated with the first transistor.

12. The integrated circuit according to claim 11, further comprising one or more additional transistors, wherein the second transistor and the one or more additional transistors share the second transistor body terminal, and further wherein the one or more additional transistors and the second transistor further share a common source terminal, and further wherein the one or more additional transistors comprise a drain terminal and a gate terminal that are independent from a drain terminal and a gate terminal associated with the second transistor.

13. An integrated circuit, comprising: a plurality of transistors; anda corresponding body terminal associated with each transistor, wherein one or more isolation barriers substantially eliminate electrical connectivity between the body terminals, and further wherein the body terminal of a first transistor of the plurality of transistors is biased to a first voltage level, the body terminal of a second transistor of the plurality of transistors is biased to a second voltage level different from the first voltage level, and the first transistor is electrically connected to the second transistor, such that the first and second transistors operate to interact with each other while their respective body voltage levels are different from each other and are changing independently of each other during operation of the integrated circuit, and while the substantial elimination of electrical connectivity between the body terminals is maintained during simultaneous operation of the first and second transistors.

14. The integrated circuit according to claim 13, wherein at least the first and second transistors comprise depletion mode transistors, enhancement mode transistors, or a combination of depletion mode transistors and enhancement mode transistors.

15. The integrated circuit according to claim 13, wherein at least the first and second transistors comprise MOSFET devices.

16. The integrated circuit according to claim 13 wherein the plurality of transistors are embedded within a substrate comprising a first semiconducting layer and a second semiconducting layer formed over a substantial portion of the first semiconducting layer to define the substrate.

17. The integrated circuit according to claim 16, wherein the one or more isolation barriers comprise one or more deep trenches extending completely through the second semiconducting layer into the first semiconducting layer.

18. The integrated circuit according to claim 16, wherein the first semiconductor layer comprises one of an n-type layer, a p-type layer, an insulating layer, and a semi-insulating layer, and further wherein the second semiconductor layer comprises one of an n-type layer and a p-type layer.

19. The integrated circuit according to claim 16, wherein the first semiconductor layer comprises a semi-insulating layer and the second semiconductor layer comprises one of a p-type layer and an n-type layer.

20. The integrated circuit according to claim 13, wherein the one or more isolation barriers comprise one or more body wells.