3D Transistor Capacitor Cell Layout for Higher Capacitance Density

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Solution Overview

Problem

Semiconductor integrated circuit devices using three-dimensional transistor devices face challenges in implementing capacitor cells with high capacitance values per unit area, which affects noise resistance and performance due to increased operating frequency and decreased operating voltage.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a capacitor cell with a three-dimensional transistor device, featuring longer local interconnects that protrude from the diffusion layer to increase parasitic capacitance, and utilizes double patterning to form metal interconnects with different masks, allowing for closer spacing and higher capacitance values per unit area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the local interconnect is extended to protrude further from the power supply interconnect, then the capacitance value per unit area is improved, but the device area is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacitance valueVSAvoiddevice area
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by extending the local interconnect in the second direction (vertical/protruding direction) rather than only in the planar direction. This allows the interconnect to protrude from the diffusion layer surface, creating additional capacitance through increased overlap with the gate interconnect in the vertical dimension while minimizing planar area occupation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The local interconnect is nested within the capacitor cell structure, extending from the diffusion layer toward the gate interconnect. This nesting arrangement allows the interconnect to be positioned optimally for capacitance formation while sharing space within the existing cell boundaries, effectively utilizing the vertical space between layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the local interconnect is extended to increase parasitic capacitance, then the noise resistance is improved, but the manufacturing precision is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise resistanceVSAvoidinterconnect length control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the local interconnect, specifically extending its length in the second direction to increase parasitic capacitance. By controlling this dimensional parameter, the design achieves enhanced noise resistance while the manufacturing process maintains precision through standard photolithography and etching techniques that can reproduce the extended geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The extended local interconnect serves dual purposes: it provides electrical connection functionality while simultaneously generating parasitic capacitance for noise suppression. This self-service approach allows the same structural element to fulfill both interconnection and noise resistance requirements without requiring separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach effectively increases the capacitance value of capacitor cells per unit area, enhancing the noise resistance and performance of semiconductor integrated circuit devices by optimizing the layout and interconnect configuration.

Implementation Method 1

increasing parasitic capacitance between the local interconnects and the gate interconnects

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectParasitic capacitance: Parasitic Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS20230411396A1Semiconductor integrated circuit device
Publication Date: 2023.12.21 SOCIONEXT INC
  • US20230411396A1 patent drawing
  • US20230411396A1 patent drawing
  • US20230411396A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure attempts to provide a capacitor cell having a large capacitance value per unit area in a semiconductor integrated circuit device using a three-dimensional transistor device. A logic cell includes a three-dimensional transistor device. A capacitor cell includes a three-dimensional transistor device. A length of a portion, of a local interconnect, which protrudes from a three-dimensional diffusion layer in a direction away from a power supply interconnect in the capacitor cell is greater than a length of a portion, of a local interconnect, which protrudes from a three-dimensional diffusion layer in a direction away from a power supply interconnect in the logic cell.