Backside Power Routing in Semiconductor Source/Drain Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current semiconductor devices face challenges in improving routing congestion and scaling size due to limitations in power delivery networks, particularly in three-dimensional structures.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor device with a backside power delivery network is implemented using a streamlined manufacturing process, featuring a base insulation layer, channel layer, source/drain patterns, gate structure, lower wire structure, and through electrode, which connects the source/drain patterns to the lower wire structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If power delivery network is placed on the backside of the substrate, then routing congestion is improved and scaling capability is enhanced, but manufacturing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting congestionVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power delivery network is moved from the traditional planar configuration on the front side to the backside of the substrate, utilizing the third dimension (depth/thickness) to resolve routing congestion. This dimensional transition allows power and ground signals to be routed separately from signal paths, eliminating interference and improving scalability without increasing lateral manufacturing complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The substrate is functionally segmented into front side (signal processing) and back side (power delivery), allowing independent optimization of each layer. This segmentation enables the power delivery network to be designed and manufactured separately, reducing overall system complexity while improving routing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If through electrodes are used to connect source/drain patterns to lower wire structure, then electrical connectivity is improved, but manufacturing steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidmanufacturing steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Through electrodes are formed in the base insulation layer before final interlayer insulation deposition, establishing electrical connectivity pathways in advance. This preliminary action ensures reliable connections between source/drain patterns and lower wire structures are in place before subsequent manufacturing steps, reducing the need for additional alignment and connection steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4546432A1Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4546432A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4546432A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4546432A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A semiconductor device may include a base insulation layer (100), a channel layer (CH) on a first surface of the base insulation layer (100), a first source/drain pattern (151) and a second source/drain pattern (152) spaced apart from each other in a first direction (D1) on a first surface of the base insulating layer (100) with the channel layer (CH) therebetween, a gate structure (GS) on the first surface of the base insulation layer (100) and extending in a second direction (D2) crossing the first direction (D1), a lower wire structure (220) on a second surface of the base insulation layer (100), and a through electrode (190) spaced apart from the gate structure with the first source/drain pattern (151) between the through electrode (190) and the gate structure. The through electrode (190) may penetrate the base insulation layer (100) and electrically connect the first source/drain pattern (151) to the lower wire structure (220). The first direction (D1) may be parallel to the first surface of the base insulation layer (100).