Composite Capacitor Layout for Higher Capacitance in Compact Chips

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increase in chip area due to the formation of trench capacitors at the outer peripheral edge of semiconductor devices necessitates a solution that allows for the integration of multiple capacitor elements without expanding the semiconductor device's footprint.

Innovation Solution

A composite capacitor is formed to surround the element formation portion in plan view, utilizing a configuration that includes impurity diffusion layers, insulating films, and conductive laminates to integrate multiple capacitor elements without increasing the chip area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If trench capacitors are formed at the outer peripheral edge of the semiconductor device, then the capacitance capacity is improved, but the chip area increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a planar arrangement of capacitor elements to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. Multiple capacitor elements are arranged vertically in layers, with upper and lower electrode patterns alternately positioned at different heights. This vertical stacking enables increased capacitance capacity without expanding the horizontal chip footprint, effectively resolving the contradiction between capacitance capacity and chip area.

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

2Area of stationary object

If multiple capacitor elements are integrated monolithically, then the chip area is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechip areaVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitor structure is segmented into multiple discrete capacitor elements arranged in series or parallel configurations. Each capacitor element consists of separated upper and lower electrode patterns with insulating films between them. This segmentation allows for modular integration of multiple capacitor elements within a compact area, reducing the overall chip area while managing structural complexity through systematic repetition of standardized units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested arrangement where multiple capacitor elements are stacked vertically within each other. Upper electrode patterns of lower capacitors are positioned beneath lower electrode patterns of upper capacitors, creating a nested three-dimensional structure. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization and integrates multiple capacitor elements into a compact volume, reducing chip area without proportionally increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20260082904A1Semiconductor device
Publication Date: 2026.03.19 RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORP
  • US20260082904A1 patent drawing
  • US20260082904A1 patent drawing
  • US20260082904A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A semiconductor device of the present disclosure includes a semiconductor substrate having an element formation portion and a composite capacitor formed to surround the element formation portion in plan view. The composite capacitor has a plurality of capacitor elements electrically connected in parallel.