Deep Trench SCR Layout for Lower Trigger Voltage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) devices have high trigger voltage and large footprint, limiting their high current performance and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a deep trench isolation structure within semiconductor wells, combined with shallow trench isolation structures, to create a deeper current path and separate anode and cathode terminals, reducing trigger voltage and footprint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional SCR device structure is used, then device can perform basic current control function, but trigger voltage is high and footprint is large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrigger voltageVSAvoidfootprint
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a deep trench isolation structure that extends vertically into the semiconductor substrate, creating a three-dimensional current path. This vertical dimension allows the current to travel deeper into the substrate, increasing the effective path length without increasing the horizontal footprint area, thereby reducing trigger voltage while maintaining compact device size.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The isolation structure is segmented into two distinct components: shallow trench isolation structures that extend to a first depth, and a deep trench isolation structure that extends to a greater second depth. This segmentation allows the device to optimize both surface-level isolation and deep substrate current path control, addressing multiple functional requirements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If conventional SCR device structure is used, then device maintains basic functionality, but high current performance is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh current performanceVSAvoidholding voltage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By extending the isolation structure vertically into the substrate, the patent creates a longer current path that improves heat dissipation and current distribution. This three-dimensional approach enables the device to handle higher currents more effectively while maintaining stable holding voltage characteristics.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The deep trench isolation structure provides localized enhancement of the current path in specific regions of the substrate. By concentrating the isolation effect in particular areas rather than uniformly across the entire device, the patent optimizes high current performance in critical regions while maintaining overall device reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4428924A1High performance silicon controlled rectifier devices
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 GLOBALFOUNDRIES US INC
  • EP4428924A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4428924A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4428924A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to semiconductor structures and, more particularly, to high performance silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) devices and methods of manufacture. The structure includes: a first well in a semiconductor substrate; a second well in the semiconductor substrate, adjacent to the first well; a plurality of shallow trench isolation structures extending into the first well and the second well; and a deep trench isolation structure between the plurality of shallow trench isolation structures and extending into the semiconductor material deeper than the plurality of shallow trench isolation structures.