FDSOI Transistor Back-Bias Layout for Low-Leakage MLC Driving

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing resistive memory technologies face challenges in increasing passing current while limiting current leakage, which is necessary for effective multi-level cell (MLC) programming, particularly in fully depleted silicon-on-insulator (FDSOI) architectures, and require complex circuit modifications for analog voltage management.

Innovation Solution

A transistor driving device with uniformly conductive transistors, such as NMOS, uses a single bias voltage for forward or reverse back-biasing, combined with a second well for dynamic isolation, allowing extended bias voltage ranges and reduced current leakage, facilitating MLC programming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional driving circuits are used for FDSOI transistors, then the transistor can be driven, but the control of the transistor's conductivity type is limited and cannot be dynamically switched

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductivity type controlVSAvoidcircuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The driving device is divided into multiple independent cells (first cells and second cells) with different conductivity types. Each cell can be independently controlled through separate biasing circuits, allowing the transistor to switch between different conductivity types by activating specific cells. This segmentation enables dynamic adaptability without requiring a complete circuit redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The biasing circuit is designed to provide multiple bias voltages (first bias voltage and second bias voltage) that can control different cells with different conductivity types. This multi-functional biasing approach allows a single circuit structure to support both N-type and P-type transistor operation, achieving versatility in conductivity control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Speed

If standard driving methods are used, then the circuit implementation is straightforward, but the switching speed and response time are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching speedVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device pre-configures multiple cells with different conductivity types and their corresponding biasing circuits in advance. When switching is needed, the system can immediately activate the appropriate cell and apply the corresponding bias voltage without requiring time-consuming reconfiguration or regeneration of the driving circuit, thus achieving fast switching speed and reduced response time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If FDSOI transistors are driven without optimized biasing, then the basic function is maintained, but the performance and efficiency are suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransistor performanceVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The biasing circuit dynamically adjusts the bias voltages applied to different cells based on the required transistor operation mode. By optimizing the bias voltage levels for each conductivity type and cell configuration, the system achieves optimal transistor performance and efficiency while minimizing energy consumption through adaptive biasing rather than fixed suboptimal biasing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution enhances transistor performance and reduces current leakage, enabling efficient MLC programming and memory cell size reduction with improved energy efficiency and simplified circuit design.

Implementation Method 1

a channel configured to operate in a so-called fully depleted mode, in the blocked state of the transistor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

applying, for example, a single first bias voltage in a FBB 'forward back bias' configuration via the bias circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentEP4195905B1Transistor driving device and driving method
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP4195905B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4195905B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4195905B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a transistor driving device (1) FDSOI comprising: - A plurality of first cells (21, 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, 21e, 21f, 21g, 21h) having a first type of conductivity (P), each first cell (21) being associated with a group of transistors (20), - At least one second cell (22, 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d) having a second type of conductivity (N), formed under and around the first cells (21), - A biasing circuit configured to apply at least one first bias voltage V1 to the first cells (21), and at least one second bias voltage V2 to at least one second cell (22). Advantageously, all the transistors (20) have the second type of conductivity (N). The invention also relates to a method for driving the preceding device.