Integrated Transistor with Interdigitated Capacitive Fingers

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Solution Overview

Problem

In power electronics, there is a need to reduce parasitic inductances and improve decoupling capabilities to increase switching frequencies, which is not effectively addressed by conventional methods that separate capacitive components from transistors.

Innovation Solution

An electronic component is designed with interdigitated capacitive fingers integrated directly with the transistor, where the capacitive fingers are formed in close proximity to the transistor's connection terminals, reducing parasitic inductance and enhancing decoupling by using a capacitive component that is part of the electronic component itself.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If decoupling capacitors are placed close to transistors, then decoupling performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoupling performanceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the transistor and capacitor into a single integrated device structure. The capacitor is formed using interdigitated conductive fingers that are part of the same semiconductor device as the transistor, eliminating the need for separate external capacitor components while achieving close proximity for improved decoupling performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive fingers serve multiple functions: they act as electrical connection terminals for the transistor and simultaneously form the capacitive structures. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining effective decoupling

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

2Reliability

If external capacitors are coupled to transistors, then decoupling is improved, but parasitic inductance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoupling capabilityVSAvoidparasitic inductance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the capacitor formation with the transistor structure itself, the patent eliminates separate external capacitor components and their associated connection paths. The interdigitated fingers are formed as part of the same semiconductor device, minimizing the loop area and reducing parasitic inductance while maintaining effective decoupling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If switching frequency is increased, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but parasitic inductance effects worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching frequencyVSAvoidparasitic inductance effects
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated structure with interdigitated fingers minimizes the physical distance between capacitive elements and transistor terminals, reducing parasitic inductance to levels that allow higher switching frequencies without suffering from parasitic inductance effects, thereby improving power conversion efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integration allows for improved decoupling and reduced parasitic inductance, enabling higher switching frequencies and more efficient energy conversion in power electronics.

Implementation Method 1

the fingers of the first set of fingers and of the second set of fingers being interdigitated, at the level of the connection face, to form at least a part of a capacitive component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3586360B1Electronic component having a transistor and interdigitated fingers to form at least a portion of a capacitive component within the electronic component
Publication Date: 2021.12.29 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP3586360B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3586360B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3586360B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8

AI summary

The electronic component (1) comprises a portion (2) incorporating a transistor (3) with a control electrode (31) and first and second electrodes (32, 33). The electronic component (1) has first, second and third electrical connection terminals (4, 5, 6) extending on a connection face (7) of said portion (2) incorporating the transistor (3), the first electrical connection terminal (4) being in electrical connection with the first electrode (32), the second electrical connection terminal (5) being in electrical connection with the second electrode (33) and the third electrical connection terminal (6) being in electrical connection with the control electrode (31). The electronic component (1) has, at the connection face (7), a first set (8) of electrically conductive fingers and a second set (9) of electrically conductive fingers, with the fingers (8a, 9a) of the first and second sets (8, 9) being interdigitated, to form at least a portion of a capacitive component. The fingers (8a) of the first set (8) of fingers are electrically connected to the first electrical connection terminal (4).