MOS Shielding Structure Reduces Parasitic Capacitance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional MOS devices experience increased coupling between terminals due to the proximity of metallization layers and contacts, leading to parasitic capacitances that hinder performance, especially as device dimensions shrink.

Innovation Solution

A shielding structure is disposed above the conductive gate of the MOS device to reduce capacitance between terminals by providing an alternate path to ground, thereby reducing parasitic capacitances and mutual coupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If metallization layers and contacts are placed in conventional positions to establish electrical connections, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but parasitic capacitances increase due to proximity coupling between terminals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidparasitic capacitances
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A shielding structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the source and drain terminals. This shielding structure, positioned above the gate region, acts as a mediator that reduces the direct electromagnetic coupling between source and drain metallization layers, thereby decreasing parasitic capacitance while maintaining necessary electrical connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If device dimensions are reduced to improve integration density, then more devices can be packed into smaller areas, but coupling between terminals increases due to reduced spacing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration densityVSAvoidcoupling between terminals
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding structure serves as a mediator that enables closer spacing of source and drain terminals without increasing parasitic coupling. By positioning the shielding structure above the gate region, the patent allows for reduced device footprint and improved integration density while the shielding structure maintains electrical isolation between adjacent terminals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If source and drain contacts are positioned close to the gate to reduce device area, then device footprint is reduced, but capacitance between contacts and gate increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice footprintVSAvoidcapacitance between contacts and gate
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding structure positioned above the gate region acts as an intermediary that reduces the capacitive coupling between source/drain contacts and the gate. This shielding structure provides electromagnetic shielding that allows contacts to be positioned closer to the gate for reduced device footprint while maintaining low parasitic capacitance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 shielding structure effectively decreases parasitic capacitances, enhancing switching times and input bandwidth, making the MOS devices suitable for low-power applications and improving noise rejection in amplifiers.

Implementation Method 1

The proximity of the source contact 110 and the drain contact 120 to the gate 108 establishes a respective source contact-gate capacitance 130 and a drain contact-gate capacitance 132

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectParasitic capacitance: Parasitic Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS8853832B2Methods and apparatus for reducing coupling in a MOS device
Publication Date: 2014.10.07 STMICROELECTRONICS INT NV
  • US8853832B2 patent drawing
  • US8853832B2 patent drawing
  • US8853832B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Mutual capacitances between regions of a MOS device become substantial factors that limit the speed and performance of the device as the device dimensions are reduced in size. A MOS transistor with a shielding structure formed above the gate is described. The shielding structure is connected to ground and is configured to reduce at least some of these mutual capacitances.