MOSFET Edge Termination Layout With Shield Oxide Trenches

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing edge termination structures for MOSFET transistors in power applications lack high area efficiency, limiting the active area and current capacity, and require multiple masks in the manufacturing process, increasing costs.

Innovation Solution

An edge termination structure for MOSFET transistors featuring parallel strips connected by shield oxide-filled trenches (SOTR) perpendicular to the strips, optionally with dummy trenches, optimizing the design to enhance area efficiency and reduce manufacturing complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If conventional edge termination structures are used, then the device provides adequate edge termination, but the area efficiency is low and active area is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactive areaVSAvoidedge termination structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from conventional planar edge termination to a three-dimensional structure by forming recesses in the semiconductor substrate. These recesses create vertical dimensionality with shield structures extending into the substrate, allowing more efficient space utilization and increased active area without proportionally increasing overall device footprint.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The edge termination structure is segmented into multiple discrete components: mesas (conductive regions), trenches (isolating structures), and shield structures (protective layers). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and arranged to maximize area efficiency while maintaining electrical isolation and termination functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional termination processes are used, then adequate edge termination is achieved, but multiple masks are required increasing manufacturing cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidtermination structure precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the formation of trenches and shield structures into a single etching process step. By designing the shield structure to extend into the trench and share common etching parameters, the process consolidates multiple alignment-critical steps into one, reducing mask requirements and manufacturing complexity while maintaining precise geometric control through unified process parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4657530A1Edge termination structure
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 NEXPERIA BV
  • EP4657530A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4657530A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4657530A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an edge termination structure suitable for the MOSFET transistor especially in power applications. An edge termination structure, suitable for the MOSFET transistor, comprising a plurality of parallel strips (1) and at least one a shield oxide filled trench, SOTR, (6) wherein the SOTR (6) is perpendicular to the strips (1) and connects with the stripes (1) at the end portion (12) of the stripes (1).