Sampling Circuit Stray Capacitance Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sampling circuits face challenges in achieving higher performance and maintaining a constant voltage value between sampling times, with existing designs often suffering from stray capacitance issues that lead to signal attenuation and phase-shifting.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistor with a third metallization receiving a reference voltage between the source and drain regions, which reduces stray capacitance and allows for more effective sampling by redirecting signal portions to a reference node, thereby minimizing signal attenuation and phase-shifting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional sampling circuits are used, then the circuit structure is simple, but stray capacitance causes signal attenuation and phase-shifting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal retentionVSAvoidcircuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the transistor structure into distinct regions with different metallizations. The source and drain regions are segmented with separate metallizations (first and second metallizations), and a third metallization is introduced between them. This segmentation allows different parts of the transistor to have different electrical characteristics, reducing stray capacitance between source and drain while maintaining signal integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The third metallization acts as an intermediary element between the source and drain regions. By introducing this intermediate conductive layer and connecting it to a reference voltage, the patent creates a controlled electrical environment that reduces unwanted capacitance effects. The intermediary metallization serves as a buffer that prevents direct capacitive coupling between source and drain, thereby reducing signal attenuation and phase-shifting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the transistor structure is modified to reduce stray capacitance, then signal attenuation is reduced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal accuracyVSAvoidfabrication process
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the third metallization with existing source and drain metallization layers, forming an integrated structure. Rather than adding completely separate components, the invention merges the reference voltage connection into the existing transistor fabrication process. The first, second, and third metallizations are formed as part of the same metallization layer, allowing them to be manufactured together in a unified process flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The third metallization serves multiple functions: it provides a reference voltage connection, reduces stray capacitance between source and drain, and maintains signal integrity. By designing this single structural element to perform multiple functions, the patent avoids the need for additional separate components or processes, thereby improving signal accuracy without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentUS11005490B2Sampling circuit
Publication Date: 2021.05.11 STMICROELECTRONICS FRANCE
  • US11005490B2 patent drawing
  • US11005490B2 patent drawing
  • US11005490B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A sampling circuit includes a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistor that includes a third metallization receiving a reference voltage between a first metallization coupled to a source region of the transistor and a second metallization coupled to a drain region of the transistor.