Schottky Barrier Diode Edge Structure for Leakage Current Blocking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) suffer from high leakage current due to irregularities in metal-semiconductor interfaces and crystal defects, leading to unwanted power loss and heat generation, which current manufacturing techniques fail to adequately address.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a resist protection structure overlapping semiconductor material and edge shallow trench isolation, combined with high dosage p-type or n-type impurity implantation at the edge semiconductor material and boundary STI structure, to reduce leakage current and enhance on-current conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional manufacturing techniques are used for Schottky barrier diodes, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but leakage current is high leading to power loss and heat generation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleakage currentVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the semiconductor device into multiple functional regions: a first well region with first conductivity type, a second well region with second conductivity type, and a third well region with third conductivity type. This segmentation creates distinct functional zones that collectively reduce leakage current through multiple mechanisms operating in different regions, resolving the contradiction between energy loss reduction and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating regions with different conductivity types and doping concentrations at specific locations. The first well, second well, and third well regions have locally optimized properties: the first well provides primary current blocking, the second well enhances edge termination, and the third well provides additional leakage suppression. This localized optimization reduces overall leakage current while maintaining manufacturability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If additional well regions and complex doping processes are implemented, then leakage current is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleakage current blockingVSAvoidmanufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary action through pre-defined doping profiles and well formation sequences. The first well, second well, and third well regions are formed in a predetermined order with specific doping concentrations and depths established in advance. This preliminary planning of the doping architecture enables systematic leakage current reduction while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized process sequences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying doping concentrations, well depths, and conductivity types across different regions. The first well has a first doping concentration, the second well has a second doping concentration, and the third well has a third doping concentration, with each parameter optimized to address specific leakage pathways. These controlled parameter variations enable tailored leakage suppression while using conventional doping processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach significantly reduces leakage current by up to a factor of 1000, improving the yield and reducing power consumption, making the SBDs more suitable for mobile and battery-powered devices.

Implementation Method 1

high dosage p-type or n-type impurity implantation at the edge semiconductor material and boundary STI structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon Implantation: Ion Implantation

Data Source

PatentUS20240178328A1Schottky barrier diode (SBD) leakage current blocking structure
Publication Date: 2024.05.30 TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO LTD
  • US20240178328A1 patent drawing
  • US20240178328A1 patent drawing
  • US20240178328A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments include a Schottky barrier diode (SBD) structure and method of forming the same, the SBD structure including a current blockage feature to inhibit current from leaking at an interface with a shallow trench isolation regions surrounding an anode region of the SBD structure.