Semiconductor Switch Conductive Shielding for Harmonic Distortion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Semiconductor switches on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates experience harmonic distortions due to high-frequency signals, which are not effectively addressed by existing technologies.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor switch design that includes a conductive layer between the wiring layer and the insulating film, which blocks electric flux lines and reduces harmonic distortion by improving isolation between the wiring layer and the semiconductor substrate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a semiconductor switch is provided on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, then the parasitic capacitance between the high-frequency circuit and the semiconductor substrate is reduced and operating speed is improved, but harmonic distortions occur due to the high-frequency signal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating speedVSAvoidharmonic distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A conductive layer is introduced as an intermediary between the wiring layer and the insulating film. This conductive layer acts as a shield that blocks electric flux lines from reaching the interface between the insulating film and semiconductor substrate, thereby preventing harmonic distortion while maintaining the low parasitic capacitance benefit of the SOI structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of electric flux lines causing harmonic distortion into a beneficial shielding effect. By placing a conductive layer that is electrically connected to ground, the previously harmful electric flux is redirected and dissipated, transforming the problem into a solution where the conductive layer's connection to ground potential actively prevents the harmful interaction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 conductive layer effectively reduces harmonic distortion and high-frequency loss by shielding charges at the interface between the semiconductor substrate and the insulating film, enhancing the operational efficiency of high-frequency signal transmission.

Implementation Method 1

a conductive layer on the insulating film; a wiring layer above the conductive layer... The conductive layer effectively reduces harmonic distortion and high-frequency loss by shielding charges at the interface between the semiconductor substrate and the insulating film

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS10032714B2Semiconductor switch
Publication Date: 2018.07.24 KK TOSHIBA
  • US10032714B2 patent drawing
  • US10032714B2 patent drawing
  • US10032714B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A semiconductor switch includes an insulating film on a semiconductor substrate. A switching circuit is on a first portion of the insulating film. The switching circuit is configured to switch a path of a high-frequency signal. A wiring layer is provided on the insulating film. The wiring layering includes a signal wire and a ground wire. A conductive layer is between the wiring layer and the insulating film. The conductive layer, in some embodiments, includes a first conductive region between the high-frequency wiring and the insulating film and a second conductive region between the grounding wiring and the insulating film.