Abstract: Methods of forming power semiconductor devices include forming a semiconductor substrate having a drift region of first conductivity type therein and a transition region of first conductivity type that extends between the drift region and a first surface of the semiconductor substrate. A gate electrode is formed on the first surface. Base and base shielding region dopants are implanted into the transition region using the gate electrode as an implant mask. A plurality of annealing steps are performed so that the base shielding region dopants are driven in laterally and vertically to substantially their full and final depth within the substrate and thereby define first and second base shielding regions that constrict a neck of the transition region to a minimum width.

Abstract: A power MOSFET includes a semiconductor substrate having a drift region therein and first and second transition regions of first conductivity type that extend between the drift region and a first surface of the semiconductor substrate. Each of the first and second transition regions has a vertically retrograded first conductivity type doping profile therein that peaks at a first depth relative to the first surface. First and second shielding regions of second conductivity type are provided in the drift region and define respective P-N junctions with the first transition region. The shielding regions extending laterally towards each other in a manner that constricts a neck of the first transition region to a minimum width at a second depth relative to the first surface. An anode electrode is provided. The anode electrode that extends on the first surface of the semiconductor substrate and defines a Schottky rectifying junction with the second transition region.

Abstract: A power MOSFET includes a semiconductor substrate having a drift region therein and a transition region that extends between the drift region and a first surface of the semiconductor substrate. The transition region has a vertically retrograded doping profile therein that peaks at a first depth relative to the first surface. An insulated gate electrode is provided that extends on the first surface and has first and second opposing ends. First and second base regions of second conductivity type are provided in the substrate. The first and second base regions are self-aligned to the first and second ends of the insulated gate electrode, respectively, and form respective P-N junctions with opposing sides of an upper portion of the transition region extending adjacent the first surface. First and second source regions are provided in the first and second base regions, respectively.

Abstract: Power MOSFET devices provide highly linear transfer characteristics (e.g., Id v. Vg) and can be used effectively in linear power amplifiers. These linear transfer characteristics are provided by a device having a channel that operates in a linear mode and a drift region that simultaneously supports large voltages and operates in a current saturation mode. A relatively highly doped transition region is provided between the channel region and the drift region. Upon depletion, this transition region provides a potential barrier that supports simultaneous linear and current saturation modes of operation. Highly doped shielding regions may also be provided that contribute to depletion of the transition region.

Abstract: A power field effect transistor utilizes a retrograded-doped transition region to enhance forward on-state and reverse breakdown voltage characteristics. Highly doped shielding regions may also be provided that extend adjacent the transition region and contribute to depletion of the transition region during both forward on-state conduction and reverse blocking modes of operation. In a vertical embodiment, the transition region has a peak first conductivity type dopant concentration at a first depth relative to a surface on which gate electrodes are formed. A product of the peak dopant concentration and a width of the transition region at the first depth is preferably in a range between 1×1012 cm−2 and 7×1012 cm−2.

Abstract: Methods of forming vertical MOSFETs include forming a base region of second conductivity type in a semiconductor substrate having a drift region of first conductivity type therein that forms a P-N junction with the base region. A source region of first conductivity type is formed in the base region and a deep trench, having a first sidewall that extends adjacent the base region, is formed in the substrate. The deep trench is lined with a first electrically insulating layer. The deep trench is then refilled with a trench-based source electrode. The trench-based source electrode is selectively etched to define a shallow trench therein and expose a first portion of the first electrically insulating layer that extends on the first sidewall of the deep trench. The first portion of the first electrically insulating layer is selectively etched to expose an upper portion of the first sidewall of the deep trench and reveal the base region.

Abstract: Integrated power devices include a plurality of field effect transistor unit cells and a Faraday shield layer that reduces parasitic gate-to-drain capacitance (Cgd) and concomitantly improves high frequency switching performance. These power devices may include a field effect transistor in an active portion of a semiconductor substrate and a gate electrode that is electrically connected to a gate of the field effect transistor. A Faraday shield layer is provided between at least a first portion of the gate electrode and a drain of the field effect transistor in order to capacitively decouple the first portion of the gate electrode from the drain. The gate electrode and drain typically extend adjacent opposing faces of the semiconductor substrate. The Faraday shield layer is preferably electrically connected to a source of the field effect transistor and provides edge termination.

Abstract: Vertical power devices include a semiconductor substrate having a drift region of first conductivity type therein and first and second stripe-shaped trenches that extend in the semiconductor substrate and define a drift region mesa therebetween. First and second insulated source electrodes are provided in the first and second stripe-shaped trenches, respectively. A UMOSFET, comprising a third trench that is shallower than the first and second stripe-shaped trenches, is provided in the drift region mesa.

Abstract: Vertical MOSFETs include a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of semiconductor mesas therein that are separated by a plurality of deep stripe-shaped trenches. These stripe-shaped trenches extend in parallel and lengthwise across the substrate in a first direction. A plurality of buried insulated source electrodes are formed in the in the plurality of deep stripe-shaped trenches. A plurality of insulated gate electrodes are also provided that extend in parallel across the plurality of semiconductor mesas and into shallow trenches defined within the plurality of buried insulated source electrodes. A surface source electrode is provided on the substrate. The surface source electrode is electrically connected to each of the buried source electrodes at multiple locations along the length of each buried source electrode and these multiple connections decrease the effective source electrode resistance and enhance device switching speed.

Abstract: Packaged power devices include an electrically conductive flange having a slot therein and an electrically conductive substrate mounted within the slot. A dielectric layer is provided on the electrically conductive substrate and a gate electrode strip line is patterned on the dielectric layer. The gate electrode strip line extends opposite the electrically conductive substrate. A vertical MOSFET is also provided. The vertical MOSFET has a source electrically coupled and mounted to a first portion of the flange located outside the slot and a gate electrode electrically coupled and mounted to a first end of the gate electrode strip line.