METHOD OF FORMING A SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE TERMINATION AND STRUCTURE THEREFOR
At least one embodiment is directed to a semiconductor edge termination structure, where the edge termination structure comprises several doped layers and a buffer layer.
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This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/011,590 filed on Jan. 21, 2011 having common inventors and a common assignee, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUNDThe present invention relates in general, to electronics, and more particularly though not exclusively, to semiconductors, structures thereof, and methods of forming semiconductor devices.
Two major parameters which are important to the high voltage power switch market are breakdown voltage (BV) and on-state resistance (RS). In typical systems a high breakdown voltage is desired. However, this is often at the expense of high RS. A trade-off in performance which accompanies balancing a high breakdown voltage and a high RS is a major design challenge for manufacturers of high voltage power switching devices. An edge termination structure that surrounds a semiconductor device, aids in the reduction of electric fields at the edge of the semiconductor device (edge electric fields). Common edge termination structures are based upon floating rings and field plates, where the edge electric fields reduce the voltage at the edge of the semiconductor device to about fifty to eighty per cent (50%-80%) of the voltage without such edge termination structures.
Recently, superjunction Global Charge Balance (GCB) termination devices have gained in popularity to improve the trade-off in performance when balancing desirable RS and BV values in a semiconductor device.
Some systems additionally use multi-ring termination structures in epitaxial layer 210. In multi-ring termination structures the depletion spreads slowly as each ring depletes, thus requiring 6 to 12 rings, resulting in a long termination length to achieve the desired BV.
Accordingly, an edge termination structure is needed that has a reduced termination area while minimizing edge electric fields at the edge of the semiconductor device. Additionally, an edge termination structure is needed that provides lower RS, and a high BV.
Embodiments of present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
The following description of embodiment(s) is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.
For simplicity and clarity of the illustration(s), elements in the figures are not necessarily to scale, are only schematic and are non-limiting, and the same reference numbers in different figures denote the same elements, unless stated otherwise. Additionally, descriptions and details of well-known steps and elements are omitted for simplicity of the description. As used herein current carrying electrode means an element of a device that carries current through the device such as a source or a drain of an MOS transistor or an emitter or a collector of a bipolar transistor or a cathode or anode of a diode, and a control electrode means an element of the device that controls current flow through the device such as a gate of an MOS transistor or a base of a bipolar transistor. Although the devices may be explained herein as certain conductivity types such as N-type or P-type, or described as certain N-channel or P-Channel devices, or certain N-type or P-type doped regions, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that complementary devices are also possible. For example the regions can be of various conductivity types, such as N-type or P-type, and various values of resistivity or conductivity, such as N+, N−, P+, P−, N, and P, and can also be formed by other than doping processes as known by one of ordinary skill. Note that although the term pillar may be used hereinafter in the description, the term is general for example a pillar can refer to a layer seen in a cross-sectional view.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the words “during”, “while”, and “when” as used herein relating to circuit operation are not exact terms that mean an action takes place instantly upon an initiating action but that there may be some small but reasonable delay, such as a propagation delay, between the reaction that is initiated by the initial action. Additionally, the term “while” means that a certain action occurs at least within some portion of duration of the initiating action. The use of the word “approximately” or “substantially” means that a value of an element has a parameter that is expected to be close to a stated value or position. However, as is well known in the art there are always minor variances that prevent the values or positions from being exactly as stated. It is well established in the art that variances of up to at least ten percent (10%) (and up to twenty percent (20%) for semiconductor doping concentrations) are reasonable variances from the ideal goal of exactly as described.
The terms “first”, “second”, “third” and the like in the Claims or/and in the Detailed Description are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. For clarity of the drawings, doped regions of device structures are illustrated as having generally straight line edges and precise angular corners. However, those skilled in the art understand that due to the diffusion and activation of dopants the edges of doped regions generally may not be straight lines and the corners may not be precise angles.
Processes, techniques, apparatuses, and materials as known by one of ordinary skill in the art may not be discussed in detail but are intended to be part of the enabling description where appropriate. For example specific methods of semiconductor formation may not be listed for achieving each of the steps discussed; however one of ordinary skill would be able, without undo experimentation, to establish the steps using the enabling disclosure herein. For example, semiconductor structures can be formed by various processes including but not limited to deposition processes, removal processes, patterning processes, and processes that modify the electrical properties. Non-limiting examples of deposition processes include physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), electrochemical deposition (ECD), molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and atomic layer deposition (ALD). Removal processes include any process that removes material either in bulk or selectively, some non-limiting example of which are etch processes, either wet etching or dry etching and chemical-mechanical planarization (CMP). Patterning includes processes that shape or alter the existing shape of the deposited materials for example lithography. Modification of electrical properties includes doping. Non-limiting examples of doping processes can include rapid thermal annealing (RTA) and modification of dielectric constants in low-k insulating materials via exposure to ultraviolet light in UV processing (UVP).
As will be seen further hereinafter, for example in
At least one embodiment is directed to an edge termination structure that includes an NP-buffer-PN pillar structure or an NP-buffer-N pillar structure (e.g.,
In at least one further embodiment the pillar structure of an edge termination structure in accordance with at least one embodiment can be combined with other structures to reduce the electric field at the termination side of the last active cell. For example several such structures include: (a) field plate, (b) floating p-rings and (c) junction termination extension (JTE). Additionally at least one embodiment of an edge termination structure can be combined with any semiconductor device, for example IGBTs, Junction-Schottky diodes, Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) devices, and Thyristors.
In at least one other embodiment, an imposed voltage of about 700V has a termination length less than about 100 μm, without high electric fields at the edge (for example edge 307 of
A buffer region or layer 380 (e.g., an insulator layer, an intrinsic layer, an oxide layer, a gas region, a dielectric layer, a void, or a combination of layers and regions) can be positioned between the second region 390 and a third region 370 (e.g., a P-type pillar). During the process of depletion within the buffer region 380 the potential lines extend into the buffer region 380. Depending upon the voltage applied, the second region 390 (e.g., P-type pillar) can be partially depleted or completely depleted when the BV is reached. The buffer layer between the second 390 and third 370 regions (e.g., between the first P-type pillar and the second P-type pillar) facilitates laterally confining the potential lines in the buffer region 380 (e.g., a dielectric pillar).
In at least one embodiment, the third region 370 is a P-type region with an adjacent N-type region 360. The N-type region 360 is adjacent to another region 350 which has a different conductivity type from the semiconductor layer 330. Alternatively, region 350 can be an extension of semiconductor layer 330, and thus the same conductivity, in which the edge termination structure 305 has been formed. Note in the non-limiting examples discussed the regions (e.g., 395, 390, 370, 360) can have various conductivity types (e.g., N-type and P-type) which can be acquired by methods known by those of ordinary skill in the semiconductor fabrication, for example by doping. Note that one region (e.g., 395) can also be distinguished by another region (e.g., 390) by different values of conductivity.
In another embodiment, the area consumed by termination area 300 can be decreased in extent by having a highly doped concentration (e.g., N doped) of the third region 370, and thus facilitating a good electrical connection between the third region 370 and the semiconductor substrate 340 (e.g., N+ substrate).
Thus, it can be seen that at least one embodiment is directed to an NP-buffer-PN or a PN-buffer-NP pillar edge termination structure (regions 395-390-380-370-360), while at least another embodiment is directed to a NP-buffer-N pillar edge termination structure (1395-1390-1380-1370, see
The effect of the potential drop into the buffer pillar facilitates keeping the die edge safe from high electric fields. Additionally the edge termination structure partially sustains the voltage into the buffer pillar thus avoiding BV degradation. In at least one embodiment, the edge termination structure is coupled with a field plate, JTE and floating p-rings termination structures. However JTE and floating p-rings terminations structures show a more optimum potential distribution than the field plate termination structure embodiment. For a similar length of the termination area, the maximum BV for the JTE is larger than that for a field plate termination.
The first region 395 can provide a low resistance current path for the active region 310. In at least one embodiment, the first region 395 can be an N-type layer with a concentration on the order of about 6.0×1016 atoms/cm3. The second region 390 can be a P-doped layer, which provides better control of a PN junction between first region 395 and the second region 390, and provides charge compensation for the first region 395 under full depletion conditions. In at least one embodiment the second region 390 can be P doped with a concentration on the order of about 6.0×1016atoms/cm3.
The various regions can be of various thicknesses as needed. For example, first region 1395 can be an N-type region or pillar which can have a thickness between about 0.1 and ten (10) microns, and more particularly between about 0.2 and two (2) microns. Region 1390 can be a P-type pillar which can have a thickness between about 0.1 and ten (10) microns, and more particularly between about 0.2 and two (2) microns. Buffer region 1380 can be between about 0.1 and ten (10) microns, and more particularly between about 0.1 and two (2) microns. Note that buffer region 1380 can include several types of layers of dielectrics and insulators. For example buffer region 1380 can include an oxide layer and a gas region. Buffer region 1380 and region 380 that is explained in the description of
As discussed previously, at least one embodiment is directed to an NP-buffer-N edge termination where the buffer region is a dielectric region. Note that although in the non-limiting examples discussed a first region 1395 can be referred to as an N-doped region, in other embodiments the various regions can be otherwise doped (e.g., P, N+, N−, P+). Thus instead of referring to a N-type pillar, a P-type pillar, or dielectric layers, reference is more general referring to doped regions. Such generality should be applied in interpreting the non-limiting examples discussed.
The non-limiting example illustrated in
Although non-limiting examples are discussed with single NP-buffer-PN structures, additional layers (e.g., variously N-doped and P-doped) can be used, and the additional layers can be optionally separated by separator layers. For example,
Note that the doped levels in embodiments can vary. For a non-limiting example, N doped and P doped regions can have concentrations on the order of about 1×1013 to about 1×1018 atoms/cm3, and more particularly concentrations on the order of 1×1015 to about 1×1017 atoms/cm3. Intrinsic layers are undoped or lightly doped regions (e.g., P-doped) with a dopant concentration less than about 2×1014 atoms/cm3. Additionally the intrinsic layer thickness can vary, for example between about fifty (50) nanometers and about two (2) microns. Additionally although the first and second conductivity types (N-type and P-type) can be obtained via doping, other methods as known by one of ordinary skill in the art of semiconductor fabrication can be used to obtain regions of various N and P conductivity types by other methods.
Thus it can be seen from the foregoing description of
A first recess 1530 (e.g., a first trench) can be etched into the semiconductor layer 1420 and dielectric layer 1550 using known semiconductor etching techniques. The vertical extent of the trench can reach the semiconductor substrate 1410 or the semiconductor layer 1420 or into a buffer region (not shown). A doped layer first region 1640 can be formed on, over, or adjoining the surface of recess 1530, forming a recess 1630. Note that prior to forming doped region 1640, a separator layer (not shown) can be formed to separate first region 1640 from the semiconductor layer 1420. A second region 1760, such as a doped layer, can be formed on, over, or adjoining the surface of first region 1640 forming a recess 1730. Additionally a second separator layer (not shown) can be formed on first region 1640 prior to forming second region 1760 to separate first region 1640 from second region 1760. A buffer region 1870 (e.g. dielectric layer, oxide layer, insulator layer, gas region, an intrinsic layer and/or a combination of such layers and regions) can be formed on, over, or adjoining the surface of second region 1760 forming a recess 1830. Recess 1830 can be a gas region or filled. Recess 1830 can be covered by a cap 1980 forming a recess region 1930, where the recess region 1930 (e.g., filled with gas) is substantially encircled or encompassed by a combination of the cap 1980 and recess walls 1931. Substantially encompassing a recess/trench includes covering greater than about ten per-cent (10%) of the surface area forming a recess/trench. The resultant structure is an edge termination structure including first region 1640, second region 1760, buffer region 1870, and gas region 1930.
While the present invention has been described with reference to embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all modifications, equivalent structures and functions.
Note that in the hereinbefore non-limiting discussions, for example the semiconductor device 501 illustrated in
The foregoing explanations describe, relating to
As previously mentioned the edge termination structure of embodiments can be used with ring and plate systems.
It can be seen from all the foregoing, that in at least one embodiment, the vertical structure of the edge termination structure (e.g., 305, 405, 605, 705, 805, 905, 1105, 1205, and 1305) can be of various extent, for example the vertical extent of the edge termination structure can reach to the semiconductor substrate layer (e.g., 340, 440, 540, 640, 740, 840, 940, 1140, 1240, and 1340). Additionally at least one embodiment has an edge termination structure whose vertical extent does not penetrate to the semiconductor substrate layer.
In view of the above, it is evident that a novel device and method is disclosed that can, in at least one embodiment, have a reduced termination area while minimizing E-field line termination at the edge of the die edge, additionally providing lower RS, and a high BV.
As the claims hereinafter reflect, inventive aspects may lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the hereinafter expressed claims are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of a non-limiting sample of embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of an invention. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Claims
1-12. (canceled)
13. The method according to claim 23, including forming the second layer and the third layer from a common layer.
14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising forming a separator layer between the first layer and the second layer wherein the separator layer is at least one of an intrinsic layer or a dielectric layer.
15-17. (canceled)
18. A method of forming a semiconductor edge termination structure of a semiconductor device in a trench comprising the steps of:
- forming the semiconductor device to include an active region and an edge termination area wherein the edge termination area is external to the active region and is positioned between the active region and an edge of the semiconductor device including forming the edge termination structure within the edge termination area;
- forming the trench in a semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type wherein the semiconductor layer overlies the semiconductor substrate including forming the trench in the edge termination area;
- forming a first layer having a portion that is adjacent to and substantially parallel to sidewalls of the trench;
- forming a second layer having a portion that is adjacent to and substantially parallel to the portion of the first layer, wherein a conductivity type of the second layer is different than a conductivity type of the first layer;
- forming a buffer region adjacent to a sidewall of the second layer wherein the buffer region has a sidewall that extends into the trench and wherein the second layer is adjacent an entire length of the sidewall of the buffer region; and
- forming a dielectric layer on and in direct contact with a surface of the first layer.
19. The method according to claim 18, including forming the first layer as an N-type layer.
20. The method according to claim 18, including forming the termination structure as a portion of the semiconductor device, wherein the termination area includes at least one of a junction termination extension, a Field-Plate, and one or more P+ rings, and wherein the semiconductor device is one of an IGBT, a Junction-Schottky diode, an SOI device, and a Thyristor.
21. The method of claim 18 including forming at least one P+ ring in a portion of the semiconductor layer that is within the termination area wherein the P+ ring is spaced apart from the edge termination structure.
22. The method of claim 18 including forming the buffer region in direct contact with the sidewall of the second layer.
23. The method of claim 18 including forming a third layer overlying the buffer region, wherein a conductivity type of the third layer is the same as the conductivity type of the second layer.
24. The method of claim 23 including forming the dielectric layer on and in direct contact with a surface of the third layer.
25-27. (canceled)
28. the method of claim 18 including forming the dielectric layer to extend to be on and in direct contact with the second layer.
29. the method of claim 18 including forming the buffer region having a length that extends in a first direction away from a surface of the first layer toward the substrate and having a width along the length wherein the buffer region does not extend laterally in a second direction for a second distance that is greater than the width.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 6, 2019
Publication Date: Nov 28, 2019
Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC (Phoenix, AZ)
Inventors: Jaume ROIG-GUITART (Oudenaarde), Peter MOENS (Zottegem), Zia HOSSAIN (Tempe, AZ)
Application Number: 16/532,816