Semiconductor device with magnetic layer and nonmagnetic layer

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-097018, filed on May 16, 2017; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a semiconductor device.

For example, there is a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor element and a shield layer. Electromagnetic waves that are radiated from the semiconductor element are shielded by the shield layer. It is desirable for the shield layer to improve the attenuation characteristics of the electromagnetic waves.

FIG. 1A to FIG. 1D are schematic views illustrating a semiconductor device according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D are schematic views illustrating the semiconductor device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3A and FIG. 38 are graphs illustrating characteristics of semiconductor devices;

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are schematic views illustrating characteristics of the semiconductor devices;

FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D are schematic views illustrating characteristics of the semiconductor devices;

FIG. 6A to FIG. 6F are graphs illustrating characteristics of the semiconductor devices;

FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating a characteristic of the semiconductor devices;

FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating a characteristic of the semiconductor devices; and

FIG. 9A to FIG. 9D are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating portions of the semiconductor device.

According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a semiconductor element, and a first member. The first member includes a first nonmagnetic planar region separated from the semiconductor element in a first direction, a first magnetic planar region provided between the first nonmagnetic planar region and the semiconductor element in the first direction, and a second nonmagnetic planar region provided between the first magnetic planar region and the semiconductor element in the first direction. The first magnetic planar region includes a first end portion extending along a second direction crossing the first direction. A first magnetization direction of the first magnetic planar region is tilted with respect to the second direction.

Various embodiments will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The drawings are schematic or conceptual; and the relationships between the thicknesses and widths of portions, the proportions of sizes between portions, etc., are not necessarily the same as the actual values thereof. There are also cases where the dimensions and/or the proportions are illustrated differently between the drawings, even in the case where the same portion is illustrated.

In this specification and each drawing, components similar to ones described in reference to an antecedent drawing are marked with the same reference numerals; and a detailed description is omitted as appropriate.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1A to FIG. 1D are schematic views illustrating a semiconductor device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1A is a perspective view. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1A along a line A 1 -A 2 . FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 A along a line B 1 -B 2 . FIG. 1C is a plan view as viewed along arrow AA of FIG. 1A .

As shown in FIG. 1A , the semiconductor device 110 according to the first embodiment includes a semiconductor element 50 and a first member 10 . A base body 60 is further provided in the example. The first member 10 covers at least a portion of the semiconductor element 50 .

In the example as shown in FIG. 1B , the semiconductor element 50 includes a semiconductor chip 53 , an insulating portion 54 , a first wire 51 , and a second wire 52 . In the example, a first electrode 51 a , a second electrode 52 a , a first connector 51 b , a second connector 52 b , a first terminal 51 c , and a second terminal 52 c are provided in the base body 60 . The first wire 51 electrically connects the first electrode 51 a and a portion of the semiconductor chip 53 . The second wire 52 electrically connects the second electrode 52 a and another portion of the semiconductor chip 53 . The first electrode 51 a and the first terminal 51 c are electrically connected by the first connector 51 b . The second electrode 52 a and the second terminal 52 c are electrically connected by the second connector 52 b . These connectors pierce the base body 60 . These terminals function as input/output portions of the semiconductor chip 53 . The insulating portion 54 is provided around the semiconductor chip 53 . The insulating portion 54 includes, for example, at least one of a resin, a ceramic, or the like. The semiconductor chip 53 is protected by the insulating portion 54 . The semiconductor element 50 includes, for example, at least one of an arithmetic circuit, a control circuit, a storage circuit, a switching circuit, a signal processing circuit, or a high frequency operation circuit.

As illustrated in FIG. 1B , the first member 10 is electrically connected to a terminal 55 provided in the base body 60 . The first member 10 is set to an electric potential (e.g., a ground potential) via the terminal 55 . For example, the first member 10 shields (attenuates) the electromagnetic waves radiated from the semiconductor element 50 . The first member 10 functions as, for example, a shield.

As shown in FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C , the first member 10 includes a planar portion 10 p and first to fourth side surface portions 10 a to 10 d . The planar portion 10 p of the first member 10 is separated from the semiconductor element 50 along a first direction D 1 .

The first direction D 1 is set as a Z-axis direction. One direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction is set as a Y-axis direction. A direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is set as an X-axis direction.

As shown in FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C , the semiconductor element 50 is placed between the planar portion 10 p and the base body 60 along the first direction D 1 .

As shown in FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D , the semiconductor element 50 is placed between the first side surface portion 10 a and the third side surface portion 10 c along the X-axis direction.

As shown in FIG. 1B and FIG. 1D , the semiconductor element 50 is placed between the second side surface portion 10 b and the fourth side surface portion 10 d along the Y-axis direction.

As described below, the first member 10 includes multiple layers. An example of the multiple layers will now be described.

FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D are schematic views illustrating the semiconductor device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1B along a line C 1 -C 2 . FIG. 2B schematically shows the configuration of the layers included in the first member 10 . In FIG. 2B , the position of each layer is shifted for the purpose of easier viewing of the drawing. FIG. 2C and FIG. 2D are plan views respectively showing a layer included in the first member 10 .

As shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B , the first member 10 includes a first nonmagnetic layer 21 , a second nonmagnetic layer 22 , and a first magnetic layer 11 . The first member 10 may further include a second magnetic layer 12 and a third nonmagnetic layer 23 .

The first to third nonmagnetic layers 21 to 23 respectively include first to third nonmagnetic planar regions 21 p to 23 p . The first magnetic layer 11 includes a first magnetic planar region 11 p . The second magnetic layer 12 includes a second magnetic planar region 12 p.

The first nonmagnetic planar region 21 p is separated from the semiconductor element 50 in the first direction D 1 (the Z-axis direction). The first magnetic planar region 11 p is provided between the first nonmagnetic planar region 21 p and the semiconductor element 50 in the first direction D 1 . The second nonmagnetic planar region 22 p is provided between the first magnetic planar region 11 p and the semiconductor element 50 in the first direction D 1 .

The second magnetic planar region 12 p is provided between the second nonmagnetic planar region 22 p and the semiconductor element 50 in the first direction D 1 . The third nonmagnetic planar region 23 p is provided between the second magnetic planar region 12 p and the semiconductor element 50 in the first direction D 1 .

For example, the first magnetic planar region lip contacts the first nonmagnetic planar region 21 p and the second nonmagnetic planar region 22 p . The second magnetic planar region 12 p contacts the second nonmagnetic planar region 22 p and the third nonmagnetic planar region 23 p.

Thus, a magnetic layer (region) is provided between multiple nonmagnetic layers (regions) in the embodiment. When an electromagnetic wave is irradiated to the first member 10 , the electromagnetic wave undergoes multiple reflections at the interfaces between the magnetic layer and the nonmagnetic layer. A portion of the electromagnetic wave may be absorbed at the interfaces. Thereby, the electromagnetic wave that passes through the first member 10 is attenuated. The first member 10 functions as a shield.

As shown in FIG. 2B , the first magnetic planar region 11 p has a first magnetization direction 11 pm . The second magnetic planar region 12 p has a second magnetization direction 12 pm . The second magnetization direction 12 pm crosses the first magnetization direction 11 pm.

Examples of a configuration of the magnetic planar regions and the magnetization directions will now be described.

FIG. 2C illustrates the configuration of the first magnetic planar region 11 p . FIG. 2D illustrates the configuration of the second magnetic planar region 12 p . The planar configuration is on the X-Y plane.

As shown in FIG. 2C , the first magnetic planar region 11 p includes a first end portion 11 pa . The first end portion 11 pa extends along a second direction D 2 . The second direction D 2 crosses the first direction D 1 (the Z-axis direction). The first end portion 11 pa is a side portion. In the example, the second direction D 2 is the Y-axis direction. The first magnetic planar region 11 p further includes other end portions (end portions 11 pb , 11 pc , 11 pd , etc.).

One direction crossing a plane (in the example, the Z-Y plane) including the first direction D 1 and the second direction D 2 is taken as a third direction D 3 . The third direction D 3 is, for example, the X-axis direction.

The end portion 11 pb and the end portion 11 pd extend along the third direction D 3 . The end portion 11 pc extends along the second direction D 2 . The direction from the end portion 11 pb toward the end portion 11 pd is the second direction D 2 . The direction from the first end portion 11 pa toward the end portion 11 pc is the third direction D 3 . The first magnetic planar region 11 p is, for example, substantially a quadrilateral (including a parallelogram, a rectangle, or a square).

As shown in FIG. 2D , the second magnetic planar region 12 p includes a second end portion 12 pa . The second end portion 12 pa extends along the second direction D 2 . The second magnetic planar region 12 p further includes other end portions (end portions 12 pb , 12 pc , 12 pd , etc.). The end portion 12 pb and the end portion 12 pd extend along the third direction D 3 . The end portion 12 pc extends along the second direction D 2 . The direction from the end portion 12 pb toward the end portion 12 pd is the second direction D 2 . The direction from the second end portion 12 pa toward the end portion 12 pc is the third direction D 3 . The second magnetic planar region 12 p is, for example, substantially a quadrilateral (including a parallelogram, a rectangle, or a square).

In the embodiment, the first magnetization direction 11 pm of the first magnetic planar region 11 p is tilted with respect to the second direction D 2 . The absolute value of a first angle θ 1 between the first magnetization direction 11 pm and the second direction D 2 is greater than 0 degrees but less than 90 degrees. Thereby, as described below, the attenuation characteristics of the electromagnetic waves can be improved.

In the embodiment, for example, the second magnetization direction 12 pm of the second magnetic planar region 12 p is tilted with respect to the second direction D 2 . The absolute value of a second angle θ 2 between the second magnetization direction 12 pm and the second direction D 2 is greater than 0 degrees but less than 90 degrees. For example, the second magnetization direction 12 pm crosses the first magnetization direction 11 pm . Thereby, the attenuation characteristics of the electromagnetic waves can be improved further.

The first magnetization direction 11 pm and the second magnetization direction 12 pm are the directions of the magnetizations under the condition of substantially no external magnetic field. This condition, for example, may include a weak magnetic field such as geomagnetic field.

In the embodiment, for example, the first magnetization direction 11 pm recited above is a direction of the magnetization of a portion of the first magnetic planar region 11 p at some distance from the outer edge region. The first magnetic planar region 11 p includes an outer edge region 11 pr and an inner region 11 pi . The inner region 11 pi is on the inner side from the outer edge region 11 pr . For example, the first magnetization direction 11 pm is the direction of the magnetization in the inner region 11 pi . For example, shape and magnetic characteristics of the outer edge region 11 pr may be non-uniform due to non-uniformity in the forming process of the first magnetic planar region 11 p . For example, the first magnetization direction 11 pm corresponds to the direction of the magnetization at the portion where the magnetization direction is in the inner region 11 pi . For example, the first magnetization direction 11 pm is the direction of the magnetization in the central region of the first magnetic planar region 11 p (e.g., the center between the first end portion 11 pa and the end portion 11 pc and the center between the end portion 11 pb and the end portion 11 pd ).

Similarly, the second magnetic planar region 12 p includes an outer edge region 12 pr and an inner region 12 pi . The inner region 12 pi is on the inner side from the outer edge region 12 pr . For example, the second magnetization direction 12 pm is the direction of the magnetization in the inner region 12 pi . The second magnetization direction 12 pm is, for example, the direction of the magnetization in the central region of the second magnetic planar region 12 p (e.g., the center between the second end portion 12 pa and the end portion 12 pc and the center between the end portion 12 pb and the end portion 12 pd ).

Examples of relationships between the magnetization directions and the magnetic characteristics will now be described.

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are graphs illustrating characteristics of semiconductor devices.

These figures illustrate magnetic characteristics of the first magnetic planar region 11 p of the first member 10 . FIG. 3A corresponds to characteristics of the semiconductor device 110 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3B corresponds to characteristics of a semiconductor device 119 a of a reference example.

In the semiconductor device 110 , as described above, the first magnetization direction 11 pm of the first magnetic planar region 11 p is tilted with respect to the second direction D 2 in which the first end portion 11 pa extends. In the example, the first angle θ 1 between the first magnetization direction 11 pm and the second direction D 2 is 45 degrees. On the other hand, in the semiconductor device 119 a , the first magnetization direction 11 pm is parallel to the second direction D 2 (the first angle θ 1 is 0 degrees).

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B show simulation results of the change of a magnetization M 1 of the first magnetic planar region 11 p with an external magnetic field Ha applied to each types of the first magnetic planar regions 11 p . The simulation uses the LLG (Landau Lifshitz Gilbert) equation. In the simulation, the length in the X-axis direction and the length in the Y-axis direction of the first magnetic planar region 11 p each are 5 μm. The thickness (the length in the Z-axis direction) of the first magnetic planar region 11 p is 50 nm. The material of the first magnetic planar region 11 p is NiFe. In the simulation, the first magnetic planar region 11 p is modeled by a cubic mesh in which the length of one side is 50 nm.

In these figures, the horizontal axis is the external magnetic field Ha (Oe (oersteds)). The vertical axis is the magnetization M 1 . Hap is a magnetization when the external magnetic field Ha is parallel to the first magnetization direction 11 pm . Han is a magnetization when the external magnetic field Ha is perpendicular to the first magnetization direction 11 pm.

For the reference example shown in FIG. 3B , Hap curve shows unstable magnetization change in the range where the absolute value of the external magnetic field Ha is 300 Oe to 1000 Oe. Such an, unstable characteristic is expected to have a negative effect on the attenuation characteristics of the electromagnetic waves.

Conversely, as shown in FIG. 3A , the unstable characteristic recited above is not observed for the configuration of the semiconductor device 110 according to the embodiment. Therefore, in the embodiment, improved attenuation characteristics are obtained.

As described below, such a difference in the magnetization state is caused by the difference in the magnetic charge at the end portion of the first magnetic planar region 11 p.

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are schematic views illustrating magnetic characteristics of the semiconductor devices.

These figures show the states of the magnetic charge of the first magnetic planar region lip. In these figures, the magnetic charge are illustrated by the symbols of “+” and “−.” FIG. 4A corresponds to the configuration of the semiconductor device 110 (the first magnetization direction 11 pm being tilted with respect to the second direction D 2 ). FIG. 4B corresponds to the configuration of the semiconductor device 119 a (the first magnetization direction 11 pm being parallel to the second direction D 2 ).

In the configuration of the semiconductor device 119 a , the magnetization is oriented in the direction of the easy axis when the external magnetic field Ha is zero. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4B , the magnetic charge of “+” and the magnetic charge of “-” are generated at the whole edge of the two sides (the end portion 11 pb and the end portion 11 pd ) of the first magnetic planar region 11 p . In such a case, strong demagnetizing field is applied to the entire end portion 11 pb and the entire end portion 11 pd . Therefore, the magnetization states are disturbed in a vicinity region s 1 of the end portion 11 pb and a vicinity region s 2 of the end portion 11 pd . Since a permeability μ fluctuates in the portion where the magnetization is disturbed, the attenuation performance changes in these portions. As a result, total attenuation performance of the electromagnetic waves for the element degrades. For example, when multiple of semiconductor devices are used, the attenuation performance deviates from elements to elements. For example, the attenuation performance becomes spatially non-uniform.

Conversely, in the configuration of the semiconductor device 110 as shown in FIG. 4A , the magnetic charge concentrates locally at corners c 1 and c 2 of the first magnetic planar region lip. The regions (the corners c 1 and c 2 ) where the magnetic charge concentrates are narrow. Therefore, the demagnetizing field applied to the first magnetic planar region 11 p is small and is local. Therefore, the disturbance of the magnetization is suppressed. Thereby, a high attenuation performance is obtained. For example, when multiple of semiconductor devices are used, the attenuation performance is uniform.

FIG. SA to FIG. 5D are schematic views illustrating magnetic characteristics of the semiconductor devices.

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5C correspond to the configuration of the semiconductor device 110 . FIG. 58 and FIG. SD correspond to the configuration of the semiconductor device 119 a . FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are schematic views of the direction of magnetization. The orientation of the magnetization of the first magnetic planar region 11 p is expressed by shading. In FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D , the orientation of the magnetization of the first magnetic planar region 11 p is shown by arrows.

For the configuration of the semiconductor device 119 a as shown in FIG. 5B , large magnetization direction change is observed in the entire region of the image. Conversely, for the configuration of the semiconductor device 110 as shown in FIG. 5A , the magnetization direction is substantially uniform.

As shown in FIG. 5D , for the configuration of the semiconductor device 119 a , the directions of the arrows (the magnetizations) are disturbed at the end portion (the outer edge) of the first magnetic planar region 11 p . The disturbance is called the magnetic domain. Even when the external magnetic field Ha is reduced to zero, the magnetic domain remains (being pinned) at the nonuniform portion such as the end portion. Conversely, for the configuration of the semiconductor device 110 , the disturbance of the directions of the arrows (the magnetizations) is suppressed as shown in FIG. 5C .

Such a difference in the magnetic state affects the attenuation performance of the shield layer using the first magnetic planar region 11 p . According to the configuration of the semiconductor device 110 according to the embodiment, the attenuation characteristics of the electromagnetic waves can be improved compared to the configuration of the semiconductor device 119 a of the reference example.

FIG. 6A to FIG. 6F are graphs illustrating magnetic characteristics of the semiconductor devices. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6F show the magnetization curves when the first angle θ 1 (the angle between the first magnetization direction 11 pm and the second direction D 2 ) is 0 degrees, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, and 45 degrees. In these figures, the horizontal axis is the applied magnetic field Ha. The vertical axis is the magnetization M 1 . The curve Hap corresponds to the case when the external magnetic field Ha is parallel to the first magnetization direction 11 pm and the curve Han corresponds to the case when the external magnetic field Ha is perpendicular to the first magnetization direction 11 pm.

The characteristic Hap will now be focused upon. As described above, the magnetization M 1 becomes unstable when the first angle θ 1 is 0 degrees. Such an unstable magnetic state is not observed when the first angle θ 1 is 5 degrees or more. Accordingly, it is favorable for the first angle θ 1 to be 5 degrees or more. Considering the non-uniformity in the manufacturing processes of the semiconductor device, it is more favorable for the first angle θ 1 to be 10 degrees or more.

In the embodiment, the first magnetic planar region lip is substantially a quadrilateral. The angle between the direction in which the first end portion 11 pa extends (the second direction, e.g., the Y-axis direction) and the direction in which the end portion 11 pb extends (the third direction, e.g., the X-axis direction) is substantially 90 degrees. Accordingly, in the embodiment, it is favorable for the first angle θ 1 between the first magnetization direction 11 pm and the second direction D 2 (in the example, the Y-axis direction) to be greater than 5 degrees but less than 85 degrees. It is more favorable for the first angle θ 1 to be greater than 10 degrees but less than 80 degrees.

The first magnetization direction 11 pm is substantially aligned inside the X-Y plane. For example, it is favorable for the absolute value of the angle between the first magnetization direction 11 pm and the first direction D 1 (the Z-axis direction) to be not less than 80 degrees and not more than 100 degrees.

The electromagnetic waves that have a magnetic field component perpendicular to the first magnetization direction 11 pm are reflected at the interfaces between the first magnetic planar region 11 p and the nonmagnetic layer. By using multiple magnetic planar regions having magnetization directions that cross each other, electromagnetic waves that have magnetic field components in arbitrary direction can be reflected efficiently.

By providing the second magnetic planar region 12 p in addition to the first magnetic planar region 11 p in the embodiment, the attenuation characteristics of the electromagnetic waves can be further improved.

A configuration similar to that of the first magnetic planar region 11 p is applicable to the second magnetic planar region 12 p . It is favorable for the absolute value of the second angle θ 2 between the second direction D 2 and the second magnetization direction 12 pm of the second magnetic planar region 12 p to be greater than 5 degrees but less than 85 degrees. It is more favorable for the second angle θ 2 to be greater than 10 degrees but less than 80 degrees. It is favorable for the absolute value of the angle between the first magnetization direction 11 pm and the second magnetization direction 12 pm to be not less than 45 degrees and not more than 135 degrees. It is more favorable for the absolute value of the angle between the first magnetization direction 11 pm and the second magnetization direction 12 pm to be not less than 80 degrees and not more than 100 degrees. It is favorable for the absolute value of the angle between the second magnetization direction 12 pm and the first direction Di (the Z-axis direction) to be not less than 80 degrees and not more than 100 degrees.

In the embodiment, the second magnetic planar region 12 p may include a material different from the material of the first magnetic planar region 11 p . By using a different material, electromagnetic waves with different frequency bands can be reflected at different interfaces. Then, wider frequency band with high attenuation can be achieved.

In the embodiment as described above, a reflection of the electromagnetic wave occurs at the interface between the nonmagnetic layer and the magnetic layer. This is based on the difference in the impedances of these layers. The impedance for the electromagnetic wave of a conductive film (a metal film) is represented by (jωμ/σ) 1/2 . “j” is the imaginary unit. “ω” is the angular frequency of the electromagnetic wave. “μ” is the permeability of the metal film. “σ” is the conductivity of the metal film. For the nonmagnetic film, the permeability μ is 1. For the magnetic film, the permeability μ is greater than 1. The permeability μ corresponds to the slope of the magnetization curves shown in FIG. 3A , FIG. 3B , and FIG. 6A to FIG. 6F . When the magnetic field component of the electromagnetic wave is in the hard-axis direction of the magnetic layer (orthogonal to the easy magnetization-axis direction), the permeability μ exceeds 1. At this time, the difference in the impedances between the nonmagnetic layer and the magnetic layer becomes large. Thereby, the reflectance of the electromagnetic wave at the interface between the nonmagnetic layer and the magnetic layer becomes high. Multiple reflections also occur at the interface between the nonmagnetic layer and the magnetic layer. Thereby, the transmittance of the electromagnetic wave becomes low. In other words, the electromagnetic wave is attenuated. When the frequency of the electromagnetic wave is close to the FMR resonance frequency of the magnetic layer, the permeability μ increases drastically. At this time, the attenuation performance also increases drastically.

An example of the attenuation characteristics for the electromagnetic waves of a multi-layer system including a magnetic layer and nonmagnetic layer will now be described.

FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating a shielding characteristic of the semiconductor devices.

FIG. 7 shows simulation results of the shielding characteristics of a first configuration (the solid line) and a second configuration (the broken line). The magnetic layer and the nonmagnetic layer are stacked in the first configuration. In the second configuration, only one nonmagnetic layer (a Cu layer) is provided (magnetic layer is not provided). In the first configuration, a CoZrNb layer is provided between two Cu layers. The thicknesses of the two Cu layer each are 400 nm. For the Cu layers, the conductivity σ is 5.8×10 7 S/m and the permeability μ is 1. The thickness of the CoZrNb layer is 200 nm. The following values are used for the CoZrNb layer. The conductivity σ is 8.3×10 5 S/m; the saturation magnetization Ms: 1 T; the anisotropic magnetic field Hk: 800 A/m; and the damping constant α: 0.01. On the other hand, for the second configuration, the thickness of the Cu layer is 1 μm. The total thickness of the first configuration is 1 μm and is the same as the thickness of the second configuration.

The horizontal axis of FIG. 7 is a frequency f (MHz). The vertical axis is an attenuation performance MSE (Magnetic Shield Effect) (dB). The MSE is defined as 20 times the logarithm of the ratio of the amplitude of the magnetic field of the transmitted electromagnetic wave to the amplitude of the magnetic field of the incident electromagnetic wave.

As seen in FIG. 7 , a higher attenuation performance MSE is obtained for the first configuration (the solid line) than for the second configuration (the broken line). As in the embodiment, a high attenuation performance MSE is obtained by the stacked layer including the magnetic layer and the nonmagnetic layer.

FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating a shielding characteristic of the semiconductor devices.

FIG. 8 shows simulation results of the absorption (the broken line) of the CoZrNb layer and the transmittance (the solid line) at the interface between the Cu layer and the CoZrNb layer. In FIG. 8 , the horizontal axis is the frequency f (MHz). The vertical axis is the absorption A or the transmittance T.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the absorption A of the CoZrNb film changes monotonically as the frequency f changes. Conversely, the transmittance T at the interface between the Cu layer and the CoZrNb layer shows peculiar change with a minimum. The minimum value corresponds to the peak of the attenuation performance MSE illustrated by the solid line in FIG. 7 . Therefore, the attenuation performance MSE illustrated by the solid line in FIG. 7 is based on the decrease in the transmittance at the interface between the Cu layer and the CoZrNb layer. As recited above, the decrease in the transmittance comes from the reflection at the interface between the nonmagnetic layer and the magnetic layer. Increase in the permeability μof the magnetic layer brings the increase in the reflectance at the interface between the nonmagnetic layer and the magnetic layer. The increase in the reflectance brings the increase in the attenuation performance MSE.

In the embodiment, the magnetic layers (regions) and the nonmagnetic layers (regions) are provided in the first to fourth side surface portions 10 a to 10 d as well. Examples of the first to fourth side surface portions 10 a to 10 d will now be described.

FIG. 9A to FIG. 9D are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating portions of the semiconductor device.

As shown in FIG. 9A , the first member 10 (the first side surface portion 10 a ) includes a first nonmagnetic side surface region 21 a , a first magnetic side surface region 11 a , and a second nonmagnetic side surface region 22 a . The first nonmagnetic side surface region 21 a is apart from the semiconductor element 50 in the third direction D 3 (in the example, the X-axis direction). For example, the first nonmagnetic side surface region 21 a is continuous with the first nonmagnetic planar region 21 p . The first magnetic side surface region 11 a is provided between the first nonmagnetic side surface region 21 a and the semiconductor element 50 in the third direction D 3 . For example, the first magnetic side surface region 11 a is continuous with the first magnetic planar region 11 p . The second nonmagnetic side surface region 22 a is provided between the first magnetic side surface region 11 a and the semiconductor element 50 in the third direction D 3 . The second nonmagnetic side surface region 22 a is continuous with the second nonmagnetic planar region 22 p.

In the example, the first member 10 (the first side surface portion 10 a ) further includes a first other magnetic side surface region 12 a and a first other nonmagnetic side surface region 23 a . The first other magnetic side surface region 12 a is provided between the second nonmagnetic side surface region 22 a and the semiconductor element 50 in the third direction D 3 . For example, the first other magnetic side surface region 12 a is continuous with the second magnetic planar region 12 p . The first other nonmagnetic side surface region 23 a is provided between the first other magnetic side surface region 12 a and the semiconductor element 50 in the third direction D 3 . For example, the first other nonmagnetic side surface region 23 a is continuous with the third nonmagnetic planar region 23 p.

As shown in FIG. 9B , the first member 10 (the second side surface portion 10 b ) includes a third nonmagnetic side surface region 21 b , a second magnetic side surface region 11 b , and a fourth nonmagnetic side surface region 22 b . The third nonmagnetic side surface region 21 b is apart from the semiconductor element 50 in the second direction D 2 . For example, the third nonmagnetic side surface region 21 b is continuous with the first nonmagnetic planar region 21 p . The second magnetic side surface region 11 b is provided between the third nonmagnetic side surface region 21 b and the semiconductor element 50 in the second direction D 2 . For example, the second magnetic side surface region 11 b is continuous with the first magnetic planar region 11 p . The fourth nonmagnetic side surface region 22 b is provided between the second magnetic side surface region 11 b and the semiconductor element 50 in the second direction D 2 . For example, the fourth nonmagnetic side surface region 22 b is continuous with the second nonmagnetic planar region 22 p.

In the example, the first member 10 (the second side surface portion 10 b ) further includes a second other magnetic side surface region 12 b and a second other nonmagnetic side surface region 23 b . The second other magnetic side surface region 12 b is provided between the fourth nonmagnetic side surface region 22 b and the semiconductor element 50 in the second direction D 2 . For example, the second other magnetic side surface region 12 b is continuous with the second magnetic planar region 12 p . The second other nonmagnetic side surface region 23 b is provided between the second other magnetic side surface region 12 b and the semiconductor element 50 in the second direction D 2 . For example, the second other nonmagnetic side surface region 23 b is continuous with the third nonmagnetic planar region 23 p.

As shown in FIG. 9C , the first member 10 (the third side surface portion 10 c ) includes a fifth nonmagnetic side surface region 21 c , a third magnetic side surface region 11 c , and a sixth nonmagnetic side surface region 22 c . The semiconductor element 50 is positioned between the second nonmagnetic side surface region 22 a and the fifth nonmagnetic side surface region 21 c in the third direction D 3 . The third magnetic side surface region 11 c is positioned between the fifth nonmagnetic side surface region 21 c and the semiconductor element 50 in the third direction D 3 . The sixth nonmagnetic side surface region 22 c is positioned between the third magnetic side surface region 11 c and the semiconductor element 50 in the third direction D 3 . For example, the fifth nonmagnetic side surface region 21 c is continuous with the first nonmagnetic planar region 21 p . For example, the third magnetic side surface region 11 c is continuous with the first magnetic planar region 11 p . For example, the sixth nonmagnetic side surface region 22 c is continuous with the second nonmagnetic planar region 22 p.

In the example, the first member 10 (the third side surface portion 10 c ) further includes a third other magnetic side surface region 12 c and a third other nonmagnetic side surface region 23 c . The third other magnetic side surface region 12 c is positioned between the sixth nonmagnetic side surface region 22 c and the semiconductor element 50 in the third direction D 3 . The third other nonmagnetic side surface region 23 c is positioned between the third other magnetic side surface region 12 c and the semiconductor element 50 in the third direction D 3 . For example, the third other magnetic side surface region 12 c is continuous with the second magnetic planar region 12 p . For example, the third other nonmagnetic side surface region 23 c is continuous with the third nonmagnetic planar region 23 p.

As shown in FIG. 9D , the first member 10 (the fourth side surface portion 10 d ) includes a seventh nonmagnetic side surface region 21 d , a fourth magnetic side surface region 11 d , and an eighth nonmagnetic side surface region 22 d . The semiconductor element 50 is positioned between the third nonmagnetic side surface region 21 b and the seventh nonmagnetic side surface region 21 d in the second direction D 2 . The fourth magnetic side surface region lid is positioned between the seventh nonmagnetic side surface region 21 d and the semiconductor element 50 in the second direction D 2 . The eighth nonmagnetic side surface region 22 d is positioned between the fourth magnetic side surface region lid and the semiconductor element 50 in the second direction D 2 . For example, the seventh nonmagnetic side surface region 21 d is continuous with the first nonmagnetic planar region 21 p . For example, the fourth magnetic side surface region lid is continuous with the first magnetic planar region 11 p . For example, the eighth nonmagnetic side surface region 22 d is continuous with the second nonmagnetic planar region 22 p.

In the example, the first member 10 (the fourth side surface portion 10 d ) further includes a fourth other magnetic side surface region 12 d and a fourth other nonmagnetic side surface region 23 d . The fourth other magnetic side surface region 12 d is positioned between the eighth nonmagnetic side surface region 22 d and the semiconductor element 50 in the second direction D 2 . The fourth other nonmagnetic side surface region 23 d is positioned between the fourth other magnetic side surface region 12 d and the semiconductor element 50 in the second direction D 2 . For example, the fourth other magnetic side surface region 12 d is continuous with the second magnetic planar region 12 p . For example, the fourth other nonmagnetic side surface region 23 d is continuous with the third nonmagnetic planar region 23 p.

Thus, by providing the magnetic layers (regions) and the nonmagnetic layers (regions) in each of the first to fourth side surface portions 10 a to 10 d , the transmittance of the electromagnetic wave traveling in the X-Y plane can be reduced. The attenuation characteristics of the electromagnetic waves can be improved further.

At the side surface portions, the directions of the magnetizations of two (multiple) magnetic layers (regions) may cross each other. Thereby, the transmittance of the electromagnetic wave with magnetic component with arbitrary direction can be reduced.

In the embodiment, the first member 10 may include one magnetic layer and one nonmagnetic layer. For example, the first member 10 includes a nonmagnetic planar region and the first magnetic planar region 11 p . The nonmagnetic planar region is, for example, one of the first nonmagnetic planar region 21 p or the second nonmagnetic planar region 22 p . The direction from the first magnetic planar region 11 p toward the nonmagnetic planar region is in the first direction D 1 from the semiconductor element 50 toward the nonmagnetic planar region. The first magnetic planar region 11 p also includes the first end portion 11 pa extending along the second direction D 2 crossing the first direction D 1 . The first magnetization direction 11 pm of the first magnetic planar region 11 p is tilted with respect to the second direction D 2 .

A wire inside the semiconductor chip 53 is a noise source of the electromagnetic wave. For example, when the wire is substantially aligned with the first direction D 1 or the second direction D 2 , the direction of the magnetic field component of the electromagnetic wave noise is substantially in the first direction D 1 or second direction D 2 . In such a case, since there is substantially no electromagnetic wave having a magnetic field component parallel to the first magnetization direction 11 pm , a high attenuation performance is expected.

The first member 10 may further include the second magnetic planar region 12 p . The nonmagnetic planar region (in this case, the second nonmagnetic planar region 22 p ) is positioned between the first magnetic planar region 11 p and the second magnetic planar region 12 p in the first direction D 1 . The second magnetic planar region 12 p includes the second end portion 12 pa extending along the second direction D 2 . The second magnetization direction 12 pm of the second magnetic planar region 12 p is tilted with respect to the second direction D 2 . The second magnetization direction 12 pm crosses the first magnetization direction 11 pm.

When the number of magnetic layers or nonmagnetic layers provided in the first member 10 is small, the thickness of the first member 10 is thin. Thereby, the thickness of the semiconductor device can be thin.

In the embodiment, at least one of the first magnetic planar region 11 p or the second magnetic planar region 12 p includes at least one selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, and Ni. At least one of the first magnetic planar region 11 p or the second magnetic planar region 12 p includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of NiFe, CoZrNb, FeSi, and FeCo.

At least one of the first nonmagnetic planar region 21 p , the second nonmagnetic planar region 22 p , or the second nonmagnetic planar region 22 p includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of Cu, Al, Ni, Cr, Mn, Mo, Zr, and Si.

The thickness (the length along the Z-axis direction) of one of the magnetic planar regions recited above is, for example, not less than 10 nm and not more than 10 μm. The thickness (the length along the Z-axis direction) of one of the nonmagnetic planar regions recited above is, for example, not less than 10 nm and not more than 10 μm.

In the embodiment, the thickness (the length along the Z-axis direction) of the planar portion 10 p of the first member 10 is, for example, not less than 20 nm and not more than 20 μm. Because the magnetic layers (regions) and the nonmagnetic layers (regions) are provided in the embodiment, a high attenuation effect is achieved even in the case where the thickness of the planar portion 10 p is thin. The thickness of the semiconductor device according to the embodiment can be reduced.

In the embodiment, the information on the magnetization direction in the magnetic planar region is obtained by, for example, such as magnetic Kerr microscopy. The information on the magnetization direction in the magnetic planar region may be obtained by a magnetization measurement. For example, the magnetic hysteresis curve can be obtained by using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). This curve provides the information on the magnetization direction.

An example of a method for manufacturing the semiconductor device according to the embodiment will now be described.

The manufacturing method includes a process of preparing the semiconductor element 50 , and a process of forming the first member 10 on the semiconductor element 50 (referring to FIG. 2A ). The first member 10 includes a nonmagnetic planar region (e.g., at least one of the first nonmagnetic planar region 21 p or the second nonmagnetic planar region 22 p ) and the first magnetic planar region 11 p . The direction from the first magnetic planar region 11 p toward the nonmagnetic planar region is in the first direction D 1 from the semiconductor element 50 toward the nonmagnetic planar region. The first magnetic planar region 11 p includes the first end portion 11 pa extending along the second direction D 2 crossing the first direction Di. The first magnetization direction 11 pm of the first magnetic planar region 11 p is tilted with respect to the second direction D 2 (referring to FIG. 2C ).

The first member 10 may further include the second magnetic planar region 12 p . The magnetic planar region is positioned between the first magnetic planar region 11 p and the second magnetic planar region 12 p in the first direction D 1 . The second magnetic planar region 12 p includes the second end portion 12 pa extending along the second direction D 2 . The second magnetization direction 12 pm of the second magnetic planar region 12 p is tilted with respect to the second direction D 2 and crosses the first magnetization direction 11 pm.

In the manufacturing method recited above, the formation of the first magnetic planar region 11 p includes depositing a magnetic film while applying a first magnetic field. For example, the direction of the first magnetic field is tilted with respect to the second direction D 2 . For example, the direction of the first magnetic field corresponds to the first magnetization direction 11 pm.

In the manufacturing method recited above, the formation of the second magnetic planar region 12 p includes depositing a magnetic film while applying a second magnetic field. The direction of the second magnetic field is, for example, tilted with respect to the second direction D 2 and crosses the direction of the first magnetic field. For example, the direction of the second magnetic field corresponds to the second magnetization direction 12 pm.

The embodiments may include the following configurations (e.g., technological proposals).

Configuration 1

A semiconductor device, comprising:

a semiconductor element; and

a first member,

the first member including

a first nonmagnetic planar region separated from the semiconductor element in a first direction, a first magnetic planar region provided between the first nonmagnetic planar region and the semiconductor element in the first direction, and a second nonmagnetic planar region provided between the first magnetic planar region and the semiconductor element in the first direction,

the first magnetic planar region including a first end portion extending along a second direction crossing the first direction,

a first magnetization direction of the first magnetic planar region being tilted with respect to the second direction.

Configuration 2

The semiconductor device according to Configuration 1, wherein an angle between the first magnetization direction and the second direction is greater than 5 degrees but less than 85 degrees.

Configuration 3

The semiconductor device according to Configuration 1 or 2, wherein the absolute value of an angle between the first magnetization direction and the first direction is not less than 80 degrees and not more than 100 degrees.

Configuration 4

The semiconductor device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, wherein

the first member further includes:

a first nonmagnetic side surface region separated from the semiconductor element in a third direction, the third direction crossing a plane including the first direction and the second direction; a first magnetic side surface region provided between the first nonmagnetic side surface region and the semiconductor element in the third direction; and a second nonmagnetic side surface region provided between the first magnetic side surface region and the semiconductor element in the third direction.

Configuration 5

The semiconductor device according to Configuration 4, wherein

the first member further includes:

a third nonmagnetic side surface region separated from the semiconductor element in the second direction; a second magnetic side surface region provided between the first nonmagnetic side surface region and the semiconductor element in the second direction; and a fourth nonmagnetic side surface region provided between the first magnetic side surface region and the semiconductor element in the second direction.

Configuration 6

The semiconductor device according to Configuration 5, wherein

the first member further includes:

a fifth nonmagnetic side surface region; a third magnetic side surface region; and a sixth nonmagnetic side surface region,

the semiconductor element is positioned between the second nonmagnetic side surface region and the fifth nonmagnetic side surface region in the third direction,

the third magnetic side surface region is positioned between the fifth nonmagnetic side surface region and the semiconductor element in the third direction, and

the sixth nonmagnetic side surface region is positioned between the third magnetic side surface region and the semiconductor element in the third direction.

Configuration 7

The semiconductor device according to Configuration 6, wherein

the first member further includes:

a seventh nonmagnetic side surface region; a fourth magnetic side surface region; and an eighth nonmagnetic side surface region,

the semiconductor element is positioned between the third nonmagnetic side surface region and the seventh nonmagnetic side surface region in the second direction,

the fourth magnetic side surface region is positioned between the seventh nonmagnetic side surface region and the semiconductor element in the second direction, and

the eighth nonmagnetic side surface region is positioned between the fourth magnetic side surface region and the semiconductor element in the second direction.

Configuration 8

The semiconductor device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, wherein

the first member further includes:

a second magnetic planar region provided between the second nonmagnetic planar region and the semiconductor element in the first direction; and a third nonmagnetic planar region provided between the second magnetic planar region and the semiconductor element in the first direction,

the second magnetic planar region includes a second end portion extending along the second direction, and

a second magnetization direction of the second magnetic planar region is tilted with respect to the second direction and crosses the first magnetization direction.

Configuration 9

The semiconductor device according to Configuration 8, wherein the absolute value of an angle between the second magnetization direction and the second direction is greater than 5 degrees but less than 85 degrees.

Configuration 10

The semiconductor device according to Configuration 8 or 9, wherein the absolute value of an angle between the first magnetization direction and the second magnetization direction is not less than 45 degrees and not more than 135 degrees.

Configuration 11

The semiconductor device according to any one of Configurations 8 to 10, wherein the second magnetic planar region includes a material different from a material of the first magnetic planar region.

Configuration 12

The semiconductor device according to any one of Configurations 8 to 11, wherein

the first member further includes:

a first nonmagnetic side surface region separated from the semiconductor element in a third direction, the third direction crossing a plane including the first direction and the second direction; a first magnetic side surface region provided between the first nonmagnetic side surface region and the semiconductor element in the third direction; a second nonmagnetic side surface region provided between the first magnetic side surface region and the semiconductor element in the third direction; a first other magnetic side surface region provided between the second nonmagnetic side surface region and the semiconductor element in the third direction; and a first other nonmagnetic side surface region provided between the first other magnetic side surface region and the semiconductor element in the third direction.

Configuration 13

The semiconductor device according to Configuration 12, wherein

the first member further includes:

a third nonmagnetic side surface region separated from the semiconductor element in the second direction; a second magnetic side surface region provided between the first nonmagnetic side surface region and the semiconductor element in the second direction; a fourth nonmagnetic side surface region provided between the first magnetic side surface region and the semiconductor element in the second direction; a second other magnetic side surface region provided between the fourth nonmagnetic side surface region and the semiconductor element in the second direction; and a second other nonmagnetic side surface region provided between the second other magnetic side surface region and the semiconductor element in the second direction.

Configuration 14

The semiconductor device according to Configuration 13 , wherein

the first member further includes:

a fifth nonmagnetic side surface region; a third magnetic side surface region; a sixth nonmagnetic side surface region; a third other magnetic side surface region; and a third other nonmagnetic side surface region,

the semiconductor element is positioned between the second nonmagnetic side surface region and the fifth nonmagnetic side surface region in the third direction,

the third magnetic side surface region is positioned between the fifth nonmagnetic side surface region and the semiconductor element in the third direction,

the sixth nonmagnetic side surface region is positioned between the third magnetic side surface region and the semiconductor element in the third direction,

the third other magnetic side surface region is positioned between the sixth nonmagnetic side surface region and the semiconductor element in the third direction, and

the third other nonmagnetic side surface region is positioned between the third other magnetic side surface region and the semiconductor element in the third direction.

Configuration 15

The semiconductor device according to Configuration 14, wherein

the first member further includes:

a seventh nonmagnetic side surface region; a fourth magnetic side surface region; an eighth nonmagnetic side surface region; a fourth other magnetic side surface region; and a fourth other nonmagnetic side surface region,

the semiconductor element is positioned between the third nonmagnetic side surface region and the seventh nonmagnetic side surface region in the second direction,

the fourth magnetic side surface region is positioned between the seventh nonmagnetic side surface region and the semiconductor element in the second direction,

the eighth nonmagnetic side surface region is positioned between the fourth magnetic side surface region and the semiconductor element in the second direction,

the fourth other magnetic side surface region is positioned between the eighth nonmagnetic side surface region and the semiconductor element in the second direction, and

the fourth other nonmagnetic side surface region is positioned between the fourth other magnetic side surface region and the semiconductor element in the second direction.

Configuration 16

The semiconductor device according to any one of Configurations 12 to 15, wherein the second magnetic planar region contacts the second nonmagnetic planar region and the third nonmagnetic planar region.

Configuration 17

The semiconductor device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 16, wherein the first magnetic planar region contacts the first nonmagnetic planar region and the second nonmagnetic planar region.

Configuration 18

The semiconductor device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 17, wherein the first magnetic planar region includes at least one selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, and Ni.

Configuration 19

The semiconductor device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 9, wherein the first magnetic planar region includes at least one selected from the group consisting of NiFe, CoZrNb, FeSi, and FeCo.

Configuration 20

The semiconductor device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 19, wherein at least one of the first nonmagnetic planar region or the second nonmagnetic planar region includes at least one selected from the group consisting of Cu, Al, Ni, Cr, Mn, Mo, Zr, and Si.

According to the embodiments, a semiconductor device can be provided in which the attenuation characteristics of electromagnetic waves can be improved.

Hereinabove, exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to specific examples. However, the embodiments of the invention are not limited to these specific examples. For example, one skilled in the art may similarly practice the invention by appropriately selecting specific configurations of components included in semiconductor devices such as semiconductor elements, semiconductor chips, first members, magnetic regions, nonmagnetic regions, etc., from known art. Such practice is included in the scope of the invention to the extent that similar effects thereto are obtained.

Further, any two or more components of the specific examples may be combined within the extent of technical feasibility and are included in the scope of the invention to the extent that the purport of the invention is included.

Moreover, all semiconductor devices practicable by an appropriate design modification by one skilled in the art based on the semiconductor devices described above as embodiments of the invention also are within the scope of the invention to the extent that the purport of the invention is included.

Various other variations and modifications can be conceived by those skilled in the art within the spirit of the invention, and it is understood that such variations and modifications are also encompassed within the scope of the invention.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the invention.