Semiconductor device

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-001895, filed on Jan. 9, 2020; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Embodiments of the invention generally relate to a semiconductor device.

For example, it is desirable to improve the characteristics of a semiconductor device such as a transistor or the like.

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram illustrating a semiconductor device according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view illustrating the semiconductor device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the semiconductor device according to the first embodiment;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are graphs illustrating the semiconductor device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view illustrating the semiconductor device;

FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating characteristics of semiconductor devices;

FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view illustrating the semiconductor device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view illustrating a semiconductor device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view illustrating a semiconductor device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view illustrating a semiconductor device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram illustrating a semiconductor device according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram illustrating a portion of the semiconductor device according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram illustrating a semiconductor device according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram illustrating a semiconductor device according to a fourth embodiment; and

FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of the semiconductor device according to the fourth embodiment.

According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a semiconductor member, a first gate electrode, a second gate electrode, a first control transistor part, a gate interconnect, and a control gate interconnect. The semiconductor member includes a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer. The first semiconductor layer includes Al x1 Ga 1-x1 N (0≤x1<1). The second semiconductor layer includes Al x2 Ga 1-x2 N (0<x2≤1 and x1<x2). The semiconductor member includes a first region, a second region, and a first control region. The first gate electrode extends along a first direction. A direction from the first region toward at least a portion of the first gate electrode is along a second direction crossing the first direction. The second gate electrode extends along the first direction. A direction from the second region toward at least a portion of the second gate electrode is along the second direction. A third direction from the first gate electrode toward the second gate electrode crosses a plane including the first and second directions. The first control transistor part includes a first control gate electrode and a first control drain electrode. A direction from the first control region toward the first control gate electrode is along the second direction. The first control drain electrode is electrically connected to the first and second gate electrodes. The gate interconnect is electrically connected to the first and second gate electrodes. The control gate interconnect is electrically connected to the first control gate electrode.

Various embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The drawings are schematic and conceptual; and the relationships between the thickness and width of portions, the proportions of sizes among portions, etc., are not necessarily the same as the actual values. The dimensions and proportions may be illustrated differently among drawings, even for identical portions.

In the specification and drawings, components similar to those described previously in an antecedent drawing are marked with like reference numerals, and a detailed description is omitted as appropriate.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram illustrating a semiconductor device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view illustrating the semiconductor device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the semiconductor device according to the first embodiment.

An example of a line A 1 -A 2 cross section of FIG. 2 and a line A 3 -A 4 cross section of FIG. 2 are illustrated in FIG. 3 . The insulating members and the like are not illustrated in FIG. 2 for easier viewing of the drawing.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the semiconductor device 110 according to the embodiment includes a semiconductor member 25 , a first gate electrode 31 G, a second gate electrode 32 G, a first control transistor part TC 1 , a gate interconnect 51 L, and a control gate interconnect 40 L.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the semiconductor member 25 includes a first semiconductor layer 10 and a second semiconductor layer 20 . The first semiconductor layer 10 includes Al x1 Ga 1-x1 N (0≤x1<1). The composition ratio of Al in the first semiconductor layer 10 is, for example, 0.1 or less. The first semiconductor layer 10 includes, for example, GaN.

The second semiconductor layer 20 includes Al x2 Ga 1-x2 N (0<x2≤1 and x1<x2). The composition ratio of Al in the second semiconductor layer 20 is, for example, not less than 0.2 and not more than 0.5. The second semiconductor layer 20 includes, for example, AlGaN.

A base body 10 s is provided in the example as shown in FIG. 3 . The base body 10 s is, for example, a silicon substrate. A buffer layer 10 B may be provided between the base body 10 s and the first semiconductor layer 10 . For example, the buffer layer 10 B is provided on the base body 10 s . The first semiconductor layer 10 is provided on the buffer layer 10 B. The second semiconductor layer 20 is provided on the first semiconductor layer 10 .

As shown in FIG. 2 , for example, the semiconductor member 25 includes an active region RA and a peripheral region RP. The peripheral region RP is provided around the active region RA. The electrical resistance in the peripheral region RP is greater than the electrical resistance in the active region RA.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the semiconductor member 25 includes a first region R 1 , a second region R 2 , and a first control region RC 1 . The first region R 1 and the second region R 2 are, for example, portions of the active region RA. For example, the first control region RC 1 is provided in the peripheral region RP. For example, the peripheral region RP is provided around the first control region RC 1 . For example, the first control region RC 1 is surrounded by the peripheral region RP. The first control transistor part TC 1 is provided in the first control region RC 1 .

The active region RA (the first region R 1 , the second region R 2 , etc.) and the first control region RC 1 are separated from each other. A portion of the peripheral region RP is between the active region RA and the first control region RC 1 . For example, the semiconductor member 25 includes a first intermediate region Ri 1 . The first intermediate region Ri 1 is provided between the first region R 1 and the first control region RC 1 . The electrical resistance in the first intermediate region Ri 1 is greater than the electrical resistance in the first region R 1 and greater than the electrical resistance in the first control region RC 1 .

At least a portion of the first gate electrode 31 G and at least a portion of the second gate electrode 32 G are provided in the active region RA.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the first gate electrode 31 G extends along a first direction D 1 .

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

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the direction from the first region R 1 toward at least a portion of the first gate electrode 31 G is along a second direction D 2 . The second direction D 2 crosses the first direction D 1 . The second direction D 2 is, for example, the Z-axis direction. The second direction D 2 corresponds to the stacking direction of the first and second semiconductor layers 10 and 20 .

As shown in FIG. 2 , the second gate electrode 32 G extends along the first direction D 1 (the Y-axis direction). The direction from the second region R 2 toward at least a portion of the second gate electrode 32 G is along the second direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction). A third direction D 3 from the first gate electrode 31 G toward the second gate electrode 32 G crosses a plane (e.g., the Y-Z plane) including the first direction D 1 and the second direction D 2 . The third direction D 3 is, for example, the X-axis direction.

In the example as shown in FIG. 2 , the semiconductor device 110 includes a first source electrode 31 S, a second source electrode 32 S, and a first drain electrode 31 D. The first source electrode 31 S, the second source electrode 32 S, and the first drain electrode 31 D extend along the first direction D 1 . The first drain electrode 31 D is between the first source electrode 31 S and the second source electrode 32 S in the third direction D 3 (the X-axis direction). The first gate electrode 31 G is between the first source electrode 31 S and the first drain electrode 31 D in the third direction D 3 . The second gate electrode 32 G is between the first drain electrode 31 D and the second source electrode 32 S in the third direction D 3 .

A first transistor TR 1 is formed of the first source electrode 31 S, the first gate electrode 31 G, and the first drain electrode 31 D. A second transistor TR 2 is formed of the second source electrode 32 S, the second gate electrode 32 G, and the first drain electrode 31 D. The first drain electrode 31 D is shared by the first transistor TR 1 and the second transistor TR 2 .

As shown in FIG. 2 , a third gate electrode 33 G, a fourth gate electrode 34 G, a third source electrode 33 S, a fourth source electrode 34 S, a second drain electrode 32 D, etc., also may be provided. As shown in FIG. 2 , multiple gate electrodes 51 , multiple source electrodes 52 , and multiple drain electrodes 53 are provided. The first gate electrode 31 G, the second gate electrode 32 G, the third gate electrode 33 G, and the fourth gate electrode 34 G are portions of the multiple gate electrodes 51 . The first source electrode 31 S, the second source electrode 32 S, the third source electrode 33 S, and the fourth source electrode 34 S are portions of the multiple source electrodes 52 . The first drain electrode 31 D and the second drain electrode 32 D are portions of a portion of the multiple drain electrodes 53 .

A third transistor TR 3 is formed of the third source electrode 33 S, the third gate electrode 33 G, and the second drain electrode 32 D. A fourth transistor TR 4 is formed of the third source electrode 33 S, the fourth gate electrode 34 G, and the second drain electrode 32 D. The second drain electrode 32 D is shared by the third transistor TR 3 and the fourth transistor TR 4 . Examples of the third and fourth transistors TR 3 and TR 4 are described below.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the first control transistor part TC 1 includes a first control gate electrode 41 G and a first control drain electrode 41 D.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , the position in the third direction D 3 (e.g., the X-axis direction) of the first control gate electrode 41 G is between the position in the third direction D 3 of the first gate electrode 31 G and the position in the third direction D 3 of the second gate electrode 32 G.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the direction from the first control region RC 1 toward the first control gate electrode 41 G is along the second direction D 2 (e.g., the Z-axis direction).

As shown in FIG. 2 , the gate interconnect 51 L is electrically connected to the multiple gate electrodes 51 (e.g., the first gate electrode 31 G, the second gate electrode 32 G, etc.). For example, the gate interconnect 51 L extends along the third direction D 3 .

As shown in FIG. 2 , the control gate interconnect 40 L is electrically connected to the first control gate electrode 41 G. For example, the control gate interconnect 40 L extends along the third direction D 3 .

The first control drain electrode 41 D is electrically connected to the first and second gate electrodes 31 G and 32 G. For example, the first control drain electrode 41 D is continuous with the gate interconnect 51 L. Thereby, the first control drain electrode 41 D is electrically connected to the first and second gate electrodes 31 G and 32 G.

The first control transistor part TC 1 includes a first control source electrode 41 S. The first control source electrode 41 S is electrically connected to the first and second source electrodes 31 S and 32 S. In the example, the first control source electrode 41 S extends in the third direction D 3 . One end portion of the first control source electrode 41 S is connected to the first source electrode 31 S. Another end portion of the first control source electrode 41 S is connected to the second source electrode 32 S.

As shown in FIG. 3 , for example, the first semiconductor layer 10 includes a first partial region 10 a , a second partial region 10 b , a third partial region 10 c , a fourth partial region 10 d , and a fifth partial region 10 e . The direction from the second partial region 10 b toward the source electrode 52 (e.g., the first source electrode 31 S) is along the second direction D 2 (the Z-axis direction). The direction from the third partial region 10 c toward the drain electrode 53 (e.g., the first drain electrode 31 D) is along the second direction D 2 .

The first partial region 10 a is between the second partial region 10 b and the third partial region 10 c in the third direction D 3 (e.g., the X-axis direction). The fourth partial region 10 d is between the second partial region 10 b and the first partial region 10 a in the third direction D 3 . The fifth partial region 10 e is between the first partial region 10 a and the third partial region 10 c in the third direction D 3 .

The second semiconductor layer 20 includes a first semiconductor portion 21 and a second semiconductor portion 22 . The direction from the fourth partial region 10 d toward the first semiconductor portion 21 is along the second direction D 2 (the Z-axis direction). The direction from the fifth partial region 10 e toward the second semiconductor portion 22 is along the second direction D 2 .

In the example, the semiconductor device 110 includes a first insulating film 61 . A first insulating portion 61 p of the first insulating film 61 is between the first partial region 10 a and the gate electrode 51 (e.g., the first gate electrode 31 G) in the second direction D 2 (the Z-axis direction). For example, at least a portion of the first insulating film 61 is between the first partial region 10 a and the gate electrode 51 . The first insulating film 61 functions as a gate insulating film. The first insulating film 61 includes, for example, silicon oxide.

For example, a carrier region 10 E (referring to FIG. 3 ) is formed in a portion proximate to the second semiconductor layer 20 of the first semiconductor layer 10 . The carrier region 10 E is, for example, a two-dimensional electron gas. The semiconductor device 110 is, for example, a HEMT (High Electron Mobility Transistor).

In the example, the direction from at least a portion of the first insulating portion 61 p toward the second semiconductor layer 20 is perpendicular to the second direction D 2 . The first transistor TR 1 is, for example, a normally-off transistor.

In the example as shown in FIG. 3 , the first insulating film 61 includes a second insulating portion 61 q . The second insulating portion 61 q is between the first semiconductor layer 10 (the first control region RC 1 ) and the first control gate electrode 41 G in the second direction D 2 .

In the example, the direction from at least a portion of the second insulating portion 61 q toward the second semiconductor layer 20 is perpendicular to the second direction D 2 . The first control transistor part TC 1 is, for example, a normally-off transistor.

In the semiconductor device 110 , the first control transistor part TC 1 is provided for the first transistor TR 1 including the first gate electrode 31 G and for the second transistor TR 2 including the second gate electrode 32 G. The first control drain electrode 41 D of the first control transistor part TC 1 is electrically connected to the first and second gate electrodes 31 G and 32 G. The potential of the first gate electrode 31 G and the potential of the second gate electrode 32 G can be controlled to the desired states by the operation of the first control transistor part TC 1 .

For example, there are cases where the changes of the potential of the first gate electrode 31 G and the potential of the second gate electrode 32 G are delayed by effects of the resistance of the gate interconnect 51 L, etc. Thereby, there are cases where a “self-turn-on” phenomenon or the like occurs. There are cases where the loss is increased thereby.

Even in such a case, the potential of the first gate electrode 31 G and the potential of the second gate electrode 32 G can be controlled to the desired states by providing the first control transistor part TC 1 . According to the embodiment, for example, the loss can be suppressed. For example, the power consumption can be reduced. According to the embodiment, a semiconductor device can be provided in which the characteristics can be improved.

For example, a gate terminal 51 T is provided as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . The first gate electrode 31 G of the first transistor TR 1 and the second gate electrode 32 G of the second transistor TR 2 are electrically connected to the gate terminal 51 T by the gate interconnect 51 L.

For example, the first gate electrode 31 G is directly connected to the gate terminal 51 T via the gate interconnect 51 L. For example, a current path that includes the first gate electrode 31 G, the gate interconnect 51 L, and the gate terminal 51 T does not include a transistor. The second gate electrode 32 G is directly connected to the gate terminal 51 T via the gate interconnect 51 L. For example, a current path that includes the second gate electrode 32 G, the gate interconnect 51 L, and the gate terminal 51 T does not include a transistor.

When an element such as a transistor or the like is provided in these current paths, for example, a power supply line for driving the transistor must be provided, and the wiring inside the semiconductor device becomes complex. When an element such as a transistor or the like is provided in these current paths, for example, problems easily occur in that the switching speed must be adjusted using the on-resistance of the transistor, and it is difficult to control the semiconductor device from the outside.

In the embodiment, the first gate electrode 31 G and the second gate electrode 32 G are connected to the first control drain electrode 41 D of the first control transistor part TC 1 . Because the first gate electrode 31 G and the second gate electrode 32 G are controlled by the first control transistor part TC 1 , the first gate electrode 31 G and the second gate electrode 32 G are controlled to have the same potential as the source electrode 52 without going through the gate interconnect 51 L. Thereby, a gate voltage Vg of the transistor (referring to FIG. 1 ) can be controlled with a low delay, and the self-turn-on can be suppressed.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , for example, the gate interconnect 51 L includes a gate resistance 51 R. The effects of the gate resistance 51 R become large when the first transistor TR 1 is distant to the gate terminal 51 T. It is favorable for the first control transistor part TC 1 to be connected to a gate electrode of a transistor that is distant to the gate terminal 51 T. The effects of the gate delay can be suppressed more effectively thereby.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the position in the first direction D 1 (the Y-axis direction) of the first control gate electrode 41 G is between the position in the first direction D 1 of the gate interconnect 51 L and the position in the first direction D 1 of the first drain electrode 31 D. For example, the first control gate electrode 41 G is provided at the vicinity of the end portion of the multiple gate electrodes 51 at the gate interconnect 51 L side. This position is at the supply side of the gate voltage Vg to the multiple gate electrodes 51 . By providing the first control gate electrode 41 G at such a position, an operation is obtained with a lower delay for the transistors based on the multiple gate electrodes 51 .

An example of the voltage of the gate interconnect 51 L and the voltage of the control gate interconnect 40 L will now be described.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are graphs illustrating the semiconductor device according to the first embodiment.

In these figures, the horizontal axis is a time tm. The vertical axis of FIG. 4A is the gate voltage Vg of the gate interconnect 51 L. The vertical axis of FIG. 4B is a control gate voltage Vc of the control gate interconnect 40 L.

As shown in FIG. 4A , the gate voltage Vg of the gate interconnect 51 L is a first potential E 1 in a first period T 1 . The gate voltage Vg is a second potential E 2 in a second period T 2 . The second potential E 2 is greater than the first potential E 1 . The second period T 2 is after the first period T 1 . The first transistor TR 1 and the like are in the off-state in the first period T 1 . The first transistor TR 1 and the like are in the on-state in the second period T 2 .

As shown in FIG. 4B , the control gate voltage Vc of the control gate interconnect 40 L is a third potential E 3 in the first period T 1 . The control gate voltage Vc is a fourth potential E 4 in the second period T 2 . The fourth potential E 4 is less than the third potential E 3 . The first control transistor part TC 1 is in the on-state in the first period T 1 . The first control transistor part TC 1 is in the off-state in the second period T 2 .

For example, a delay of the turn-off of the first transistor TR 1 easily occurs due to the gate resistance 51 R of the gate interconnect 51 L when the first transistor TR 1 is distant to the gate terminal 51 T. In the embodiment, the delay of the turn-off of the first transistor TR 1 can be suppressed because the first control transistor part TC 1 is provided at the position of the first transistor TR 1 .

Thus, for example, the reverse-polarity signal of the gate voltage Vg may be used as the control gate voltage Vc.

As shown in FIG. 1 , a control gate terminal 40 T may be provided for the control gate interconnect 40 L. For example, the control gate voltage Vc may be input to the control gate terminal 40 T. The control gate voltage Vc may be generated outside the semiconductor device 110 . Or, as described below, the control gate voltage Vc may be generated from the gate voltage Vg input to the gate terminal 51 T. Thus, the control gate voltage Vc may be generated inside the semiconductor device 110 .

Conductive members 51 F and 52 F may be provided as shown in FIG. 3 . The gate electrode 51 is provided between the semiconductor member 25 and the conductive member 52 F. The conductive member 51 F is provided between the gate electrode 51 and the conductive member 52 F. For example, the conductive members 51 F and 52 F function as field plates. Electric field concentration is suppressed; for example, a high breakdown voltage is obtained.

An insulating member 80 may be provided. In the example, the insulating member 80 includes a first insulating region 81 and a second insulating region 82 . At least a portion of the first insulating region 81 is between the gate electrode 51 and the conductive member 51 F. At least a portion of the second insulating region 82 is between the conductive member 51 F and the conductive member 52 F.

A second insulating film 62 may be provided as shown in FIG. 3 . The second insulating film 62 is between the second semiconductor layer 20 and a portion of the first insulating film 61 . The second insulating film 62 functions as a protective film of the semiconductor member 25 . The second insulating film 62 includes, for example, silicon nitride, etc. The first insulating film 61 includes, for example, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, aluminum oxide, hafnium oxide, aluminum nitride, etc.

As shown in FIG. 3 , a high resistance region Rh 1 may be provided in the semiconductor member 25 . The high resistance region Rh 1 is, for example, an element separation region. The electrical resistance in the high resistance region Rh 1 is greater than the electrical resistance in the active region (e.g., the first region R 1 , the second region R 2 , etc.). A portion of the high resistance region Rh 1 corresponds to the peripheral region RP. A portion of the high resistance region Rh 1 corresponds to the first intermediate region Ri 1 , etc.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the semiconductor device 110 may include the third gate electrode 33 G, the fourth gate electrode 34 G, and a second control transistor part TC 2 . The third gate electrode 33 G and the fourth gate electrode 34 G extend along the first direction D 1 (the Y-axis direction).

As shown in FIG. 2 , the second gate electrode 32 G is between the first gate electrode 31 G and the fourth gate electrode 34 G in the third direction D 3 (e.g., the X-axis direction). The third gate electrode 33 G is between the second gate electrode 32 G and the fourth gate electrode 34 G in the third direction D 3 .

As shown in FIG. 2 , the semiconductor member 25 includes a third region R 3 , a fourth region R 4 , and a second control region RC 2 . The direction from the third region R 3 toward at least a portion of the third gate electrode 33 G is along the second direction D 2 (e.g., the Z-axis direction). The direction from the fourth region R 4 toward at least a portion of the fourth gate electrode 34 G is along the second direction D 2 .

The second control transistor part TC 2 includes a second control gate electrode 42 G and a second control drain electrode 42 D. For example, the position in the third direction D 3 (the X-axis direction) of the second control gate electrode 42 G is between the position in the third direction D 3 of the third gate electrode 33 G and the position in the third direction D 3 of the fourth gate electrode 34 G.

The direction from the second control region RC 2 toward the second control gate electrode 42 G is along the second direction D 2 (e.g., the Z-axis direction). The second control drain electrode 42 D is electrically connected to the third and fourth gate electrodes 33 G and 34 G. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , the second control drain electrode 42 D is continuous with the gate interconnect 51 L. Thereby, the second control drain electrode 42 D is electrically connected to the third and fourth gate electrodes 33 G and 34 G. A second intermediate region Ri 2 may be provided between the second control region RC 2 and the active region RA. The electrical resistance in the second intermediate region Ri 2 is greater than the electrical resistance in the third region R 3 and greater than the electrical resistance in the second control region RC 2 .

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the third gate electrode 33 G and the fourth gate electrode 34 G are electrically connected to the gate interconnect 51 L. The second control gate electrode 42 G is electrically connected to the control gate interconnect 40 L.

The third source electrode 33 S, the fourth source electrode 34 S, and the second drain electrode 32 D are provided as shown in FIG. 2 . The third source electrode 33 S, the fourth source electrode 34 S, and the second drain electrode 32 D extend along the first direction D 1 .

The second drain electrode 32 D is between the third source electrode 33 S and the fourth source electrode 34 S in the third direction D 3 (the X-axis direction). The third gate electrode 33 G is between the third source electrode 33 S and the second drain electrode 32 D in the third direction D 3 . The fourth gate electrode 34 G is between the second drain electrode 32 D and the fourth source electrode 34 S in the third direction D 3 .

As shown in FIG. 2 , for example, the position in the first direction D 1 (the Y-axis direction) of the second control gate electrode 42 G is between the position in the first direction D 1 of the gate interconnect 51 L and the position in the first direction D 1 of the second drain electrode 32 D.

The potential of the third gate electrode 33 G and the potential of the fourth gate electrode 34 G can be controlled to the desired states by providing the second control transistor part TC 2 . The delay of the potential of the third gate electrode 33 G and the potential of the fourth gate electrode 34 G can be suppressed. For example, the loss can be suppressed. For example, the power consumption can be reduced. The characteristics can be improved further.

The second control transistor part TC 2 includes a second control source electrode 42 S. The second control source electrode 42 S is electrically connected to the third and fourth source electrodes 33 S and 34 S. In the example, the second control source electrode 42 S extends in the third direction D 3 . One end portion of the second control source electrode 42 S is connected to the third source electrode 33 S. Another end portion of the second control source electrode 42 S is connected to the fourth source electrode 34 S.

A source interconnect 52 L and a source terminal 52 T may be provided as shown in FIG. 2 . The source interconnect 52 L is electrically connected to the multiple source electrodes 52 (e.g., the first to fourth source electrodes 31 S to 34 S, etc.). The source terminal 52 T is electrically connected to the source interconnect 52 L. For example, the potential of the source terminal 52 T is fixed. For example, the source terminal 52 T is set to a ground potential.

A drain interconnect 53 L and a drain terminal 53 T may be provided as shown in FIG. 2 . The drain interconnect 53 L is electrically connected to the multiple drain electrodes 53 (e.g., the first drain electrode 31 D, the second drain electrode 32 D, etc.). The drain terminal 53 T is electrically connected to the drain interconnect 53 L.

As shown in FIG. 1 , for example, a drain voltage Vd is applied to the drain electrodes (the first drain electrode 31 D and the second drain electrode 32 D) of the first to fourth transistors TR 1 to TR 4 . For example, the drain voltage Vd is supplied from the drain terminal 53 T.

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view illustrating the semiconductor device.

In FIG. 5 , the multiple gate electrodes 51 and the gate interconnect 51 L of the semiconductor device 110 are schematically shown in isolation. As shown in FIG. 5 , the multiple gate electrodes 51 are provided in the semiconductor device 110 . The number of the multiple gate electrodes 51 is, for example, 50 or more. The number may be 100 or more. The multiple gate electrodes 51 are electrically connected to the gate interconnect 51 L. The gate terminal 51 T is provided at the end of the gate interconnect 51 L. The gate interconnect 51 L includes the gate resistance 51 R. One of the multiple gate electrodes 51 is most distant to the gate terminal 51 T. The effects of the gate resistance 51 R are large at this position. An example of the change of the gate voltage Vg at this position will now be described.

FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating characteristics of semiconductor devices.

The horizontal axis of FIG. 6 is the time tm. The vertical axis of FIG. 6 is the gate voltage Vg. FIG. 6 illustrates a characteristic of the semiconductor device 110 and a characteristic of a semiconductor device 119 of a reference example. As described above, the first control transistor part TC 1 is provided in the semiconductor device 110 . The first control transistor part TC 1 is not provided in the semiconductor device 119 . FIG. 6 illustrates a transient phenomenon of the gate voltage Vg when the gate voltage Vg transitions to the off-state of 0 V from the state in which the gate voltage Vg generated by the self-turn-on has become 1 V (volts).

As shown in FIG. 6 , the decrease of the gate voltage Vg is delayed in the semiconductor device 119 . This is due to the effects of the gate resistance 51 R. As shown in FIG. 6 , compared to the semiconductor device 119 , the gate voltage Vg decreases in a short period of time in the semiconductor device 110 . In the semiconductor device 110 , the first transistor TR 1 and the second transistor TR 2 are set to the off-state in a short period of time. For example, the power consumption can be suppressed.

It is favorable for the first control transistor part TC 1 to be provided for the gate electrode 51 distant to the gate terminal 51 T. The delay due to the effects of the gate resistance 51 R can be effectively suppressed thereby.

FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view illustrating the semiconductor device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged illustration of a portion of FIG. 2 .

As shown in FIG. 7 , the distance along the first direction D 1 between the first control gate electrode 41 G and the gate interconnect 51 L is taken as a distance d 2 . The distance d 2 corresponds to the gate-drain distance of the first control transistor part TC 1 . On the other hand, the distance along the third direction D 3 between the first gate electrode 31 G and the first drain electrode 31 D is taken as a distance d 1 . The distance d 1 corresponds to the gate-drain distance of the first transistor TR 1 . In the embodiment, it is favorable for the distance d 2 to be less than the distance d 1 . Thereby, for example, high-speed switching of the first control transistor part TC 1 is obtained.

Thus, it is favorable for the gate-drain distance (the distance d 2 ) of the first control transistor part TC 1 to be less than the distance d 1 .

As shown in FIG. 7 , the first gate electrode 31 G includes a first overlap region OL 1 . The first overlap region OL 1 overlaps the first region R 1 in the second direction D 2 (the Z-axis direction). As described above, the first region R 1 is a portion of the active region RA.

The first control gate electrode 41 G includes a second overlap region OL 2 . The second overlap region OL 2 overlaps the first control region RC 1 in the second direction D 2 . As described above, the first control transistor part TC 1 includes the first control source electrode 41 S. The first control source electrode 41 S is electrically connected to the first and second source electrodes 31 S and 32 S.

The length along the first direction D 1 of the first overlap region OL 1 is taken as a width w 1 . The distance along the third direction D 3 between the first source electrode 31 S and the first drain electrode 31 D is taken as a distance L 1 . The ratio (w 1 /L 1 ) of the width w 1 to the distance L 1 is taken as a first ratio. For example, it is favorable for the first ratio to be not less than 10 and not more than 300. Thereby, for example, the delay of the gate voltage Vg in the gate-finger direction can be reduced.

The length along the third direction D 3 of the second overlap region OL 2 is taken as a width w 2 . The distance along the first direction D 1 between the first control source electrode 41 S and the first gate interconnect 51 L is taken as a distance L 2 . The ratio (w 2 /L 2 ) of the width w 2 to the distance L 2 is taken as a second ratio. It is favorable for the second ratio to be 2 or more. Thereby, it is easier to set the on-resistance of the first control transistor part TC 1 to be less than the resistance of the gate interconnect 51 L. It is more favorable for the second ratio to be 10 or more. Thereby, it is even easier to set the on-resistance of the first control transistor part TC 1 to be less than the resistance of the gate interconnect 51 L.

FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view illustrating a semiconductor device according to the first embodiment.

As in the semiconductor device 111 shown in FIG. 8 , for example, one first control transistor part TC 1 may be provided for two of four gate electrodes 51 . In the embodiment, one first control transistor part TC 1 may be provided for the multiple gate electrodes 51 (e.g., the first gate electrode 31 G and the second gate electrode 32 G). For example, by providing one first control transistor part TC 1 for the multiple gate electrodes 51 , the surface area of the transistors formed of multiple gate electrodes 51 can be enlarged. For example, a low on-resistance is obtained.

FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view illustrating a semiconductor device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged illustration corresponding to a portion of FIG. 2 . In the semiconductor device 112 according to the embodiment as shown in FIG. 9 , the position in the first direction D 1 (the Y-axis direction) of the first control gate electrode 41 G is between the position in the first direction D 1 of the source interconnect 52 L and the position in the first direction D 1 of the gate interconnect 51 L. The position in the first direction D 1 of the control gate interconnect 40 L is between the position in the first direction D 1 of the source interconnect 52 L and the position in the first direction D 1 of the gate interconnect 51 L.

FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view illustrating a semiconductor device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged illustration corresponding to a portion of FIG. 2 . In the semiconductor device 113 according to the embodiment as shown in FIG. 10 , the position in the first direction D 1 (the Y-axis direction) of the first control gate electrode 41 G is between the position in the first direction D 1 of the source interconnect 52 L and the position in the first direction D 1 of the gate interconnect 51 L. The position in the first direction D 1 of the gate interconnect 51 L is between the position in the first direction D 1 of the source interconnect 52 L and the position in the first direction D 1 of the control gate interconnect 40 L.

In the embodiment, various modifications of the order of the gate interconnect 51 L, the control gate interconnect 40 L, and the first control source electrode 41 S are possible. In the first control transistor part TC 1 , the orientation from the first control source electrode 41 S toward the first control drain electrode 41 D may be the reverse of the orientations of the examples described above.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram illustrating a semiconductor device according to a second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 11 , the semiconductor device 120 according to the second embodiment includes a control circuit 70 in addition to the first gate electrode 31 G, the second gate electrode 32 G, the first control transistor part TC 1 , the gate interconnect 51 L, and the control gate interconnect 40 L. The first gate electrode 31 G is included in the first transistor TR 1 . The second gate electrode 32 G is included in the second transistor TR 2 . The configurations of the first gate electrode 31 G, the second gate electrode 32 G, the first control transistor part TC 1 , the gate interconnect 51 L, and the control gate interconnect 40 L of the semiconductor device 110 are applicable to the configurations of the first gate electrode 31 G, the second gate electrode 32 G, the first control transistor part TC 1 , the gate interconnect 51 L, and the control gate interconnect 40 L of the semiconductor device 120 . An example of the control circuit 70 will now be described.

As shown in FIG. 11 , the control circuit 70 includes an input part 70 i and an output part 70 o . The input part 70 i is electrically connected to the gate interconnect 51 L. The output part 70 o is electrically connected to the control gate interconnect 40 L.

The control circuit 70 supplies, to the control gate interconnect 40 L, the control gate voltage Vc corresponding to the gate voltage Vg of the gate interconnect 51 L. The control gate voltage Vc is, for example, the voltage described in reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B .

As shown in FIG. 4A , the gate voltage Vg is the first potential E 1 in the first period T 1 . The gate voltage Vg is the second potential E 2 in the second period T 2 . The second potential E 2 is greater than the first potential E 1 . The control gate voltage Vc is the third potential E 3 in the first period T 1 . The control gate voltage Vc is the fourth potential E 4 in the second period T 2 . The fourth potential E 4 is less than the third potential E 3 .

By providing the control circuit 70 , the desired control gate voltage Vc is obtained from the gate voltage Vg that is input.

In the embodiment, the control circuit 70 may be provided separately from the semiconductor device (e.g., the semiconductor device 110 , etc.) according to the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram illustrating a portion of the semiconductor device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the control circuit 70 . The control circuit 70 includes a normally-on transistor 71 and a normally-off transistor 72 . A power supply voltage VDD is applied to the drain of the transistor 71 . The source of the transistor 71 is electrically connected to the gate of the transistor 71 and the drain of the transistor 72 . An input signal Vin (the gate voltage Vg) is input to the gate of the transistor 72 . The source of the transistor 72 is set to the ground potential. An output signal Vout is output from a connection point between the source of the transistor 71 , the gate of the transistor 71 , and the drain of the transistor 72 . The output signal Vout corresponds to the control gate voltage Vc.

A NOT gate 70 G is formed of the transistor 71 and the transistor 72 . Thus, the control circuit 70 may include the NOT gate 70 G.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram illustrating a semiconductor device according to a third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 13 , the semiconductor device 130 according to the third embodiment includes the control circuit 70 and a first control circuit transistor 75 in addition to the first gate electrode 31 G, the second gate electrode 32 G, the first control transistor part TC 1 , the gate interconnect 51 L, and the control gate interconnect 40 L. The configurations of the first gate electrode 31 G, the second gate electrode 32 G, the first control transistor part TC 1 , the gate interconnect 51 L, and the control gate interconnect 40 L of the semiconductor device 110 are applicable to the first gate electrode 31 G, the second gate electrode 32 G, the first control transistor part TC 1 , the gate interconnect 51 L, and the control gate interconnect 40 L of the semiconductor device 130 . An example of the control circuit 70 and the first control circuit transistor 75 of the semiconductor device 130 will now be described.

The first control circuit transistor 75 is a normally-on transistor.

The control circuit 70 includes the input part 70 i and the output part 70 o . The input part 70 i is electrically connected to the gate interconnect 51 L. The output part 70 o is electrically connected to the control gate interconnect 40 L. The first control circuit transistor 75 includes a first control circuit gate 75 G and a first control circuit source 75 S. The first control circuit gate 75 G and the first control circuit source 75 S are electrically connected to the gate interconnect 51 L. The power supply voltage VDD is applied to a first control circuit drain 75 D of the first control circuit transistor 75 .

For example, the control circuit 70 may have the configuration illustrated in FIG. 12 .

In the semiconductor device 130 , a buffer amplifier is formed of the first control circuit transistor 75 that is provided externally, and the first control transistor part TC 1 that is provided for the finger portions.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram illustrating a semiconductor device according to a fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 14 , the semiconductor device 140 according to the fourth embodiment includes the first gate electrode 31 G, the second gate electrode 32 G, the first control transistor part TC 1 , and the gate interconnect 51 L. The configurations of the first gate electrode 31 G, the second gate electrode 32 G, the gate interconnect 51 L, and the control gate interconnect 40 L of the semiconductor device 110 are applicable to the first gate electrode 31 G, the second gate electrode 32 G, the gate interconnect 51 L, and the control gate interconnect 40 L of the semiconductor device 140 . An example of the first control transistor part TC 1 of the semiconductor device 140 will now be described.

As shown in FIG. 14 , the first control transistor part TC 1 includes a normally-off transistor TF 1 and a normally-on transistor TO 1 . The normally-off transistor TF 1 includes the first control gate electrode 41 G and the first control drain electrode 41 D described above. As described above, the first control gate electrode 41 G is electrically connected to the control gate interconnect 40 L. The first control drain electrode 41 D is electrically connected to the first and second gate electrodes 31 G and 32 G.

The source of the normally-off transistor TF 1 corresponds to the first control source electrode 41 S. The source of the normally-off transistor TF 1 is electrically connected to a drain 41 a D of the normally-on transistor TO 1 . A gate 41 a G of the normally-on transistor TO 1 is electrically connected to a source 41 a S of the normally-on transistor TO 1 . For example, the source 41 a S is electrically connected to the first and second source electrodes 31 S and 32 S.

Thus, the first control transistor part TC 1 may have a double-gate structure. For example, a high on/off ratio is obtained thereby. By using the double-gate structure, for example, the current that passes through the first control transistor part TC 1 from these gate electrodes to the source electrode 52 can be controlled to control the potentials of the first and second gate electrodes 31 G and 32 G. For example, the switching speed can be controlled by the double-gate structure. The noise can be reduced by the double-gate structure.

FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of the semiconductor device according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 15 illustrates the first control transistor part TC 1 of the semiconductor device 140 . As shown in FIG. 15 , the direction from at least a portion of the first control drain electrode 41 D toward the second semiconductor layer 20 is perpendicular to the second direction D 2 (the Z-axis direction). A normally-off characteristic is obtained for the first control gate electrode 41 G.

The second insulating film 62 is between the gate 41 a G and the second semiconductor layer 20 . A normally-on characteristic is obtained for the gate 41 a G.

According to the embodiment, a semiconductor device can be provided in which the characteristics 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 members, semiconductor layers, electrodes, conductive members, base bodies, terminals, insulating members, insulating films, interconnects, circuits, 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 spirit 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.