Semiconductor device

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-001869, 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 schematic view illustrating a semiconductor device according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating a semiconductor device according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating the semiconductor device according to the second embodiment;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are graphs illustrating an operation of the semiconductor device according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating a semiconductor device according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram illustrating the semiconductor device according to the second embodiment;

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

FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating a semiconductor device according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram illustrating the semiconductor device according to the third embodiment;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are graphs illustrating an operation of the semiconductor device according to the third embodiment;

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

FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram illustrating the semiconductor device according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view illustrating a semiconductor device according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a semiconductor device according to a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view illustrating the semiconductor device according to the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view illustrating the semiconductor device according to the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a semiconductor device according to the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a schematic plan view illustrating the semiconductor device according to the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a schematic plan view illustrating the semiconductor device according to the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a semiconductor device according to the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a schematic plan view illustrating the semiconductor device according to the fifth embodiment; and

FIG. 22 is a schematic plan view illustrating the semiconductor device according to the fifth embodiment.

According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a semiconductor member, a gate electrode, a source electrode, a drain electrode, a conductive member, a gate terminal, and a first circuit. The semiconductor member includes a first semiconductor layer including a first partial region and including Al x1 Ga 1−x1 N (0≤x1<1), and a second semiconductor layer including Al x2 Ga 1−x2 N (0<x2≤1 and x1<x2). The first partial region is between the gate electrode and at least a portion of the conductive member in a first direction. The gate terminal is electrically connected to the gate electrode. The first circuit is configured to apply a first voltage to the conductive member based on a gate voltage applied to the gate terminal. The first voltage has a reverse polarity of a polarity of the gate voltage.

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 or illustrated in an antecedent drawing are marked with like reference numerals, and a detailed description is omitted as appropriate.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a semiconductor device according to a first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the semiconductor device 110 according to the embodiment includes a semiconductor member 25 , a gate electrode 51 , a source electrode 52 , a drain electrode 53 , a conductive member 15 , a gate terminal Tg, and a first circuit 30 . The semiconductor member 25 , the gate electrode 51 , the source electrode 52 , the drain electrode 53 , and the conductive member 15 are included in a transistor 10 T. FIG. 1 illustrates a cross section of the transistor 10 T.

The semiconductor member 25 includes a first semiconductor layer 10 and a second semiconductor layer 20 . The first semiconductor layer 10 includes a first partial region 10 a . The first semiconductor layer 10 includes A x1 Ga 1−x1 N (0≤x1<1). The Al composition ratio 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 Al composition ratio 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. The base body 10 s is, for example, a silicon substrate. A buffer layer (e.g., a buffer layer 10 B illustrated in FIG. 14 ) may be provided between the base body 10 s and the first semiconductor layer 10 . For example, the buffer layer is provided on the base body 10 s . The first semiconductor layer 10 is provided on the buffer layer. The second semiconductor layer 20 is provided on the first semiconductor layer 10 .

For example, the first partial region 10 a of the first semiconductor layer 10 is between the gate electrode 51 and at least a portion of the conductive member 15 in a first direction.

For example, the first direction corresponds to the stacking direction of the first and second semiconductor layers 10 and 20 . The first direction is taken as a Z-axis direction. One direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction is taken as an X-axis direction. A direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction is taken as a Y-axis direction.

In the example, the conductive member 15 is a portion of the base body 10 s (e.g., the silicon substrate). The conductive member 15 spreads along a plane (the X-Y plane) crossing the first direction (the Z-axis direction). A portion of the first semiconductor layer 10 is between the source electrode 52 and a portion of the conductive member 15 (the base body 10 s ) in the first direction (the Z-axis direction). Another portion of the first semiconductor layer 10 is between the drain electrode 53 and another portion of the conductive member 15 (the base body 10 s ) in the first direction.

As shown in FIG. 1 , a second direction from the source electrode 52 toward the drain electrode 53 crosses the first direction (the Z-axis direction). For example, the second direction is the X-axis direction. The position in the second direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) of the gate electrode 51 is between the position in the second direction of the source electrode 52 and the position in the second direction of the drain electrode 53 .

As shown in FIG. 1 , for example, the first semiconductor layer 10 further includes 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 is along the first direction (the Z-axis direction). The direction from the third partial region 10 c toward the drain electrode 53 is along the first direction.

The first partial region 10 a is between the second partial region 10 b and the third partial region 10 c in the second direction (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 second direction. The fifth partial region 10 e is between the first partial region 10 a and the third partial region 10 c in the second direction.

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 first direction (the Z-axis direction). The direction from the fifth partial region 10 e toward the second semiconductor portion 22 is along the first direction.

In the example, the semiconductor device 110 further includes a first insulating film 61 . A portion 61 p of the first insulating film 61 is between the first partial region 10 a and the gate electrode 51 . 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 is formed in a portion of the first semiconductor layer 10 proximate to the second semiconductor layer 20 . 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).

For example, a source terminal Ts and a drain terminal Td may be provided. The source terminal Ts is electrically connected to the source electrode 52 . The drain terminal Td is electrically connected to the drain electrode 53 .

The gate terminal Tg is electrically connected to the gate electrode 51 . A current that flows between the source terminal Ts and the drain terminal Td is controlled according to a voltage applied to the gate terminal Tg.

In the example, the direction from the portion 61 p of the first insulating film 61 toward the first semiconductor layer 10 is perpendicular to the first direction (the Z-axis direction). For example, the direction from at least a portion of the gate electrode 51 toward at least a portion of the second semiconductor layer 20 is perpendicular to the first direction (the Z-axis direction). The semiconductor device 110 may have a normally-off operation. In the embodiment, the direction from at least a portion of the gate electrode 51 toward at least a portion of the first semiconductor layer 10 may be perpendicular to the first direction.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the semiconductor device 110 may include at least one of a field plate 52 F, a field plate 54 Fa, or a field plate 54 Fb. For example, at least one of these field plates is electrically connected to the source electrode 52 . For example, the gate electrode 51 is between the semiconductor member 25 and the field plate 52 F. For example, the field plate 54 Fa is between the gate electrode 51 and the field plate 52 F. For example, the position of the field plate 54 Fb in the Z-axis direction is between the position of the gate electrode 51 in the Z-axis direction and the position of the field plate 52 F in the Z-axis direction.

For example, the semiconductor device 110 may further include an insulating member 80 . The insulating member 80 electrically insulates the gate electrode 51 and the source electrode 52 . The insulating member 80 electrically insulates the gate electrode 51 and the drain electrode 53 . The insulating member 80 electrically insulates the drain electrode 53 and the source electrode 52 . The insulating member 80 may include, for example, a first insulating member 81 and a second insulating member 82 . The first insulating member 81 is between the gate electrode 51 and the field plate 54 Fa. The second insulating member 82 is between the field plate 54 Fa and the field plate 52 F. The insulating member 80 includes at least one selected from the group consisting of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and aluminum oxide.

The first circuit 30 is configured to apply a first voltage V 1 to the conductive member 15 based on a gate voltage Vg applied to the gate terminal Tg. The first voltage V 1 has the reverse polarity of the polarity of the gate voltage Vg.

For example, the first circuit 30 includes a first end 30 a , a second end 30 b , and a third end 30 c . The first end 30 a is electrically connected to the gate terminal Tg. The second end 30 b is electrically connected to the conductive member 15 . The third end 30 c is electrically connected to the source terminal Ts (i.e., the source electrode 52 ).

For example, the source electrode 52 is set to a ground potential. For example, a negative first voltage V 1 is generated from a positive gate voltage Vg. The threshold voltage can be increased by applying the negative first voltage V 1 to the conductive member 15 that faces the gate electrode 51 .

According to the embodiment, a stable and high threshold voltage is easily obtained.

For example, compared to when the voltage of the conductive member 15 is 0 volts, a threshold voltage that is about 1 V higher is obtained when the first voltage V 1 applied to the conductive member 15 is −10 V.

According to the embodiment, a semiconductor device can be provided in which the characteristics can be improved.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment corresponds to one example of the first circuit 30 illustrated in FIG. 1 .

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

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating the semiconductor device according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the configurations of the semiconductor member 25 , the gate electrode 51 , the source electrode 52 , the drain electrode 53 , the conductive member 15 , the gate terminal Tg, etc., of the semiconductor device 120 according to the embodiment are similar to those of the semiconductor device 110 . An example of the first circuit 30 of the semiconductor device 120 will now be described.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the first circuit 30 includes a first capacitance 41 and a first diode 31 . The first capacitance 41 includes a first end portion 41 a and a second end portion 41 b . The first diode 31 includes a first anode 31 a and a first cathode 31 c.

The first end portion 41 a is electrically connected to the gate terminal Tg. The second end portion 41 b is electrically connected to the conductive member 15 and the first anode 31 a . The first cathode 31 c is electrically connected to the source electrode 52 .

For example, the first end portion 41 a corresponds to the first end 30 a . The second end portion 41 b corresponds to the second end 30 b . The first cathode 31 c corresponds to the third end 30 c.

The first circuit 30 that has such a configuration generates the first voltage V 1 from the gate voltage Vg.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are graphs illustrating an operation of the semiconductor device according to the second embodiment.

In these figures, the horizontal axis is a time tm. The vertical axis of FIG. 4A is the gate voltage Vg applied to the gate terminal Tg. The vertical axis of FIG. 4B is the first voltage V 1 applied to the conductive member 15 .

As shown in FIG. 4A , the gate voltage Vg changes from a first potential E 1 to a second potential E 2 at a first time t 1 . The second potential E 2 is less than the first potential E 1 .

As shown in FIG. 4B , the first voltage V 1 changes from a third potential E 3 to a fourth potential E 4 at the first time t 1 . The change of the potential is based on the charge stored in the first capacitance 41 . The fourth potential E 4 is less than the third potential E 3 . The second potential E 2 and the third potential E 3 are, for example, the ground potential. The first voltage V 1 that is output from the first circuit 30 changes to the negative fourth potential E 4 when the gate voltage Vg changes from the positive first potential E 1 to the ground potential.

Thus, the first voltage V 1 changes from the third potential E 3 to the fourth potential E 4 when the gate voltage Vg changes from the first potential E 1 (the high potential) to the second potential E 2 (the low potential). A high threshold voltage is obtained by the conductive member 15 changing to the negative fourth potential E 4 .

In the embodiment, the first circuit 30 generates the first voltage V 1 from the gate voltage Vg. For example, the configuration is simple compared to a reference example in which a control device or the like is separately provided. In the embodiment, a high threshold can be stably obtained with a simple configuration.

In the example as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B , the polarity of the first voltage V 1 is reversed with respect to the polarity of the gate voltage Vg at and after the first time t 1 . For example, the gate voltage Vg changes from the second potential E 2 to the first potential E 1 at a second time t 2 . The first voltage V 1 changes from the fourth potential E 4 to the third potential E 3 at the second time t 2 . For example, the threshold reverts when the gate voltage Vg is in the on-state, and a low on-resistance is obtained.

Thus, in one example according to the embodiment, the first voltage V 1 may change from the fourth potential E 4 to the third potential E 3 when the gate voltage Vg changes from the second potential E 2 to the first potential E 1 .

In the embodiment, an electrostatic capacitance is generated between the conductive member 15 and the gate electrode 51 . For example, the electrostatic capacitance corresponds to the electrostatic capacitance between the base body 10 s (the silicon substrate) and the carrier region 10 E.

In the embodiment, it is favorable for a first electrostatic capacitance of the first capacitance 41 to be not less than 10 times the electrostatic capacitance between the gate electrode 51 and the conductive member 15 (which may be, for example, the base body 10 s ). The fourth potential E 4 can be further reduced thereby, and a high threshold voltage is obtained.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating a semiconductor device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram illustrating the semiconductor device according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the configurations of the semiconductor member 25 , the gate electrode 51 , the source electrode 52 , the drain electrode 53 , the gate terminal Tg, the first circuit 30 , etc., of the semiconductor device 121 are similar to those of the semiconductor device 120 . An example of the conductive member 15 of the semiconductor device 121 will now be described.

In the semiconductor device 121 as shown in FIG. 5 , the conductive member 15 is separated from the base body 10 s (e.g., the silicon substrate). For example, the conductive member 15 that is separated from the base body 10 s is obtained by performing etching or the like to remove a region between the portion of the base body 10 s corresponding to the gate electrode 51 and the other portions of the base body 10 s.

Or, the conductive member 15 that is separated from the base body 10 s is obtained by removing the portion of the base body 10 s corresponding to the gate electrode 51 and by providing another conductive layer (a metal layer, etc.) in the removed portion.

In the semiconductor device 121 , because the conductive member 15 is separated from the base body 10 s , an electrostatic capacitance Cx between the conductive member 15 and the gate electrode 51 (referring to FIG. 6 ) can be small. Thereby, the potential of the electrostatic capacitance Cx can change in a short period of time. Even when the electrostatic capacitance of the first capacitance 41 is small, the delay of the threshold voltage increase with respect to the change of the gate voltage Vg can be suppressed.

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

As shown in FIG. 7 , the configurations of the semiconductor member 25 , the gate electrode 51 , the source electrode 52 , the drain electrode 53 , the gate terminal Tg, the first circuit 30 , etc., of the semiconductor device 122 are similar to those of the semiconductor device 120 . In the semiconductor device 122 as well, the conductive member 15 is separated from the base body 10 s (e.g., the silicon substrate).

In the semiconductor device 122 , the thickness (the length along the Z-axis direction) of the conductive member 15 is different from the thickness of the base body 10 s . In the example, the thickness of the conductive member 15 is less than the thickness of the base body 10 s . In such a semiconductor device 122 , for example, the conductive member 15 is obtained by removing the portion of the base body 10 s corresponding to the gate electrode 51 and by providing another conductive layer (a metal layer, etc.) in the removed portion.

In the semiconductor devices 121 and 122 , it is desirable for the first electrostatic capacitance of the first capacitance 41 to be not less than 10 times the electrostatic capacitance Cx between the conductive member 15 and the gate electrode 51 .

In the semiconductor devices 121 and 122 , the electrostatic capacitance Cx is easily reduced because the conductive member 15 is separated from the base body 10 s . Even when the first electrostatic capacitance is small, the delay of the threshold voltage increase can be suppressed.

Third Embodiment

A third embodiment corresponds to one example of the first circuit 30 illustrated in FIG. 1 .

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

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram illustrating the semiconductor device according to the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the configurations of the semiconductor member 25 , the gate electrode 51 , the source electrode 52 , the drain electrode 53 , the conductive member 15 , the gate terminal Tg, etc., of the semiconductor device 130 according to the embodiment are similar to those of the semiconductor device 110 . An example of the first circuit 30 of the semiconductor device 130 will now be described.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the first circuit 30 includes the first capacitance 41 , a second capacitance 42 , a first diode 31 , and a second diode 32 .

The first capacitance 41 includes the first end portion 41 a and the second end portion 41 b . The second capacitance 42 includes a third end portion 42 c and a fourth end portion 42 d . The first diode 31 includes the first anode 31 a and the first cathode 31 c . The second diode 32 includes a second anode 32 a and a second cathode 32 c.

The first end portion 41 a is electrically connected to the gate terminal Tg. The second end portion 41 b is electrically connected to the first anode 31 a and the second cathode 32 c . The first cathode 31 c is electrically connected to the source electrode 52 . The second anode 32 a is electrically connected to the conductive member 15 and the third end portion 42 c . The fourth end portion 42 d is electrically connected to the source electrode 52 .

In such a first circuit 30 as well, the first voltage V 1 is generated from the gate voltage Vg.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are graphs illustrating an operation of the semiconductor device according to the third embodiment.

In these figures, the horizontal axis is the time tm. The vertical axis of FIG. 10A is the gate voltage Vg applied to the gate terminal Tg. The vertical axis of FIG. 10B is the first voltage V 1 applied to the conductive member 15 .

As shown in FIG. 10A , the gate voltage Vg changes from the first potential E 1 to the second potential E 2 at the first time t 1 . The second potential E 2 is less than the first potential E 1 .

As shown in FIG. 10B , the first voltage V 1 changes from the third potential E 3 to the fourth potential E 4 at the first time t 1 . The fourth potential E 4 is less than the third potential E 3 . The second potential E 2 and the third potential E 3 are, for example, the ground potential. The first voltage V 1 that is output from the first circuit 30 changes to the negative fourth potential E 4 when the gate voltage Vg changes from the positive first potential E 1 to the ground potential.

Thus, the first voltage V 1 changes from the third potential E 3 to the fourth potential E 4 at the first time t 1 when the gate voltage Vg changes from the first potential E 1 (the high potential) to the second potential E 2 (the low potential). A high threshold voltage is obtained thereby.

In the semiconductor device 130 , the first voltage V 1 maintains the fourth potential E 4 at and after the first time t 1 . The first voltage V 1 maintains the fourth potential E 4 when the gate voltage Vg changes from the second potential E 2 to the first potential E 1 . Even at the second time t 2 , the first voltage V 1 maintains the negative fourth potential E 4 . The semiconductor device 130 is not affected by the delay of the change of the first voltage V 1 with respect to the change of the gate voltage Vg. A high threshold voltage is more stably obtained.

It is sufficient for a second electrostatic capacitance of the second capacitance 42 to be substantially equal to the first electrostatic capacitance of the first capacitance 41 . For example, the second electrostatic capacitance is not less than 0.7 times and not more than 1.3 times the first electrostatic capacitance.

In the embodiment, it is favorable for the second electrostatic capacitance of the second capacitance 42 to be not less than 10 times the electrostatic capacitance between the gate electrode 51 and the conductive member 15 (which may be, for example, the base body 10 s ). The fourth potential E 4 can be further reduced thereby, and a high threshold voltage is obtained.

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

In the semiconductor device 131 according to the embodiment as shown in FIG. 11 , the first circuit 30 includes a voltage amplifier circuit 35 in addition to the first capacitance 41 , the second capacitance 42 , the first diode 31 , and the second diode 32 . The voltage amplifier circuit 35 includes an input end 35 a and an output end 35 b . The input end 35 a is electrically connected to the gate terminal Tg. The output end 35 b is electrically connected to the first end portion 41 a . In the semiconductor device 131 , the first voltage V 1 that is amplified can be applied to the conductive member 15 . A high threshold is stably obtained.

FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram illustrating the semiconductor device according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the voltage amplifier circuit 35 . As shown in FIG. 12 , the voltage amplifier circuit is obtained by combining diodes D 1 to D 4 and capacitances C 01 to C 04 . An amplified output voltage Vo is obtained based on an input voltage Vi.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 13 is a schematic view illustrating a semiconductor device according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view. In the semiconductor device 140 as shown in FIG. 13 , the first circuit 30 is provided on a mounting substrate 78 e . In the example, the first circuit 30 includes the first diode 31 and the first capacitance 41 . For example, a conductive layer 78 c is provided on the mounting substrate 78 e . The first diode 31 , the first capacitance 41 , and the transistor 10 T are provided on the conductive layer 78 c . The transistor 10 T includes the semiconductor member 25 , the gate electrode 51 , the source electrode 52 , and the drain electrode 53 (referring to FIG. 1 ). A gate pad 51 P, a source pad 52 P, and a drain pad 53 P are provided for the transistor 10 T. The gate pad 51 P is electrically connected to the gate electrode 51 . The source pad 52 P is electrically connected to the source electrode 52 . The drain pad 53 P is electrically connected to the drain electrode 53 .

For example, the gate pad 51 P and the first capacitance 41 are electrically connected by a connection member 78 a . For example, the source pad 52 P and the first diode 31 are electrically connected by a connection member 78 b . The first capacitance 41 and the first diode 31 are electrically connected by the conductive layer 78 c.

For example, these electrical components may be surrounded with a mold resin 78 f . For example, the gate terminal Tg, the source terminal Ts, and the drain terminal Td may not be covered with the mold resin 78 f.

Fifth Embodiment

In a fifth embodiment, the diode and the capacitance are formed of materials included in the transistor 10 T.

FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the semiconductor device according to the fifth embodiment.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are schematic plan views illustrating the semiconductor device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 14 illustrates a line A 1 -A 2 cross section and a line A 3 -A 4 cross section of FIG. 15 . FIG. 15 illustrates a plane at the position of line Z 1 -Z 2 of FIG. 14 . FIG. 16 illustrates a plane at the position of line Z 3 -Z 4 of FIG. 14 .

In the semiconductor device 151 illustrated in FIG. 14 , the first diode 31 and the first capacitance 41 are provided as the first circuit 30 . The semiconductor device 151 corresponds to one example of the semiconductor device 120 .

As shown in FIG. 15 , an active region 10 A and a peripheral region 10 P are provided in the semiconductor member 25 . The peripheral region 10 P is provided around the active region 10 A. Multiple gate electrodes 51 , multiple source electrodes 52 , and multiple drain electrodes 53 are provided in the example. These regions extend in the Y-axis direction on the active region 10 A. The gate pad 51 P, the source pad 52 P, and the drain pad 53 P are provided in the peripheral region 10 P. The gate pad 51 P is electrically connected to the multiple gate electrodes 51 . For example, the electrical connection is performed by a gate interconnect 71 . The source pad 52 P is electrically connected to the multiple source electrodes 52 . For example, the electrical connection is performed by a source interconnect 72 . The drain pad 53 P is electrically connected to the multiple drain electrodes 53 . For example, the electrical connection is performed by a drain interconnect 73 . For example, the gate terminal Tg is electrically connected to the gate pad 51 P. For example, the source terminal Ts is electrically connected to the source pad 52 P. For example, the drain terminal Td is electrically connected to the drain pad 53 P.

As shown in FIG. 15 , an interconnect 71 c is electrically connected to the gate interconnect 71 by a connection member 71 v . An interconnect 72 c is electrically connected to the source interconnect 72 .

As shown in FIG. 14 , the first insulating member 81 is provided between the interconnect 71 c and the interconnect 72 c . The first capacitance 41 is formed of the first insulating member 81 , the interconnect 71 c , and the interconnect 72 c.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 16 , a portion of the interconnect 72 c is electrically connected to the base body 10 s (the conductive member 15 ) by a connection member 75 v . The connection member 75 v corresponds to the second end portion 41 b of the first capacitance 41 . In the example as shown in FIGS. 14 and 16 , the conductive member 15 corresponds to the base body 10 s.

As shown in FIG. 14 , a portion of the interconnect 72 c is electrically connected to the semiconductor member 25 by a connection member 72 v . The first diode 31 is formed of the connection member 72 v , the semiconductor member 25 , and the source interconnect 72 . The connection member 72 v corresponds to the first anode 31 a . The source interconnect 72 corresponds to the first cathode 31 c.

Thus, the first diode 31 may include a semiconductor layer 25 s that is included in the semiconductor member 25 .

A portion 80 p of the insulating member 80 (in the example, the first insulating member 81 ) electrically insulates the gate electrode 51 and the source electrode 52 . The first capacitance 41 may include another portion 80 q of such an insulating member 80 (e.g., the first insulating member 81 ).

As shown in FIG. 14 , the transistor 10 T of the semiconductor device 151 may further include a second insulating film 62 . The second insulating film 62 is provided between the second semiconductor layer 20 and a portion of the first insulating film 61 in the Z-axis direction. For example, the second insulating film 62 may function as a protective film of the semiconductor member 25 . The second insulating film 62 includes, for example, silicon nitride, etc.

FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a semiconductor device according to the fifth embodiment.

FIGS. 18 and 19 are schematic plan views illustrating the semiconductor device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 17 illustrates a line A 1 -A 2 cross section and a line A 3 -A 4 cross section of FIG. 18 . FIG. 18 illustrates a plane at the position of line Z 1 -Z 2 of FIG. 17 . FIG. 19 illustrates a plane at the position of line Z 3 -Z 4 of FIG. 17 .

In the semiconductor device 152 illustrated in FIG. 17 , the first diode 31 and the first capacitance 41 are provided as the first circuit 30 . The semiconductor device 152 corresponds to one example of the semiconductor device 121 . Examples of portions of the semiconductor device 152 that are different from those of the semiconductor device 151 will now be described.

In the semiconductor device 152 as shown in FIG. 17 , the conductive member 15 is separated from the base body 10 s . For example, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 19 , a gap 15 g is provided between the conductive member 15 and the base body 10 s.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 19 , the conductive member 15 at the lower portion of the connection member 75 v also is separated from the base body 10 s by a gap 15 h . In the semiconductor device 152 , the electrostatic capacitance Cx can be small (referring to FIG. 6 ).

In the semiconductor device 152 as well, the first capacitance 41 is formed of a portion 80 q of the first insulating member 81 , the interconnect 71 c , and the interconnect 72 c . The first diode 31 is formed of the connection member 72 v , the semiconductor member 25 , and the source interconnect 72 .

FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a semiconductor device according to the fifth embodiment.

FIGS. 21 and 22 are schematic plan views illustrating the semiconductor device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 20 illustrates a line A 1 -A 2 cross section, a line A 3 -A 4 cross section, and a line A 5 -A 6 cross section of FIG. 21 . FIG. 21 illustrates a plane at the position of line Z 1 -Z 2 of FIG. 20 . FIG. 22 illustrates a plane at the position of line Z 3 -Z 4 of FIG. 20 .

In the semiconductor device 153 illustrated in FIG. 20 , the first diode 31 , the second diode 32 , the first capacitance 41 , and the second capacitance 42 are provided as the first circuit 30 . The semiconductor device 153 corresponds to one example of the semiconductor device 130 .

As shown in FIG. 20 , a portion 80 r of the first insulating member 81 is provided between the interconnect 72 c and the interconnect 71 c . An interconnect 72 d is electrically connected to the base body 10 s (the conductive member 15 ) by the connection member 75 v . The portion 80 q of the insulating member 80 is provided between the source interconnect 72 and the interconnect 72 d.

As shown in FIG. 20 , the first capacitance 41 includes the portion 80 r of the first insulating member 81 . The second capacitance 42 includes the portion 80 q of the first insulating member 81 . The first diode 31 includes a portion of the semiconductor layer 25 s . The second diode 32 includes another portion of the semiconductor layer 25 s.

According to the embodiments, 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 layers, electrodes, conductive members, base bodies, terminals, insulating members, insulating films, 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.