Performance Enhancement of AlGaN/GaN Based High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT) with Structural Reconfiguration and Thermal Engineering for High Power Applications

Performance Enhancement of AlGaN/GaN Based High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT) with Structural Reconfiguration and Thermal Engineering for High Power Applications PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Get Book Here

Book Description


Advanced Technologies for Improving High Frequency Performance of AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors

Advanced Technologies for Improving High Frequency Performance of AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors PDF Author: Jinwook Will Chung
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 160

Get Book Here

Book Description
In this thesis, we have used a combination of physical analysis, numerical simulation and experimental work to identify and overcome some of the main challenges in AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) for high frequency applications. In spite of their excellent material properties, GaN-based HEMTs are still below the theoretical predictions in their high frequency performance. If the frequency performance could be improved, the superior breakdown characteristics of nitride semiconductors would make these devices the best option for power amplifiers at any frequency. To achieve this goal, we have first identified some critical parameters that limit the high frequency performance of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs and then we have demonstrated several new technologies to increase the performance. Some of these technologies include advanced drain delay engineering, charge control in the channel and new N-face GaN HEMTs. Although more work is needed in the future to combine all these new technologies, the initial results are extremely promising.

GaN-Based HEMTs for High Voltage Operation: Design, Technology and Characterization

GaN-Based HEMTs for High Voltage Operation: Design, Technology and Characterization PDF Author: Eldad Bahat-Treidel
Publisher: Cuvillier Verlag
ISBN: 3736940947
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 220

Get Book Here

Book Description
Gallium nitride (GaN)-based High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) for high voltage, high power switching and regulating for space applications are studied in this work. Efficient power switching is associated with operation in high OFF-state blocking voltage while keeping the ON-state resistance, the dynamic dispersion and leakage currents as low as possible. The potential of such devices to operate at high voltages is limited by a chain of factors such as subthreshold leakages and the device geometry. Blocking voltage enhancement is a complicated problem that requires parallel methods for solution; epitaxial layers design, device structural and geometry design, and suitable semiconductor manufacturing technique. In this work physical-based device simulation as an engineering tool was developed. An overview on GaN-based HEMTs physical based device simulation using Silvaco-“ATLAS” is given. The simulation is utilized to analyze, give insight to the modes of operation of the device and for design and evaluation of innovative concepts. Physical-based models that describe the properties of the semiconductor material are introduced. A detailed description of the specific AlGaN/GaN HEMT structure definition and geometries are given along with the complex fine meshing requirements. Nitride-semiconductor specific material properties and their physical models are reviewed focusing on the energetic band structure, epitaxial strain tensor calculation in wurtzite materials and build-in polarization models. Special attention for thermal conductivity, carriers’ mobility and Schottky-gate-reverse-bias-tunneling is paid. Empirical parameters matching and adjustment of models parameters to match the experimental device measured results are discussed. An enhancement of breakdown voltage in AlxGa1-xN/GaN HEMT devices by increasing the electron confinement in the transistor channel using a low Al content AlyGa1-yN back-barrier layer structure is systematically studied. It is shown that the reduced sub-threshold drain-leakage current through the buffer layer postpones the punch-through and therefore shifts the breakdown of the device to higher voltages. It is also shown that the punch-through voltage (VPT) scales up with the device dimensions (gate to drain separation). An optimized electron confinement results both, in a scaling of breakdown voltage with device geometry and a significantly reduced sub-threshold drain and gate leakage currents. These beneficial properties are pronounced even further if gate recess technology is applied for device fabrication. For the systematic study a large variations of back-barrier epitaxial structures were grown on sapphire, n-type 4H-SiC and semi-insulating 4H-SiC substrates. The devices with 5 μm gate-drain separation grown on n-SiC owning Al0.05Ga0.95N and Al0.10Ga0.90N back-barrier exhibit 304 V and 0.43 m × cm2 and 342 V and 0.41 m × cm2 respectively. To investigate the impact of AlyGa1-yN back-barrier on the device properties the devices were characterized in DC along with microwave mode and robustness DC-step-stress test. Physical-based device simulations give insight in the respective electronic mechanisms and to the punch-through process that leads to device breakdown. Systematic study of GaN-based HEMT devices with insulating carbon-doped GaN back-barrier for high voltage operation is also presented. Suppression of the OFF-state sub-threshold drain leakage-currents enables breakdown voltage enhancement over 1000 V with low ON-state resistance. The devices with 5 μm gate-drain separation on SI-SiC and 7 μm gate-drain separation on n-SiC exhibit 938 V and 0.39 m × cm2 and 942 V and 0.39 m × cm2 respectively. Power device figure of merit of ~2.3 × 109 V2/-cm2 was calculated for these devices. The impacts of variations of carbon doping concentration, GaN channel thickness and substrates are evaluated. Trade-off considerations in ON-state resistance and of current collapse are addressed. A novel GaN-based HEMTs with innovative planar Multiple-Grating-Field-Plates (MGFPs) for high voltage operation are described. A synergy effect with additional electron channel confinement by using a heterojunction AlGaN back-barrier is demonstrated. Suppression of the OFF-state sub-threshold gate and drain leakage-currents enables breakdown voltage enhancement over 700 V and low ON-state resistance of 0.68 m × cm2. Such devices have a minor trade-off in ON-state resistance, lag factor, maximum oscillation frequency and cut-off frequency. Systematic study of the MGFP design and the effect of Al composition in the back-barrier are described. Physics-based device simulation results give insight into electric field distribution and charge carrier concentration depending on field-plate design. The GaN superior material breakdown strength properties are not always a guarantee for high voltage devices. In addition to superior epitaxial growth design and optimization for high voltage operation the device geometrical layout design and the device manufacturing process design and parameters optimization are important criteria for breakdown voltage enhancement. Smart layout prevent immature breakdown due to lateral proximity of highly biased interconnects. Optimization of inter device isolation designed for high voltage prevents substantial subthreshold leakage. An example for high voltage test device layout design and an example for critical inter-device insulation manufacturing process optimization are presented. While major efforts are being made to improve the forward blocking performance, devices with reverse blocking capability are also desired in a number of applications. A novel GaN-based HEMT with reverse blocking capability for Class-S switch-mode amplifiers is introduced. The high voltage protection is achieved by introducing an integrated recessed Schottky contact as a drain electrode. Results from our Schottky-drain HEMT demonstrate an excellent reverse blocking with minor trade-off in the ON-state resistance for the complete device. The excellent quality of the forward diode characteristics indicates high robustness of the recess process. The reverse blocking capability of the diode is better than –110 V. Physical-based device simulations give insight in the respective electronic mechanisms. Zusammenfassung In dieser Arbeit wurden Galliumnitrid (GaN)-basierte Hochspannungs-HEMTs (High Electron Mobility Transistor) für Hochleistungsschalt- und Regelanwendungen in der Raumfahrt untersucht. Effizientes Leistungsschalten erfordert einen Betrieb bei hohen Sperrspannungen gepaart mit niedrigem Einschaltwiderstand, geringer dynamischer Dispersion und minimalen Leckströmen. Dabei wird das aus dem Halbleitermaterial herrührende Potential für extrem spannungsfeste Transistoren aufgrund mehrerer Faktoren aus dem lateralen und dem vertikalen Bauelementedesign oft nicht erreicht. Physikalisch-basierte Simulationswerkzeuge für die Bauelemente wurden daher entwickelt. Die damit durchgeführte Analyse der unterschiedlichen Transistorbetriebszustände ermöglichte das Entwickeln innovativer Bauelementdesignkonzepte. Das Erhöhen der Bauelementsperrspannung erfordert parallele und ineinandergreifende Lösungsansätze für die Epitaxieschichten, das strukturelle und das geometrische Design und für die Prozessierungstechnologie. Neuartige Bauelementstrukturen mit einer rückseitigen Kanalbarriere (back-barrier) aus AlGaN oder Kohlenstoff-dotierem GaN in Kombination mit neuartigen geometrischen Strukturen wie den Mehrfachgitterfeldplatten (MGFP, Multiple-Grating-Field-Plate) wurden untersucht. Die elektrische Gleichspannungscharakterisierung zeigte dabei eine signifikante Verringerung der Leckströme im gesperrten Zustand. Dies resultierte bei nach wie vor sehr kleinem Einschaltwiderstand in einer Durchbruchspannungserhöhung um das etwa Zehnfache auf über 1000 V. Vorzeitige Spannungsüberschläge aufgrund von Feldstärkenspitzen an Verbindungsmetallisierungen werden durch ein geschickt gestaltetes Bauelementlayout verhindert. Eine Optimierung der Halbleiterisolierung zwischen den aktiven Strukturen führte auch im kV-Bereich zu vernachlässigbaren Leckströme. Während das Hauptaugenmerk der Arbeit auf der Erhöhung der Spannungsfestigkeit im Vorwärtsbetrieb des Transistors lag, ist für einige Anwendung auch ein rückwärtiges Sperren erwünscht. Für Schaltverstärker im S-Klassenbetrieb wurde ein neuartiger GaN-HEMT entwickelt, dessen rückwärtiges Sperrverhalten durch einen tiefgelegten Schottkykontakt als Drainelektrode hervorgerufen wird. Eine derartige Struktur ergab eine rückwärtige Spannungsfestigkeit von über 110 V.

Modeling of AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistor for Sensors and High-temperature Circuit Applications

Modeling of AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistor for Sensors and High-temperature Circuit Applications PDF Author: Sazia Afreen Eliza
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 87

Get Book Here

Book Description
With the most advanced and mature technology for electronic devices, silicon (Si) based devices can be processed with practically no material defects. However, Si technology has difficulty meeting the demand for some high-power, high-speed, and high-temperature applications due to limitations in its intrinsic properties. Wide bandgap semiconductors have greater prospects compared to Si based devices. The wide band gap material system shows higher breakdown voltage, lower leakage, higher saturation velocity, larger thermal conductivity and better thermal stability suitable for high-power, high-speed, and high-temperature operations of the devices. In recent years, GaN based devices have drawn much research attention due to their superior performances compared to other wide bandgap semiconductor (SiC) devices. Specifically, implementation of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) based power amplifiers have become very promising for applications in base stations or radar. With the increase in device power, channel temperature rises. This introduces high-temperature effects in the device characteristics. In addition, high-power, high-frequency and high-temperature operation of AlGaN/GaN HEMT is required for telemetry in extreme environment. AlGaN/GaN HEMT also shows great potential as chemically selective field-effect transistor (CHEMFET). Due to simpler imprint technique and amplification advantages CHEMFET based detection and characterization of bio-molecules has become very popular. AlGaN/GaN HEMT has high mobility two-dimensional electron gas (2 DEG) at the hetero-interface closer to the surface and hence it shows high sensitivity to any surface charge conditions. The primary objective of this research is to develop a temperature dependent physics based model of AlGaN/GaN HEMT to predict the performance for high-power and high-speed applications at varying temperatures. The physics based model has also been applied to predict the characteristics of AlGaN/GaN HEMT based CHEMFET for the characterization of bio-molecular solar batteries - Photosystem I reaction centers. Using the CHEMFET model, the number of reaction centers with effective orientation on the gate surface of the HEMT can be estimated.

Dynamic Performance Simulation of AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors

Dynamic Performance Simulation of AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors PDF Author: Shrijit Mukherjee
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780530005898
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 130

Get Book Here

Book Description
Abstract: GaN based devices have reached a point in terms of processing maturity where the favorable wide-band gap related properties can be implemented in several commercial and military applications. However, long term reliability continues to affect large scale integration of such devices, specifically the potential of AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs), due to the indefinite nature of defects in the structure and mechanisms of performance degradation relevant to such defects. Recent efforts have begun to concentrate more on the bulk properties of the GaN buffer on which the heterostructure is grown, and how defects distributed in the buffer can affect the performance under various operating schemes. This dissertation discusses numerical simulator based investigation of the numerous possibilities by which such point defects can affect electrical behavior. For HEMTs designed for satellite communication systems, proton irradiation results indicate changes in the device parasitics resulting in degradation of RF parameters. Assumption of such radiation damage introducing fast traps indicate severe degradation far exceeding experimental observation. For power switching applications, the necessity of accurately capturing as-grown defects was realized when modeling current relaxation during bias switching. Ability to introduce multiple trap levels in the material bulk aided in achieving simulation results replicating experimental results more accurately than published previously. Impact of factors associated with such traps, either associated with discrete energy levels or band-like distribution in energy, on the nature of current relaxation characterized by its derivative has been presented. Dissertation Discovery Company and University of Florida are dedicated to making scholarly works more discoverable and accessible throughout the world. This dissertation, "Dynamic Performance Simulation of AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors" by Shrijit Mukherjee, was obtained from University of Florida and is being sold with permission from the author. A digital copy of this work may also be found in the university's institutional repository, IR@UF. The content of this dissertation has not been altered in any way. We have altered the formatting in order to facilitate the ease of printing and reading of the dissertation.

Analysis and Optimization of AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors for Microwave Applications

Analysis and Optimization of AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors for Microwave Applications PDF Author: Michael Hosch
Publisher: Cuvillier Verlag
ISBN: 3736938446
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 129

Get Book Here

Book Description
This thesis deals with the analysis and optimization of some of the most prominent non-ideal effects in AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors used in microwave applications as well as the optimization of the RF gain. The effect of current collapse, the root cause of leakage currents as well as field-dependent self-heating effects have been investigated by eletrical characterization using well established techniques and have been analyzed using 2-dimensional physical device simulations. It will be shown that the origin of all effects is strongly related to the device surface and some are even competing effects making device optimization a challenge. However, a detailed localization of the regions affecting device performance will be given leading to a better understanding for fabrication process optimization. Finally, I simulation study is conducted giving suggestions for RF gain improvement based on very simple device layout variations.

Modeling of AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors

Modeling of AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors PDF Author: D. Nirmal
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9789819775057
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Get Book Here

Book Description
This volume focuses on GaN HEMT, the most promising transistor technology for RF power applications such as 5G communications, space and defense. The contents include accurate small signal models required to predict the RF power performance of RF electronic circuits, large signal modeling of GaN HEMTs, accurate and compact physical models to assist the RF circuit designers to optimize GaN HEMT-based power amplifiers and integrated circuits, among others. The book also covers thermal resistance modeling of GaN HEMTs, charge-based compact models, and surface potential-based models to study the impact of gate leakage current on the RF power performance of GaN HEMTs. This book also deals with the analytical modeling of intrinsic charges and surface potential of GaN HEMTs, physical modeling of charge trapping, neural network-based GaN HEMT models, numerical-based GaN HEMT models, modeling of short channel effects in GaN HEMTs, modeling of parasitic capacitances and resistances, modelingof current collapse and kink effects in HGaN HEMTs, etc. This volume will be a useful to those in industry and academia.

GaN-based Tri-gate High Electron Mobility Transistors

GaN-based Tri-gate High Electron Mobility Transistors PDF Author: Erdin Ture
Publisher: Fraunhofer Verlag
ISBN: 9783839613412
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Get Book Here

Book Description
The rapidly-growing data throughput rates in a wide range of wireless communication applications are pushing the established semiconductor device technologies to their limits. Considerably higher levels of solid-state output power will therefore be needed to meet the demand in the next generation satellite communications as well as the RADAR systems. Owing to their superior material properties such as high breakdown fields and peak electron velocities, GaN-based high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) have recently prevailed in high-power systems operating in the microwave frequency bands. On the other hand at the millimetre-wave (MMW) and sub-MMW frequencies, highly-scaled GaN HEMTs are prone to experiencing deteriorated high frequency characteristics which severely limit the high-power performance. In an attempt to overcome this, 3-dimensional GaN HEMT devices featuring the Tri-gate topology are developed in this work, exhibiting enhanced performance in terms of both off- and on-state figures of merit. The demonstrated results promote the great potential of Tri-gate GaN HEMTs for both MMW power amplifier and high-speed logic applications.

Development of AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) on Diamond Substrates

Development of AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) on Diamond Substrates PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Computer programs
Languages : en
Pages : 57

Get Book Here

Book Description
Silicon based semiconductor devices are rapidly approaching the theoretical limit of operation and are becoming unsuitable for future military requirements. The scope of semiconductor devices has been expanded by wide bandgap devices such as gallium nitride (GaN) to include the possibility for high power and high frequency operation. A new generation of high speed 6 high frequency devices is required to meet current and future military needs. The Gallium Nitride High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT) is showing great promise as the enabling technology in the development of military radar systems, electronic surveillance systems, communications systems and high voltage power systems. Typically, sapphire or silicon carbide is utilized as the substrate material in most HEMT designs. This thesis explores the possibility of utilizing a diamond substrate to increase the power handling capability of the AlGaN/GaN HEMT. Diamond offers increased thermal property parameters that can be simulated in the commercially available Silvaco software package. A complete electrical and thermal analysis of the model was conducted and compared to actual device characteristics. The results of the software simulation and measurements on the test devices indicate diamond substrates will enable the HEMT to be operated at a higher power than traditional sapphire substrate HEMTS.

Processing and Characterization of Advanced AlGaN/GaN Heterojunction Effect Transistors

Processing and Characterization of Advanced AlGaN/GaN Heterojunction Effect Transistors PDF Author: Jaesun Lee
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Heterostructures
Languages : en
Pages : 176

Get Book Here

Book Description
Abstract: AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) have demonstrated high current levels, high breakdown voltages, and high frequency power performance due to its unique material properties. The further improvements of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs rely on the improvement of material quality and further reduction of parasitic resistance. The purpose of this study is to fabricate and characterize AlGaN/GaN HEMTs for high frequency and high power applications. The first focus of this research is to investigate the post-gate annealing effect on the direct current and radio frequency device performances. Post-gate annealing of AlGaN/GaN turns out to be one of the simple and effective techniques to improve breakdown voltage and power performance of devices dramatically. Especially, after post-annealing at 400 0C for 10 minutes, the maximum drain current at a gate bias of 1 V increases from 823 mA/mm to 956 mA/mm. The transconductance of the devices was improved from 223 mS/mm to 233 mS/mm. The breakdown voltages of the devices were enhanced remarkably from 25 V to 187 V. The threshold voltage exhibited a negative shift. The values fT and fMAX increase from 24 GHz and 80 GHz to 55 GHz and 150 GHz, respectively. The output power and associated gain at 10 GHz are improved from 16.4 dBm and 11.4 dB to 25.9 dBm and 19 dB, respectively. The power added efficiency (PAE) is improved from 29.4 to 52.5 %. The second focus is to develop self-aligned AlGaN/GaN HEMTs, which are very attractive because of the minimized source access resistance. However, the thick metal scheme and high processing temperature of ohmic contacts on III-nitrides hinder the realization of self-aligned devices. In this study, self-aligned AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors are fabricated and characterized with the thin metal schemes of Ti/Al/Ti/Au and Mo/Al/Mo/Au for gate to source and drain self-alignment. Thin Mo/Al/Mo/Au metal layer show good ohmic contact behavior even after annealed for 5 minutes at 600 0C in a furnace while thin ohmic metal scheme of Ti/Al/Ti/Au does not produce ohmic contact even after annealed at 750 0C for 30 minutes. The third focus is to develop the enhancement mode AlGaN/GaN HEMTs. Quasi-enhancement mode AlGaN/GaN HEMT devices with 1-um gate length are fabricated. These quasi-enhancement mode devices exhibit the threshold voltage of as low as - 0.3 V, a gm of 140 mS/mm, an fT of 4.3 GHz, and an fMAX of 13.3 GHz, respectively. Further improvement of enhancement-mode GaN-based HEMT devices is desired for applications of complementary integrated circuits.