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Rochester Institute of Technology RIT Scholar Works Theses Thesis/Dissertation Collections 2004 A physics-based analytical model of an AlGaN/ GaN high electron mobility transistor Jonathan Sippel Follow this and additional works at: http://scholarworks.rit.edu/theses Recommended Citation Sippel, Jonathan, "A physics-based analytical model of an AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor" (2004). Thesis. Rochester Institute of Technology. Accessed from This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Thesis/Dissertation Collections at RIT Scholar Works. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses by an authorized administrator of RIT Scholar Works. For more information, please contact [email protected]. A PHYSICS-BASED ANALYTICAL MODEL OF AN AIGaN/GaN HIGH ELECTRON MOBILITY TRANSISTOR by Jonathan C. Sippel A Thesis submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of MASTERS OF SCIENCE In Electrical Engineering Approved by: Professor (Dr. Syed Islam - Advisor) Professor Dr. James Moon - Committee Member) Professor (Dr. Santosh Kurinec - Comminee Member) Professor (Dr. Robert Bowman - Department Head) DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING ROCHSTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY RCOHESTER, NEW YORK MAY 2004 THESIS RELEASE PERMISSION DEP ARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY ROCHESTER, NEW YORK Title of Thesis: A PHYSICS-BASED ANALYTICAL MODEL OF AN AIGaN/GaN HIGH ELECTRON MOBILITY TRANSISTOR I, Jonathan C. Sippel, hereby grant permission to Wallace Memorial Library of the Rochester Institute of Technology to reproduce my thesis in whole or in part. Any reproduction will not be for commercial use or profit. -f-,(&-'--'--,I./..-C!<1\.L.,--'-Y_ Signature _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Sl Date ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS tenure at RIT has gone My by so sixth year as a matriculated student have been joined a brother and enrolled fraternity, get have degree. In short, I have At this time I guidance pretty of experienced a great helped would also professional To me over on a topic If I had to do it schedules They research process. six ending up in the I years, right one), deal an during the passing influence on my time here into the person I on of he He was was my life to and would am to originally shaky again, I with some like to today. support and brained student, to grind out a thesis would still choose be part offer is of and - to study GaN HEMTs Dr. James Moon for taking time my thesis second committee. fellow researchers played a pivotal role mention that The knowledge out and to none. was outfitted with a computer and alongside Not to to take a scatter able my father, professor. my research, I the EE department Shailesh Rai. have had the years to grow all over insight they have to perform experienced like to thank Dr. Santosh Kurinec hectic (luckily In those like to thank my advisor, Dr. Syed Islam, for his would focus him amazing. their fraternity, all of whom people, beneath Dr. Islam. Thanks I a throughout this thesis work. myself, and programs program. traveled across country, been graced with a second niece, had a met numerous who've in the RIT engineering in three engineering married, disjoined from thank those fast it is hard to believe that I'm approaching my Sankha desk in the MEMs lab in Mukherjee, Brett Klehn, in my retaining any sort of and sanity through the every time I felt like trading in the thesis towel for the graduate paper towel, they were able to knock some sense into me and keep me on track. I would also Certainly none support like to thank my of from my Lastly, I'd like family who always supported everything I've done. if I didn't have the mental and emotional has this would have been possible parents and siblings. to thank the Gleason Foundation for funding this research. in ABSTRACT Popular semiconductors currently being for RF used InP. The operating frequencies for HEMTs built with applications these semiconductors range from 800 MHz to 100 GHz. Although high-speed GaAs or where a years InP, high breakdown field ago a solution to as and perhaps challenge, products, particularly band gap, material and high parameter and power amplifiers. values researchers and proposed equations device to approximated Schrodinger derivations as voltages. a The triangular equation. as used The and channel charge and viable GaAs). GaN to work on the with use of fifteen candidate to in RF formed equations derivations for such On modeling near as carrier a worldwide of GaN-based future. density, Fermi Level, at the two eigenstates, both control possesses other the Schrodinger and Poisson sheet carrier well quantum charge a about the dominant semiconductor commercially in the between the well as and piezoelectric coefficients. is physics-based, making establish relationships terminal be using This is due to its high breakdown field, large experts continue can the covers attainable Proposed needed. favorable to existing technologies that are industry model InP is emerged conductivity (relative to InP HEMT devices in hope that GaN The and is operation and considering high-power applications, this problem, GaN has overtake, GaAs thermal when thermal conductivity velocity, dielectric constant, saturation scale, is limited product performance include GaAs were heterointerface and is determined from the carried over into the I/V capacitance calculations. IV Spontaneous the high density expression heterointerface and piezoelectric polarizations at the of carriers in the channel and are accounted for the device threshold aluminum mole fraction of the voltage. Device are responsible for in the performance barrier layer. This is because the model is dictated fraction mole for in the by the controls the amount of polarization at the heterointerface and consequently the 2DEG density. I/V region equations were model modulation. was Device results compared To address to high derived adopted were experimental frequency data assumed both drift saturation cutoff region diffusion to account components. for channel A two- length current expressions and gathered. expressions for the and derived from the drain device behavior, frequency Relationships between the bias for the conductances were expressions and cutoff conditions incorporating parasitic gate capacitance are drain bias frequency of the are shown and compared with published data derived to and presented. simulate device, a high the length reported by other of (Cgs and High power voltage scenario. the gate, and authors. Cgd) drain Table of Contents Acknowledgements ii Abstract Table of iv Contents vi List of Figures List of Tables List of Acronyms xiii List of Symbols xiv List of Publications 1. Chapter 1 - ix xii Introduction xv and Historical Review 1.1 Introduction 1 1.2HEMT:Whatisit? 2 1.3 Why GaN? 6 1 Contemporary Modeling Issues 8 Literature Review 9 1 .4 .5 12 1.6 Contributions 1 .7 13 Thesis Organization 2. Chapter 2 - Theory / Model Formulation 14 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Sheet Carrier Density, ns, vs. Fermi Level, 2.3 Sheet Carrier Density, ns, vs. Gate Voltage, Vgs Ef 14 17 vi 2.4 Sheet Carrier Density, ns, 2.5 Threshold Voltage, Vth, vs. vs. Barrier Thickness, dd 20 Doping Density, ND 2.6 Current-Voltage Characteristics 20 2.7 27 Transconductance, 2.8 Cgs and gm, and Output Conductance, go 29 Cgd 2.9 Cutoff Frequency,//3. Chapter 3 - Materials and 32 Apparatus 3.1 Hardware Data 4. Chapter 4 - Results and 34 Discussion 4.1 Introduction 36 4.2 Sheet Carrier Density, ns, vs. Fermi Level, 4.3 Sheet Carrier Density, ns, vs. Gate 4.4 Sheet Carrier Density, ns, vs. Barrier Thickness, 4.5 Threshold Voltage, Vth, vs. 37 Ef 39 Voltage, Vgs dd Doping Density, ND 4.6 Current-Voltage Characteristics 4.7 Transconductance, gm, 4.8 Cgs and and Output Conductance, g0 Chapter 5 - Conclusions 42 44 45 49 54 Cgd 57 4.9 Cutoff Frequency,// 5. 19 and Future Research 5.1 Conclusion 60 5.2 Future Research 61 References 65 vn Appendix I Idlin Derivation - Appendix II - Vc(x) Derivation 68 7{ vin 4.1 1 go as a Curves 4.12 of Vgs with for Vds were plotted Output conductance, go, plotted 4.13 function for Vgs values of -2 Vgs Vds and of V, 0 V, -1 function a as 5 V, 10 V, function V, Vgs as a parameter. values of as a Output Resistance, Ro, parameter. Vds values used for with and 1 V. Vgs Drain from -3 V to 2 V. 51 Curves 52 15 V. and V^ of varied as a parameter. with voltage simulation are the Vgs same as as a those in 53 Fig. 4.12. 4.14 Gate-to-source capacitance as a Geometry parameter. demonstrate "high 4.15 4.16 Cgd as a for a of 15 fr fr as a of function and Threshold density. linearly ND 1 V Vgs with device 5 V Vds as a parameter. 7VD with = voltages used 55 to simulations were and T = 300K. Vds done 56 values of width 75 um and length 1 57 to represent typical gate amplification voltages. was used of gate All 2x10 Vds.fr calculated for device length, L. Simulations done for drain biases voltage as a with High drain as a were used. 5 V. Dimensions Vth is given on plot. drain bias capacitance values. urn of device is of of gate voltage with power" of and function VgS 10 V, 5.1 1 um x V, 10 V. as a um. 4.17 75 function function of device function observed increasing values at m values of were of mole 75 um by fraction 1 and 0.38 or practical range 58 doping 62 um. barrier layer to decrease exponentially with ND. The 15 V, of increasing to consider m and here is for all less. xi List 1.1 Semiconductor 3. 1 Device 4.1 Table parameter comparison parameters as reported of constants used 4.2 AlGaN/GaN of for by Wu Tables [4,5]. et al. [23] fraction. A for simulations. results calculations with values and references. material system equations used aluminum mole that were used room to calculate results. //; temperature of 300K was is assumed the for all calculations. /n List of Acronyms Acronym Meaning 2DEG 2-Demensional Electron Gas Al Aluminum AlGaN Aluminum Gallium Nitride BJT Bipolar Junction Transistor CW Continuous Wave FET Field Effect Transistor GaAs Gallium Arsenide GaN Gallium Nitride HBT He teroj unction Bipolar Transistor HEMT High Electron Mobility Transistor ID Heteroj unction FET Intentionally Doped InP Indium Phosphide HFET LHS Left Hand Side MESFET Metal Semiconductor FET MODFET Modulation Doped FET MOS Metal Oxide Semiconductor MOSFET Metal Oxide Semiconductor FET MS Metal Semiconductor RHS Right Hand Side SDFET Selectively doped FET Si Silicon SiC Silicon Carbide Si02 Silicon Dioxide TEGFET Two Dimensional Electron Gas FET UID Un-Intentionally Doped VGA Video Graphics Array Xlll List Symbol AlGaN Dielectric e(m) 1 g* , Basal Strain ;; Sain ": ; eGaN .:. MO. , heterointerface Constant Dielectric Constant of AIN Dielectric Constant of GaN. Low-Field . Mobility Mobility Pi (.- *. .../ ;..,- constant Field Dependent ft{x) V, at Permittivity So Symbols Symbol Meaning * ' ** of IMeaotting Boltzmann's Constant V I Gate Length L, L2 Eds Ecd ' Schottky <Pm(m) aAicaiAm) ' ' ^w ' M AlGaN Electron MeAlGaN m-e.AIN GaN Lattice Constant Nd AIN Lattice Constant ns Gate-to-Source Capacitance ns0 Gate-to-Drain Capacitance nsat Thickness Thickness dd 4 of of of 2DEG Layer Spacer Layer rest Mass AIN Electron Rest Mass Barrier Layer Pd PpbJAlGaN) PsponAAlGaN) Psp,)nt(GaN) AlGaN Piezoelectric Polarization AlGaN Spontaneous Polarization GaN Spontaneous Polarization 1 Electron Charge Output Resistance Channel Rs Parasitic Source Resistance Critical Electric Field R" Parasitic Drain Resistance T Temperature Discontinuity Position Dependent Electric Field Lowest Eigenstate in Channel . Doping Density Density Equilibrium Sheet Carrier Density Saturation Sheet Carrier Density Power Density Sheet Carrier Q Ro Conduction Band Ac of Cap Doped Barrier Layer Thickness (x) fl Drain Contact Length Electron Rest Mass AlGaN Lattice Constant Effective Width d cap k to GaN Electron Effective Mass ' ' High-Field Region " n C c^ of Aluminum Mole Fraction ma Barrier Height Low-Field Region Length Gate m* Density of Drain to Source Contact Length Polarization-induced Sheet Charge a{m) Length Second Lowest Eigenstate in , Channel Charge '" Ec ">S; Conduction Band (In diagram Ec only) Fermi Level E/^y Valence Band Ev ': EfAlCaN AlGaN EgMtf' '!!'' E^GaN /r ; tii /man ', <.,.. .. Max. r , Energy Gap AIN Energy Gap GaN Energy Gap Cutoff Frequency Frequency of Oscillation Transconductance .. V Volts Channel Carrier :V(X) Drain-to-Source Bias Gate-to-Source Bias Vm vH vsa, Velocity Channel Potential Vc(x) vds ,-. Voltage ,, across High-Field Region Electron Saturation , Velocity Thermal Voltage So Output Conductance VT V,h(m) h Planck's Constant W Gate Width h2, Forward Gain X Channel Location . , ' l '. Current U,Un lis Linear Region Drain Current 'ds'at Saturation Region Drain Current x' y ,,; Threshold Voltage Modified Channel Location AlGaN barrier depth location Drain Current XIV PUBLICATIONS 1. Jonathan C. Sippel, Syed S. Islam GaN/AlGaN HEMT incorporating presentation 2. and Conference, Jonathan C. Sippel p. and physics-based analytical model of a for polarizatio Syed S. Islam, "A spontaneous and piezoelectric 3. S. S. Mukherjee, "A spontaneous in IEEE Canadian Conference Jonathan C. Sippel New York and on piezoelectric and Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2004. charge control model 27th polarizations," Proceedings Accepted for AlGaN/GaN HEMTs incorporating Annual EDS/CAS Activities in Western 18, November 2003. Syed S. Islam, "A physics-based model for AlGaN/GaN HEMTs," To be submitted. xv Chapter 1 Introduction Historical Review and 1.1 Introduction 1.2 HEMT: What is it? 1.3 Why GaN? 1.4 Contemporary Modeling Issues 1.5 Literature Review 1.6 Contributions 1.7 Thesis Organization 1.1 Introduction The wireless telecommunications to smaller ever-expanding demands technologies capable on has high- volume products to demand for low-cost technology has led industry of of circuit such such integrated as graphics video demands. transceivers. These array supply ranges, companies (VGA) and camera sensor have been and The rapid increased researchers development to used (InP) are used modules, to to operating semiconductor technologies implement based various driver-stage amplifiers, design circuits Each, however, has been power applications find of such features. The product wireless semiconductor Indium Phosphide wide-ranging functionality. in its ability to handle high frequency, high Contemporary and decade. This is due to the increased at a rapid pace. Contemporary semiconductors performance characteristics with power have led Silicon (Si), Gallium Arsenide (GaAs), products be developed sizes, lower consumers meeting exploded over the past with shown and remarkable to be limited at temperature extremes. devices that have been implemented using the aforementioned semiconductors include Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MOSFETs), Metal Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MESFETs), Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs), Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors (HBTs), and High Electron implement many different which do introduce temperature, power, device is HEMT. Transistors (HEMTs). These devices have types of products, though their not require simultaneous sections will the Mobility of application device technology simultaneously. The capable of operation. operating in proposed semiconductor their capability to is limited to high-power, high-frequency, high-temperature a semiconductor and frequency) field proven those products The following all three areas (high is Gallium Nitride (GaN) and The imply following otherwise: variables all refer to Vgs, Vlh, Vds, lds, IdMm lisa DC and quantities and not AC quantities as their subscripts would Vc(x). 1.2 HEMT: What is it? HEMT is an acronym "aliases" for High Electron Mobility Transistor. Like Effect Transistor), HFET (Heterojunction Field Effect Transistor), Electron Gas Field Effect dimensional Transistor) [1], Each it. For example, from the characteristic of made has numerous MODFET (Modulation Doped Field Effect Transistor), SDFET (Selectively Doped Field such as entirely the HEMT devices, other from one electron gas entirety, complete semiconductor that and . drain describes aliases provided (2DEG). Figure 1 1 with source and alias current shows either it can and TEGFET (Two-Dimensional the structure of the transistor or some be conduction gathered is that the structure carried the epitaxial structure of a out through a is not two- HEMT transistor in its terminals. Barrier Layer Fig 1.1. HEMT epitaxial structure. made possible via a Schottky From top to bottom, charge control is followed by a cap layer, charge contact, spacer layer, and buffer. The buffer is (substrate) layer (not shown in the picture). donor region, nucleation At first glance, the HEMT the HEMT is from a combination of the channel separated structure pictured from by an the MOSFET in Fig. 1.1 is and insulator, allowing for the channel by a grown on top reminiscent of other MESFET. In a of a FET devices. In actuality, MOSFET structure, the charge control over the channel. In a barrier layer. The barrier layer is made of an gate is HEMT, alloy separated the gate of the is buffer is in figure have three sub Layer, 2) Intentionally Doped (ID) Charge Donor Layer, and semiconductor and layers sub shown the will expounded upon later. The differences between the MOSFET MOSFET contact. only by occurs The Schottky MOS a voltage of the on Assuming is substrate on conduction few the order of a band not an use discontinuity for electron insulator is performed. so current flows by directly region width HEMT There is mediated directly beneath the flowing by is control barrier height the of This is HEMT devices concerns and heterointerface on The band to Si. For the same and the reverse beneath the bias applied Si02 insulator polarization fields and HEMT is different from HEMT employ a gate drain terminals. The a into contact in the and The interface MOSFET, Schottky contact to mediation is gate and channel magnitude of current the current path device standpoint, this is Si a gate and source terminals region extends the 1 eV, resulting in than insulation layer between the between the device. From modulating the controlling the fundamentally different like the MOSFET. MESFET, biased to or source and The depletion difference between the HEMT a barrier between the gate gate. no in placed of carrier confinement. discontinuity is less reason a limited the carrier confinement (eV) resulting in exemplary relies voltages, The height is the semiconductor the gate a the case with the not the metal. in Schottky through a used over a wide range of gate its of the that the charge control the gate and channel. Both the MESFET through the which operates more another is volts MESFET there is beneath the in the devices. In channel and a the amount of reverse volume of current than a and charge and buffer layer. One flow in the device. The difference between these devices is how the For example, in regulated depletion to a MESFET. similar current mediate lies in the fact made of and carrier confinement. a worsened carrier confinement relative the HEMT be the MOSFET fabricated in Si, the energy difference between the a HEMT device does is is is located in HEMT the a is limited Another difference between the MOSFET channel. in insulator between the type of metal the gate 3) UID Spacer Layer. The barrier layer structures capacitor can contact whose gate voltage range barrier depends with. HEMT and 1) Un-intentionally doped (UID) Cap layers: current channel capacitor whereas difference is that big breakdown the MOS via a to control in the doped a and Schottky MESFET contact the amount of current semiconductor. So, if is structures other than placed on flowing in top of a the device. one wishes to design how the doped The current is semiconductor channel is located a structure capable of higher current density, problem with that decrease with is that, as the be inclined to current of density the carriers its introduction may be realized, the were able by increase the doping density increases, as more and more carriers are squeezed increasing mobility one would to maintain its into doping density semiconductor. The the mobility of the current-carrying electrons a static-sized region. So although magnitude of change will not value. the of This is the problem the Dr. Takashi Mimura in the late 1970's [2]. By be the overall goal of as pronounced as HEMT employing was proposed a modulation if the to fix doping scheme, the HEMT physically separates the current channel from the doped semiconductor, allowing for the carrier density reduced carrier in the channel to mobility due to A discussion of the impurity band diagram far. Fig. 1.2 depicts mentioned thus benefit from t Er f the a doped semiconductor region without suffering from scattering. of the device may help device to clarify some of the band diagram corresponding to the structure shown \ F aspects in Fig. 1.1. L ' /'": Buffer * Donor * ' Region W,<-.: \ E f r i^~ F v o CD ' CO / Fig 1.2. HEMT Band diagram corresponding to structure in Fig. 1.1. The band diagram has been appropriately labeled to from left to right, the diagram internal electric region (MS) contact (donor region) is doped n-type, at side of the conduction the relationship between the figures. how the energy bands fields, band discontinuity, metal-semiconductor semiconductor shows show and depletion the left side the junction band, Ec, is of of the semiconductor regions created at the figure results and an associated observed the in barrier a bend Progressing to account for different interfaces. The depletion height, ipm. region on the Since the donor to slope downward as the distance from the MS interface increases. The layer causing the spacer is phenomenon barrier layers had the had a defined alloy discontinuity base same layer in formulation the doping density state is created of 2) Polarization the charge in the the potential well and that the absence of the be thin must and mobile carriers are left in the region, device to is the such an extent that polarization component Spontaneous component. differences in lattice is composition in number of into parasitic up charges. is at the dark the related of of the two gate The between the buffer and degTade semiconductor created mention pertinent from tensile strain at add not and overlap presence the performance of the be density piezoelectric). The and 2) resulting from the component, the tensile strain the to MS interface the 1) Piezoelectric the channel and raises the concentration of the It is important to to 1) empty into adding to the 2DEG barrier layers. The tensile amount of carriers may form in the barrier layer in the channel will electron an equilibrium is entirely depleted. If they do sub-components: is the well all regions and all At this time it is other component buffer layer in the to the thickness and between of interface. In two components: on The depleted regions layer to be buildup dimensionality directly gate. buffer interface. This to the adjacent by aligns that the the barrier of 2DEG depends depletion MESFET rendered unusable. barrier layer increases the induced the channel piezoelectric component constants more charges be the on either side. below the conducting (assuming made The field pulling the will component polarization a bias, Vds. This it of reduced below the barriers that so the semiconductor area source (indicated component directly potential enough so drain to energy gap bias. The Fermi level barrier layer by the density The donor external any heterointerface overlap of an applied to was stated making up the barrier layer material directly interesting an rightward, in the barrier layer. When the device is fabricated region become trapped barrier layer the diffuse into the region band discontinuity, AEC, (2DEG) forms [1]. The component. donor depleted from mobile carriers are type, but that the refers donor Continuing of a triangular potential well the accumulated region Donor component, the "two-dimensional" beneath the Fermi Level); inside from buffer layer. Earlier it the a conduction this potential well, a two-dimensional electron gas momentum upwards. composition causes buffer layer resulting in of the meets semiconductor This alloy composition. results undoped so electrons band to bend conduction observed where the spacer and larger than that layer is spacer strain creates an electric 2DEG. Increasing the alloy interface and, consequently, the here that the alloy composition, if too high, can cause the bonds to break composition alloy full strain). The at the is so interface, forming high that bonds break, optimal scenario is to have full piezoelectric polarization-induced charges. from the polarization, results spontaneous polarizations cation of two and fields can now return to the band diagram. As band diagram is observed to flatten discussing understanding device behavior effect on bending if the system. in the barrier layer. Vgs is Any band discontinuity conduction band and relationships will In recent years which presented highest amount of having right Vgs confine the carriers to the extending into the buffer Fig. 1.2 section. here that any Level, Ef. It is the sheet carrier the 2DEG the attention layer, the level in concentration Fermi Level, Ef, is pertinent of in Vgs does the entire the not change barrier layer distance between bottom the 2DEG density, concentration. ns, and In the Ef and ns and band either distance between the bottom this to provides a visual representation of change energy bands magnitude of for and the thereby modulating between the 2DEG to Both carriers. of mobile been thoroughly discussed, responsible between shifts the Fermi density help which further ultimately note high a create constant as expected. in the theory dictates the Gallium Nitride better than the and (GaN) has listed in Section 1.1 simultaneous transistors on GaAs, Ef Vgs is positive, and the can potential well Vgs the (less than relaxed lattice [3]. Differences between the the heterointerface become in to be next up, of the of the chapter, Vgs. GaN? semiconductors require be change down, if Vgs is negative, or Why the in positions layers It is important to said alternate polarization sub-component, termed spontaneous the relationship presented conduction 1.3 out and interface is degradation. If performance interface resulting in strain at the one progresses be demonstrated in this thesis, the potential well so Vgs's at dislocations resulting in the strain at the anion With the reasoning behind the potential well. will The adjacent polarization effects create electric As misfit GaN high have demonstrated comparison. a viable It is clear candidate limited to replace the "wireless" them to products that power, high temperature operation. High Electron aforementioned semiconductors. InP for as whose performance capabilities frequency, high substrates emerged an ability to handle the Table 1 1 lists the from . the table that operational modes material parameters GaN collectively is did not Mobility collectively for GaN, SiC, Si, a very appealing semiconductor temperature technology in capability, breakdown field and high with bandgap testament to its high power 5 at second any only to SiC. The device. For in the device instance, having gate-to-source Cgs, and capacitance values raises the cutoff and/mav are figures will of merit used to GaN to velocity is 1.45x1 intrinsic the helps to lower operate at cm/sec, Lowering the frequency, fmax, of SiC Si GaAs InP 5xl06 lxlO6 3xl05 4xl05 5xl05 1.43 1.344 8500 5400 Relative Dielectric Constant 10 9.66 11.7 12.5 12.5 cm/sec) 1.45 2.5 1 0.7 1.5 Conductivity (W/cm-K) 1.7 4.9 1.3 0.54 0.68 at elevated temperatures. thermal conductivity, therefore aspect of GaN 2DEG of the concentration has been densities. The a great observed most to deal. When be commonly indicating attractive mentioned heterointerface is Aluminum (Al). Most simply AlGaN HEMTs enhancing it very which makes polarization effects concentration only to SiC, allowing GaN to GaN HEMT devices have in grown on is that it is have the barrier device. /T maintain performance SiC substrates to a piezoelectric material. to benefit times These larger [6] leading made of. to help increased create the to raise the Authors lattice the 2DEG current and strain at the AlGaN/GaN HEMTs, or will sometimes opt not to referred to such structures as layer is effects It, therefore, GaAs-based HEMT structures, alloy in the barrier layer to authors what been the previous section. five the performance. compared more than used even of the [4,5]. GaN second that adevice, respectively [1]. 1.11 W/cm-K is is aforementioned 1400 .7 which constant means 900 1 high 07 frequency response speed and power gain of material parameter comparison conditions. the values of the gate capacitance, Cgd. capacitance, biasing 2.36 benefits from the power of ability SiC. The low dielectric of of an effect on define the switching severe 3.42 thermal conductivity of Another the reveal highest the material parameters are a 1100 Thermal from the higher These and maximum oscillation (xlO7 levels to that gate-to-drain (V-cm1) 1.1, GaN has Bandgap (eV) Electron Mobility (cm2/V-sec) vsa, The respectively. velocity constant Parameter Table to and the saturation have less frequency,/?-, Table 1.1. Semiconductor Breakdown Field According frequency revealing its ability to handle superior lower dielectric a capacitance, is 10 constant high - 3.42 eV, and mobility is electron parasitic capacitances MV-cm"' and carrier saturation dielectric relative of capability. density, PD, capability The mobility, dielectric constant, frequencies. The power operation, high everything" it blends "the best that explicitly say for the device the acronym 1 and with a what the aluminum composition with and fabricated fT along with the being The and for considered is barrier layer, instead (CW) and biasing pure fraction 50 GHz, went as high as techniques is between 0 and PD, values, itself as as a power high performance. 16.5 W/mm as a power HEMT device for motor In [8], 60 V revealing The for device tested and respectively. legitimizing as a subscript to AIN. density power power amplifier applications. growth indicating it called the aluminum mole have been fabricated up to 600 V biasing In [7], drain the 1 corresponding to 100.9 GHz as steady improvement in eagerly awaiting its 1.4 high to withstand and power applications. in GaN revealed continuous wave values as and shown effectiveness pure where m report physical samples that devices of these fmax AlmGa]mN, 0 corresponding to References [7,8,9] Testing as: is in the was drive GaN-based HEMTs results published by these authors, for GaN, has many researchers and companies GaN-based HEMTs are commercial availability. Contemporary Modeling Issues modeling issues growth and which has thus far kept it from although more is associated with GaN and wide-spread use commercially. needed until mass production of GaN Steady products can progress begin. undoubtedly the has been reason made each issues Contemporary year, under scrutiny include: 1) Modeling 2) Correct incorporation 3) Modeling 4) I/V of thermal and of growth current trapping effects. of polarization process, modeling term in device threshold voltage equation. and incorporating both diffusion and drift current components in linear and saturation regions of operation. The above issues are of utmost importance if GaN-based HEMTs effect" wireless products. up. This effect phenomenon is is The "thermal observed as a essential refers drop refers current with for predicting device behavior effect" "trapping in drain to the mobility to electron traps are to degradation increasing under incorporated in the be used to develop of the carriers as the device heats drain bias. Correct modeling high bias, high temperature structure high-speed during of the conditions. material growth and The device fabrication. The trapping sensitivity, and gate- effects drain-lag and model them allows correctly include transconductance for accurate circuit simulations that will be Although encouraging has been [6,1 1], is more work voltage of work for levels in both the linear Such parameters and provide GaN how the elevated mole diffusion and Many I/V usage is be in that it in this to sure but none, to chapter different the provide increase in the near future how to and increases the reliability polarization have been in the derivation under light circuit of designs. induced charge the heterointerface affect the threshold models could collapse, effects incorporated into are components valuable current trapping modeling the polarization effects at fractions. these performed and GaN-based HEMTs insight into device behavior outlined be simulations to performed with regards to a model would The modeling issues commercial use. Understanding and saturation regions of operation have included both drift current equations. device performed when needed to model the transistor transients [10]. frequency dispersion, the used biasing of to to predict current and saturation region derive small-signal device conditions. reasoning why GaN has as these knowledge, the author's linear the of be best reported issues become not seen wide well understood by researchers. 1.5 Literature Review Several existing models, equations, later. All however, of the adopted future In in this thesis, why they for why chosen because were in this thesis to of its 100% proven accurate. adopted, and what their produce accuracy. This the results presented This does chapter limitations are. certain parameters or expressions were used and details not mean, what models This is done to provide to give motives for research. [1,12] a relationship is derived between the the derivations differed slightly assumed the equation to and was adopted models and/or equations are reader an appreciation the of borrowed literature that all the have been and constants were used quantum well at generate Ef was found, the from sheet carrier density, ns, and the one another, although the end result the heterointerface to quantum well eigenstates. in both cases, to be [1,12], be Fermi Level, Ef. The flow is the same. Both derivations triangular and mentioned the use of the The final equation detailing the Schrodinger relationship between ns E/~E0 ns where and kB D is a constant equal With only two 47rm*/h2 to (h is Planck's eigenstates considered, equation accurate results. reasonably However "weakness" this when eigenstates are highly the to The relationship is s(m) is the dielectric Ad is the region shown in the also to formulate and does the equation's greatest weakness. it is limited to of produce Since the Most don't certain regions. region in GaN). lower the since deemed relating ns to Vgs using +Ad) 1 (1.2) ) the electron energy, dd is the thickness of the undoped spacer region 2DEG, Vgs is the applied gate equation a bias, (1.2) has been and V,h is to shown the thickness the threshold be quite observed to the transistor was decrease biased to of voltage. in its ns accurate Vgs When values near at an exponential rate operate the in the barrier layer, linear equation, its accuracy decreases for has been experimentally acceptable since the Poisson V^-V^m)*- barrier layer, q is [15]. Since (1.2) is threshold and below where ns weakness was + d. dt is inversion region, concentration predictions This electron effective mass (1.2), {m) = in the barrier layer, the strong is charge-control models equation constant of the effective width of biased in is the m* (1.1) is relatively easy two, the accuracy linear q{dd donor are the quantum well eigenstates, device is biased in the strong inversion provided ns{m) charge E, and (l.l) populated. References [1,13,14] have where kj DkBT In l + e constant and this strength has been limited number of eigenstates equation. + Boltzmann's constant, 7 is temperature in Kelvin, E0 is consider kT l+e -DkBTln [16]. in the strong inversion region only. The I/V that this model that was adopted closely model was [17], accounted [18], and for the best to channel incorporated start since length in [17] is that that reported it incorporated drift modulation a reliable carrier current model reported followed mobility it does in the and by Rashmi diffusion saturation region model reported not account for by by Ruden channel et al. [17,18]. It components was in the linear using the 2D Poisson et al. length decided [19]. The modulation region equation problem with the in the saturation 10 region, assuming drain current to remain constant reported in [18] is papers reported good current components, The threshold be dependent it that neglects to results, with incorporate the diffusion be a revised model should and channel length drain bias. The increasing Although these current component altogether. made the model problem with that accounts for both drift and Rashmi [15]. In [15], V,h is diffusion modulation. voltage model that was used was proposed on the magnitudes of the polarization by fields induced at the et al. given heterointerface as, V>)=f.M-ABI-^-<^W,+rf,) 2e(m) where <pm is the is the doping density, Schottky barrier height, AEC theoretically be difficult to conduction o{m) is the polarization-induced and calculated is the for device a calculate reasonable Vlh of specified values using adopted for a{m) was reported and experimental point. content was Further may have tried to The models predictions The inability found to be research for is a huge needed to the biasing model of (1.3) point [6] to reliably be in and used mole calculate Using (1.3), V,h fraction. The Vlh V,h and values scope of this thesis for one of 2) They can Attempts that was model between 0.15, calculated were made to locate a(m) but very little has been done for devices the model to a two excess of The can found it author fractions in comparison. the polarization effect on the considered, or hetero-interface, ND the density. of mole for data at and showed excellent agreement in that it limits the were used sheet charge relationship between understand conditions starting et al. discontinuity polarization model's credibility. obtain a setback fully just discussed provided an excellent have done to Ambacher results, substantiating the other authors who up to this by band (1.3) for devices the number of experimental samples that could (13) {m) geometry limiting to high with narrow range of device threshold reasons: be improved for understanding device behavior along aluminum 1) They upon. In devices. voltage. provide accurate either case, they with what past researchers that behavior. 1.6 Contributions The contributions of this thesis are as follows: 11 1) A relationship between the is quantum well eigenstates 2) A relationship between the was relationship Vgs affects 3) 4) discussion to included in both conditions and by Predicted region and conditions. high power, high An expression established are model. gate-to-source Low-Field for density is on Ef. presented. The of how understanding doping density aspects of the derived. Drift has barrier layer were will change components been incorporated in the measured provide derived using the data. for various insight into the results have been derived. Both discussion to diffusion and also experimentally are presented are plotted current equations so both incorporated. derived. When the device and gate-to-drain capacitance are channel charge was calculated region). The device to using a two-region model (High- capacitances are plotted against applicable interpret the results and provide was insight into the bias device's capabilities. the intrinsic cutoff between the and the modulation with Conductances provided frequency V,h current equations are coupled region, the Discussion is and how changing Channel length components are saturation of and output conductance derived diffusion Expressions for Field and the sheet carrier results are compared with plots whose the drain regions. Device transconductance biased in the 7) understanding and saturation region calculated 6) provide Linear drift dependence show ns's equation and aims to provide an barrier thickness and the performance. bias Poisson the Vgs, visually two ns. saturation region. 5) are given to applied gate voltage, device are Plots level, Ef, incorporating ns, and Fermi density, carrier shown. derived from Relationships between ns with sheet cutoff frequency frequency of of the device the transistor, length is presented and relationships are of the gate, and the drain bias. 1.7 Thesis Organization This thesis has been Model Formulation, Work. Each of these partitioned 3) Materials into five and chapters: 1) Introduction Apparatus, 4) Results chapters provides information and pertinent and Historical Review, Discussion, to the and 2) Theory / 5) Conclusions understanding of and Future the proposed material 12 with what along the future larger chapters, chapters just Chapter 1 a favorable such - MOSFET that were Other of what a derivation saved for formal discussion data is each details the derivational lengthy detailing all materials used along with the insight is future in of process for important semiconductor and why it is motivation up into a also the "Materials for the thesis along discussed. Chapter 2 be Some intermediate in the for paper. complete analysis In Chapter 5 brief summary - highlighting weaknesses are again mentioned is directly. steps of the Apparatus" reference used - equations referenced and reported points. a structures, most equations used. in Chapter 2. A form other the sources can - to needed to compares equation with Chapter 3 each section wrapped Major The the device that were offered to reinforce the results of the thesis are the proposed model. for GaN to complete this thesis. The dimensions presents results how it engineering field is derivations listed only the final weaknesses of research about the other authors were not re-derived since and additional Work" and wireless semiconductors. given to the electrical Discussion" and figure Future leading the appendix attached at the end. also mentioned "Results have been borrowed from background information provides all given included in are detailing their contents. Review" MESFET. Background is and had brief description further. Subsections topics are presented and discussed. The important HEMT device is, how it operates, Formulation" equations that made to extend the work with a Historical and when compared with other / Model be this one, where many listed below "Introduction with what contributions "Theory as mentioned are basic understanding notably modifications can is a semi- experimental Chapter 4 provided "Conclusions - for and the strengths and to provide a foundation for this area. 13 Chapter 2 Theory / Model Formulation 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Sheet Carrier Density, ns, 2.3 Sheet Carrier Density, ns, 2.4 Sheet Carrier Density, ns, Fermi Level, Ef Gate Voltage, Vgs vs. vs. vs. Barrier Thickness, dd 2.5 Threshold Voltage, V,h, vs. Doping Density, ND 2.6 Current-Voltage Characteristics 2.7 Transconductance, 2.8 Cgs gm, and Output Conductance, g0 Cgd Cutoff Frequency, fT 2.9 and 2.1 Introduction This the two models that are capable of chapter presents 2DEG such as 2DEG is later models used derive drain to predicting 2DEG to the Fermi concentration Of the two level using Fermi-Dirac derived transistor I/V characteristic curve equations are next models statistics bias using the Poisson to the applied gate-to-source levels. One of current equations and associated small-signal parameters transconductance and parasitic gate capacitances. concentration carrier concentration and presented, the by a relates the second relates the equation. followed first The high electron detailed derivation of the 2DEG mobility the small- signal parameters. 2.2 Sheet Carrier Density, ns, The performance of must E, the HEMT be developed that density-of-state an equation by for vs. can Fermi device is accurately the probability of the Level, Ef centered on and reliably the concentration of the 2DEG. predict occupancy function for channel electron density n, can = the finding 2DEG Therefore concentration. a model Multiplying an electron at a particular the energy level be [1], \D{E)f{E)dE (2.1) o where D(E) is particular the density-of-state energy E. function Employing Fermi-Dirac and f{E) is the statistics, f(E) probability function for finding an electron at a becomes [1], 14 /()= (2.2) k"T l+e where kB is Boltzmann's band energy level. Fermi-Dirac conduction distinguish constant, T is the temperature in one electron from another, to as the Pauli exclusion principle [1]. with respect to momentum, the density-of-state function quantum well, E0 and can and statistics account (2) No Since the be can valley be defined as minimum follows and rn lowest is the subband /j- first 4nm*/h2 two Using subband Therefore the only the two lowest energy levels in the E the second-lowest subband in GaN. Plugging (2.2) AX7t%K . and kT K' = DkBT In l + e E-E. E>l + Schrodinger's energy levels, E0 kT equation and and '0 Eh = were + i by a yields [1], -dE ekT density, DkBT In l + e assuming found (2.3) into (2.1) J" Ei energy level, h is Planck's 1 .-r + , (2.3) the integration yields an equation relating the channel carrier nK the < E,' imdE+Vm =^-dE "l + e = spherical E0<<, r-m 1 J o, D m*. referred * m electron effective mass 4K Performing mass, to E<En 4k level, E\ is energy n*=vm where a single effective (considering h2 constant, by the (1) It is impossible energy valley in GaN, the Y valley, is characterized 2 the two restrictions: Ec is and /), D(E): E0 is for is the Fermi level, Ef two electrons may occupy the same energy state, 0 where Kelvin, n to the Fermi level, Ef, k"T (2.4) triangular potential well, expressions Rashmi et al. [15] to for be, 2.123xlO"12(nJ2/3) ,=3.734xl(T12(ni2/3) 15 Fig. 2.1 shows a E0 eigenenergies, close and E,, the of up triangular in are shown quantum the quantum well well at with along heterointerface. The incorporated the the Fermi level. \ V \\ Ec -X F t 2.1. Fig Conduction Vgs filling If the Fermi level increases, E0 eigenstates Conversely, E0 concentration. or and band showing the discrete and down with applied up y emptying the energy levels with electrons. eigenenergy levels E0 Et be can Ej and profile ,. and shifts can expected be to expected to be fill with electrons raising the 2DEG their electrons if the Fermi emptied of level drops. Analysis of equation (2.4) relationship between reveals an exponential the arguments of the exponential terms to evaluate to values of eigenenergy from , 106 cm"2, and when region to Ef approaches E0 in n, values of the AlGaN/GaN heterostructure To explicitly find iteratively equilibrium sheet carrier would into hand be used the right side for ns in hand (LHS) of side the for E0 (RHS) region density a given density, the magnitude forcing region and for In this range, the range for higher n, Ef is for ns in this values of that cause Ef values below both well region is anywhere Ef. A linear dependence between the exponential term to evaluate to is the target have been found to be biasing region on the order of for or device for the 10"~1013 unity cm"2 using system. the sheet carrier convergence until in this indicates zero. cm"2 strong inversion as the values research 1010 Ef, is known amplifier applications, Et. Previous and for very low Ef begins larger. This E0 less than Ef and ns0, and E, This function Fermi level Ef would be expressions. of equation equation. as a (2.4) new value so of the to zero The resulting that a equation For example, if it value. set equal Fermi Level, E0 in equation and E, re-substituted (2.4) can into be solved desired to find the and an initial values would then numerical answer can for rc, is then was (2.4) be value plugged be determined for the left the E0 and E, expressions. 16 The new solved E0 and E, for. This iterative happens, it can be Having shown can also section, a plot will light process on their be how assumes a equation be made detailing relationship triangular approximation. can and vs. how they the be If it is obtained by the aluminum mole 2DEG, q is is the <pm is the to are E, and for ns for an ns the value longer values no for ns for find and for a given a specified range of and ultimately dependent Rvalue, will be When this eV. one can see In the Ef values. Efand insight on 0 LHS is the change. the given Rvalue of value for given results to shed Vgs. the sheet carrier only the first two in Fermi level, Ef, ns, and the (E, quantum states equation interface depletion occurs density, and conjunction region and gate E0) the total with depletion in the AlGaN barrier layer, simplifying occupied. region and and Another depletion one overlap solving Poisson [15], the polarization-dependent where used using the Poisson assumed that the doped AlGaN barrier layer, of E0, (2.4) Gate Voltage, Vgs Vgs-V!h(m)- = q(dd is of equation relationship between ns the potential well with ns\m) where m be can relationship between another, and that total depletion equation yields (2.4) used to obtain a series of values shows the for ns RHS repeated until the ns, equation 2.3 Sheet Carrier Density, ns, Equation (2.4) is the said that the equation converged on a value how (2.4) some into values are again plugged d, is d, + e(m) is the dielectric charge, Vgs is threshold voltage given as barrier height, and Ad) (2.5) <7 constant of AlGaN, dd is the thickness of the undoped AlGaN spacer electron Schottky doping density, fraction, + a(m) is the AEC is the thickness of the layer, Ad is the effective width the applied gate-to-source voltage, and the [15, 17, 18], the conduction band discontinuity polarization-induced sheet charge density at the given as hetero-interface, ND [20], \<?H K, {AlmGa,_mN)-Psponl {GaN)+ Ppiezo{AlmGa,_mN] = V,h{m) is (2.7) 17 Pipom(AlmGa,.mN) where and Pspnnl(GaN) spontaneous polarization of the pspm, {AlmGa,_mN) Pspmu{GaN) = = the spontaneous polarization of the AlGaN barrier GaN buffer layer, respectively, -0.052m and can be expressed as layer and [20], 0.029 - -0.029 PPjezo(AlmGai_mN) and are is the piezoelectric polarization of the AlGaN barrier layer and can be expressed as [21], Pp,eZ0 {AlmGa,_mN) <w \e{m)] + (l = - m)PN [e{m)] where PJfa [e(m)] * = -1 PGaN [e{m)] e is the basal = - .808f -0.91 %e strain and is 7.888f + 9.54 n If*2 related to the lattice constants of the GaN substrate and AlGaN barrier that, such t(m)=aGaN~aAfN^ aAlGaN\m) where Law the as aAlmGai The the lattice constants, aGaN in Coulombs GaN buffer layer, Ppiew(GaN), is The done it were absolute value and models curve experimental data using Vegard's 0.31986-0.00891m = units of each polarization are linear interpolated from were m/v(m) inside the was aAiCaN(m), [21], the barrier layer. If 0V) and the total regression a included, it brackets would density can best fit line to analysis, to be of equation amount of charge sheet carrier by finding assumed per square meter be the a second-order from (2.7). Equation depleted from linear the negligible since subtracted be determined (C/m ). The the as a portion of best-fit line (2.5) buffer layer is AlGaN the piezoelectric polarization of much thicker than piezoelectric polarization term assumes no drain-to-source bias (Vds = barrier layer. function the ,, vs. of Vgs according to equation (2.5). Ef curve discussed in was obtained for the linear Section 2.2. portion of the ns This Using vs. Ef as, 18 nj=(7xl014)j+(9xl0l3)/+3xl012 Solving for ns the above equation function as a of gate for plugging into Ef and Vgs g qid.+d.+M) Solving an expression be that can solved 7.5x10" -V,h{m) + + *-(- v 7xl07 140 ' for n *7 ns (2.5) leaves Vgs, voltage, {m) ns{m)-- equation (m) = d Vgs-Vlh+a + b - 1 db (49d2b2 2MaY' +4c + 2%dVp 2MV,, - , + (2.8) where V 140 b V-cm = 70000000 l/cmz c = F/C-cm" q{dd +di+Ad) Equation since a (2.8) is the best-fit line predicting observed resulting linear was used channel between ns for the linear concentrations and Vgs. This 2.4 Sheet Carrier Density, ns, Equation Vgi and (2.5) Vds was used were fixed the threshold voltage, at vs. in will portion of the strong 0V V,h, material parameters and zero since magnitude the ns vs. inversion is last device unknown between be left in region equation only, where should (2.8) will be be noted that accurate for linear dependence is a results section. compared sheet carrier to density and performed under zero equation geometries provided negligible aforementioned assumptions and Ef curve, V^. It of Barrier Thickness, dd so that the analysis could as the for ns in terms be discussed further in the to show the relationship GaN its charge control equation in the (2.5) which was barrier thickness. Both bias readily the subsequent chapter. other terms in conditions. calculated Ef was equation simplifications, n was calculated over a specified range That left using assumed to (2.6). Using be the for dd. 19 2.5 Threshold Voltage, Vlh, Doping Density, ND vs. Equation (2.6) was used to plot the doping density, ND. The were set equal OV, to relationship between same assumptions were used and here device the as threshold voltage, in Section 2.4, which is V,h, say that to and Vds barrier and Vgs Eflo OeV. 2.6 Current- Voltage Characteristics The HEMT be channel current can modeled using the f Ids=Wq/l(x) where x Vc(x) is is the location in n (m,x) current dVc (x) density equation kBT dn, (m, x) q dx + dx the channel with origin at the source side (refer to is the channel potential, and^(jt) the field-dependent mobility //(*) [15,17], given x (2.9) Fig. 2.2), W is the gate width, in [19] as, (2.10) = 1 1 dVc{x) E, dx + with P Ec vsat _ MoEc-Vsa, where Ec is mobility. second field, The first term in the term equations, under the critical electric for (2.8) drain bias the diffusion or (2.5), can conditions. be The vM, is the saturation parentheses of equation component in used of drift velocity (2.9) the current. equation (2.9) for charge control model to be of accounts Neither and for the drift of the ns because used electrons, iu0 is the low-field component and the two previous charge control neither considers here has been reported the charge in [1,15,13] density as, (2.11) q{dd+di+Ad) which includes the channel Plugging (2.10) into (2.9) and potential term and can be derived in the same manner as equation (2.5). cross-multiplying yields, 20 1 The boundary account for conditions of the channel into EcVsat V V dV(x) MoEc-vsl + directly equation beneath making the J dx (2.12) the gate. boundary = can ns(m,x) be formed In this case, conditions as dVc(x) WqjU0 kBT dns(m,x) + by knowing parasitic source and (2.12) dx dx the intrinsic drain voltages at either end resistances have been taken follows: K(x)U=Vds-IdsRd where Rs and respect to the Rd are the parasitic source and drain resistances respectively. Integrating Vc(x) from source to drain and solving for Ids yields ' *d,lin equation (2.12) j3-jj32-4ay with (2.13) ~ 2a where a = {Rd+R5) M0Ec-vsa W{l0(m) EcVsa, 2d \ (Rl-Rl) p=m^vA-m!*{RD+RtY-L. M0Ec-vsa! VJs EcVsat r- Wju0(m).w V V Wfi0(m)v2 - Vgsyds d=d,,+ d, + ds 2d Ad k T gs =V gs -VAm) The intermediate the current model operation ^- steps of the for derivation the linear of equation region of operation. (2.13) The are shown condition in Appendix I. Equation (2.13) that was used to determine linear gives region was, dldjin 1 f;. > 3V* dl dsal , dVds v>v, gs th 21 where To !&, refers to the saturation get the saturation region is channel high-field separated be drain of drift considered toward the source, the channel From this diffusion current components act. components in the point voltage will The approach was used. and (2) A High-Field Region [18]. The through the region. stressed" by is in V^ the applied low-field the carriers are the carriers will channel become velocity velocity position, x, is drain equal to from in Fig. for drain un- [18]. Here, both drift and and diffusion the current. dominating current equation Lj, the eventually becomes and follows includes the drift saturated and the a saturation region Progressing region appropriate regions of the channel to obtain an expression low-field region, L;. When the In saturation, the across this pinched off region and all current saturation current model that is due to drift. The first step in establishing value and Region, field to the source the channel In the high-field region, the the different be dropped electric becomes "less pinched. next. side where the channel experiences pinch-off as shown due to the current be derived A Low-Field (1) drain drain the applied current to current equation a regions: region occurs close to the 2.2. The majority can into two drain the electric current component is to find the length field will reach its of critical saturated. <r -} Metal Gate /N AlGaN v=v E=E, M/ 2DEG -L2- -L1- GaN Figure 2.2. HEMT device channel i- is at showing separation of high-field region, L2. Point structure into low-field region, L,, and the onset of saturation where the electric critical value and field assumes its velocity reaches its saturated value. [18]. the origin for the offset axis y and the carrier x' Point 5 also acts as 22 The boundary potential equation condition and electric (2.9) from 0 b7, t . 2Vc2(x) + just field in to x and low-field the is , . utilized once an expression region. An expression is for the obtained for Vc(x) is channel by integrating obtained shown as, \_ (aIdsal-bVgsy.(x) + . be mentioned can ( bVIdsat R gs b , s + */.. dsat - aI2R. s dsat - V - ^ , II dsat ^ R2 = 2 0 (2.14) j where _fi0Ec-vsl EcVsat b W/i0(m) = d The details found for of this derivation as well as the field the channel potential, the electric position, x, and, since higher potential, the integration is starting a negative sign is E(x) = placed for Vc(x) solution be found in Appendix II. With by taking the derivative the source and progressing toward the at in front can are shown of an expression with respect drain which at a the derivative as, '*" -d^= (2-15) . dX is to J(aIdmr-bVj-2b(a0-/30) where a0=xIdsal+bVgsIdaitRs A = When x = L,, E(x) = L, -Ec, and A =^ + 2b With an expression obtained high-field continuity. region (L/ < x < can solved ^ 2Idsat for L) be the + The 2-dimensional Poisson the (2.16) LaA+^^-<-bVgsRs-^ 2 2bEc length where for using (2.15), of the low-field region, Poisson equation must equation near be attention can now used to account the drain end of the channel is be focused for on the current and given as field [18], 23 d2Vc(x',y) dx'2 d2Vc(x',y) ^-T^ + | dy2 = (2.17) -^~ND(y) (m) x' is defined where follows [18] as 0<jc'<L2=L-L,; x'- It is x-L^ assumed that there conditions is concerning the a uniform doping = 0, 0<y<d, ND(y) = ND, di<y<d (2.17) is profile = following boundary {dd+di) following boundary subject to the in the doped AlGaN layer. The concentration result, ND(y) Equation doping conditions [18]: \ K (0, y) = (Vgs - (pm{m)) + -M f Nd{y)dyLdsat (m)\-b qV qwvsal (d-y) j (2.18a) z(dy(Nd(y)dy (m avc(o,o) -Ec (2.18b) (Vgs-<pm{m)) (2.18c) dx Vc(x',d) = Ll i = dy In equation The did (2.18a) net result of not come is found by the second term the expression from the n-doped in the inside the {m) parentheses accounts parentheses equals AlGaN layer. summing together the ID Poisson (218d) _^_i2L Following for the number of electrons the solution outlined equation solution and V{x\y) = in the channel. in the channel that charge compensation in [18], the solution to (2.17) the 2D Laplace equation solution as, V{y) + <S>{x\y) (2.19) where 24 a2^(v) q dy2 {m) "M d_j3Hx\y)_ 9^(x\Z)_ , dx'2 Using dy2 the boundary conditions listed in (2.18), a solution for the ID Poisson equation in (2.19) is shown to be, ^y) ygs-<PM+^UNd(y)dy~n)(d-y)-~f-(dy(Nd(y)dy = Combining equations (2.18), (2.19), and (2.20) lead to the 0>(0,y) = boundary a$(y,o) ay Laplace equation can readily be obtained as = = together equations (2.20) Vc(x',y)- and + (2.21c) o (2.21d) conditions above, the solution for the 2D [18], COS ( K the 2D channel potential N {2d in the high-field region, \ I n COS (2.22) y y~2d J yields . \ ( K ir -sinh K 0 -sinh (2.22) 2dE^ (2.21b) boundary K Adding (2.21a) 2dE, 0(X',J): equation F {x',d) the method of separation of variables and the for the 2D Laplace 0 33>(0,0) Using conditions (2.20) v 2d \U J (d-y) T-J(NAy)dy-J^1- 2-fdy[Nd(y)dy (2.23) 25 Since y equals 0 the at hetero-interface, v ( Vc{x ^ equation (2.23) 1 2dEc = +-^\ 2d by evaluating (2.24), equation be an expression can (2.24) difference. The resulting %dy^Nd(y)dy v 2dE, . -sinh K To obtain an expression voltage across high-field the voltage for voltage dropped represented region. The following the high-field region L2, and finding the can represent the 0) - and as, kL2 ~2d the saturation current, another equation must high-field across x' = region is region (2.24) (jc' high field high-field the for the obtained at either end of the voltage across ^s2- (Nd(y)dy {m) equation ^ K u to -sinh ,y) n Using simplifies equation illustrates be formed that an alternate way for finding the drop: v=v(wL-vewU The first term in the by = VH equation is (2.16) into (2.14) plugging re-arranging 0 above and some variables results solving for Vc(x). in the I2Jl-a2Ec-2abE2Rs 2 the drain-to-source Equating -b2E2Rs)+ saturation current be realized. for a given Bringing both solved Vgs and negative the second term can be found region voltage equations and Idsal(2bE2L + explicitly for Vds. First, 2abVgsE2 +2b%RsE2) Vlls-V-Idsa,Rd+^ ldsa, equation \\ 1 I, 2dE,'A 71 be both high-field n 4Wi-A above equation can not voltage and following ldm, expression, -Ka)2- The bias a + - (2.25) Jc so an alternate approach (2.25) must be is needed re-arranged so ) )) to obtain the that a solution can terms to the other side of the equal sign gives 26 Ka): ,2 . + - 4bdI,F dsat c K 2d K <L (l Now that function be - *2Ec ~ Vgi, Vdi, and used to generate an In the Idi transconductance drain held current constant. gm of a gm can a be and an expression between point (2.25) and The transconductance given 2abVgsE2 + sides can be the two curves (2.13) plotted provides ) individually as a the values that can change viewed as a are to derive device used small-signal and parasitic gate capacitances. the performance of the greater the gain in mathematical equation can be found the of by taking transistor. voltage in the while current derivative of the for the voltage a drain delivering, the larger the when all other as the magnitude of change keeping relating the input output In general, capable of any transistor is defined parameter change of a (amplification) it is gate-to-source sensitivity greater (Vgs in format, both J 2b%RsE2 Output Conductance, g0 higher the gm value, the voltage = intersection a+- , Vds plot. device, constant. for the sections, equations gm, is Transconductance, are vs. and Idsat (2bE2L + n" "m to an dsat R + T 1dsatlKd -I gs 'c b2E2Rs)+ - V transconductance, drain conductance, Transconductance, factors Idmh following characteristics such as 2.7 2abE2eRt (2.25) has been formatted of V Vds drain-to-source in voltage to the output current; the change in input The voltage. current with respect to the input this case), (2.26) dV. k* The transconductance was linear region derived for both regions of operation, linear and saturation. The result for the is, dl djin > m,lin (2.27) dV. 2cddXm+P gs where a, fi, a, and transconductance in b have the same values as the saturation region was they did in the linear region drain current equation. The found to be 27 3/* _ 5+2bldsatEca, dV. 4bdE2a c"3 2hsaM+U2 K W + 2bldsatEcaA R, a + (2.28) - Ec JJ where or, =X-a2E)-2abE)Rs a2 = 2bE2L + or3 = sinh 2abV'E2 -b2E2Rs +2b2V'RtE2 K a. 2dE -1/2 ^ K a4 <*s 1+ = a* 2dc J hsat = i^abE2 2b2R,E2 + + af,=V,-V0-I,Rl dsat d gs The output in change while as possible output current, the for depend output dsat 2b2E2Vgs a + - conductance, g0, of a transistor output current keeping )- ) is similar to observed with respect gate-to-source voltage constant. g0. on is Jc an voltage, and exclusively. input The voltage incremental change amplifier circuits where output conductance can be incremental in the drain-to-source Unlike gm, however, it is desirable to have This is important for high-power the input to the transconductance except that the as low voltage a value it is desirable to have the represented in terms of the output as, _^ ,0 (2.29) dV ,/s go was derived for both regions of ) ojin operation, linear and saturation. The result for the dl dJ,n Id,J"-bRd) + b(vds-Vgs) dVds 2aldXm+p linear region is (2.30) 28 The drain conductance = for the is saturation region dldsa, 2bEcIdiata4 2Idsa,ai+(x2- (2.31) 4bdE2a + - 2bEJdsa,Rda4-2E(.Idsala, a + - K 2.8 Cgs and Of the parasitic capacitances all frequency response Either terminals. when an Cgd are (2.32) be one can incremental Equations arguably change (2.33) and inherent those that modeled in device, to a lie between the by determining potential occurs show how both capacitances can C Q is length of channel and [22]. Since the two also in regions before the the channel source, and the gate gate and source or gate and drain and in the drain channel terminals. be found mathematically, (2.32) dQ Kd (2.33) dvds be found by result regions of operation under be found for both amount of charge multiplying the and high- a transistor's dQ dV = the amount of channel charge and can the gate detrimental to the amount of charge that changes between the C~ where the two most the width of scrutiny capacitance in the linear region, by integrating in are the channel and linear and (2.34) carrier by must density over the the electron charge, q saturation, the each region can equation the sheet channel charge must be determined. To find the total be used, L -Qun Equation (2.11) is used necessary integration for ns(mj) since and multiplication, ~U.Hr, d it includes the the total Vgt , channel channel charge W(m) W(m)L ~ (2.34) =qW$ns(m,x)dx potential in the linear term. After performing the region was found to be, l {B-CEf2- AE + 3C 3C (2.35) 29 where A_Ks~aId,n (ah,u -bVj-2b2VgJdl,nRs + B 2abRJ2dMn+{bIdMnRi)2 b1 C 2/, = - b Vgt-Vgs-V,h{m) Taking the capacitance, C gsjin derivative Cgs, in the with to respect the 32, We(m)L W(m) dV d d ) (B-CL) dv.j dB dA T 2 dC v3^ + 3V, To find voltage yields the for expression the gate-to-source linear region, \.5C{B-CL) L gate 3/2 dC L5CBU2^--B"2 3^ the gate-to-source capacitance in the saturation region, the total channel charge must To do this, the channel must once again each region must be summed together to be (2.36) c1 c- 3 dV.. dV.. 2 dC split into low-field determine and the total amount high-field in first be found. regions and the charge the channel for [22], U Qsm The first term accounts approximation (pinched-off) still for the holds region. If the and = qW \ns (m, x)dx + qW \ns (m, x)dx total amount of charge the second term accounts current density equation ld.sat then an carrier expression for the in the low-field carrier density in in the for (2.37) region where the gradual-channel the total amount of charge saturation region is represented in the saturated as, -qWvsalnsal(m,x) the saturation region can be obtained. Substituting in for the densities in both integrals, 30 and the performing necessary integration and multiplication yields the total channel charge in the saturation region as td.satJL-L,) WL](m)Vgl w( m) Vsa, d d -Q Taking the derivative of (2.38) (2.38) 3C 3C voltage, " dQ Cgs.sal with respect to the gate (5-Ci,)3/2- AL,+ 8mL SmL\ o m dV V V. V + ld.sa, dLj V *a( sal dV w r gs WL,(m) + + J W(m)Vg, dL, dV, ss J W(m) V (2.39) ^gs ^ where dB \.5C{B-CLlf 3C B'= 1.5CB ?>CZ ii dV dB channel charge equations instead to Vds for in ~ gs the gate-to-drain capacitance, Cgd, the same approach can derivative Cgs, except taking accordance with (2.33). Therefore, taking dQu the the be done using the with respect to derivative of the drain voltage (2.35) with respect dV W{m) Vgs dC dB L gs gives -gdjin , dV, sj; dC just derived for of the gate voltage dC dV dVr obtain expressions (^-CL,) 3 V, 9V g3/2 g* To ,/2 ci+Ai l.5C{B-CLf dA 2 + dVdi - 3 K^ds 3V*, c1 3/2 (B-CL) dC 1.5C5 dv.ds 3 ,2 dB dC_ dV, dv,. c2 (2.40) 31 cU a -v* b 1 dB o,//n 1 = 7T[2k,;, ~62 dC -KlaSoMn)-2b2VgsRsgoMn+4abRJdMngoMn+2b2R2IdJmgoMn] 2 "** 3V Taking the odin derivative of (2.38) Vds with respect to gives the gate-to-drain capacitance in the saturation region, LSo.. -Q C gd,sat W{m)Vgl 3L, dV dV. W{m) AdL^ + d dVds ^_ ,,. y (2.41) dVds where 'c^^sc" dB l.5C{B-CLi)>'2 A"=3C1 svds B"-- 1.5CB 12 3C2 2.9 Cutoff frequency cutoff the frequency Though this forward analog converted to though dC .12 dVds dC dV. Frequency,//- the transistor. which 3/2 dV,r The at dB dVds J ) \B-CIj transistor |h2i| of the To accurately method can also a figure of merit used to characterize the power circuits, it is intrinsic device becomes unity [1] calculate h-parameters. The h-parameters less accurate, is to digital circuitry than RF pertains more gain circuits. of a be are used this, the which y-parameters must is switching also the be found for frequency. As frequency applicable to high- the then used to calculate the /t- of the transistor. to calculate the cutoff speed of shown device and A simplified, in [1], dividing 32 the intrinsic can be determined. Equation (2.42) transconductance of the device gives the fT The "2tc" excluded to keep is included in from this functions of the denominator by L and the resulting (Cgs plus Cgd), fr (2-42) r^ - S 2K(Cgs+Cgd) to yield a result in it is usually crude simplification as accurate as and capacitance equation, the expression altogether since V^ the total of the parasitic gate possible, relationships will terms of hertz and not radians. orders of magnitudes Cgd is kept in. be less Equation presented and than (2.42) is Often Cgd can be Cgs. In an attempt used to plot/7- as discussed. 33 Chaptery Materials Apparatus and 3. 1 Hardware Data 3.1 Hardware Data Published Results reported by Wu model proposed confirm be et al. [23] with calculated values. I/V HEMT experimental results on numerous [23] by Chang et al. with experimental [22] As the experimental data that largely was used the validity of the model. compared provided and will data, samples were collected and analyzed be because the Rashmi shown multiple used [18] in which in [23] were for was used as a the subsequent chapter, references this thesis comparison. comparison in Chapter 2 closely follows proposed model et al. in is for obtained for any benchmark to results to verify that an that couldn't both the curve profiles and curve magnitudes were okay. The physical structure of Deposition (MOCVD) labeled on the sample fabricated C-plane a in [23] substrate. sapphire was grown Fig. 3.1 by Metal Organic Chemical Vapor shows the device with appropriately regions. DRAIN - GATE- SOURCE- u I T"l UID AlGaN "cap Cap Layer Iaa ':. ; n+ /;,,, ID AlGaN . Charge Donor Region i.L:. 1 d, UID AlGaN Spacer Layer X Ad: ..., Fig the A 200 A thick GaN 3.1. HEMT results used nucleation GaN. structure reported for layer by comparison with was grown on barrier insulation (buffer) layer. The Alo.sGaossN Wu et al. [23] which produced the proposed model. top of the substrate grown followed by between the GaN buffer a 2 and thick GaN Schottky gate u.m 34 consisted of a 30 layer. The 220 A charge were annealed at of 250 3um, 900 C for 30 was grown and gate-drain leakage currents by the doping densities interface, Ad, to spacing and spacer was silicon layer, 220 A doped to Transfer have of 1 was assumed to Table 3.1. Device in be 40 The source and gate length was grown barrier height [24,25]. peak respectively. in for drain be in the of 1 um, and Table 3.1 lists all in help the cap proportions spacing Q- of suppress gate figure necessary device results. A 0.5 to 0.7 source-drain "ID" "UID" 150 ohmic contacts range the structure to the subsequent chapter to obtain A and a Titanium/Aluminum/Nickel/Gold in 75 um, The cap layer intentionally doped, that were used cm"3 contact resistance was measured to a gate width of um. donor layer, n-doped charge 2xl018 seconds and were made of raising the HEMT unintentionally doped and donor layer A/2000 A/400 A/450 A. The device mm. A unintentionally doped stand for geometries The 2DEG distance from all calculations. parameters as reported by Wu et al. [23] that were used for simulations. Structure Parameter AlGaN complete Layer Thickness, A A A A 150 d^p AlGaN Charge Donor Layer Thickness, dd 220 AlGaN Spacer Layer Thickness, d, 30 2DEG Electron Cloud Distance from Interface, Ad 40 GaN Buffer Layer Thickness 2 Doping This Cap Value Concentration of Charge Donor Region, ND urn 2x1 018 Gate Width, W 75 Gate Length, L 1 um Drain-to-Source Spacing, 3 um Gate-to-Drain Spacing, 1 um chapter aimed this thesis work. to give Since against reported experimental no the LDS LGD reader an hardware tests understanding were of cm"3 urn the materials/resources necessary to performed, all simulation results were compared data. 35 Chapter 4 Results and Discussion 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Sheet Carrier Density, ns, vs. Fermi Level, E, 4.3 Sheet Carrier Density, ns, vs. Gate Voltage, Vgs 4.4 Sheet Carrier Density, ns, vs. Barrier Thickness, 4.5 Threshold Voltage, Vm, vs. Density, Doping 4.6 Current-Voltage Characteristics 4.7 Transconductance, gm, and Output 4.8 Cas ygs and 4.9 Cutoff dd ND Conductance, g0 C,gd Frequency, fT 4.1 Introduction All results shown Formulation been in this section were obtained and are compared with experimental collected from published results to verify the to substantiate any graphs that could not follows by the chapter given be calculations were finally data equations derived in Chapter 2 when possible. model. Numerous In charge control of the - Theory / Model this work, experimental data has data are used sources citing reinforced with experimental results. 2 layout closely in that the the current-voltage results, and All using the 2DEG will simulated The layout be analyzed of this chapter first, followed small-signal parameter results. done using the material constants given in Table 4.1 and material equations in Table 4.2. Table 4.1. Table of constants used for results calculations with values and references. Constant Description Value Electron Rest Mass, m0 AIN Electron Mass, m,,AIN 9.1094xl0"31kg 0.22m0 kg 0.33m0 kg Permittivity 8.8541 8xlO"14F/cm Reference GaN Dielectric constant, eGaN 10e0F/cm AIN Dielectric constant, eMN 8.5co F/cm [26] [20] [20] [26] [27] [27] Electron charge, q 1.602xl0"19C [26] 1.38066xlO"23J/K [26] Planck constant, h 6.62607xlO"34J-sec GaN Lattice constant, aCaN 3.189xlO"'m [26] [20] GaN Electron Mass, m* constant, s0 Boltzmann constant, kB 3.112x10"' AIN Lattice Constant, aMN GaN Band Gap, AIN Band EeGaN Gap, EeAiN m [20] 3.42 eV [20] 6.13 eV [20] 36 For constants that are given AlGaN material where the mole Vegard's Law due to the (such 4.2 for GaN as the fraction lies between 0 formed using Vegard's Law and provides references the be formed using material parameter and the mole necessary for fraction Table equations. for those that were aluminum mole up. Table 4.2. AlGaN/GaN material fraction. Room temperature (300K) Schottky equations used to system was assumed Equation Description for calculate results, <pm(m) = 0.91 me,AiGan(m) AlGaN Dielectric e(m) constant - (10 + 2.44m (0.22 - [16] eV 0. 1 + Vegard's Law \.5m)e0F/cm - (3.189 10"' Conduction Band Thermal Voltage VT constant aucatlm) Energy Gap Discontinuity In Section 2.1, relationship between presented on where used and how to the obtain a plot sheet carrier Ef was varied for ns density from -6VT ~ Fermi is to = channel density the Fermi level and (2.4) function produce was used of was derived and a procedure to produce the results shown the Fermi level. A temperature of in Fig. 300K was results. - - 300K = m = 0.15". c 2.123x10"12(ntf3 = 1E+13 8E+12 ,..... 3.734x10"12(n,)2/3 E, '55 g [20] - Ef. Equation vs. r 1.2E+13 [20] Level, Ef 3 VT to 1.4E+13 m(l-m) eV kBTlq plotted as a E 2- - - - Density, ns, Vegard's Law m - = 4.2 Sheet Carrier vs. = Vegard's Law \m)m0 kg 0.077m) x 6.13m + EeAiGaN(m) 3.42(l-m) * AEC 0.7 [EeAiCaN EeCaN] a is the Reference AlGaN Effective Electron Mass AlGaN m all calculations. Equation Barrier Height AlGaN Lattice 4.1 an equation equations couldn't so references were obtained that contained the shows the equations that were looked 1. A few and to extrapolate was used relationship between the non-linear AlGaN band gap), AIN, Vegard's Law and = - i- * 6E+12 <0 O 4E+1^ | (O 2E+12 - -0.15 -0.1 Fermi Fig 4.1. Ef at Cfc The for T = 0.05 0 -0.05 0.1 Voltage, Ef (V) channel sheet carrier 300K. E, varied from density -6VT as a function of to 3 VT 37 It is from the figure that there clear relationship depends V, 0.025 when on which section ns is observed to have -0.1 dependence is V due to the in Fig. 4.2 is being dependence of on n, Ef on as a though the type of voltages which turns to a /is difficult to the function Ef, and At Fermi analyzed. small relative very ns is plotted where being dependence exponential magnitude of ns more evident the curve of an exponential yis increased from there. The less than direct relationship between ns exists a of to see at Fermi logarithmic a than linear dependence plotted magnitude. Efon less voltages This type of scale. o O T 5. c i - 300K = m = 0.15 E0 = E, = 2.123x10'l2(ns)M 3.734x1 ^^ 0-12(ns)2/3 yS 0 1 0.01 U.UU1 i -0.2 ... -0.15 -0.1 Fermi function The exponential -0.025 curve. V after which This "slope covered curves dependence in more positively the curve ns Fermi on yis references begins to "slope indicates the detail in the logarithmically have been Although gathered use of equation that by the linear The in Section 2.1, a provide ns which was with visual portion of Vgs and ns Fig. 4.1 which will Fig. 4.1 the the and the premise that as the interpretation to be what obtained equation Fermi (2.4) for comparison, nrEf behavior [1,12,28]. The cited be Fig. 4.2 electrons, raising the value of the values could not similar between profile and magnitude of become filled (2.4) for predicting slope of the curve prior to Ef~ corresponding to the linear experimental report as a over" subsequent section. quantum well eigenstates 0.1 dependence type. point where charge control occurs reinforce what was established mathematically. legitimize the in Fig. 4.2 evident density. The curves, furthermore, providing plotted voltage to emphasize over" level increases, the carrier of of 0.05 Voltage, Ef (V) 4.2. Sheet Carrier Density Fig . 0 -0.05 sheet was several references help values. 38 Fig. 4.2, in values. reading 2 cm In V), showing the ns dependence the exponential region (Ef< Ef increased in as -0.025 addition to from value -0.15 V to V), -0.025 -0.0258 effectively than Fig. 4.1, is more ns increased from ns is observed to have less response to increases in for used 1.47xl012 1.435xl010 V. As Renters the "linear better also cm"2 to region" voltage range (>> 1.42xl013 Ef, reaching a maximum value of cm"2 for an Ef of 0.0776 V. A relationship between the 2DEG concentration, n section. once For less than Ef values Ef exceeds determined from The -VT. a plot of next section shows ns equation it is discussion is the in the discontinuity in to potential voltages shifts channel channel and is expected density A, d: = of 30 be close direct linear relationship (2.6) A, to be can seen When Ad well for region for 30 A, ND and the is very low of This region also shown on in Fig. 4.3, and Vgs. and values) Fermi level of (106 the all at the band difference changes. At gate the quantum well and the 1010 cm"2 - complete is known Looking between the well and the charge has some applied, the conduction Vgs that charge as the cm"2). As Vgs density in the control over the strong inversion region amplifier applications. 2xl018 = is below the bottom to the bottom is Ef between ns, Ef, Using voltage. results shown negative discontinuity eigenstates results. to the gate relationship. a gate voltage was used to calculate the threshold voltage, = be gate capacitance can that the Fermi level aligns values, up band level lies relationships to become large. Above threshold, the gate and a how and Before analyzing the Vgs positive the conduction expected is the desirable operating 220 in Chapter 1, it occupying the discrete Ef is linear dependence that turns to a density sheet carrier understanding to the than threshold, the Fermi Equation = the gate voltage. accordingly (down for threshold, Vgs on to visually show the was created system under equilibrium conditions. concentration of electrons approaches derived relating the on provided between the bottom less how both depend this Gate Voltage, Vgs provide some energy band diagram materials was dependent also given vs. (2.5), Fig. 4.3 equation and equation graph since (2.8) dependence an exponential in established V^. vs. 4.3 Sheet Carrier Density, ns, In Section 2.1, nt exhibits -VT, Fermi level, Ef, has been and the cm"3) which was V,h, for found to be the given sample -3.218 V. This was (m = 0.15, dd the calculated 39 threshold voltage treated as value fitting a but by Vg, = 0 V in Fig. 4.3 Fermi level is concentration well is very Ef begins inherently be -0.0569 further If a Vgs order few tenths be small and of of a volt were of to Increasing Vgs equation V> increase 2DEG by depending = ability of The further even band the Schottky was calculated Vgi to is dependence in ns be location on Vgs and V, n, cm"2 and figure {Vgs = 0.72 V), Naturally, so small 107. As a to it Vgs be 4.96x1 0" in can not n, be approaches enough to be on Vgs (2.5) is cm2 Eflo Increasing Vgs 7.53xl012 an V), 2DEG the and >to be 0.0259 V. results this -3.5 linear dependence cm"2 value of more, ns would eventually attain a value on the order of concentration values (< expected since equation was calculated 6.21xl012 Vgs ns becomes large Ef both having and is about Fermi level [1]. The At low on the order of assumption vary slightly of the concentration This behavior is gate. = -3 voltage will (an atoms edge and eigenstates. 2DEG calculated value results the on impurity more understanding. the magnitude of the relating ns to Vgs. At 0 V, ns bit of the conduction plot. donor the of 0 V, the threshold observed with a in fact the 90% ionization a not equal to the maximum value shown on the considered 10" V. At Vgs does below the bottom charge-control linear assuming to show signs of an exponential noticed on the graph. showing the If can now determined from inspection threshold, and parameter). no more than a results shown the at 1013 cm"2. It is this high that makes the AlGaN/GaN heterostructure system very attractive and, most, superior to its AlGaAs/GaAs counterpart where concentration values rarely get above cm"2 0.2 T 0 -'2 > Uj -0.4 > -0.6 -0.8 -1.2 -1.4 -3 -4 -1 -2 Gate Voltage, Fig 4.3. Fermi level gate voltage. T = Vgs (V) and sheet carrier 300K, m = 1 5%, Vd% 0 density = plotted as a function of 0 V. 40 The behavior these references reveals curve is observed to exponential in linearly very relationship between ns considered slightly different relationship is the exponential visible and Vgs is relationship it is the quantum concentration values to the eigenstates to be need concentration in Fig. 4.3 has been demonstrated of the curve levels capacitance increases the the ns slope of as line, multiplying by on and more This shown to channel. negative to section extended on = meet at the references [15] [19] and the To improve the eigenstates not need to the below. The is due to the fact that only two of closer look 4.3, at the ns At this point, the x-axis. values at threshold and be able being not exponential reason why eigenstates were in predicting 2DEG model precision the model, of is important only if be included here more subthreshold since the device is to extrapolate the capacitance of the saturates when low visible at Vgs. Therefore it to gate capacitance for the could be Vgs becomes W, Vgs values, that the said device's than V,h. greater and gate its behavior Taking length, L, the is directly barrier thickness smaller. One to the distance between increased, one could expect related were could also expect extra electrons the threshold voltage to in the barrier, making it easier to turn the off. the relationship Vgs In A {l.602xW-,9ch5um)(lum)^- Therefore, if account Vgs. For they as well. to threshold. In Fig. the electron charge, q, the gate width, by becoming difficult to turn it be dependent did Despite ns eventually 228.55 fF. The the slope of the curve to change device states [15,19] values close effectiveness increase in respect and =qWL-^ revealed a gate capacitance of increasingly this model others all current-voltage calculations and small-signal calculations. with Vgs increases the gate and the conducting Vgs charge vs. voltage, one would exponential C become for curve at a given gate voltage. determined to be for region only. to be known. More Vg5 where This limits the though the region at values of ns. more pronounced strong inversion Since Fig. 4.3 is plotting was except for very low well. biased in the strong inversion device from the Vgs with not visible with included, need behavior curve by values at established in Section 2.1 threshold and below, to ns has include Vgs. Both island ns an exponential are dependence that 41 turns linear for Vg, values at and above capacitance under zero 4.4 Sheet Carrier Equation (2.5) drain bias Density, ns, vs. Barrier shows the aforementioned plot touched upon that as previous section Intuitively, dd increases, density. From assuming Vgs concerning the larger dopant a quantitative is area Ef= Vds vs. contain more electrons when to increase at a A The 350 biased to do decreasing calculation of the gate to increase electrons to the of thickness This rate briefly density barrier carrier for dopant more room concept is eventually stabilizing increasing the channel at , of thickness say, simple reason IxlO19 doped 350 will not A doped electrons and can therefore Fig. 4.4. The by reinforced and the increases for the channel, A 250 barrier, electrons as a barrier has so. dd as graph shows what was "donating" the same number of the same concentration. to a AlGaN barrier layer thickness, dd. 0 V. The = "depletable" physically lead can relationship between the barrier layer a standpoint, = density, density one would expect the carrier a Vgs vs. Thickness, dd was used to produce a plot of sheet carrier in the n, conditions. Fig. 4.4 thickness. Plotting threshold. carrier by increasing linearly as density is the at donate observed barrier thickness increases. o Na 10 2x10'8 cm? = 1.5x1018 "o ND W0 8 = 1x10'8cm? \.\<f\^\^-^^' - c 0.5x1018cm"3 D J^\^- X^^S^^^' T- X cm^ = . = \ \y^\y^^^^^ '3S *" 6 ND - = 0 ~__ cm'3 S?/&^^*- \ Q y^^^^^ T 0) CO 4 Jjp' - O (Br CD 0) .".. 5 ' '/;. *" AlGaN Barrier Thickness, Fig 4.4. 2DEG density 500x1 would increase the 2DEG as a function indicate, as a parameter. 0"8 2xl018 and As Section 4.3 = 0.15 30x10'8 of cm 30x10"* cm = >',< 5.5 4.5 dd (xlO"6 cm) barrier thickness with 100x10" doping density and d, 3.5 2.5 1.5 0.5 = Ad ^ *J 300K = m cm. Doping 0.5xl018 cm"3 in dd varied concentration varied increments. era"3 this type of 2DEG behavior density by increasing the between is V^ cm between 0 = Vgs = expected. cm'3 0V. A larger barrier thickness amount of electrons available to the would 2DEG. Fig. 4.4 also 42 indicates that the channel example, at yields a higher 2DEG concept, the curve dd is concentration than other to corresponding ND 350x10s = ND cm whereas the 350x10 cm. This barrier more sensitive to the barrier thickness between given any density lOOxlO"8 500xl0'8 2xl018 with lower doping 8.1428xl012 yields a sheet carrier lxlO18 density curve yields a carrier higher makes sense since a density doping at cm"2 at of higher concentration will yield a cm"2 of 6.8174xl012 cm"3 = doped. For To quantify this concentrations. cm"3 = highly cm, the higher doped barrier cm and barriers if it is thickness dd = volume of available electrons. An interesting doped. This are run can be for example, consider be less which "B" which 300x10s its cm and cm"2 This provides the "B," "B." frequency response compared to barrier layer. Conversely, device up the more vertical space on the wafer. freedom to capacitance As "B" choose the tradeoff with the a dd increases, also , the "A," he/she This type of shown space free but for electrons the density densities of response et al. drive as degraded high but would gives the The take designer foregoing [15]. dependence in the barrier these be higher due to the thinner application. Rashmi "A" is fabricating when frequency response, briefly by carrier doping experience a frequency on much thickness same amount of current "B," depending discussed detailing as the number of device improved high tradeoff, was enjoy the density, its barrier yield freedom gate capacitance will device geometry barrier thickness to of [29]. For comparison, cm"3. that and undoped Consider device lxl018 of Fig. 4.4, both degree would wafer compared would provide an optimum increases the certain with as well. except to with the channel "A" device According This is because the relationship has been In this section, the same as fabricate electron mobilities device the to fact, devices can affect doping density cm and a designer conserve vertical space on response of 250xl0"8 devices. Should he/she decide to build device device doping density and 0.5xl018 is higher noisy, and to yield those curves that same as has led many In results. encouraging high-frequency is in every way doping density amongst researchers and with both barrier thickness has barrier thickness behaves the the undoped curve hot topic leaky, less their relationship to the device 5.73xl012 observed to established that said of a current barrier devices [29,30] tests on undoped Having is phenomenon barriers have been here is how result to note on barrier thickness. goes up. 43 4.5 Threshold Near the Voltage, Vlh, end of Doping Density, ND vs. Section 4.3 it magnitude of the threshold voltage. is therefore lead to an devices A larger quite clear that either the increasingly negative increasing so contemporary digital circuitry try the same with number of electrons affects doping density or ND would make any GaN-based Fig. 4.5 GaN-based HEMTs. Enhancement Five circuit was constructed a parameter. V,h is 240x1 0s in using plotted as a the simulation). cm, and 280x1 in the even affects the inherently turn a off. finite GaN some would depletion-mode them which require This has led Most gate-to- researchers devices have been fabricated [31,32] considered It more negative. barrier layer thickness difficult to FET devices mode being directly V,h by making it or the more and source. barrier commercially viable, as is and the case design. (2.6) equation function curves were made, each with a considered it connecting drain studied, although the fabrication process is far from with barrier layer the of employs enhancement-mode source voltage to create a current channel to number of electrons threshold voltage. Most fabricated HEMTs are dd either how the was stated ND of to show the which is V,h dependence varied between different barrier thickness The five thicknesses used were dd (only ND on = 0 ND with barrier thickness 3.5xl018 cm"3 to ND as cm"3 = thicknesses that are practical were 120x10s = 160xl0"8 cm, cm, 200x1 0s cm, 0"8 cm. o D) CO o > a o c f CO <a m = = d,= 300K 0.15 30x10 cm 2 15 1 0.5 Doping Density, ND Fig ND, The graph shows given that V,h 4.5. Threshold with becomes doping density, V,h is V,h, dd, as voltage, barrier thickness, more negative as more negative for as a 2.5 function a parameter. the thicker 3 (x1018 cm"3) of V& doping density, Vgs 0 V. = = doping density is increased. Furthermore, for barrier layers. For example, a barrier of a thickness 44 160xl0"8 yields a V,h of doping density As reported are Before \Q\, what density by of 2DEG Rashmi into designer has \Q\ bias device electrons he/she to choose which technique 280x10s in Fig. 4.5 cm of that the number of be. Barrier will free threshold voltage. The results shown and current-voltage results, some results. Equations 6V to obtain 1E-12 thickness and in the barrier layer. will use to obtain a are similar to those & Gate \ix), versus (2.38) and density, Q, voltages of -2 V, channel charge drain were used as a -1 voltage will be given to to observe the relationship function V, 0 V, concentration, of and the applied drain-to- 1 V were used and V& the results shown. i 9E-13 Si (2.35) shows the channel charge with gate voltage as a parameter. to background concerning the and channel carrier velocity, the I/V Vdv Fig. 4.6 from 0 V was varied freedom is concept which overlying the threshold voltage of the the barrier whereas a Characteristics insight into and V -2.05 in [15], et al. drain voltage, VA, provide some reinforce the of parameters used to control the number of level versus source dictate a delving between to V,h yields a further fabrication Current- Voltage 4.6 help cm"3 of results in Section 4.4, stated specified V. These -4.7 in the barrier electrons 2xl018 doping density cm at a ~\^^ ^~*~--^^ 8E-13 T = W t. ^^ 7E-13 300K = = 1 75 [im urn y = TV V* = V 6E-13 J <> ^""^-^"V~-- 5E-13 ___ 4E-13 CD C ^ CO .C Vfl.=-1V __ 3E-13 2E-13 >/gs=-2V O 1E-13 0 - Drain 5 4 3 2 1 () Voltage, Vds (V) V, 4.6. Channel charge as a function of VA. Gate voltages of V, 0 V, and 1 V were used for the curves. Width and length of Fig -1 -2 device Each in curve charge is is and temperature used observed to decrease expected by linearly inspection and in simulation are shown on eventually flatten of equation (2.11) which out the graph. progressing to the right. The decrease has the sheet carrier density, ns, being 45 related to the channel voltage. negatively device Vc(x) is directly and The increases. "flattening?" FET devices, becomes This is is, if \Q\ decreases device reaching the pinched-off and the carriers are evident by drain of the slope that is be In the linear constant. carrier the channel increases rapidly velocity not velocity increases rapidly for the decrease (2.13) The and (2.25) results resemble eventually flattens gate voltages of (Wu currents of -1 results of -2 et al. V, -1 out with V, 0 V, [23]). All and -2 V, characteristics increasing and for increasing lateral regards and electric to Vds 68 of 8% within and 65 6 V. These mA/mm at Vds lds linearly their current in the with continues to field. The velocity isn't of channel linear a increase of the carriers increase in in carrier the drain current experiences an with more understanding. shown in Fig. 4.7. At first initial linear increase in curves were obtained found between the of channel not pinched-off nor are decreases done in Fig. 4.6, measured values at all closely to the for predicted and measured mA/mm were calculated match = is transistors where an agreement was V^ both the velocity to the drain current, this was the drain the amount of charge be interpreted most as short-channel Vds because drain biases, channel charge and for 189 mA/mm, respectively, at a mA/mm, 350 mA/mm, 200 mA/mm, channel charge the each curve experience a the curves. With constant, the drain bias. As 1 V. Good mA/mm, decrease of of channel-length modulation. to plot the I/V characteristic curves curves were predicted 537 mA/mm, 350 V, the I/V in because part of the I-V curves can now were used should FETs, the case since the channel the with more than compensates magnitude. short-channel "flat" being observed increases. With glance, the V, 0 V, is Vds Equations values in the as increase in current \Q\ why does of In saturated. linear region, the increase in Vc(x). Despite the decrease in \Q\ "independent" becomes channel this that clear then the saturation region in the region the carriers velocity saturated. In the because the in still apparent the carriers and the amount of current must also Vds, it is to ns through the dimensions the saturation region of operation. Like other velocity voltage related Vdt increases, as the current in the saturation region completely independent directly related to the magnitude of question now This is due to Since Q is for times. Drain gate voltages of experimental values of 1 500 6 V. 46 2 3 4 Drain Voltage, 4.7. HEMT drain Fig current as a Current voltage as a parameter. 0, and 1 V. Maximum of 537 mA/mm. inspection closer Solid lines the experimental in the data does peak point found to of peak at drain channel temperature to results in would be a drain a between the change length in channel charge and magnitude. of the linear The region the transistor will remain results in there being an dissipates the change is drain in the linear increase in current positive is determined effects were in the future. research by 1 V -1 -2, with an , ldi predictions; symbols for gate voltages of 1 V 6 V. Instead, is voltage goes up. Prior to saturation, drain charge, leading voltages. for a to the current that the for the The decrease in mobility the current model and and 4.7, the relationship all curves experience a for the Increasing current this flows in the of power causes linear charge curves. The the gate voltage means larger Vdt. The higher higher reveals possible reason more Figures 4.6 0 V experimental current was This dissipation the current curves and negative the gate and and however, included in Comparing clear. increases, the carrier mobility. not, region of operation channel values of = voltage of As the drain the transistor decrease. Thermal topic to for voltage with gate Vgs Vgs decrease slightly thereafter. One and thermal effects. for data [23]. increase, subsequently decreasing current valuable 4 V drain correspond to model highest drain the voltages around channel and the amount of power of data corresponding to not occur at behavior is due to observed function curves plotted current predicted was correspond to experimental A Vds (V) gate voltage also levels. 47 1 09 0.8 07 06 05 0.4 o 0.3 ~o c c (0 0.2 .c O 12 3 Drain Fig of 4.8. Drain drain curve current and channel charge Plot voltage. its and 4 Voltage, Vds (V) used both plotted as a function to show relationship between each charge corresponding current curve linear in both be appreciated visually. and saturation regions of operation. Fig. 4.8 plots readability both of the Fig. 4.9 Ids Q and figure, Vgs against so the data the experimental shows the relationship were not relationship between the can To increase the included. gate voltage and the drain current while keeping V& constant. 800 m=0-15 700 .Exp.. T E ^ 600 W E ~ L 500 300K = 75 = = "t [23] 1 um pm A Vds=3V y OO OO CO OO TO -* OO > 1 4-3-2-10 Gate Voltage, Fig 4.9. Drain Temperature Maximum current was /^ of set as equal 671 2 Vgs (V) a function to mA/mm 300K of and predicted gate V^ voltage. to 3 V. against 604 mA/mm measured. As V increases from left to the right, the transistor is operation around Vgs - 0 V (the transition can be seen on initially in saturation, eventually reaching linear the graph as there is a slight discontinuity on the 48 curve around The largest that less it = -0.2 discrepancy V). Excellent occurred at of an will between issue is the fact be biased in the the calculated Vg, = 2 V 10% still within be that the transistor will measured values in imitate the differed from mostly for saturation {Vgs region current source. 0 V) < was by 65 discrepancy the amplifier applications. high-impedance a experimental Making of the measured value. used values. the calculated and measured the calculated value where saturation region so as to and found between agreement was This difference is large but is mA/mm. even Vgs This means Agreement found be to exceptional. 4.7 Transconductance, gm, Equations (2.27) 4.10. The drain -4 V and leveling (2.28) were used to calculate the voltage was kept fixed at and ending off and at 2 V. declining immediately of operation Vgs ~ -0.7 2 V Progressing from the while transconductance, left to right, the Vgs becomes after greater is curve than Vlh. to the linear saturation region gm. The results are shown gate voltage was swept over a linearly. The sharp increase is due to eventually transitions from the seen around Output Conductance, g0 and observed to the transistor As Vgs range starting at increase sharply before entering the continues to resulting in region 6V in Fig. saturation region increase, a peak in the the transistor curve (this is V). -p 180 E 160 E 140 - - - E 120 '/ / o 60 - m f / T3 40- Vds / 20 CO = [23] ii 0.15 = 300K ND=2x10"5cm"3 / U fl Expt. / ^ CD O ^^^- - O 3 . W = = 2V 75 vm 0- 4-3-21012 Gate Voltage, 4.10. HEMT Fig voltage. 300K. As V linear increases further, the region of operation. Drain Vgs transconductance voltage was was varied from transconductance Reasonable kept fixed -4 is Vgs (V) as at a 2 V function and of gate temperature at V to 2 V. observed agreement was to decrease found between as the transistor extends predicted and measured into the values. 49 here although the results occur gm in the are not as middle of the graph where the value was found to be 137 HEMT will greater interest. The be biased to predicted values in the accurately predicts gm Ideally, when a be independent should source with current is infinite expected To determine how what the output help is biased in Vgs 151 of the left half values. As peak-calculated mS/mm. Since the is the curve of Vgl becomes larger, between of the is deficient proposed model agreement Improvements in range. as The saturation near the better this problem and obtain correct V,h) - high revealing that the measured values, measured values throughout the specified control model could accuracy for low Vg, (Vgs values when the transistor be done to research can and saturation regions come together. saturation region, the begin to deviate from the for predicting transconductance More linear mS/mm whereas the measured values went as operate model in Section 4.6. The largest discrepancies as those obtained encouraging linear region. predicted and the mobility model or the charge to alleviate this problem. is biased in transistor drain of the voltage. Since output resistance. to increase to the notion of infinite output conductance of the transistor is. Equations in Fig. 4.1 1, shown and output resistance increase in Vds with an in the output current will change with a change conductance, g0, results drain This is because in saturation, the transistor behaves degree some the saturation region, the magnitude of the while output (2.30) and voltage, it is (2.31) as a current is impractical, the transistor current is in the drain saturation. imperative to know were used to produce the 4.12. ?6- E m =0.15 5 7 E = vSBl o 0) 4 s O 3 = 1 V* 07 .35x1 cm/s = 5 V v - \i0 <l) O c 300K = 370 cm2/(V*s) Vds - V* 2- = = 10 Vv/ 15Vv/ \ V O o T" -2.5 -3 .5 Gate Fig 4.11. g0 varied from V, 10 V, as a -3 and function 0.5 -0.5 -1.5 1.5 Voltage, Vgs (V) of Vgs V to 2 V. Curves with V^ as a parameter. were plotted for Vds Vgs values of 5 15 V. 50 from left to right, Progressing into an exponential transistor will drain are close in another as reach the of increase (most be in the initially transistor each curve in Fig. 4.11 is obvious for Vgs they approach the values linear linear region; higher drain the curves reaching the linear V& the saturation region current resistant to changes magnitude in in the drain less than 0 V. As regime for the Vgs by and Vgs is value bias of 5 V needed drain-to-source bias the others, its the linear of mS/mm (V^ = It is function of shows the into 10V), and also useful Vds makes the linear increase 0.35 mS/mm analyze region. relationship between g0 faster at a faster in {Vds = an 15 V), high curve other with in is order because the rate with respect each for Vds g0 value as device as all curves separate from one in none increased further since increase the fastest, Vds decreases, under a linear device region at values of 5.63 Vgi = lower 0 V, g0 5 V, 10 mS/mm a lower drain-to-source than the same to Vgs. At to making the scenarios, resulting observed to increasing Vgs figure begin to was not words, a will reach the high) the the plot, none of the curves power Vgs be expected as V, (V^ under a Vgs values of and - than 15 V, 5V), 1.21 respectively. output conductance relates discussed in the and In increase in behavior is from the curves V" 5 mS/mm were calculated how the concepts = evident considered; increase in this curves the to 2 V resulted 0.68 to and This is range shown lower drain bias device the output conductance will Increasing Vgs The region of operation 10 V. Since 1.67 mS/mm, 0.58 mS/mm, respectively. curves. to get the device will reach Vgs "Vds of the output resistance will Vgs increases, voltages increase linearly, eventually turning This type voltages were used to represent followed 15 V curve). voltage. (note: for the region practically be that high.). The 10 V 5 V (meaning gate voltages will not the = observed to to the drain voltage. previous paragraph easier Plotting g0 to understand. Fig. as a 4.12 Vds. 51 0.35 -, ' \ /V'ss=-2V \ V \/ 0.25 p L ;: .. 0.30 \/V 0.20 1 pm - W = m =0.15 N0 <;V um 2x1018cm"3 = di.= yvp)=-iv 75 220x1 O^pm"3 55 "^ 0.15 0.10 - / "^ X/\ /Y \ v = /V<"'!'IV >C\/\ 0.05 0 12 3 Drain Fig 4.12. Output parameter. Fig. 4.12 closely eventually to the transistor off and being for plotted Vgs Fig. 4.6 in that both resembles leveling conductance, g0, Curves becoming biased in the fact nature of a current because Vds, a given a higher conductance. At Vgs and with conductance at values of will result a Vgs V^ values in transitioning g0 point where output resistance, As source Vgs = 6.4 of V, -2 -2 -1 V = and 6 V, all 28.4 g0 Ro is into the observed The trends; a linear decrease is due the transistor approaches have to and not like showing little deviation and 1 V a larger yielded first to a resistor. with respect output conductance. g0 values of higher In to This is channel 0.1 1 S/mm, 0.19 reach saturation at a Vds value of g0" is the "transitioning at V^ The values values were calculated of as a 1 V. similar saturation regions meet. mS/mm function Vgs and Vds increases, in curve was the linear with concentration and a subsequent V, 0 V, mS/mm. was plotted as a in Fig. 4.13. conditions extend higher 2DEG V^ V, 0 V, concomitantly decreases further, reinforcing are observed the saturation and bias, Vds R0, a values of 0.31 S/mm. The At full drain results are shown biasing and higher 14.2 mS/mm, 24.9 mS/mm, respectively. The the value drain bias, no S/mm, 0.26 S/mm, 1.05 V curves with 6 the curves prior to reaching saturation saturation, the curves are observed to behave as a current source V&. For of -1 following show curves region of operation. behave like that the transistor will V, -2 the saturation region of operation and the output conductance the 5 function as a values of flat. The linear linear 4 Voltage, Vds (V) to Vds by taking other of of the "transitioning 1.85 V, 2.5 V, be 0.002 the value mS/mm or inverse of to increase to very large magnitudes output go's'1 and had 3.25 V, less. g0 in Fig. 4.12. The of resistance as the saturation region of operation. 52 L 60000 1 um = W = 75pm _ ./ _ 3, m 50000 .J? 8 <* 0.15 = . i/' ND=2x1018cm"3 rfd 40000 d, = 220x 1 /^ "I 0"6 ^^ cm 0"8 cm =30x1 ooo 1 V 20000 Vss=0V >^ . " - 3 a. 10000 3 - O 0 12 3 Drain Fig 4.13. Output Resistance, R0, VSJ as a parameter. those a given the 2DEG is lower consequently drain bias (Vds at Vgs value, resistances 6 V) = linear of each region Analysis of the R0 did = -2 not remain V, R0 varied varied ~ this curve Ro in chapter. though the from 1 16 Q. the all and decreased linear to as a function for 40 Q and for of Drain voltage with Vgs simulation are the same as R0 was V^ found magnitude magnitude of be not became fl, Multiple profiles in references which to what by increasing is closer data that has been inspection for the Fig. 4.13. of insight into the linear at the calculated and data region revealed for gate Vgs 700 Q. For = 0 V and voltage, the Vgs = 1 V, help reinforce was compared shown here, in -1 R0 variation to the ideal (ideal scenario have been found to the experimental similar was also calculated the points were below With 63621 2 and that to the saturation region values. For coming below 400 Q; constant, R0 get some Looking comparison most of respectively. more (shown in Fig. 4.12). At full appreciated done to region was concentration of be 6566 Q, 1 1060 Q, 21685 Q, to The can variation pales 350 higher because the values are be deduced from Fig. 4.13. 1200 Q though ~ lower the conductance of the channel the linear which reported report curve to respectively. with most points region). [23] V, -2 constant, though the Besides [17,18,33,34] and can not they 550 Q region resistance constant V, -1 from 70 fi to 830 Q between 50 Q. decreasing plotted point values resistance value since 6 Voltage, Vds (V) values used corresponding the calculated value of 1 V, 0 V, values of 5 in Fig. 4.12. For Vds V^ and 4 Vgs V, R0 varied in linear would the results shown be in to the present model, comparable magnitude ranges. 53 This and the section terminal helped to biasing output conductance and similar to other Using voltages. (2.36) equations V to 2 V. The varied and lower than using three different biasing -3.1 V conditions contemporary capacitance that The power values would proposed model for the similar rate, to a voltage curve. - better that the transistor will operate high the transistor as a type of C/V density, ns(mj), being directly can the curves values. be response said that in Fig. 4.14 It is clear lower n5(m,x) from is the device device to have high was shown behaving behaving as a resistor and showed very low is output as a current source. in a (2.11) lower high values as drop The "Vds 5 and 5 V) over a = by as V" curve analysis of limit 15 V is shown in higher at shows Vgs device the range of could Vgs be was not subthreshold region and would provide the subthreshold since it is were used is off, each curve voltage will result given to Cgs show to can voltages. high-power increase have the highest It of representative observed values. higher drain to region Cgs at a value of be implied, then, This characteristic device. analyzing and equation negatively related Vgs to Vds for the (2.11). This related as well. in channel Vds equation shows the to Vc(x). Since Vc(x) is directly This fact helps to value, the curves with that an increase value in the any in-depth initial is negatively V, 10 V, Fig. 4.14 such that the capacitance of the an Vgs 15 = was obtained. used as the upper was Vds power to why, for a equation value results (Vds higher frequencies expected related ns{m^c) and at frequency This V&, it device Cgs a plot of values not provide values. the three curves, revealing that a lower drain to device device representative of real-world amplifier circuits. does device. After y be here. 2 V avoided supply Vds were chosen x"2 favors of a that would place the transistor since is why it has been decreasing in saturation, when indicative curve region, the consistent with a (2.39) derived in Section 2.7, under circumstances un-reliable results. which Conversely, conductance parameters of the Cgd and analyzed nature. steep transconductance results that were calculated -3.1 between the When operating in the linear low transconductance. This is FET devices in conductance and a 4.8 Cgs establish relationships lower will result in a V& related explain the profile of values yield lower 2DEG value for higher Cgs ns(mj.). A charge, Q. 54 0 10 L 0.185 1pm = \s"^^ W 0.18 2x1018cm'J WD T 0.175 75um = = = 300K a. " 0.165 O v* yy^^\. 0.16 1 //s*\ V* \s7s 0.155 0.15 0.145 5 v = "*=10V = '5V 0 11 -3.5 -2.5 -1.5 -0 5 Gate Voltage, Vgs 4.14. Gate-to-source Fig voltage with drain bias given on plot. capacitance (V) function a as Geometry as a parameter. High drain 1.5 0.5 gate of device is of demonstrate "high voltages used to power" capacitance values. Since ns(m^c) is more sensitive higher for lower Vds and 5 "Vds the V" is curve amplification applications, data from figure and pF 5 V, (Vds the 15 This type decrease Vds Equations and (2.40) for Vgs between -16 V = also (2.41) 1 V and small to increase Cgd values dramatically between 0 V the type of Vgs model and to (fF) at large and reach values 2 V 0.1747 curve for is on the the curves assumed pF Cgs for both, Cgs is has been the plot just for Cgd Vds here. is bottom In small). Extrapolating 15 V, 10 V, values of each curve shown shown to values of to increase with in Fig. 4.14. These Vgd vs. Vgd shown conditions considered mentioned. the transistor could in V" 0.1758 5 V). = that biasing values negative 15 = be capacitance will Vgs but results are small-signal parameter prediction. obtain between the (V* [35,36]. In by 1 V. The of pF response for and values, the magnitudes of and the to 2 V increased 0.1861 reported were used V, 0 V, -1 difference in the the Vds why the "V^, explains 0.167 pF, 0.1696 pF, and been to legitimize the and This Increasing Vgs 10 V), is precisely values of and top (though values of 0 V. - (Vds value. lower gate voltage at will assume a value Cgs has the Vgs "amplification so that the have very pF which help on Vgs of response with encouraging plotted V), 0.179 a given Vgs reveals respectively, at = for values to changes in the values. the pF range. be The Vgd This type were here involved varying Vgd conditions were once again chosen analyzed. Once in Fig. 4.15. Curves The figure exceeds of -3 V, behavior shows each curve each curve is to observed once again supports the 55 argument that a can be seen GaN HEMT is from the figure that Vds as rises, frequency smaller of the two parasitic gate-to-channel capacitances as possible only helps to further the high voltages are of concern the plot reveals a Vgd of -3 Cgd here, Vgd values of frequency larger than values 6.7 fF, 9.9fF, and V. For higher drain voltages, both 0.725 fF, 0.66 fF, and curves similar to what 0.55 fF has been Vgs at more response of the (Cgs being negative, -3 V the other), ignored in are 17.2 fF for Vgs values of 1 V, 0 V, and V, -1 V, 0 V, At smaller. Cgd becomes decreasing its the analysis. 1 applications. device. Even though performance of the transistor. Vgd and Cgd become values Vgd respectively. smaller Cgd is the value as much Since only high drain Pulling and = It -10 -1 V, from numbers respectively, at V, Cgd had References values of [36,37] show here for Cgd. shown 0.12 high-power, high-frequency essentially making Vgd desirable bi-product for the intrinsic which is a for an exceptional candidate -i L \im =1 W = ND 75|jm Vas=-1V J cm 2x10" = r = 300K 0.08 Q. 0.06 - O 0.04 0 -I -13 Gate-Drain Voltage, Fig 4.15. Cgd simulations 2xl018 function as a were cm"3 and done for T = 300K. of a Vgs V* V& with 75um x Vgd (V) as a parameter. l|im device values of with 15 V, 10 V, All ND and = 5 V were used. results for both Cgd and Cgs help how it is affected by the drain bias The and provided an increase in performance of Vds helps to provide some and gate to decrease both Cgs insight into length. and Cgd the frequency Clearly from which act as the response of discussion limiting agents the device and results for the just frequency the device. 4.9 Cutoff Frequency,/r 56 argument that a be can which from seen is a GaN HEMT is the figure Vds that as rises, essentially making desirable bi-product for the intrinsic frequency smaller of the two parasitic gate-to-channel capacitances as possible only helps to further the high voltages are of concern the a Cgd plot reveals Vgd of -3 here, Vgd values of frequency larger than values 6.7 fF, 9.9fF, and V. For higher drain voltages, both 0.725 fF, 0.66 fF, and curves similar to what 0.55 fF has been for high-power, an exceptional candidate Vgs at values Vgd the decreasing its the other), V ignored in are 17.2 fF for Vgs values of Vgd and Cgd become 1 V, 0 V, and V, 0 V, 1 smaller. V, -1 the analysis. At Vgd respectively. the value as much Since only high drain Pulling and -10 - It smaller Cgd is device. Even though performance of the transistor. -3 applications. Cgd becomes more negative, response of (Cgs being high-frequency -1 V, numbers from respectively, at V, Cgd had References values of [36,37] show here for Cgd. shown 0.12 L = W 0.1 1 |jm = 75|jm Vgs W0 r 0.08 = 300K V^ -0V Vgs a. V = "1 -1 V 0.06 o* 0.04 0.02 0 -13 Gate-Drain Fig 4.15. Cgd simulations 2xl018 function as a were cm"1 and done for T = 300K. of a Voltage, Vgd (V) Vgs VA Vd< with 75um x as a parameter. lum device values of with 15 V, 10 V, All ND and = 5 V were used. results for both Cgd how it is affected by increase in Vds The and provided an performance of and Cgs help the drain to bias provide some and gate helps to decrease both Cgs insight into the length. and Cgd Clearly frequency response of from the discussion which act as limiting agents the device and results for the just frequency the device. 4.9 Cutoff Frequency,/r 56 Using equation the cutoff (2.42) and varying frequency. Fig. 4. 1 6 shows from 0 V to 15 V was varied reinforce what was established and fT Vgs flattens out for Vds "saturating" the curve increase in are is in values encouraging for high Cgd and Cgs 4 V Cgd and Cgs higher. The region of interest lies to the Vdg equal to 3 V (with V^ right of Vds = Vds Vgs), - Cgd figures were obtained for fT function L. Vds vs. as a improves and with will can be Cgs also with an seen the increase in from flatten drain out. Prior to 4 V. This a magnitude of voltage figure the increase in Vdi. These the typically have is since this of V*. Fig. 4.16 helps to reaches a value of about decreasing 4 V fT response both that until Vdg (Vds shows increase in Vds. In the are two the plot of frequency indicating power applications where = with Fig. 4. 1 7 and 1 V for device the - increase quickly because the value of fT occurs Vds of was set equal to excess of observed to drain voltage, Vds, and function as a in Section 4.8 Vds. This is due to the decrease in both that/7- length, L, the gate rapid results 3 V or that would make 1 V). "n" x 12 st 10 & 8 3- 6 1 I 3 0 n / um 75 urn 1 V vgs = r 300K = Fig 4.16./r as a function um and 15 10 5 75 1 = /_ Drain Voltage, width = W / 4- 2 L / 0) 2 ; ^ of length 1 Vds (V) V^./, calculated for device Vgs of 1 V was used um. of to represent typical gate amplification voltages. Pulling of numbers 4 V, 10 V, device cut-off from the and 15 V, frequency curve yielded respectively. has also been fT values of Similar 11.19 GHz, 12.69 GHz, curve profiles plotted as a function have of also drain been and 13.15 GHz for reported by [38,39] Vds values where the voltage. 57 L = X W o Vgs T 1 [im 75 = = = Vds= 10V [im 1 V Vds - = 5V 300K oO ^>>>to^ ^^ o 3 o 0.1 1 Gate Length, L (um) Fig 4.17. fT as a function of gate length, L. drain biases 75 Fig. 4.17 plotted The with for drain biases the since a frequency values. larger L and length 11.71 GHz, increased the similar results shown predict device the of have an and increasing and magnitude of the of the 147.64 GHz cut-off are quite close 4.17 have drain of to were the gate length, L. Curves the "V^, the gate device for (Vds = with decrease in gm = a - V" 15 higher 5 V and length all Vds as/7- were 1 V. steadily decreases yielded by one et al. to decreases fT values of values of [23] expected have a the Cgd to 199.6 GHz and Ambacher with the gate here, revealing higher fT Cgs and 13.15 GHz, 12.69 order of magnitude its relationship shown is this since channel resistance observed value drain biases to and has been is curve 5 V). Rashmi frequency length the gate logarithmic type). Intuitively, to 15 V, 10 V, what and values and a in Fig. 4.16 Decreasing frequency frequency the Cgd and Cgs length, L, findings regarding the cut-off device curves were plotted with a constant gate voltage of axes were converted lum, drain biases 10 V), of frequency, fT, inverse relationship same reason as cutoff Simulations done for 5 V. Dimensions cutoff 5 V. All in larger respectively. in [10,40] Figures 4.16 either = and a given gate for the a gate V), 183.34 GHz (Vds reported to value would result the others For drastically by shown increase in L (note that both value than GHz, is and um. 15 V, 10 V, of become larger. For would 1 relationship between the shows the cutoff by um 15 V, 10 V, of 0.1 (V^ et al. pm = 15 have length. The the model's ability to values. shown that the voltage or gate-to-source decreasing the gate GaN HEMT is most easily improved length. This is because both methods reduce frequency response of a and gate-to-drain capacitances. Although the process for fabricating 58 GaN HEMT devices has continuing research not yet achieved a mature in the area of stage, these results HEMT modeling for high-power certainly provide a good reason high-frequency for circuits. 59 Chapter 5 Conclusions 5.1 and Future Research Conclusions 5.2 Future Research 5.1 Conclusion A physics-based model equation was used carrier density, in has been conjunction with ns, to the Poisson version of the which was later used in predicting ns to derive I/V found the calculated and their for Most to Most values results was concentrations to linear The linear Vgs measured lacked by experimental comparison in that the results were very encouraging much better than that for the the results never calculated for the Ids all vs. Vds and became larger than 10% for any other curves since they by of limiting and included both other authors. the simplified Vgs current Discrepancies performance-predicting ability data to be compared to experimental fell In reality, measured values were available). equations sheet transconductance values supports the argument that be done to improve the accuracy the other calculated results I/V considered, relationship between ns charge-control and saturation were relating the below threshold. A values the conductance calculations and all of the capacitance and (when between be all well eigenstates upon previous results reported profiles and magnitudes were validated most of not of improve experimentally more research and work needs model. to equations. Transistors. The Schrodinger Mobility statistics to generate an equation quantum equation was used to obtain a components which was between Fermi-Dirac Fermi level, Ef. Two effectiveness of the model High Electron proposed to model within the agreement Id, vs. curve at were not able to Vgs GaAs data. This frequency 22% of the which case was experimentally the case measured simulated and measured curves where the percent condition. be explicitly the calculations. between any bias against, in of Percent deviation errors could compared with experimental measurements. The most notable weakness and around the transitional considering that in area the model is its between the inability saturation peak transconductance occurs when the to accurately predict transconductance values and linear regions. This is device transitions from a serious in limitation the saturation region to the 60 linear Since gm is derived from region. looking bump at Fig. 4.8, found between good agreement was occurring in the region or when although thermal effects degraded the in small the current curves, magnified and more pronounced with respect to the conductance parameters data experimental were found the case their could not be obtained for provided simulation results that with the remainder of results that accuracy be could not validated. however, did not have the same The ns than their magnitudes. having and "success." vs. closely matched were presented. It is between Figures 4.1, 4.12, 4.15, 4.16, so profile comparison The Vgs discrepancy negligible magnitudes for could not with Vgs values relationship, with ns decreases to near threshold, ns begins to decrease asymptotically in Fig. 4.1 Vgs where rc, is range specified. with increasing Vgs plotted against Ef). In Fig, 4.14, Although this is generally what be g0. Unfortunately, References that in Chapter 4. This to compared references. respective pictured relationship and g0). conductance, the results presented They their and output (gm become Cgs is Figures 4.3 these curves involved their in Fig. 4.3 shows less than threshold. with respect shown found happens, Cgs should rise at a faster and 4.14, profiles more linear near-perfect In actuality, to the x-axis increase to a was real samples so to mention that excellent agreement was worthwhile 4.17 for a slight only The largest differences between regions meet. in the linear device. These differences, of the performance either predicted and measured results with linear curves where the saturation and the measured and predicted values came current be found there. When the current curves, an explanation may [15] decreasing when Vgs (much like rate and stabilize for the in value [36]. 5.2 Future Research The GaN list following growth process and 1) Although work. to has been until and the is limited offered reasoning for future has been achieved improvement has been junction profiles, refined provide major progress Steady however, of statements increasing the quality of recent in the fact that there exist years, the decreasing GaN the model and of the growth process still needs only a yield. handful values, idealizing progress is needed, contact resistance the grown semiconductor. process can produce acceptable by weaknesses of research: in achieved to detail the The of More rate at which the process can fabrication facilities be worldwide that 61 the following Vlh discrepancy and -4.2 with an V were reported m of thickness 30 of information clear of be for used and the V,h fraction as 3) The proposed model V) [23], had a could large part be not be fractions focused only on in 15% of the strong or to be than values resolved 15%. It if Nonetheless was unnecessary for the subthreshold region amplification device. In Fig. 4.7, the drain bias experimental continued Clearly, if a since the Vgs GaN-based data plotted to increase. Thermal device heats up, the ability expected was proposed (2.6) Using were V,h results would and the [23] for does device V,h value experimental not With that said, future would not V the calculated the calculated voltage vary with research limit the applicability leading included, between of HEMT is to poor subthreshold ns the V,h to only two the Poisson equation experimentally vs. m problem would still need accurately being and predicted and desired for devices model increased, fractions higher of mole predict considered values ns as a in the high-power peaked, and then decreased slightly as the effects were offered as of layer equation was used to obtain in and spacer -6.72 hardware equation inversion region, be between ns other less. excellent agreement could agreement which V results, nullifying the behind using more eigenstates were the subthreshold region. and -7 the and AlGaN V found between in that it Certainly if ns Using suggest. quantum well eigenstates. measured A, 350 donor layer. other device threshold This is because Schrodinger's simplified, an -10.14 all deciding used. would of great value had of values of The difference between the motivation Fig. 5.1 and dd charge of with good agreement was which was would with mole values discrepancies to and samples in the concentration predictions. was not 4) which (2.6) equation devices to model directly 25% [16], V,h et al. cm"3 (2.6), V,h measured results would suggest, the modeling their relationship the 2xl018 of with the measured values. et al. 2.8 ( In Garrido Both respectively. equation discovery and in Wu reported As and lead This comparison comparison. mole in [16] the model. A, the author. one with an m of doping density would parameters reported and Si 280 of disagreement Vlh measured accuracy A by for two samples, dd and provided calculated, in and 22% found was the carriers to move the explanation (mobility) in for this behavior. the presence of an 63 electric field will decrease. This reasoning behind the decrease in model did into account, no increasing Attempts have been to alleviate this problem [41]). Although thermal high drain biases (Vds substrates are used. and the > 20V), A future trapping performance of model effects relationship between the threshold model to the model would be decrease growing GaN in circuits W-cm"1 as opposed device pronounced compared that it could to on in top the to more ' for to degrade at when effects such as predict SiC of 0.35 Wcm performance includes performance-degrading useful proposed observed was the experimental and calculated values. effects still cause degradation is less that drain biases. Since the is sapphire thermal accurately the device. improvements just listed, the proposed by have high thermal conductivity (around 4-5 sapphire substrates effects the a negative manner which associated deviation between calculated results, therefore made in current observed at elevated take these effects not substrates that The affects the channel current devices with serve as motivation voltage and mole of mole fraction 15% for future fraction is or most research important in this area. Modeling since equation the (2.6) limits less. 64 References [1] William Liu, Fundamentals of I1I-V Devices: HBTs. MESFETs. York, NY, 1999. [2] Fujitsu and HFETs/HEMTs, John Wiley and Sons, New Quantum Devices, LTD. History of HEMT Transistors. Retrieved April 26, 2004 from http://eesof.tm.agilent.eom/docs/iccap2002/MDLGBOOK77DEVICE_MODELING/3TRANSISTORS/0History/H - EMTHistory.pdf. [3] Y. Zhang, I. P. Smorchkova, C.R. Elsass, S. Keller, J. P. Ibbetson, S. 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SiC Substrates" on 67 Appendix I Appendix I Equation (2.12) IdUn Derivation - shows the current 1 + '/J0EC density I , V equation M0EC , A -v,, ^cVsat V (2.1 1) for plugging in the mobility (_ ^dVc(x) ns(mj) (2.10)), (2.12) - dx dx , (equation , + n,(m,x)- = model kBTdn,(m>x)^ )dVc(x))_u,_ (_ Wq/U0 -v10, Ecvwl Substituting equation after dx q yields A ".<> .Ww>[f<=)(l,,_v,W)^>+*i.(^_v,w) qd dx qd q dx J dxy v. (2.13a) where d=dd+dl+ Ad Vg,=Vgs-Vlh{m) Distributing through on the right ,+ V. hand side (RHS) of (2.13a), dx dVc (x) |/fp______ V Ecvsal j e{m), = dx WqM0 [ , s' ,\dVc{x) c{X)l qd dx kjfe{m)dVc{x) q { qd dx (2.13b) Simplifying the RHS and dx + multiplying both MqEc-v,, Ev The boundary dV(x) by dx yields, WAm) V Vc(x)-^]dVc(x) q J sat conditions represent sides the intrinsic voltages at either end of the (2.13c) ) channel and are listed here for reference: 68 VM)\x=L=Vds-IdsRd Since the intrinsic = L to voltages are obtain an expression IA known at either end of for the drain current \dx + a\dVc(x) = b the channel, (2.13c) can be integrated from x = 0 to x in the linear region, kj Vg,~: \dVc{x)-b\Vc{x)dVc{x) (2.13d) where U0Ec-vsa ErVsa, b = Wfl0{m) the integration yields, Performing kBT x=L Ids(L + aVc(x)\^)=b V. a Plugging in IdsL + the boundary 'dSVdsa ' J vMZ-?M (2.13e) x=0 conditions and simplifying, < (Rd + R,) bVgsVds bVgJds (Rd + R, ) - = -|(VJ. ~2VdsIdsRd +l2ds{R] -R;)) (2.i3f) where V gs =v -^ s' q By combining the coefficients of the lds terms, o = equation ai2ds + (2.13f) pids + can r be prepared for the quadratic formula, (213g) and ' (2.13) d.lin 2a where 69 a = P = a(Rd+Rsytl(R2_R2) bVdsRd-bVgs{Rd+RsyL-aVd r=bvgsvds-^v2 70 Appendix II Appendix II This appendix region Starting in derivation incorporation here is later expression obtained Field the outlines pertinent to the model's Vc(x) Derivation - used of the potential, length modulation of channel to Vc(x). channel form the bias-dependent Obtaining occurring in expression this expression the saturation region. for L,, the length was The of the Low- the channel. with equation (2.9) and plugging in equations (2.10) and (2.1 1) yields, ^dV(x)^ 1 + Ecvsal v V j ^K WqjU0 dx -v, qd -v.ui M)^+i^f^(v, dx q ax\ qd (2.14a) Simplifying (2.14a) gives the same expression as 'MoEc 1 -VsM . 2. dV dx+ ^-^ E v Since the - 0 can channel be used. is pinched off and Integrating (2.14b) is (2.13c) and is repeated here for reference, ,.]_Wf40e{mY (2.14b) (x) of unknown from 0 to x length, only the boundary condition corresponding to x gives, fx 1 ds [dx + a \dVc (x) = b(vgl V Vo -^-))dVc(x)-b)vc(x)dVc(x) 1 (2.14c) JS After integrating, 'A*+vmz)Av*-~YMZ--v^T,: q j Plugging in the boundary conditions yields, /<_(^ + a(VcU)-/(_^)) Distributing >* = fcVff(VcW-/^I)-^(ve2W-/^) the coefficients through and combining terms with like orders of Vc(x) simplifies (2.14e) (2.14e) to, 71 x<ds+bVgJd5Rs-aI2dsRs--I2sR2 = oK2M+(/*-*v>cM+ The quadratic formula is used to obtain a solution to 0 (2.14) (2.14), , (l)=z_______E V 2a where 6 a = 2 /3 = 7= aIds-bVigs *hs +bVJdR -aI2R ds Jvi J rfi-1 - 72