Patent ID: 6563334
Filing Date: 2003-05-13
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
An insulating film evaluation method for use in a system that controls a circuit including a current source and a voltmeter, the current source applying a current to an insulating film used in a semiconductor device, the voltmeter measuring a voltage generated when the current is applied to the insulating film, the insulating film evaluation method comprising:a step for measuring a first voltage generated by a first current that is applied to the insulating film for an arbitrary time period; a step for interrupting the application of the first current to the insulating film; a step for measuring a second voltage generated by a second current that is applied to the insulating film for an arbitrary time period, an absolute value of the second current being greater than an absolute value of the first current; a step for interrupting the application of the second current to the insulating film; a step for comparing an absolute value of the first voltage with an absolute value of the second voltage; and a step for judging that there occurs dielectric breakdown of the insulating film if the absolute value of the first voltage is greater than the absolute value of the second voltage by an arbitrary positive value.