Patent ID: 6489783
Filing Date: 2002-12-03
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
A time dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) test device for testing a dielectric layer to obtain time to failure (TTF) data, the dielectric layer having selected first and second locations about which a first capacitor and a second capacitor are formed, respectively, said TDDB device comprising:a first current-limiting apparatus electrically connected to said first capacitor in series, to provide a first circuit branch; a second current-limiting apparatus electrically connected to said second capacitor in series; and a voltage-regulating apparatus electrically connected to said second capacitor and said second current-limiting apparatus in series to provide a second circuit branch, said second circuit branch electrically connected to said first circuit branch in parallel and adapted to be electrically connected to a power source and current detector, the voltage-regulating apparatus adapted to provide a voltage drop across the second capacitor different from the voltage drop across the first capacitor, whereby the power source is adapted to provide a sufficient voltage to cause dielectric breakdown of at least one of said first and second capacitors, the breakdown detectable by said current detector to provide said TTF data.