Semiconductor device and electronic device

An object is to improve the drive capability of a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a first transistor and a second transistor. A first terminal of the first transistor is electrically connected to a first wiring. A second terminal of the first transistor is electrically connected to a second wiring. A gate of the second transistor is electrically connected to a third wiring. A first terminal of the second transistor is electrically connected to the third wiring. A second terminal of the second transistor is electrically connected to a gate of the first transistor. A channel region is formed using an oxide semiconductor layer in each of the first transistor and the second transistor. The off-state current of each of the first transistor and the second transistor per channel width of 1 μm is 1 aA or less.

TECHNICAL FIELD

A technical field of the invention disclosed herein relates to a semiconductor device, a display device, a liquid crystal display device, and a method for driving these devices.

BACKGROUND ART

Semiconductor devices in which the conductivity of all the transistors is either n-type or p-type have been developed. In particular, development of semiconductor devices that are constituted only by n-channel transistors has been advanced (e.g., Patent Documents 1 to 4).

Such a semiconductor device includes, for example, a first transistor having one of a source and a drain connected to a power supply line and the other of the source and the drain connected to an output, and one or a plurality of second transistors connected between a gate of the first transistor and each wiring.

In order to make the amplitude voltage of an output signal from the semiconductor device equal to a power supply voltage, the potential of the gate of the first transistor is made higher (or lower) than the power supply voltage by capacitive coupling in many cases. In order to realize this, the gate of the first transistor needs to be in a floating state. For that reason, it is necessary to turn off the second transistor (or all the plurality of second transistors) connected to the gate of the first transistor.

REFERENCE

Patent Document 1: Japanese Published Patent Application No. 2002-328643Patent Document 2: Japanese Published Patent Application No. 2003-179479Patent Document 3: Japanese Published Patent Application No. 2004-064528Patent Document 4: Japanese Published Patent Application No. 2003-222256

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

However, in a conventional semiconductor device, even if the second transistor is off, electric charge held by the gate of the first transistor is lost over time because of the off-state current of the second transistor. Therefore, the drive capability of the semiconductor device is impaired.

In view of the foregoing problem, an object of one embodiment of the present invention is to realize higher performance. An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to improve the drive capability of a semiconductor device.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a semiconductor device includes a first transistor and a second transistor. A first terminal of the first transistor is electrically connected to a first wiring. A second terminal of the first transistor is electrically connected to a second wiring. A gate of the second transistor is electrically connected to a third wiring. A first terminal of the second transistor is electrically connected to the third wiring. A second terminal of the second transistor is electrically connected to a gate of the first transistor. A channel region is formed using an oxide semiconductor layer in each of the first transistor and the second transistor. The first transistor and the second transistor have an off-state current of 1 aA/μm or less.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a semiconductor device includes a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor, and a fourth transistor. A first terminal of the first transistor is electrically connected to a first wiring. A second terminal of the first transistor is electrically connected to a second wiring. A gate of the second transistor is electrically connected to a third wiring. A first terminal of the second transistor is electrically connected to the third wiring. A second terminal of the second transistor is electrically connected to a gate of the first transistor. A gate of the third transistor is electrically connected to a fourth wiring. A first terminal of the third transistor is electrically connected to a fifth wiring. A second terminal of the third transistor is electrically connected to the second wiring. A gate of the fourth transistor is electrically connected to the fourth wiring. A first terminal of the fourth transistor is electrically connected to the fifth wiring. A second terminal of the fourth transistor is electrically connected to the gate of the first transistor. A channel region is formed using an oxide semiconductor layer in each of the first to fourth transistors. The first to fourth transistors have an off-state current of 1 aA/μm or less.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a semiconductor device includes a first transistor and a second transistor. A first terminal of the first transistor is electrically connected to a first wiring. A second terminal of the first transistor is electrically connected to a second wiring. A gate of the second transistor is electrically connected to the first wiring. A first terminal of the second transistor is electrically connected to the first wiring. A second terminal of the second transistor is electrically connected to a gate of the first transistor. A channel region is formed using an oxide semiconductor layer in each of the first transistor and the second transistor. The first transistor and the second transistor have an off-state current of 1 aA/μm or less.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a semiconductor device includes a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor, and a fourth transistor. A first terminal of the first transistor is electrically connected to a first wiring. A second terminal of the first transistor is electrically connected to a second wiring. A gate of the second transistor is electrically connected to the first wiring. A first terminal of the second transistor is electrically connected to the first wiring. A second terminal of the second transistor is electrically connected to a gate of the first transistor. A gate of the third transistor is electrically connected to a third wiring. A first terminal of the third transistor is electrically connected to a fourth wiring. A second terminal of the third transistor is electrically connected to the second wiring. A gate of the fourth transistor is electrically connected to the third wiring. A first terminal of the fourth transistor is electrically connected to the fourth wiring. A second terminal of the fourth transistor is electrically connected to the gate of the first transistor. A channel region is formed using an oxide semiconductor layer in each of the first to fourth transistors. The first to fourth transistors have an off-state current of 1 aA/μm or less.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a semiconductor device includes a first transistor, a second transistor, N third transistors (N is a natural number), and N fourth transistors. A first terminal of the first transistor is electrically connected to a first wiring. A second terminal of the first transistor is electrically connected to a second wiring. A gate of the second transistor is electrically connected to the first wiring. A first terminal of the second transistor is electrically connected to the first wiring. A second terminal of the second transistor is electrically connected to a gate of the first transistor. Gates of the N third transistor are electrically connected to respective N third wirings. First terminals of the N third transistors are electrically connected to a fourth wiring. Second terminals of the N third transistors are electrically connected to the second wiring. Gates of the N fourth transistors are electrically connected to the respective N third wirings. First terminals of the N fourth transistors are electrically connected to the fourth wiring. Second terminals of the N fourth transistors are electrically connected to the gate of the first transistor. A channel region is formed using an oxide semiconductor layer in each of the first transistor, the second transistor, the N third transistors, and the N fourth transistors. The first transistor, the second transistor, the N third transistors, and the N fourth transistors have an off-state current of 1 aA/μm or less.

In any of the above-described semiconductor devices, the oxide semiconductor preferably includes a non-single-crystal region. Alternatively, in any of the above-described semiconductor devices, oxide semiconductor preferably includes a non-single-crystal region which has a c-axis alignment in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the oxide semiconductor.

One embodiment of the present invention is an electronic device that includes any of the above semiconductor devices and an operation switch.

For example, in this specification and the like, when it is explicitly described that X and Y are connected, the case where X and Y are electrically connected, the case where X and Y are functionally connected, and the case where X and Y are directly connected are included therein. Here, each of X and Y denotes an object (e.g., a device, an element, a circuit, a wiring, an electrode, a terminal, a conductive film, or a layer). Therefore, another element may be provided between elements having a connection relation shown in drawings and texts, without limitation on a predetermined connection relation, for example, the connection relation shown in the drawings and the texts.

For example, in the case where X and Y are electrically connected, one or more elements that enable electrical connection between X and Y (e.g., a switch, a transistor, a capacitor, an inductor, a resistor, and/or a diode) can be connected between X and Y. Note that the expression “electrically connected” is sometimes used to mean “connected”. In this case, “electrically connected” has the meaning of “functionally connected” and “directly connected”.

For example, in the case where X and Y are functionally connected, one or more circuits that enable functional connection between X and Y (e.g., a logic circuit such as an inverter, a NAND circuit, or a NOR circuit; a signal converter circuit such as a DA converter circuit, an AD converter circuit, or a gamma correction circuit; a potential level converter circuit such as a power supply circuit (e.g., a dc-dc converter, a step-up dc-dc converter, or a step-down dc-dc converter) or a level shifter circuit for changing the potential level of a signal; a voltage source; a current source; a switching circuit; an amplifier circuit such as a circuit that can increase signal amplitude, the amount of current, or the like, an operational amplifier, a differential amplifier circuit, a source follower circuit, or a buffer circuit; a signal generation circuit; a memory circuit; and/or a control circuit) can be connected between X and Y. When a signal output from X is transmitted to Y, it can be said that X and Y are functionally connected even if another circuit is provided between X and Y.

For example, in this specification and the like, when it is explicitly described that Y is formed on or over X, it does not necessarily mean that Y is formed on and in direct contact with X. The description includes the case where X and Y are not in direct contact with each other, that is, the case where another object is placed between X and Y. Here, each of X and Y corresponds to an object (e.g., a device, an element, a circuit, a wiring, an electrode, a terminal, a conductive film, or a layer).

Accordingly, for example, when it is explicitly described that a layer Y is formed on (or over) a layer X, it includes both the case where the layer Y is formed on and in direct contact with the layer X, and the case where another layer (e.g., a layer Z) is formed on and in direct contact with the layer X and the layer Y is formed on and in direct contact with the layer Z. Note that another layer (e.g., the layer Z) may be a single layer or a plurality of layers (a stack).

Similarly, when it is explicitly described that Y is formed above X, it does not necessarily mean that Y is formed on and in direct contact with X, and another object may be placed between X and Y. Therefore, for example, when it is described that a layer Y is formed above a layer X, it includes both the case where the layer Y is formed on and in direct contact with the layer X, and the case where another layer (e.g., a layer Z) is formed on and in direct contact with the layer X and the layer Y is formed on and in direct contact with the layer Z. Note that another layer (e.g., the layer Z) may be a single layer or a plurality of layers (a stack).

Note that when it is explicitly described that Y is formed over, on, or above X, it includes the case where Y is formed obliquely over/above X.

Note that the same can be said when it is explicitly described that Y is formed below or under X.

For example, in this specification and the like, explicit singular forms preferably mean singular forms. However, the singular form can also include the plural without limitation to the above. Similarly, explicit plural forms preferably mean plural forms. However, the plural form can include the singular without limitation to the above.

For example, in this specification and the like, the terms “first”, “second,” “third,” and the like are used for distinguishing various elements, members, regions, layers, and areas from each other. Therefore, the terms “first”, “second”, “third,” and the like do not limit the number of the elements, members, regions, layers, areas, or the like. Further, for example, “first” can be replaced with “second”, “third”, or the like.

For example, in this specification and the like, terms for describing spatial arrangement, such as “over”, “above”, “under”, “below”, “laterally”, “right”, “left”, “obliquely”, “behind”, “front”, “inside”, “outside”, and “in” are often used for briefly showing a relation between an element and another element or between a feature and another feature with reference to a diagram. Note that embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and such terms for describing spatial arrangement can indicate not only the direction illustrated in a diagram but also another direction. For example, when it is explicitly described that Y is over X it does not necessarily mean that Y is placed over X. Since a device in a diagram can be inverted or rotated by 180°, the case where Y is placed under B can be included. Accordingly, “over” can refer to the direction described by “under” in addition to the direction described by “over”. Note that embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this, and “over” can refer to any of the other directions described by “laterally”, “right”, “left”, “obliquely”, “behind”, “front”, “inside”, “outside”, “in”, and the like in addition to the directions described by “over” and “under” because the device in the diagram can be rotated in a variety of directions. That is, the terms for describing spatial arrangement can be construed adequately depending on the situation.

Note that the size, the thickness of a layer, or a region in diagrams is sometimes exaggerated for simplicity. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to such scales.

Note that a diagram schematically illustrates an ideal example, and embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the shape, value, or the like illustrated in the diagram. For example, it is possible to include variations in shape due to a manufacturing technique or an error, or variations in signal, voltage, or current due to noise or difference in timing.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, higher performance can be realized or the drive capability of a semiconductor device can be improved.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiments will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiments can be carried out in many different modes, and it is easily understood by those skilled in the art that modes and details can be modified in various ways without departing from the purpose and the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not interpreted as being limited to the description of the embodiments. Note that in structures described below, the same portions or portions having similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is not repeated.

Note that what is described in one embodiment (or part of the content) can be applied to, combined with, or replaced with content (or part thereof) in one or a plurality of embodiments (which may be this one embodiment and/or other embodiments).

In this embodiment, an example of a semiconductor device and an example of a method for driving the semiconductor device will be described. In particular, an example of a circuit using bootstrap operation and a method for driving the circuit will be described.

First, an example of a structure of a semiconductor device in this embodiment will be described.

FIG. 1Aillustrates an example of a semiconductor device in this embodiment. The semiconductor device inFIG. 1Aincludes a transistor101and a transistor102. A first terminal of the transistor101is connected to a wiring111. A second terminal of the transistor101is connected to a wiring112. A first terminal of the transistor102is connected to a wiring113. A second terminal of the transistor102is connected to a gate of the transistor101. A gate of the transistor102is connected to the wiring113.

Note that the semiconductor device in this embodiment is not limited to having the structure illustrated inFIG. 1Aand can have a variety of other structures.

Note that a portion where the gate of the transistor101and the second terminal of the transistor102are connected is referred to as a node11.

Note that the case where the transistors101and102are n-channel transistors is described below. An n-channel transistor is turned on when the potential difference between the gate and the source is higher than the threshold voltage.

Note that an oxide semiconductor is preferably used for a semiconductor layer of a transistor included in the semiconductor device in this embodiment. The use of an oxide semiconductor for a semiconductor layer can realize improvement in subthreshold swing (S value) of the transistor, reduction in off-state current of the transistor, and/or improvement in withstand voltage of the transistor.

Note that in this specification and the like, it is sometimes possible for those skilled in the art to constitute one embodiment of the invention even when portions to which all terminals of an active element (e.g., a transistor or a diode), a passive element (e.g., a capacitor or a resistor), or the like are connected are not specified. In particular, when there are likely to be a plurality of possible portions to be connected to a terminal, it is not necessary to specify the portion to be connected to the terminal. Therefore, it is sometimes possible to constitute one embodiment of the invention by specifying only a portion to be connected to some of terminals of an active element (e.g., a transistor or a diode), a passive element (e.g., a capacitor or a resistor), or the like.

In addition, in this specification and the like, it is sometimes possible for those skilled in the art to specify the invention when at least a portion to be connected to a terminal in a circuit is specified. Moreover, it is sometimes possible for those skilled in the art to specify the invention when at least a function of a circuit is specified. Therefore, when a portion to be connected to a terminal is specified in a circuit, the circuit is disclosed as one embodiment of the invention even if a function is not specified, and one embodiment of the invention can be constituted. Furthermore, when a function of a circuit is specified, the circuit is disclosed as one embodiment of the invention even if a portion to be connected to a terminal is not specified, and one embodiment of the invention can be constituted.

Next, an example of potentials applied to each wiring will be described.

A potential V1is applied to the wiring111. That is, a constant voltage (e.g., a voltage V1) is supplied to the wiring111. Alternatively, the potential V1and a potential V2(the potential V2<the potential V1) are selectively or alternately applied to the wiring111. That is, a signal (e.g., a clock signal) is input to the wiring111. When the potential V1is applied to the wiring111, the wiring111has a function of a power supply line. On the other hand, when the potential V1and the potential V2are selectively applied to the wiring111, the wiring111has a function of a signal line (e.g., a clock signal line). Note that the potentials applied to the wiring111are not limited to the potential V1and the potential V2, and various other potentials can be applied to the wiring111.

A signal is output from the wiring112. Therefore, the wiring112has a function of a signal line. Note that the potential of the wiring112is in the range from V2to V1, for example.

The potential V1and the potential V2(the potential V2<the potential V1) are selectively applied to the wiring113. That is, a signal is input to the wiring113. Therefore, the wiring113has a function of a signal line. Note that the potentials applied to the wiring113are not limited to the potential V1and the potential V2. For example, a constant voltage can be supplied to the wiring113. As another example, an analog signal or a signal with three or more potentials can be input to the wiring113.

Description is given on the assumption that a node, a wiring, an electrode, a terminal, or the like is supplied with a potential A and thus has a potential equal to the potential A.

Note that the terms “equal,” “same,” and the like in this specification and the like sometimes mean that there is a difference within the margin of error. For example, in the case where potentials (or voltages) are equal to each other, the margin of error may be at least ±10%, is preferably ±5%, and is more preferably ±3%. Alternatively, the margin of error includes the range of change in potential due to leakage current, feedthrough, noise, or the like; the range of measurement error due to a measurement device or the like; the range of variation in potential due to process variation; or the like.

Next, an example of operation of the semiconductor device in this embodiment will be described. The following two different operations will be described below: the operation in the case where the potential V1is applied to the wiring111, and the operation in the case where the potential V1and the potential V2are selectively applied to the wiring111.

An example of the operation of the semiconductor device in this embodiment in the case where the potential V1is applied to the wiring111is described.

It is assumed that an initial value of the potential of the node11and an initial value of the potential of the wiring112are equal to the potential V2. When the potential V1is applied to the wiring113, the transistor102is turned on, so that electrical continuity is established between the wiring113and the node11. Then, the potential of the wiring113is supplied to the node11, so that the potential of the node11starts to rise. Then, the transistor101is turned on when the potential of the node11reaches V2+Vth101(Vth101represents the threshold voltage of the transistor101), so that electrical continuity is established between the wiring111and the wiring112. Then, the potential of the wiring111is supplied to the wiring112, so that the potential of the wiring112starts to rise (seeFIG. 1B).

After that, the transistor102is turned off when the potential of the node11reaches V1−Vth102(Vth102represents the threshold voltage of the transistor102and satisfies V2+Vth101<V1−Vth102); thus, electrical continuity between the wiring113and the node11is broken. Then, the node11enters a floating state. After that, the potential of the wiring112continues to rise, and then rises to a value equal to that of the potential V1. With the rise in potential of the wiring112, the potential of the node11rises to V1+Vth101+Va (Va is a positive number) due to parasitic capacitance between the gate and the second terminal of the transistor101(seeFIG. 1C). This is so-called bootstrap operation.

Note that when the potential V2is applied to the wiring113, the transistor102is turned off, so that electrical continuity is not established between the wiring113and the node11. That is, the node11enters a floating state. In this case, the operation of the semiconductor device inFIG. 1Adepends on the potential of the node11before the potential V2is applied to the wiring113. When the potential V2is applied to the wiring113on the assumption that the potential of the node11before the potential V2is applied to the wiring113is lower than V2+Vth101, for example, the transistor101is turned off, so that electrical continuity is not established between the wiring111and the wiring112. Therefore, the potential of the wiring112remains the same as that before the potential V2is applied to the wiring113. On the other hand, when the potential V2is applied to the wiring113on the assumption that the potential of the node11before the potential V2is applied to the wiring113exceeds V2+Vth101, for example, the transistor101is turned on, so that electrical continuity is established between the wiring111and the wiring112. Thus, the potential of the wiring112becomes equal to the potential V1, and the potential of the node11becomes V1+Vth101+Va due to bootstrap operation.

An example of the operation of the semiconductor device in this embodiment in the case where the potential V1and the potential V2are selectively applied to the wiring111is described.

It is assumed that an initial value of the potential of the node11and an initial value of the potential of the wiring112are equal to the potential V2. When the potential V1is applied to the wiring113and the potential V2is applied to the wiring111, the transistor102is turned on, so that electrical continuity is established between the wiring113and the node11. Then, the potential of the wiring113is supplied to the node11, so that the potential of the node11starts to rise. Then, the transistor101is turned on when the potential of the node11reaches V2+Vth101, so that electrical continuity is established between the wiring111and the wiring112. Then, the potential of the wiring111is supplied to the wiring112, so that the potential of the wiring112is equal to the potential V2(seeFIG. 2A).

After that, the transistor102is turned off when the potential of the node11reaches V1−Vth102, so that electrical continuity between the wiring113and the node11is broken. Then, the node11enters a floating state (seeFIG. 2B).

After that, the potential V1is applied to the wiring111. At this time, the node11remains in a floating state, so that the potential of the node11remains V1−Vth102. Therefore, the transistor101remains on and electrical continuity between the wiring111and the wiring112remains established. That is, the potential of the wiring111continues to be supplied to the wiring112. Accordingly, the potential of the wiring112starts to rise at the same time as the application of the potential V1to the wiring111, and rises to a value equal to that of the potential V1. With the rise in potential of the wiring112, the potential of the node11rises to V1+Vth101+Va (Va is a positive number) due to parasitic capacitance between the gate and the second terminal of the transistor101(seeFIG. 2C). This is so-called bootstrap operation.

Note that when the potential V2is applied to the wiring113, the transistor102is turned off, so that electrical continuity is not established between the wiring113and the node11. That is, the node11enters a floating state. In this case, the operation of the semiconductor device inFIG. 2Adepends on the potential of the node11before the potential V2is applied to the wiring113. When the potential V2is applied to the wiring113on the assumption that the potential of the node11before the potential V2is applied to the wiring113is lower than V2+Vth101, for example, the transistor101is turned off, so that electrical continuity is not established between the wiring111and the wiring112. Therefore, the potential of the wiring112remains the same as that before the potential V2is applied to the wiring113. On the other hand, when the potential V2is applied to the wiring113on the assumption that the potential of the node11before the potential V2is applied to the wiring113exceeds V2+Vth101, for example, the transistor101is turned on, so that electrical continuity is established between the wiring111and the wiring112. Thus, the potential of the wiring112becomes equal to the potential of the wiring111. That is, the potential of the wiring112becomes equal to the potential V1when the potential V1is applied to the wiring111, whereas the potential of the wiring112becomes equal to the potential V2when the potential V2is applied to the wiring111.

As described above, in the semiconductor device in this embodiment, the potential of the wiring112can be made equal to the potential of the wiring111by using the bootstrap operation.

In a conventional semiconductor device, a transistor has a large S value. For that reason, it takes a long time after the potential V1is applied to the wiring113until the transistor102is turned off; the timing at which the potential of the node11starts to rise due to bootstrap operation is delayed; the potential of the node11is lowered; the potential difference between the gate and the second terminal of the transistor101is small; the rise time of the potential of the wiring112is long; a load capable of being connected to the wiring112is small; the channel width of the transistor101is large; or the layout area is large.

In contrast, the S value can be reduced in the semiconductor device of this embodiment because an oxide semiconductor is used for a semiconductor layer of a transistor included in the semiconductor device. For that reason, the drive capability of the semiconductor device can be improved. For example, when the transistor102has a small S value, it is possible to shorten the time after the potential V1is applied to the wiring113until the transistor102is turned off; thus, the timing at which the potential of the node11starts to rise due to bootstrap operation can be advanced. When the timing at which the potential of the node11starts to rise is advanced, the potential of the node11can be made higher, so that the potential difference between the gate and the second terminal of the transistor101can be increased. As a result, the rise time of the potential of the wiring112can be shortened. Alternatively, even when a large load is connected to the wiring112, the load can be driven. Alternatively, the channel width of the transistor101can be reduced, so that the layout area can be decreased. As another example, a small S value of the transistor101can shorten the rise time of the potential of the wiring112.

Further, in a conventional semiconductor device, the off-state current of a transistor is large. For that reason, the amount of electric charge that is lost from the node11over time is large; the potential of the node11is lowered; the time during which the potential of the node11can be kept higher than V1+Vth101is short; it is difficult to lower the drive frequency; or the range of drive frequencies with which the semiconductor device can operate is narrow.

In contrast, the off-state current of the transistor included in the semiconductor device of this embodiment is small. Thus, the drive capability of the semiconductor device can be improved. For example, when the transistor102has a small off-state current, it is possible to decrease the amount of electric charge lost from the node11, so that a reduction in potential of the node11can be suppressed. In other words, it is possible to extend the time during which the potential of the node11can be kept higher than V1+Vth101. As a result, the drive frequency can be lowered, so that the range of drive frequencies with which the semiconductor device in this embodiment can operate can be enlarged.

In the case where the potential V1and the potential V2are selectively applied to the wiring111, the potential of the node11rises to V1−Vth102and then further rises due to bootstrap operation. In other words, the potential difference between the gate and the second terminal of the transistor101can be increased. Thus, the rise time of the potential of the wiring112can be shortened. Alternatively, even when a large load is connected to the wiring112, the load can be driven. Alternatively, the channel width of the transistor101can be reduced, so that the layout area can be decreased.

Note that in the case where the potential V1and the potential V2are selectively applied to the wiring111, after the potential V1is applied to the wiring113, the potential of the wiring112rises at the same time as the application of the potential V1to the wiring111. Therefore, the semiconductor device in this embodiment can be used as part of a shift register circuit.

Next, an example of a function of each transistor will be described.

The transistor101has a function of controlling electrical continuity between the wiring111and the wiring112. That is, the transistor101has a function of a switch. Alternatively, the transistor101has a function of controlling the timing of supplying the potential of the wiring111to the wiring112, a function of controlling the timing of raising the potential of the wiring112, or a function of controlling the timing of raising the potential of the node11by parasitic capacitance between the gate and the second terminal of the transistor101. Note that the transistor101has at least one of the above functions.

The transistor102has a function of controlling electrical continuity between the wiring113and the node11. That is, the transistor102has a function of a switch. Alternatively, the transistor102has a function of establishing electrical continuity between the wiring113and the node11when the potential of the wiring113is higher than the potential of the node11, and breaking electrical continuity between the wiring113and the node11when the potential of the wiring113is lower than the potential of the node11. That is, the transistor102has a function of a diode. Alternatively, the transistor102has a function of controlling the timing of supplying the potential of the wiring113to the node11, a function of controlling the timing of raising the potential of the node11, or a function of controlling the timing of bringing the node11into a floating state. Note that the transistor102has at least one of the above functions.

Next, an example of potentials applied to each wiring will be described. By controlling a potential applied to each wiring as appropriate, the semiconductor device in this embodiment can have a variety of functions or the drive capability of the semiconductor device can be improved.

For example, in the case where the potential V1and the potential V2are selectively applied to the wiring113, the wiring111can be supplied with a potential higher than the potential V1or a potential lower than the potential V1. When the wiring111is supplied with a potential that is higher or lower than the potential V1, the semiconductor device in this embodiment can have a function of a level shift circuit.

Note that when the wiring111is supplied with a potential higher than the potential V1, it is preferable that the potential applied to the wiring111be higher than the potential V1and be 4 times or less as high as the potential V1. More preferably, the potential is 1.2 to 3 times as high as the potential V1. Further preferably, the potential is 1.5 to 2.3 times as high as the potential V1.

Note that when the wiring111is supplied with a potential lower than the potential V1, it is preferable that the potential applied to the wiring111be 0.2 times or more as high as the potential V1and be less than the potential V1. More preferably, the potential is 0.3 to 0.9 times as high as the potential V1. Further preferably, the potential is 0.5 to 0.7 times as high as the potential V1.

For example, in the case where the potential V1is applied to the wiring111, the wiring113can be supplied with a potential higher than the potential V1. Specifically, it is preferable that the potential applied to the wiring113be higher than the potential applied to the wiring111and be 3 times or less as high as the potential applied to the wiring111. The potential applied to the wiring113is more preferably 1.3 to 2.5 times, further preferably 1.5 to 2 times as high as the potential applied to the wiring111. When the potential applied to the wiring113is high, it is possible to shorten the time after the potential V1is applied to the wiring113until the transistor102is turned off; thus, the timing at which the potential of the node11starts to rise due to bootstrap operation can be advanced. When the timing at which the potential of the node11starts to rise is advanced, the potential of the node11can be made higher, so that the potential difference between the gate and the second terminal of the transistor101can be increased. As a result, the rise time of the potential of the wiring112can be shortened. Alternatively, even when a large load is connected to the wiring112, the load can be driven. Alternatively, the channel width of the transistor101can be reduced, so that the layout area can be decreased.

Next, an example of the threshold voltage of each transistor will be described. When each transistor has an appropriate threshold voltage, the drive capability of the semiconductor device can be improved.

For example, it is preferable that the threshold voltage of the transistor102be as low as possible. Specifically, the threshold voltage of the transistor102is preferably lower than that of the transistor101. The threshold voltage of the transistor102is preferably 0.1 times or more as high as that of the transistor101and lower than that of the transistor101. The threshold voltage of the transistor102is more preferably 0.3 to 0.9 times, further preferably 0.5 to 0.7 times as high as that of the transistor101. When the transistor102has a low threshold voltage, it is possible to shorten the time after the potential V1is applied to the wiring113until the transistor102is turned off; thus, the timing at which the potential of the node11starts to rise due to bootstrap operation can be advanced. When the timing at which the potential of the node11starts to rise is advanced, the potential of the node11can be made higher, so that the potential difference between the gate and the second terminal of the transistor101can be increased. As a result, the rise time of the potential of the wiring112can be shortened. Alternatively, even when a large load is connected to the wiring112, the load can be driven. Alternatively, the channel width of the transistor101can be reduced, so that the layout area can be decreased.

Moreover, for example, the threshold voltage of the transistor101is preferably lower than the drive voltage of the semiconductor device (e.g., the potential V1−the potential V2). Specifically, the threshold voltage of the transistor101is preferably 1/50 to ½ times, more preferably 1/40 to 1/7 times, further preferably 1/30 to 1/10 times as high as the drive voltage of the semiconductor device. The threshold voltage of the transistor101is made lower than the drive voltage of the semiconductor device, so that a malfunction of the semiconductor device can be prevented and the semiconductor device can operate correctly.

Next, an example of the size of each transistor will be described. When each transistor has an appropriate size, the drive capability of the semiconductor device in this embodiment can be improved.

For example, the channel width of the transistor101is preferably larger than that of the transistor102. The channel width of the transistor101is preferably 2 to 100 times, more preferably 5 to 50 times, further preferably 10 to 30 times as large as that of the transistor102.

Note that the current supply capability of a transistor can be controlled by the channel width (W) of the transistor. Specifically, the larger the channel width of the transistor is, the more the current supply capability of the transistor is improved. Note that a factor in controlling the current supply capability of a transistor is not limited to the channel width of the transistor. For example, the current supply capability of a transistor can be controlled by the channel length (L) of the transistor, the W/L ratio of the transistor, a potential difference (Vgs) between a gate and a source of the transistor, or the like. Specifically, the current supply capability of a transistor is improved as the channel length of the transistor is smaller, the W/L ratio of the transistor is larger, or Vgs of the transistor is larger. Therefore, in this specification and the like, the expression “the channel width of the transistor is large” has the same meaning as the expressions “the channel length of the transistor is small,” “the W/L ratio of the transistor is large,” and “Vgs of the transistor is large”.

Next, a semiconductor device with a structure different from that of the semiconductor device inFIG. 1Awill be described.

For example, in the semiconductor device illustrated inFIG. 1A, a wiring to which the gate and/or the first terminal of the transistor102is/are connected is not limited to the wiring113and can be various other wirings.

FIG. 3Aillustrates an example of the case where the gate of the transistor102is connected to the wiring111in the semiconductor device illustrated inFIG. 1A. In the semiconductor device inFIG. 3A, in the case where the potential V2is applied to the wiring113, the potential of the node11can be made equal to the potential V2.

FIG. 3Billustrates an example of the case where the first terminal of the transistor102is connected to the wiring111in the semiconductor device illustrated inFIG. 1A. In the semiconductor device inFIG. 3B, the potential V1can be supplied to the node11from the wiring111whose resistance is lower than that of the wiring113, so that the potential of the node11can be raised quickly.

FIG. 3Cillustrates an example of the case where the gate of the transistor102is connected to the wiring111and the first terminal of the transistor102is connected to the wiring111in the semiconductor device illustrated inFIG. 1A. In the semiconductor device inFIG. 3C, the wiring113can be omitted, so that the number of wirings and the number of signals can be reduced.

In addition, for example, when the capacitance between the node11and the wiring112is increased in the semiconductor devices illustrated inFIG. 1AandFIGS. 3A to 3C, the potential of the node11at the time of bootstrap operation can be made higher.

Specifically, for example, in the semiconductor devices illustrated inFIG. 1AandFIGS. 3A to 3C, a capacitor can be connected between the node11and the wiring112. It is preferable that one electrode of a capacitor121be formed using the material used for the gate of the transistor101and be connected to the node11. Moreover, it is preferable that the other electrode of the capacitor121be formed using the material used for the second terminal of the transistor101and be connected to the wiring112. A contact hole or the like can be omitted in such a manner, so that the layout area can be decreased.

Alternatively, for example, in the semiconductor devices illustrated inFIG. 1AandFIGS. 3A to 3C, the area where the material used for forming the gate of the transistor101overlaps with the material used for forming the second terminal of the transistor101can be made larger than the area where the material used for forming the gate of the transistor101overlaps with the material used for forming the first terminal of the transistor101. Specifically, it is preferable that the area where the material of the gate of the transistor101overlaps with the material of the second terminal of the transistor101be larger than the area where the material of the gate of the transistor101overlaps with the material of the first terminal of the transistor101, and be 5 times or less as large as the area where the material of the gate of the transistor101overlaps with the material of the first terminal of the transistor101. The area where the material of the gate of the transistor101overlaps with the material of the second terminal of the transistor101is more preferably 1.5 to 4 times, further preferably 2 to 3 times as large as the area where the material of the gate of the transistor101overlaps with the material of the first terminal of the transistor101.

FIG. 3Dillustrates an example of the case where the capacitor121is connected between the gate and the second terminal of the transistor101in the semiconductor device illustrated inFIG. 1A.

For example, in the semiconductor devices inFIGS. 3A to 3D, the first terminal of the transistor101and the gate or the first terminal of the transistor102can be connected to different wirings.

FIG. 4Aillustrates an example of the case where the first terminal of the transistor101is connected to a wiring111A and the gate of the transistor102is connected to a wiring111B in the semiconductor device illustrated inFIG. 3A.

FIG. 4Billustrates an example of the case where the first terminal of the transistor101is connected to the wiring111A and the first terminal of the transistor102is connected to the wiring111B in the semiconductor device illustrated inFIG. 3B.

FIG. 4Cillustrates an example of the case where the first terminal of the transistor101is connected to the wiring111A and the gate and the first terminal of the transistor102are connected to the wiring111B in the semiconductor device illustrated inFIG. 3C.

Note that the wirings111A and111B have a function similar to that of the wiring111. The potential V1is supplied to the wirings111A and111B. Note that potentials applied to the wirings111A and111B can be different from each other. For example, when the wiring111A is supplied with a potential higher than the potential V1or a potential lower than the potential V1, the semiconductor devices illustrated inFIGS. 4A to 4Ccan have a function of a level shift circuit. As another example, when the wiring111B is supplied with a potential higher than the potential V1, the rise time of the potential of the node11can be shortened. On the other hand, when the wiring111B is supplied with a potential lower than the potential V1, the timing at which the transistor102is turned off can be advanced.

Note that in this specification and the like, a transistor with a multi-gate structure having two or more gate electrodes can be used as a transistor, for example. In the multi-gate structure, a plurality of channel regions corresponding to a plurality of gate electrodes are connected in series, so that the structure is such that a plurality of transistors are connected in series. For that reason, with the multi-gate structure, the off-state current can be further reduced and the withstand voltage of the transistor can be increased (the reliability can be improved). Alternatively, with the multi-gate structure, drain-source current does not change much even if drain-source voltage changes when the transistor operates in a saturation region, so that a flat slope of voltage-current characteristics can be obtained. By utilizing the flat slope of the voltage-current characteristics, an ideal current source circuit or an active load having an extremely large resistance can be realized. As a result, a differential circuit, a current mirror circuit, or the like with excellent properties can be realized.

Note that a transistor with a structure where gate electrodes are formed above and below a channel can be used as a transistor, for example. With the structure where the gate electrodes are formed above and below the channel, a circuit structure where a plurality of transistors are connected in parallel is provided. Thus, a channel region is increased, so that the amount of current can be increased. Alternatively, with the structure where gate electrodes are formed above and below the channel, a depletion layer is easily formed; thus, the S value can be improved.

Note that as a transistor, for example, it is possible to use a transistor with a structure where a gate electrode is formed above a channel region, a structure where a gate electrode is formed below a channel region, a staggered structure, an inverted staggered structure, a structure where a channel region is divided into a plurality of regions, a structure where channel regions are connected in parallel or in series, or the like.

Note that for example, a transistor with a structure where a source electrode or a drain electrode overlaps with a channel region (or part thereof) can be used as a transistor. By using the structure where the source electrode or the drain electrode overlaps with the channel region (or part thereof), unstable operation due to accumulation of electric charge in part of the channel region can be prevented.

Note that in this specification and the like, in a diagram or a text described in one embodiment, it is possible to take out part of the diagram or the text and constitute an embodiment of the invention. Therefore, in the case where a diagram or a text related to a certain portion is described, the context taken out from part of the diagram or the text is also disclosed as one embodiment of the invention and can constitute one embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, in a diagram or a text including one or more of active elements (e.g., transistors or diodes), wirings, passive elements (e.g., capacitors or resistors), conductive layers, insulating layers, semiconductor layers, organic materials, inorganic materials, components, devices, operating methods, manufacturing methods, or the like, it is possible to take out part of the diagram or the text and constitute one embodiment of the invention. For example, from a circuit diagram in which N circuit elements (e.g., transistors or capacitors; N is an integer) are provided, it is possible to constitute one embodiment of the invention by taking out M circuit elements (e.g., transistors or capacitors; M is an integer, where M<N). As another example, it is possible to constitute one embodiment of the invention by taking out M layers (M is an integer, where M<N) from a cross-sectional view in which N layers (N is an integer) are provided. As another example, it is possible to constitute one embodiment of the invention by taking out M elements (M is an integer, where M<N) from a flow chart in which N elements (N is an integer) are provided.

Note that in the case where at least one specific example is described in a diagram or a text described in one embodiment in this specification and the like, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that a broader concept of the specific example can be derived. Therefore, in the case where at least one specific example is described in the diagram or the text described in one embodiment, a broader concept of the specific example is disclosed as one embodiment of the invention, and one embodiment of the invention can be constituted.

Note that in this specification and the like, a content described in at least a diagram (which may be part of the diagram) is disclosed as one embodiment of the invention, and one embodiment of the invention can be constituted. Therefore, when a certain content is described in a diagram, the content is disclosed as one embodiment of the invention even when the content is not described with a text, and one embodiment of the invention can be constituted. In a similar manner, part of a diagram, which is taken out from the diagram, is disclosed as one embodiment of the invention, and one embodiment of the invention can be constituted.

In this embodiment, an example of a structure of a semiconductor device and an example of a method for driving the semiconductor device will be described. In particular, an example of an inverter circuit and a buffer circuit that include the semiconductor device shown in Embodiment 1 and an example of a method for driving the inverter circuit and the buffer circuit will be described.

First, an example of a structure of a semiconductor device in this embodiment will be described.

FIG. 5Aillustrates an example of a structure of a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device illustrated inFIG. 5Aincludes the transistor101, the transistor102, a transistor103, a transistor104, the wiring112, the wiring113, a wiring114, and a wiring115. The transistors101to104are formed using an oxide semiconductor material. The transistors103and104are n-channel transistors.

FIG. 5Aillustrates the semiconductor device obtained by additionally providing the transistors103and104in the semiconductor device inFIG. 1A. A gate of the transistor103is connected to the wiring114. A first terminal of the transistor103is connected to the wiring115. A second terminal of the transistor103is connected to the wiring112. A gate of the transistor104is connected to the wiring114. A first terminal of the transistor104is connected to the wiring115. A second terminal of the transistor104is connected to the gate of the transistor101. Note that the semiconductor device in this embodiment is not limited to having the structure illustrated inFIG. 5Aand can have a variety of other structures.

Next, an example of potentials applied to each wiring will be described.

The potential V1and the potential V2are selectively applied to the wiring114. That is, a signal is input to the wiring114. Therefore, the wiring114has a function of a signal line. Assuming that an inverted signal of a signal input to the wiring113is input to the wiring114, the potential V1is applied to the wiring114when the potential V2is applied to the wiring113, whereas the potential V2is applied to the wiring114when the potential V1is applied to the wiring113. Note that the wirings113and114can be supplied with the same potential without limitation to the above.

The potential V2is applied to the wiring115. That is, a constant voltage (e.g., a voltage V2) is supplied to the wiring115. Therefore, the wiring115has a function of a power supply line. Note that the potential applied to the wiring115is not limited to the potential V2, and various other potentials can be applied to the wiring115. For example, the potential V1and the potential V2can be selectively applied to the wiring115. When the potential V1is applied to the wiring115, a reverse bias can be applied to the transistors103and104; thus, shift of the threshold voltage of the transistors103and104can be suppressed.

Next, an example of operation of the semiconductor device illustrated inFIG. 5Awill be described. The following two different operations will be described below: the operation in the case where the potential V2is applied to the wiring113and the potential V1is applied to the wiring114, and the operation in the case where the potential V1is applied to the wiring113and the potential V2is applied to the wiring114.

FIG. 5Bis an example of a timing chart for explaining operation of the semiconductor device inFIG. 5A.FIG. 5Billustrates the potential of the wiring113(a potential V113), the potential of the wiring114(a potential V114), the potential of the node11(a potential V11), and the potential of the wiring112(a potential V112).

First, the operation in the case where the potential V2is applied to the wiring113and the potential V1is applied to the wiring114will be described.

When the potential V2is applied to the wiring113and the potential V1is applied to the wiring114, the transistor104is turned on, so that electrical continuity is established between the wiring115and the node11. At this time, the transistor102is turned off, so that electrical continuity is not established between the wiring113and the node11. The potential of the wiring115is supplied to the node11in such a manner, so that the potential of the node11becomes equal to the potential V2. Thus, the transistor101is turned off, so that electrical continuity is not established between the wiring111and the wiring112. At this time, the transistor103is turned on, so that electrical continuity is established between the wiring115and the wiring112. The potential of the wiring115is supplied to the wiring112in such a manner, whereby the potential of the wiring112becomes equal to the potential V2(seeFIG. 6A).

Then, the operation in the case where the potential V1is applied to the wiring113and the potential V2is applied to the wiring114will be described.

When the potential V1is applied to the wiring113and the potential V2is applied to the wiring114, the transistor104is turned off, so that electrical continuity is not established between the wiring115and the node11. At this time, the transistor102is turned on, so that electrical continuity is established between the wiring113and the node11. The potential of the wiring113is supplied to the node11in such a manner, so that the potential of the node11starts to rise. Then, the potential of the node11rises to V2+Vth101. Thus, the transistor101is turned on, so that electrical continuity is established between the wiring111and the wiring112. At this time, the transistor103is turned off, so that electrical continuity is not established between the wiring115and the wiring112. The potential of the wiring111is supplied to the wiring112in such a manner, whereby the potential of the wiring112starts to rise (seeFIG. 6B).

After that, the potential of the node11rises to V1−Vth102. Thus, the transistor102is turned off, so that electrical continuity between the wiring113and the node11is broken. Then, the node11enters a floating state. At this time, the potential of the wiring112continues to rise. For that reason, the potential of the node11rises to V1+Vth101+Va because of parasitic capacitance between the gate and the second terminal of the transistor101. This is so-called bootstrap operation. Accordingly, the potential of the wiring112rises to a value equal to that of the potential V1(seeFIG. 6C).

As described above, in the semiconductor device in this embodiment, the potential of the wiring112can be made equal to the potential of the wiring111or the potential of the wiring115by using the bootstrap operation.

In a conventional semiconductor device, a transistor has a large S value. For that reason, it takes a long time after the potential V1is applied to the wiring113until the transistor102is turned off; the timing at which the potential of the node11starts to rise due to bootstrap operation is delayed; the potential of the node11is lowered; the potential difference between the gate and the second terminal of the transistor101is small; the rise time of the potential of the wiring112is long; a load capable of being connected to the wiring112is small; the channel width of the transistor101is large; the layout area is large; the fall time of the potential of the wiring112is long; it takes a long time after the potential V1is applied to the wiring114until the transistor101is turned off; it takes a long time for current to flow from the wiring111to the wiring115through the transistor101and the transistor103; or power consumption is increased.

In contrast, the S value can be reduced in the semiconductor device of this embodiment because an oxide semiconductor is used for a semiconductor layer of a transistor included in the semiconductor device. For that reason, the drive capability of the semiconductor device can be improved. For example, when the transistor102has a small S value, it is possible to shorten the time after the potential V1is applied to the wiring113until the transistor102is turned off; thus, the timing at which the potential of the node11starts to rise because of bootstrap operation can be advanced. When the timing at which the potential of the node11starts to rise is advanced, the potential of the node11can be made higher, so that the potential difference between the gate and the second terminal of the transistor101can be increased. As a result, the rise time of the potential of the wiring112can be shortened. Alternatively, even when a large load is connected to the wiring112, the load can be driven. Alternatively, the channel width of the transistor101can be reduced, so that the layout area can be decreased. As another example, a small S value of the transistor101can shorten the rise time of the potential of the wiring112. As another example, a small S value of the transistor103can shorten the fall time of the potential of the wiring112. As another example, a small S value of the transistor104can shorten the time after the potential V1is applied to the wiring114until the transistor101is turned off. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress current flowing from the wiring111to the wiring115through the transistor101and the transistor103. Thus, power consumption can be reduced.

Further, in a conventional semiconductor device, the off-state current of a transistor is large. For that reason, the amount of electric charge leaking from the node11is large; the potential of the node11is lowered; the time during which the potential of the node11can be kept higher than V1+Vth101is short; it is difficult to lower the drive frequency; or the range of drive frequencies with which the semiconductor device can operate is narrow.

In contrast, the off-state current of a transistor included in the semiconductor device of this embodiment is small. For that reason, the drive capability of the semiconductor device can be improved. For example, when the transistors102and104have a small off-state current, it is possible to decrease the amount of electric charge leaking from the node11. Thus, a reduction in potential of the node11can be suppressed. In other words, it is possible to extend the time during which the potential of the node11can be kept higher than V1+Vth101. As a result, the drive frequency can be lowered, so that the range of drive frequencies with which the semiconductor device in this embodiment can operate can be enlarged.

Note that a signal output from the wiring112is an inverted signal of a signal input to the wiring114. That is, the semiconductor device in this embodiment can have a function of an inverter circuit. Alternatively, a signal output from the wiring112is a non-inverted signal of a signal input to the wiring113. That is, the semiconductor device in this embodiment can have a function of a buffer circuit.

Next, an example of a function of each transistor will be described.

The transistor103has a function of controlling electrical continuity between the wiring115and the wiring112. That is, the transistor103has a function of a switch. Alternatively, the transistor103has a function of controlling the timing of supplying the potential of the wiring115to the wiring112or a function of controlling the timing of decreasing the potential of the wiring112. Note that the transistor103has at least one of the above functions.

The transistor104has a function of controlling electrical continuity between the wiring115and the node11. That is, the transistor104has a function of a switch. Alternatively, the transistor104has a function of controlling the timing of supplying the potential of the wiring115to the node11or a function of controlling the timing of decreasing the potential of the node11. Note that the transistor104has at least one of the above functions.

Next, various potentials applied to each wiring will be described. By controlling a potential applied to each wiring as appropriate, the semiconductor device in this embodiment can have a variety of functions or the drive capability of the semiconductor device can be improved.

For example, in the case where the potential V1and the potential V2are selectively applied to the wiring113or the wiring114, the wiring111can be supplied with a potential higher than the potential V1or a potential lower than the potential V1. Thus, the semiconductor device in this embodiment can have a function of a level shift circuit.

Note that when the wiring111is supplied with a potential higher than the potential V1, it is preferable that the potential be higher than the potential V1and be 4 times or less as high as the potential V1. More preferably, the potential is 1.2 to 3 times as high as the potential V1. Further preferably, the potential is 1.5 to 2.3 times as high as the potential V1.

Note that when the wiring111is supplied with a potential lower than the potential V1, it is preferable that the potential be 0.2 times or more as high as the potential V1and be less than the potential V1. More preferably, the potential is 0.3 to 0.9 times as high as the potential V1. Further preferably, the potential is 0.5 to 0.7 times as high as the potential V1.

In addition, for example, in the case where the potential V1and the potential V2are selectively applied to the wiring114, a potential lower than the potential V1and a potential higher than the potential V2can be selectively applied to the wiring113. In that case, the rise time of the potential of the wiring114is often shorter than that of the potential of the wiring113. Alternatively, the fall time of the potential of the wiring114is often shorter than that of the potential of the wiring113. The wiring114is connected to the wiring113through an inverter circuit in many cases.

For example, in the case where the potential V1and the potential V2are selectively applied to the wiring113, a potential lower than the potential V1and a potential higher than the potential V2can be selectively applied to the wiring114. In that case, the rise time of the potential of the wiring113is often shorter than that of the potential of the wiring114. Alternatively, the fall time of the potential of the wiring113is often shorter than that of the potential of the wiring114. The wiring113is connected to the wiring114through an inverter circuit in many cases.

Next, an example of the threshold voltage of each transistor will be described. When each transistor has an appropriate threshold voltage, the drive capability of the semiconductor device can be improved.

For example, the threshold voltage of the transistor103is preferably higher than that of the transistor101and/or that of the transistor102. In particular, the threshold voltage of the transistor103is preferably higher than that of the transistor101and is preferably 3 times or less as high as that of the transistor101. The threshold voltage of the transistor103is more preferably 1.2 to 2.5 times, further preferably 1.5 to 2 times as high as that of the transistor101.

Furthermore, for example, the threshold voltage of the transistor104is preferably higher than that of the transistor101and/or that of the transistor102. In particular, the threshold voltage of the transistor104preferably exceeds that of the transistor101and is 3 times or less as high as that of the transistor101. The threshold voltage of the transistor104is more preferably 1.2 to 2.5 times, further preferably 1.5 to 2 times as high as that of the transistor101.

For example, the sum of the threshold voltage of the transistor101and the threshold voltage of the transistor103is preferably lower than the drive voltage of the semiconductor device (e.g., the potential V1−the potential V2). Specifically, the sum of the threshold voltages of the transistors101and103is preferably 1/100 to ½ times, more preferably 1/50 to ⅕ times, further preferably 1/30 to 1/10 times as high as the drive voltage of the semiconductor device. The sum of the threshold voltages of the transistors101and103is made lower than the drive voltage of the semiconductor device, so that a malfunction of the semiconductor device can be prevented and the semiconductor device can operate correctly.

Next, an example of the size of each transistor will be described. When each transistor has an appropriate size, the drive capability of the semiconductor device in this embodiment can be improved.

For example, the potential difference between the gate and the source of the transistor101when the transistor101is turned on is often smaller than that between the gate and the source of the transistor103when the transistor103is turned on. Therefore, the channel width of the transistor101is preferably larger than that of the transistor103. Specifically, the channel width of the transistor101is preferably larger than that of the transistor103and is preferably 10 times or less as large as that of the transistor103. The channel width of the transistor101is more preferably 1.3 to 5 times, further preferably 1.5 to 3 times as large as that of the transistor103.

For example, the load of the wiring112is often larger than the load of the node11. Therefore, the channel width of the transistor103is preferably larger than that of the transistor104. Specifically, the channel width of the transistor103is preferably larger than that of the transistor104and is preferably10times or less as large as that of the transistor104. The channel width of the transistor103is more preferably 1.5 to 7 times, further preferably 2 to 5 times as large as that of the transistor104.

For example, the channel length of the transistor103and/or the channel length of the transistor104is/are preferably large. Specifically, the channel length of the transistor103is preferably larger than that of the transistor101and/or that of the transistor102. Alternatively, the channel length of the transistor104is preferably larger than that of the transistor101and/or that of the transistor102. When the channel length of the transistor103and/or the transistor104is increased, the amount of shift in threshold voltage of the transistor103and/or the transistor104can be reduced. Thus, the reliability of the semiconductor device can be improved.

Next, a semiconductor device with a structure different from that of the semiconductor device inFIG. 5Awill be described.

For example, the transistors103and104can be provided in not only the semiconductor device illustrated inFIG. 1Abut also the semiconductor devices illustrated inFIGS. 3A to 3DandFIGS. 4A to 4C. When the semiconductor devices illustrated inFIGS. 3A to 3DandFIGS. 4A to 4Care provided with the transistors103and104, the semiconductor devices have a function and an advantageous effect that are similar to those of the semiconductor device inFIG. 5A.

FIG. 7Aillustrates an example of the case where the transistors103and104are provided in the semiconductor device inFIG. 3A.

FIG. 7Billustrates an example of the case where the transistors103and104are provided in the semiconductor device inFIG. 3B.

FIG. 7Cillustrates an example of the case where the transistors103and104are provided in the semiconductor device inFIG. 3C. In the semiconductor device inFIG. 7C, the wiring113can be omitted, so that the number of wirings and the number of signals can be reduced.

FIG. 8Aillustrates an example of the case where the transistors103and104are provided in the semiconductor device inFIG. 4A.

FIG. 8Billustrates an example of the case where the transistors103and104are provided in the semiconductor device inFIG. 4B.

FIG. 8Cillustrates an example of the case where the transistors103and104are provided in the semiconductor device inFIG. 4C.

For example, the transistor104can be omitted in each of the semiconductor devices illustrated inFIG. 5A,FIGS. 7A to 7C, andFIGS. 8A to 8C. The number of transistors can be reduced by omitting the transistor104, so that the layout area can be decreased.

FIG. 9Aillustrates an example of the case where the transistor104is omitted in the semiconductor device inFIG. 5A.

FIG. 9Billustrates an example of the case where the transistor104is omitted in the semiconductor device inFIG. 7C.

Next, an example of a circuit having a function of controlling a semiconductor device (such a circuit is also referred to as a control circuit) will be described.

FIG. 10illustrates a circuit130for controlling a semiconductor device. InFIG. 10, the semiconductor device illustrated inFIG. 5Ais used as the semiconductor device; however, the semiconductor device to be used is not limited to the semiconductor device inFIG. 5A. For example, any of the semiconductor devices in Embodiment 1, this embodiment, or the other embodiments can be used as the semiconductor device.

The circuit130has a function of applying a potential to each wiring of the semiconductor device. That is, the circuit130has a function of controlling the timing of outputting a signal or supplying a voltage to each wiring of the semiconductor device.

The circuit130includes a circuit131, a circuit132, a circuit133, and a circuit134. The circuit131has a function of supplying the voltage V1to the wiring111or a function of supplying a signal to the wiring111. The circuit132has a function of supplying a signal to the wiring113. The circuit133has a function of supplying a signal to the wiring114. The circuit134has a function of supplying the voltage V1to the wiring115. That is, each of the circuits131,132, and133has a function of a signal generation circuit, a timing generator circuit, or the like. Each of the circuits131and134has a function of a voltage generation circuit, a regulator circuit, or the like.

Note that each of the circuits131to134can be constituted by at least one of an amplifier circuit, a bipolar transistor, a MOS transistor, a capacitor, a resistor, a coil, a DC voltage source, an AC voltage source, a DC current source, and a switch.

Note that a protective circuit140can be connected to the wirings113and114. The protective circuit140includes a plurality of transistors141and a plurality of transistors142. A first terminal of the transistor141is connected to the wiring115. A second terminal of the transistor141is connected to the wiring113or the wiring114. A gate of the transistor141is connected to the wiring115. A first terminal of the transistor142is connected to the wiring111. A second terminal of the transistor142is connected to the wiring113or the wiring114. A gate of the transistor142is connected to the wiring113or the wiring114. Note that either the transistors141or the transistors142can be omitted.

In this embodiment, an example of a semiconductor device and an example of a method for driving the semiconductor device will be described. In particular, an example of a NOR circuit and a NAND circuit that include the semiconductor device shown in Embodiment 2 and an example of a method for driving the NOR circuit and the NAND circuit will be described.

First, a structure with which the semiconductor device in Embodiment 2 can have a function of a NOR circuit will be described.

In the semiconductor device in Embodiment 2, N transistors103(referred to as transistors103_1to103_N, where N is a natural number) are connected in parallel between the wiring115and the wiring112. Gates of the N transistors103are connected to N wirings114(wirings114_1to114_N), respectively. Moreover, N transistors104(referred to as transistors104_1to104_N) are connected in parallel between the wiring115and the node11. Gates of the N transistors104are connected to the respective N wirings114. For example, a first terminal of the transistor103—i(i is any one of 1 to N) is connected to the wiring115. A second terminal of the transistor103—iis connected to the wiring112. A gate of the transistor103—iis connected to the wiring114—i.A first terminal of the transistor104—i(i is any one of 1 to N) is connected to the wiring115. A second terminal of the transistor104—iis connected to the node11. A gate of the transistor104—iis connected to the wiring114—i.With such a structure, the semiconductor device in Embodiment 2 can have a function of a NOR circuit with N inputs.

FIG. 11Aillustrates an example of a NOR circuit obtained by adding the above-described structure to the semiconductor device illustrated inFIG. 7C.

FIG. 11Billustrates an example of a NOR circuit obtained by adding the above-described structure to the semiconductor device illustrated inFIG. 5A. In the NOR circuit inFIG. 11B, an inverted signal of a signal input to any of the N wirings114may be input to the wiring113.

Next, an example of operation of the NOR circuit including the semiconductor device in Embodiment 2 will be described, using the semiconductor device illustrated inFIG. 11Aas an example. Here, the following two operations will be described: the operation in the case where the potential V1is applied to at least one of the N wirings114, and the operation in the case where the potential V2is applied to all the N wirings114.

First, the operation in the case where the potential V1is applied to at least one of the N wirings114will be described. It is assumed that the potential V1is applied to the wiring114_1and the potential V2is applied to the other wirings (the wirings114_2to114_N), and that the potential V1is applied to the wiring111and the potential V2is applied to the wiring115. Accordingly, the transistor104_1is turned on and the transistors104_2to104_N are turned off, so that electrical continuity is established between the wiring115and the node11. At this time, the transistor102is turned on, so that electrical continuity is established between the wiring111and the node11. In such a manner, the node11is supplied with the potential of the wiring115and the potential of the wiring111. Thus, the potential of the node11exceeds the potential of the wiring115(the potential V2) and becomes lower than the potential of the wiring111(the potential V1). Assuming that the potential of the node11becomes lower than V2+Vth101here, the transistor101is turned off, so that electrical continuity is not established between the wiring111and the wiring112. At this time, the transistor103_1is turned on and the transistors103_2to103_N are turned off, so that electrical continuity is established between the wiring115and the wiring112. The potential of the wiring115is supplied to the wiring112in such a manner, so that the potential of the wiring112becomes equal to the potential V2(seeFIG. 12A).

Then, the operation in the case where the potential V2is applied to all the N wirings114will be described. Assuming that the potential V1is applied to the wiring111and the potential V2is applied to the wiring115, the transistors104_1to104_N are turned off, so that electrical continuity is not established between the wiring115and the node11. At this time, the transistor102is turned on, so that electrical continuity is established between the wiring111and the node11. Then, the potential of the wiring111is supplied to the node11, so that the potential of the node11starts to rise. Then, the potential of the node11rises to V2+Vth101. Thus, the transistor101is turned on, so that electrical continuity is established between the wiring111and the wiring112. At this time, the transistors103_1to103_N are off, so that electrical continuity is not established between the wiring115and the wiring112. The potential of the wiring111is supplied to the wiring112in such a manner, so that the potential of the wiring112starts to rise. After that, the potential of the node11rises to V1−Vth102. Thus, the transistor102is turned off, so that electrical continuity between the wiring111and the node11is broken. Then, the node11enters a floating state. At this time, the potential of the wiring112continues to rise. For that reason, the potential of the node11rises to V1+Vth101+Va because of parasitic capacitance between the gate and the second terminal of the transistor101. This is so-called bootstrap operation. Accordingly, the potential of the wiring112rises to a value equal to that of the potential V1(seeFIG. 12B).

Note that the N transistors103preferably have the same channel width. If restriction of circuit layout or the like makes it difficult for the N transistors103to have the same channel width, it is preferable that at least two of the N transistors103have the same channel width. This is because when the transistors103have the same channel width, the circuit can be designed more easily and an operation malfunction can be suppressed. The same can be said for the transistors104.

Note that the N transistors103preferably have high drive capability in order to drive the wiring112. Therefore, the channel width of at least one of the N transistors103is preferably larger than that of at least one of the N transistors104. Specifically, the channel width of at least one of the N transistors103is preferably larger than that of at least one of the N transistors104and is preferably 10 times or less as large as that of at least one of the N transistors104. The channel width of at least one of the N transistors103is more preferably 1.5 to 7 times, further preferably 2 to 5 times as large as that of at least one of the N transistors104.

Note that in the case where the potential V2is applied to the N wirings114, the potential of the node11preferably has a value with which the transistor101is turned off. For that reason, the channel width of at least one of the N transistors104is preferably larger than that of the transistor102. Specifically, the channel width of at least one of the N transistors104is preferably larger than that of the transistor102and is preferably 10 times or less as large as that of the transistor102. The channel width of at least one of the N transistors104is more preferably 2 to 5 times, further preferably 2.5 to 3.5 times as large as that of the transistor102.

Next, a structure with which the semiconductor device in Embodiment 2 can have a function of a NAND circuit will be described.

The following is a structure with which the semiconductor device in Embodiment 2 can have a function of a NAND circuit. In the semiconductor device in Embodiment 2, the N transistors103(the transistors103_1to103_N, where N is a natural number) are connected in series between the wiring115and the wiring112. Gates of the N transistors103are connected to the N wirings114(the wirings114_1to114_N), respectively. Moreover, the N transistors104(the transistors104_1to104_N) are connected in series between the wiring115and the node11. Gates of the N transistors104are connected to the respective N wirings114. For example, a first terminal of the transistor103—i(i is any one of 1 to N) is connected to a second terminal of the transistor103—i+1. A second terminal of the transistor103—iis connected to a first terminal of the transistor103—i−1. A gate of the transistor103—iis connected to the wiring114—i.A first terminal of the transistor104—i(i is any one of 1 to N) is connected to a second terminal of the transistor104—i+1. A second terminal of the transistor104—iis connected to a first terminal of the transistor104—i−1. A gate of the transistor104—iis connected to the wiring114—i.Note that a second terminal of the transistor103_1is connected to the wiring112; a first terminal of the transistor103_N is connected to the wiring115; a second terminal of the transistor104_1is connected to the node11; and a first terminal of the transistor104_N is connected to the wiring115. With such a structure, the semiconductor device in Embodiment 2 can have a function of a NAND circuit with N inputs.

FIG. 13Aillustrates an example of a NAND circuit obtained by adding the above-described structure to the semiconductor device illustrated inFIG. 7C.

FIG. 13Billustrates an example of a NAND circuit obtained by adding the above-described structure to the semiconductor device illustrated inFIG. 5A. Note that an inverted signal of a signal input to any of the N wirings114is input to the wiring113.

Next, an example of operation of the NAND circuit including the semiconductor device in Embodiment 2 will be described, using the semiconductor device illustrated inFIG. 13Aas an example. Here, the following two operations will be described: the operation in the case where the potential V2is applied to at least one of the N wirings114, and the operation in the case where the potential V1is applied to all the N wirings114.

First, the operation in the case where the potential V2is applied to at least one of the N wirings114will be described. It is assumed that the potential V1is applied to the wiring114_1and the potential V2is applied to the other wirings (the wirings114_2to114_N), and that the potential V1is applied to the wiring111and the potential V2is applied to the wiring115. Accordingly, the transistor104_1is turned on and the transistors1042to104_N are turned off, so that electrical continuity is not established between the wiring115and the node11. At this time, the transistor102is turned on, so that electrical continuity is established between the wiring111and the node11. Then, the potential of the wiring111is supplied to the node11, so that the potential of the node11starts to rise. Then, the potential of the node11rises to V2+Vth101. Thus, the transistor101is turned on, so that electrical continuity is established between the wiring111and the wiring112. At this time, the transistor103_1is turned on and the transistors103_2to103_N are turned off, so that electrical continuity is not established between the wiring115and the wiring112. The potential of the wiring111is supplied to the wiring112in such a manner, so that the potential of the wiring112starts to rise. After that, the potential of the node11rises to V1−Vth102. Thus, the transistor102is turned off, so that electrical continuity between the wiring111and the node11is broken. Then, the node11enters a floating state. At this time, the potential of the wiring112continues to rise. For that reason, the potential of the node11rises to V1+Vth101+Va due to parasitic capacitance between the gate and the second terminal of the transistor101. This is so-called bootstrap operation. Accordingly, the potential of the wiring112rises to a value equal to that of the potential V1(seeFIG. 14A).

Then, the operation in the case where the potential V1is applied to all the N wirings114will be described. Assuming that the potential V1is applied to the wiring111and the potential V2is applied to the wiring115, the transistors104_1to104_N are turned on, so that electrical continuity is established between the wiring115and the node11. At this time, the transistor102is turned on, so that electrical continuity is established between the wiring111and the node11. In such a manner, the node11is supplied with the potential of the wiring115and the potential of the wiring111. Thus, the potential of the node11exceeds the potential of the wiring115(the potential V2) and becomes lower than the potential of the wiring111(the potential V1). Assuming that the potential of the node11is lower than V2+Vth102here, the transistor102is turned off, so that electrical continuity is not established between the wiring111and the wiring112. At this time, the transistors103_1to103_N are turned on, so that electrical continuity is established between the wiring115and the wiring112. The potential of the wiring115is supplied to the wiring112in such a manner, so that the potential of the wiring112becomes equal to the potential V2(seeFIG. 14B).

Note that the N transistors103preferably have the same channel width. If restriction of circuit layout or the like makes it difficult for the N transistors103to have the same channel width, it is preferable that at least two of the N transistors103have the same channel width. This is because when the transistors103have the same channel width, the circuit can be designed more easily and an operation malfunction can be suppressed. The same can be said for the transistors104.

Note that the channel width of the N transistors103is preferably large in order to shorten the fall time of the potential of the wiring112. However, the layout area is increased if the channel width is too large. For that reason, at least one channel width of the N transistors103is preferably N times or less as large as the channel width of the transistor101. At least one channel width of the N transistors103is more preferably ⅓ to 3 times, further preferably ½ to 2 times as large as the channel width of the transistor101.

Note that in the case where the potential V1is applied to all the N wirings114, the channel width of the N transistors104is preferably large in order that the potential of the node11is lower than V2+Vth101. However, the layout area is increased if the channel width is too large. For that reason, the channel width of at least one of the N transistors104is preferably N times or less as large as that of the transistor102. The width of at least one of the N transistors104is more preferably ⅓ to 3 times, further preferably ½ to 2 times as large as that of the transistor102.

As described above, the NOR circuit and the NAND circuit in this embodiment can be constituted using the semiconductor device shown in Embodiment 2. Thus, the NOR circuit and the NAND circuit in this embodiment can obtain advantageous effects similar to those of the semiconductor devices in Embodiments 1 and 2.

In this embodiment, an example of a semiconductor device and an example of a method for driving the semiconductor device will be described. In particular, an example of a decoder circuit including the semiconductor device shown in Embodiment 3 and an example of a method for driving the decoder circuit will be described.

First, an example of a structure of a semiconductor device in this embodiment will be described.

FIG. 16illustrates an example of a decoder circuit in this embodiment. The decoder circuit inFIG. 16includes m NOR circuits201(referred to as NOR circuits201_1to201—m,where m is a natural number).

Note that any of the NOR circuits shown in Embodiment 3 is preferably used as the m NOR circuits201.

A control signal of N bits (N is a natural number, where 2N>m) is input to each of the m NOR circuits201. The control signal of N bits is selected from control signals D1to DN and control signals Db1to DbN. The control signals Db1to DbN are inverted signals of the control signals D1to DN. Control signals input to the m NOR circuits201are different from each other. For example, the control signal D1to DN are input to the NOR circuit201_1. The control signal Db1and the control signals D2to DN are input to the NOR circuit201_2. The control signal D1, the control signal Db2, and the control signals D3to DN are input to the NOR circuit201_3. The control signals input to the m NOR circuits201are made different from each other in such a manner, so that only a signal output from any one of the m NOR circuits201can have a different value from signals output from the other NOR circuits201. Specifically, the signal output from any one of the m NOR circuits201can be an H-level signal and the signals output from the other NOR circuits201can be L-level signals. Moreover, when values of the control signals D1to DN and the control signals Db1to DbN are changed every predetermined period (e.g., per one gate selection period), the NOR circuits201_1to201—mcan sequentially output an H-level signal. Alternatively, the m NOR circuits201can output an H-level signal in given order.

Note that the control signals D1to DN are input to the decoder circuit through N wirings212(referred to as wirings212_1to212_N). The control signals Db1to DbN are input to the decoder circuit through N wirings213(referred to as wirings213_1to213_N). Output signals of the m NOR circuits201are output to respective m wirings211(wirings211_1to211—m).

Note that the control signals Db1to DbN can be generated by inverting the control signals D1to DN by an inverter circuit or the like. As the inverter circuit used for generating the control signals Db1to DbN, any of the semiconductor devices shown in Embodiment 1 can be used, for example.

A decoder circuit can be constituted not only by NOR circuits but also by NAND circuits. As the NAND circuit, any of the NAND circuits shown in Embodiment 3 is preferably used.FIG. 17is a circuit diagram of a decoder circuit constituted by NAND circuits. The decoder circuit inFIG. 17differs from the decoder circuit inFIG. 16in that m NAND circuits202(referred to as NAND circuits202_1to202—m) are used instead of m NOR circuits201.

In the decoder circuit inFIG. 17, a signal output from any one of the m NAND circuits202is an L-level signal and signals output from the other NAND circuits202are H-level signals. For that reason, m inverter circuits203(referred to as inverter circuits203_1to203—m) can be provided when needed. Output signals of the m NAND circuits202are output to the m wirings211through the m inverter circuits203.

As described above, the decoder circuit in this embodiment can be constituted by the NOR circuit or the NAND circuit shown in Embodiment 3. Thus, the decoder circuit in this embodiment can obtain advantageous effects similar to those of the semiconductor devices in Embodiments 1 and 2.

In this embodiment, an example of a structure of a semiconductor device and an example of a process for manufacturing the semiconductor device will be described. In particular, an example of a thin film transistor in which a channel formation region is formed using an oxide semiconductor and an example of a process for manufacturing the thin film transistor will be described.

<Example of Structure of Transistor>

FIG. 15Dis a cross-sectional view of a transistor450(e.g., a thin film transistor) which is an example of a semiconductor device. The transistor450inFIG. 15Dis an inverted staggered thin film transistor. AlthoughFIG. 15Dillustrates a single-gate thin film transistor, a multi-gate thin film transistor including a plurality of channel formation regions may be used as needed. The thin film transistor is an n-channel transistor in the following description; alternatively, a p-channel transistor may be used.

The transistor450includes a gate electrode layer411provided over a substrate400, a gate insulating layer402that covers the gate electrode layer411, an oxide semiconductor layer406aprovided over the gate electrode layer411, and source/drain electrode layers408aand408belectrically connected to the oxide semiconductor layer406a. Moreover, an insulating layer412and an insulating layer418are provided over the transistor450. Note that the insulating layer412and the insulating layer418are not essential and thus can be omitted as appropriate.

For the oxide semiconductor layer406a, a four-component metal oxide such as an In—Sn—Ga—Zn—O-based metal oxide; a three-component metal oxide such as an In—Ga—Zn—O-based metal oxide, an In—Sn—Zn—O-based metal oxide, an In—Al—Zn—O based metal oxide, a Sn—Ga—Zn—O-based metal oxide, an Al—Ga—Zn—O-based metal oxide, or a Sn—Al—Zn—O-based metal oxide; a two-component metal oxide such as an In—Zn—O-based metal oxide, a Sn—Zn—O-based metal oxide, an Al—Zn—O-based metal oxide, a Zn—Mg—O-based metal oxide, a Sn—Mg—O-based metal oxide, or an In—Mg—O-based metal oxide; an In—O-based metal oxide, a Sn—O-based metal oxide, a Zn—O-based metal oxide, or the like is used.

In particular, an In—Ga—Zn—O-based oxide semiconductor material is preferably employed as a semiconductor material used for a semiconductor device because it has sufficiently high resistance when no electric field is applied and thus can realize a sufficiently small off-state current, and because it has high field-effect mobility.

A typical example of the In—Ga—Zn—O-based oxide semiconductor material is an oxide semiconductor material represented by InGaO3(ZnO)m(m is larger than 0 and is not a natural number). Moreover, there is an oxide semiconductor material represented by InMO3(ZnO)m(m is larger than 0 and is not a natural number), using M instead of Ga. Here, M denotes one or more of metal elements selected from gallium (Ga), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), and the like. For example, M can be Ga and Al, Ga and Fe, Ga and Ni, Ga and Mn, or Ga and Co. Note that the above composition is derived from a crystal structure and thus is just an example. In addition, an oxide semiconductor material expressed by In—Ga—Zn—O in this specification is InGaO3(ZnO)m(m is larger than 0 and is not a natural number), and it can be confirmed using analysis with ICP-MS or RBS that m is not a natural number.

The hydrogen concentration of the oxide semiconductor layer is preferably 5×1019(atoms/cm3) or less.

Next, a method for manufacturing the above thin film transistor is described with reference toFIGS. 15A to 15D.

First, the gate electrode layer411is formed over the substrate400, and then, the gate insulating layer402is formed so as to cover the gate electrode layer411. After that, an oxide semiconductor layer406is formed over the gate insulating layer402(seeFIG. 15A).

As the substrate400, a glass substrate can be used, for example. The glass substrate is preferably a non-alkali glass substrate. For the non-alkali glass substrate, a glass material such as aluminosilicate glass, aluminoborosilicate glass, or barium borosilicate glass is used, for example. Instead of a glass substrate, the substrate400can be an insulating substrate formed using an insulator, such as a ceramic substrate, a quartz substrate, or a sapphire substrate; a semiconductor substrate that is formed using a semiconductor material such as silicon and has a surface covered with an insulating material; or a conductive substrate that is formed using a conductive material such as metal or stainless steel and has a surface covered with an insulating material. Furthermore, a substrate formed from a flexible synthetic resin such as plastic generally tends to have a low upper temperature limit, but can be used as the substrate400as long as the substrate can withstand processing temperatures in the subsequent manufacturing steps.

The gate electrode layer411can be formed in such a manner that a conductive layer is formed over the substrate400and selectively etched. The gate electrode layer411can be formed by a physical vapor deposition (PVD) method such as a sputtering method or a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method such as a plasma CVD method. Moreover, the gate electrode layer411can be formed using a metal material selected from aluminum, chromium, copper, tantalum, titanium, molybdenum, and tungsten; an alloy containing any of these elements; or the like. A material containing one or more of manganese, magnesium, zirconium, and/or beryllium may be used. A material that contains aluminum and one or more of elements selected from titanium, tantalum, tungsten, molybdenum, chromium, neodymium, and scandium may be used.

Alternatively, the gate electrode layer411may be formed using a conductive metal oxide. As the conductive metal oxide, indium oxide (In2O3), tin oxide (SnO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), an alloy of indium oxide and tin oxide (In2O3—SnO2, sometimes referred to as ITO), an alloy of indium oxide and zinc oxide (In2O3—ZnO), or any of the metal oxide materials containing silicon or silicon oxide can be used.

The gate electrode layer411may have a single-layer structure or a layered structure of two layers or more. Note that in this embodiment, heat treatment at relatively high temperature is performed after the formation of the gate electrode layer411; therefore, the gate electrode layer411is preferably formed using a material with heat resistance high enough to withstand the heat treatment. Examples of the material with heat resistance are titanium, tantalum, tungsten, and molybdenum. Moreover, it is possible to use polysilicon whose conductivity is increased by addition of an impurity element.

The gate insulating layer402can be formed by a CVD method, a sputtering method, or the like. The gate insulating layer402is preferably formed using silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon nitride oxide, aluminum oxide, hafnium oxide, tantalum oxide, or the like. The gate insulating layer402may have a single-layer structure or a layered structure of two layers or more. The gate insulating layer402can have a thickness of 10 nm to 500 nm, for example.

When the gate insulating layer402is formed using a high-k material such as hafnium silicate (HfSiOx), hafnium silicate to which nitrogen is added (HfSixOyNz), hafnium aluminate to which nitrogen is added (HfAlxOyNz), hafnium oxide, or yttrium oxide, gate leakage can be reduced. Further, the gate insulating layer402can have a layered structure in which a layer including a high-k material and one or more of a silicon oxide layer, a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon nitride oxide layer, and an aluminum oxide layer are stacked.

Note that the gate insulating layer402is preferably formed so as to contain impurities such as hydrogen and water as little as possible. This is because if hydrogen and water are contained in the gate insulating layer402, hydrogen might enter the oxide semiconductor layer406aand extract oxygen in the oxide semiconductor layer406a, which might lead to deterioration of characteristics of the transistor.

For example, the gate insulating layer402is formed by a sputtering method or the like, the gate insulating layer402is preferably formed in a state where moisture remaining in a treatment chamber is removed. An entrapment vacuum pump is preferably used in order to remove moisture remaining in a treatment chamber. For example, a cryopump, an ion pump, or a titanium sublimation pump can be used. A turbo pump provided with a cold trap may be used. In a treatment chamber that is evacuated with a cryopump or the like, hydrogen, water, and the like are sufficiently removed, so that the concentration of impurities contained in the gate insulating layer402can be reduced.

In addition, it is preferable to employ a high-density plasma CVD method using a microwave (e.g., a frequency of 2.45 GHz) because the gate insulating layer402can be dense and have high withstand voltage and high quality. When the oxide semiconductor layer406aand the high-quality gate insulating layer402are in close contact with each other, the interface state density can be reduced and interface properties can be favorable. In particular, it is preferable to use a high-density plasma apparatus with which a plasma density of 1×1011/cm3or higher can be achieved. Properties of the interface between the gate insulating layer402and the oxide semiconductor layer406acan be made favorable and impurities of the oxide semiconductor, particularly hydrogen and water, are reduced as described above; thus, it is possible to obtain a stable transistor whose threshold voltage (Vth) does not change through a gate bias-temperature stress test (BT test; for example, at 85° C. with 2×106V/cm for 12 hours).

In forming the gate electrode layer411, it is preferable to use a high-purity gas from which impurities such as hydrogen and water is reduced to a concentration of approximately a few parts per million (ppm) or a few parts per billion (ppb).

Note that the oxide semiconductor layer that becomes an i-type oxide semiconductor layer or a substantially i-type oxide semiconductor layer (a highly purified oxide semiconductor layer) in a later step is extremely sensitive to the interface state density or interface electric charge; therefore, the interface with the gate insulating layer is important. For that reason, the gate insulating layer (GI) which is in contact with the highly purified oxide semiconductor layer needs to have high quality. Therefore, high-density plasma CVD with use of microwaves (2.45 GHz) is preferably employed because a dense and high-quality insulating film having high withstand voltage can be formed. The highly purified oxide semiconductor and the high-quality gate insulating layer are in close contact with each other, so that the interface state density can be reduced and favorable interface characteristics can be obtained. It is important that the insulating layer has favorable quality as the gate insulating layer and can reduce the interface state density with the oxide semiconductor layer so that a favorable interface can be formed.

The oxide semiconductor layer406can be formed by a sputtering method in a rare gas (typically argon) atmosphere, an oxygen atmosphere, or an atmosphere including a rare gas (typically argon) and oxygen. As an atmosphere in which the oxide semiconductor layer406is formed, it is preferable to use a high-purity gas atmosphere, for example, from which impurities such as hydrogen, water, a hydroxyl group, and hydride are removed to a concentration of a few parts per million (preferably, a few parts per billion).

Before the oxide semiconductor layer406is deposited by a sputtering method, powdery substances (also referred to as particles or dust) attached on a surface of the gate insulating layer402are preferably removed by reverse sputtering in which an argon gas is introduced and plasma is generated. The reverse sputtering refers to a method in which, without application of voltage to a target side, an RF power source is used for application of voltage in order to generate plasma in the vicinity of the substrate to modify a surface. Note that instead of an argon atmosphere, nitrogen, helium, oxygen, or the like may be used.

The oxide semiconductor layer406can be formed using a four-component metal oxide such as an In—Sn—Ga—Zn—O-based metal oxide; a three-component metal oxide such as an In—Ga—Zn—O-based metal oxide, an In—Sn—Zn—O-based metal oxide, an In—Al—Zn—O based metal oxide, a Sn—Ga—Zn—O-based metal oxide, an Al—Ga—Zn—O-based metal oxide, or a Sn—Al—Zn—O-based metal oxide; a two-component metal oxide such as an In—Zn—O-based metal oxide, a Sn—Zn—O-based metal oxide, an Al—Zn—O-based metal oxide, a Zn—Mg—O-based metal oxide, a Sn—Mg—O-based metal oxide, or an In—Mg—O-based metal oxide; an In—O-based metal oxide, a Sn—O-based metal oxide, a Zn—O-based metal oxide, or the like.

In particular, an In—Ga—Zn—O-based oxide semiconductor material is preferably employed as a semiconductor material used for a semiconductor device because it has sufficiently high resistance when no electric field is applied and can realize a sufficiently small off-state current, and because it has high field-effect mobility.

In this embodiment, the amorphous oxide semiconductor layer406is formed as the oxide semiconductor layer406by a sputtering method with the use of an In—Ga—Zn—O-based oxide semiconductor target.

As a target used for forming the In—Ga—Zn—O-based oxide semiconductor layer406by a sputtering method, a target represented by a composition ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:x:y (x is 0 or larger and y is 0.5 to 5) may be used. For example, a target with a composition ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:1:1 [atomic ratio] (x=1 and y=1; that is, In2O3:Ga2O3:ZnO=1:1:2 [molar ratio]) may be used. As the oxide semiconductor target, it is possible to use a target with a composition ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:1:0.5 [atomic ratio], a target with a composition ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:1:2 [atomic ratio], or a target with a composition ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:0:1 [atomic ratio] (x=0 and y=1). Moreover, the oxide semiconductor layer406can be deposited using a target containing SiO2at 2 wt % to 10 wt % so as to contain SiOx(X>0).

The relative density of the oxide semiconductor in the oxide semiconductor target is 80% or more, preferably 95% or more, further preferably 99.9% or more. By using an oxide semiconductor with a high relative density, the dense oxide semiconductor layer406can be formed.

In forming the oxide semiconductor layer406, for example, the substrate is held in a treatment chamber that is maintained at reduced pressure, and the substrate is heated to 100° C. to 600° C., preferably 200° C. to 400° C. Then, a sputtering gas from which hydrogen and water are removed is introduced into the treatment chamber from which remaining moisture is being removed, and the oxide semiconductor layer406is formed using the above-described target. The oxide semiconductor layer406is formed while the substrate is heated, so that impurities contained in the oxide semiconductor layer406can be reduced. In addition, damage by sputtering can be reduced. In order to remove moisture remaining in the treatment chamber, the above-described entrapment vacuum pump is preferably used. Hydrogen, water, and the like are removed in the treatment chamber that is evacuated with a cryopump, for example; thus, the concentration of impurities contained in the oxide semiconductor layer406can be reduced.

For example, the conditions for forming the oxide semiconductor layer406can be set as follows: the distance between the substrate and the target is 170 mm; the pressure is 0.4 Pa; the direct-current (DC) power is 0.5 kW; and the atmosphere is an oxygen atmosphere (the flow rate ratio of oxygen is 100%), an argon atmosphere (the flow rate ratio of argon is 100%), or an atmosphere including oxygen and argon. Note that a pulse direct current (DC) power supply is preferable because dust (powder or flake-like substances formed at the time of the film formation) can be reduced and the film thickness can be uniform. The thickness of the oxide semiconductor layer406is 2 nm to 200 nm, preferably 5 nm to 30 nm Note that since an appropriate thickness of the oxide semiconductor layer406differs depending on an oxide semiconductor material to be used, application, and the like, the thickness is set in accordance with the material to be used, application, and the like.

Next, the oxide semiconductor layer406is selectively etched to form the island-shaped oxide semiconductor layer406a. After that, a conductive layer is formed so as to cover the gate insulating layer402and the oxide semiconductor layer406aand is etched, so that the source/drain electrode layers408aand408bare formed (seeFIG. 15B).

The oxide semiconductor layer can be etched by dry etching, wet etching, or a combination of dry etching and wet etching. The etching conditions (e.g., an etching gas or an etching solution, etching time, and temperature) are set as appropriate depending on the material so that the oxide semiconductor layer can be etched into a desired shape.

As dry etching, a parallel plate RIE (reactive ion etching) method, an ICP (inductively coupled plasma) etching method, or the like can be used. Also in this case, the etching conditions (e.g., the amount of electric power applied to a coiled electrode, the amount of electric power applied to an electrode on the substrate side, and the electrode temperature on the substrate side) need to be set as appropriate.

An example of an etching gas that can be used for dry etching is a gas containing chlorine (a chlorine-based gas such as chlorine (Cl2), boron chloride (BCl3), silicon chloride (SiCl4), or carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)). Moreover, a gas containing fluorine (a fluorine-based gas such as carbon tetrafluoride (CF4), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), or trifluoromethane (CHF3)), hydrogen bromide (HBr), oxygen (O2), any of these gases to which a rare gas such as helium (He) or argon (Ar) is added, or the like may be used.

Examples of an etchant that can be used for wet etching are a solution obtained by mixing phosphoric acid, acetic acid, and nitric acid; and an ammonia peroxide mixture (hydrogen peroxide water at 31 wt %: ammonia water at 28 wt %: water=5:2:2). An etchant such as ITO07N (produced by Kanto Chemical Co., Inc.) may also be used.

Next, first heat treatment is preferably performed on the oxide semiconductor layer406a. An excess amount of water (including a hydroxyl group), hydrogen, and the like that are contained in the oxide semiconductor layer406acan be removed by the first heat treatment. The temperature of the first heat treatment is, for example, higher than or equal to 400° C. and lower than or equal to 750° C., or higher than or equal to 400° C. and less than the strain point of the substrate. The first heat treatment can be performed, for example, at 450° C. for one hour in a nitrogen atmosphere after the substrate400is introduced into an electric furnace including a resistance heating element. During the first heat treatment, it is preferable that the oxide semiconductor layer406abe not exposed to the air in order to prevent entry of water and hydrogen.

The heat treatment apparatus is not limited to an electric furnace; the heat treatment apparatus can be an apparatus that heats an object with thermal conduction or thermal radiation given by a medium such as a heated gas. For example, an RTA apparatus employing a lamp heating method (a lamp rapid thermal anneal (LRTA) apparatus), an RTA apparatus employing a gas heating method using a heated gas (a gas rapid thermal anneal (GRTA) apparatus), an RTA apparatus employing both a lamp heating method and a gas heating method, or the like can be used. In the case where an apparatus employing a gas heating method is used, an inert gas that does not react with an object to be processed by heat treatment, for example, nitrogen or a rare gas such as argon is used.

For example, as the first heat treatment, a GRTA process may be performed as follows. The substrate is put in an inert gas atmosphere that has been heated to a high temperature of 650° C. to 700° C., heated for several minutes, and taken out of the inert gas atmosphere. The GRTA process enables high-temperature heat treatment for a short time. Moreover, the GRTA process can be employed even when the temperature exceeds the upper temperature limit of the substrate because it is heat treatment for a short time. For example, in the case where a glass substrate is used, shrinkage of the substrate becomes a problem at temperatures higher than the upper temperature limit (the strain point) of the substrate; however, shrinkage is not a problem in heat treatment for a short time. Note that an inert gas may be switched to a gas including oxygen during the treatment. This is because defects due to oxygen vacancy can be reduced by performing the first heat treatment in an atmosphere including oxygen.

Note that the inert gas atmosphere is preferably an atmosphere that contains nitrogen or a rare gas (e.g., helium, neon, or argon) as its main component and does not contain water, hydrogen, or the like. For example, the purity of nitrogen or a rare gas (e.g., helium, neon, or argon) introduced into a heat treatment apparatus is 6N (99.9999%) or higher, preferably 7N (99.99999%) or higher (i.e., the concentration of the impurities is less than or equal to 1 ppm, preferably less than or equal to 0.1 ppm). The first heat treatment may be performed in ultra-dry air with an H2O concentration of 20 ppm or lower, preferably in ultra-dry air with an H2O concentration of 1 ppm or lower. By such first heat treatment, water (including a hydroxyl group), hydrogen, and the like that are contained in the oxide semiconductor layer406can be removed.

By performing the above-described first heat treatment, hydrogen contained in the oxide semiconductor layer406can be reduced (preferably removed), so that the oxide semiconductor layer406can be highly purified so as to contain an impurity other than its main component as little as possible.

Note that the first heat treatment performed on the oxide semiconductor layer can also be performed on the oxide semiconductor layer406which has not yet been processed into the island-shaped oxide semiconductor layer. In that case, after the first heat treatment, the substrate is taken out from a heating apparatus, and then, etching is performed using a mask, for example.

The heat treatment for dehydration or dehydrogenation of the oxide semiconductor layer may be performed at any of the following timings: after the oxide semiconductor layer is formed; after the source electrode layer and the drain electrode layer are stacked over the oxide semiconductor layer; and after a protective insulating film is formed over the source electrode layer and the drain electrode layer.

The source/drain electrode layers408aand408bare formed in the following manner: a conductive layer is formed so as to cover the oxide semiconductor layer406aand then the conductive layer is selectively etched. The conductive layer can be formed by a sputtering method or a vacuum evaporation method. The conductive layer can be formed using a metal material selected from aluminum, chromium, copper, tantalum, titanium, molybdenum, and tungsten; an alloy material including any of these elements; an alloy material including the above elements in combination; or the like. One or more materials selected from manganese, magnesium, zirconium, beryllium, and yttrium may be used. A material that contains aluminum and one or more of elements selected from titanium, tantalum, tungsten, molybdenum, chromium, neodymium, and scandium may be used.

The source/drain electrode layers408aand408bcan have a single-layer structure or a layered structure of two layers or more and can have, for example, a single-layer structure of an aluminum film containing silicon; a two-layer structure in which a titanium film is stacked over an aluminum film; or a three-layer structure in which a titanium film, an aluminum film, and a titanium film are stacked in the order.

In the case where heat treatment for dehydration or dehydrogenation of the oxide semiconductor layer406ais performed on the conductive layer, it is preferable to use a conductive layer with heat resistance high enough to withstand the heat treatment.

Materials and etching conditions are adjusted as appropriate so that the oxide semiconductor layer406ais not removed when the conductive layer is etched.

In this embodiment, a titanium film is used as the conductive layer; an In—Ga—Zn—O-based oxide is used for the oxide semiconductor layer406a; and an ammonia hydrogen peroxide solution (a mixed solution of ammonia, water, and a hydrogen peroxide solution) is used as an etchant.

Note that in etching of the conductive layer, only part of the oxide semiconductor layer406ais etched and the oxide semiconductor layer406ahaving a groove (a recessed portion) is formed in some cases. Moreover, a mask used in the etching step may be formed by an inkjet method. A photomask is not used when the mask is formed by an inkjet method, which results in reducing manufacturing costs.

In order to reduce the number of photomasks used in a photolithography step and reduce the number of steps, an etching step may be performed with the use of a multi-tone mask which is a light-exposure mask through which light is transmitted to have a plurality of intensities. Since a resist mask formed using a multi-tone mask has a plurality of thicknesses and can be further changed in shape by ashing, the resist mask can be used in a plurality of etching steps for providing different patterns. Therefore, a resist mask corresponding to at least two kinds of different patterns can be formed by one multi-tone mask. Thus, the number of light-exposure masks can be reduced and the number of corresponding photolithography steps can be also reduced, whereby the process can be simplified.

Next, plasma treatment using a gas such as nitrous oxide (N2O), nitrogen (N2), or argon (Ar) is performed. By this plasma treatment, absorbed water and the like attached to an exposed surface of the oxide semiconductor layer are removed. Plasma treatment may be performed using a mixture gas of oxygen and argon.

Then, the insulating layer412is formed so as to cover the oxide semiconductor layer406aand the source/drain electrode layers408aand408b(seeFIG. 15C).

The insulating layer412can be formed by a sputtering method, a CVD method, or the like, that is, a method with which impurities such as moisture and hydrogen are not mixed into the insulating layer412. If hydrogen is contained in the insulating layer412, hydrogen enters the oxide semiconductor layer406aso that the backchannel of the oxide semiconductor layer406ais made to have lower resistance (to be an n-type layer); thus, a parasitic channel is formed. Therefore, it is important to employ a formation method in which hydrogen is not used so that the insulating layer412contains as little hydrogen as possible.

The insulating layer412is preferably formed using silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, aluminum oxide, hafnium oxide, tantalum oxide, or the like. In particular, a silicon oxide film formed by a sputtering method is preferably used. Note that the insulating layer412can have a single-layer structure or a layered structure. Although not particularly limited, the insulating layer412can have a thickness of, for example, 10 nm to 500 nm, preferably 50 nm to 200 nm.

Next, second heat treatment is preferably performed on the oxide semiconductor layer406ain an inert gas atmosphere or an oxygen atmosphere. By performing the second heat treatment, oxygen can be supplied to oxygen vacancy of the oxide semiconductor layer406a, and the intrinsic (i-type) or substantially intrinsic oxide semiconductor layer can be formed. The second heat treatment can reduce variations in electric characteristics of transistors. The second heat treatment is performed at 200° C. to 450° C., preferably 250° C. to 350° C. For example, the second heat treatment can be performed at 250° C. for one hour in a nitrogen atmosphere.

Through the above steps, the transistor450can be formed.

Further, the insulating layer418may be formed over the insulating layer412. The insulating layer418is preferably formed using an inorganic insulating material that does not contain impurities such as moisture, a hydrogen ion, and OH−and blocks entry of these impurities from the outside; for example, a silicon nitride film, an aluminum nitride film, a silicon nitride oxide film, an aluminum oxynitride film, or the like is used.

In this embodiment, a silicon nitride film is formed by an RF sputtering method, for example. Since an RF sputtering method has high productivity, it is preferably used as a method for depositing the insulating layer418(seeFIG. 15D).

Note that depending on the conditions of the first heat treatment and the second heat treatment or the material of the oxide semiconductor layer406a, part of the oxide semiconductor layer406amay be crystallized so that a microcrystal or a polycrystal is formed in the oxide semiconductor layer406a. When the oxide semiconductor layer406aincludes a non-single-crystal region, the transistor can have higher field-effect mobility and larger on-state current. On the other hand, when the oxide semiconductor layer406ais amorphous, variations in characteristics of a plurality of elements can be reduced.

By performing the above-described first heat treatment, hydrogen contained in the oxide semiconductor layer406can be reduced (preferably removed), so that the oxide semiconductor layer406can be highly purified so as to contain an impurity other than its main component as little as possible. Thus, defects levels generated due to excessive hydrogen atoms can be reduced. The hydrogen concentration of the oxide semiconductor layer406at that time is preferably 5×1019(atoms/cm3) or less. Moreover, the carrier density of the oxide semiconductor layer406is less than 1×1014cm−3, preferably less than 1×1012cm−3, further preferably less than 1.45×1019cm−3. That is, the carrier concentration of the oxide semiconductor layer406is as close to zero as possible. Furthermore, the band gap is 2 eV or more, preferably 2.5 eV or more, further preferably 3 eV or more.

By using the highly purified oxide semiconductor layer406for a channel formation region, the off-state current of the transistor can be reduced. The off-state current flows by generation and recombination of holes and electrons due to direct recombination or indirect recombination. Since the oxide semiconductor layer has a wide band gap and high thermal energy is needed for exciting electrons, direct recombination and indirect recombination are not likely to occur. Since a hole which is a minority carrier is substantially zero in an off state, direct recombination and indirect recombination are not likely to occur, and the off-state current can be reduced as much as possible. Thus, the transistor can have excellent properties of small off-state current, large on-state current, and high field-effect mobility.

As described above, the highly purified oxide semiconductor layer functions as a path, and carriers are supplied from the source and drain electrodes. By appropriately selecting the electron affinity (χ) and the Fermi level (ideally, the Fermi level identical to the intrinsic Fermi level) of the oxide semiconductor and the work function of the source and drain electrodes, carriers can be injected from the source electrode and the drain electrode while the carrier density of the oxide semiconductor layer remains low. Thus, an n-channel transistor and a p-channel transistor can be manufactured as appropriate.

The intrinsic carrier density of a highly purified oxide semiconductor is extremely lower than that of silicon. The intrinsic carrier density of silicon and an oxide semiconductor can be obtained from approximation formulae of the Fermi-Dirac distribution and the Boltzmann distribution. The intrinsic carrier density niof silicon is 1.45×1010cm−3and the intrinsic carrier density niof an oxide semiconductor (here, an In—Ga—Zn—O layer) is 1.2×10−7cm−3, that is, silicon has an intrinsic carrier density 1017times larger than that of the oxide semiconductor. In other words, it is clear that the intrinsic carrier density of the oxide semiconductor is extremely lower than that of silicon.

In this embodiment, the case where a bottom-gate thin film transistor is manufactured is described; however, one embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto and a top-gate thin film transistor can be manufactured.

<Electrical Conduction Mechanism of Transistor Including Oxide Semiconductor>

Next, an electrical conduction mechanism of a transistor including an oxide semiconductor will be described with reference toFIG. 23,FIGS. 24A and 24B,FIGS. 25A and 25B, andFIG. 26. Note that the following description is based on the assumption of an ideal situation for simplification and does not entirely reflect a real situation. In addition, the following description is only an examination.

FIG. 23is a cross-sectional view of an inverted staggered transistor (thin film transistor) including an oxide semiconductor. An oxide semiconductor layer (OS) is provided over a gate electrode layer (GE) with a gate insulating layer (GI) therebetween, and a source electrode layer (S) and a drain electrode layer (D) are provided thereover.

FIGS. 24A and 24Bare energy band diagrams (schematic diagrams) of the cross section along A-A′ inFIG. 23.FIG. 24Aillustrates the case where the potential difference between the source and the drain is zero (the source and the drain have the same potential, VD=0 V).FIG. 24Billustrates the case where the potential of the drain is higher than that of the source (VD>0).

FIGS. 25A and 25Bare energy band diagrams (schematic diagrams) of the cross section along B-B′ inFIG. 23.FIG. 25Aillustrates a state where a positive potential (+VG) is applied to the gate (GE1), that is, an on state where carriers (electrons) flow between the source and the drain.FIG. 25Billustrates a state where a negative potential (−VG) is applied to the gate (GE1), that is, an off state (a state where minority carriers do not flow).

FIG. 26illustrates the relation between the vacuum level and the work function (φM) of a metal and the relation between the vacuum level and the electron affinity (χ) of an oxide semiconductor.

Since electrons in the metal are degenerated, the Fermi level is located in the conduction band. On the other hand, a conventional oxide semiconductor is an n-type semiconductor, and the Fermi level (Ef) is distant from the intrinsic Fermi level (Ei) in the middle of the band gap and is located near the conduction band. It is known that hydrogen in the oxide semiconductor is a donor and might be a factor that causes an oxide semiconductor to be an n-type oxide semiconductor. Further, oxygen vacancy is known as one of the causes to produce an n-type oxide semiconductor.

In contrast, an oxide semiconductor according to one embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is an oxide semiconductor that is made to be intrinsic (i-type) or to be close to intrinsic in the following manner: hydrogen, which is the cause to produce an n-type oxide semiconductor, is removed from an oxide semiconductor for high purification so that the oxide semiconductor contains an element (impurity element) other than the main component of the oxide semiconductor as little as possible, and oxygen vacancy is eliminated. That is, an oxide semiconductor is made to be or be close to a highly purified i-type (intrinsic) semiconductor not by addition of an impurity element but by elimination of impurities such as hydrogen and water and oxygen vacancy as much as possible. Thus, the Fermi level (Ef) can be comparable with the intrinsic Fermi level (Ei).

In the case where the band gap (Eg) of an oxide semiconductor is 3.15 eV, the electron affinity (χ) is said to be 4.3 eV. The work function of titanium (Ti) included in the source electrode and the drain electrode is substantially equal to the electron affinity (χ) of the oxide semiconductor. In that case, a Schottky barrier for electrons is not formed at an interface between the metal and the oxide semiconductor.

That is, in the case where the work function (φM) of a metal is equal to the electron affinity (χ) of the oxide semiconductor and the metal and the oxide semiconductor are in contact with each other, an energy band diagram (a schematic diagram) illustrated inFIG. 24Ais obtained.

InFIG. 24B, a black dot (●) indicates an electron. When a positive potential is applied to the drain, the electron crosses over a barrier (h) and is injected into the oxide semiconductor, and flows toward the drain. The height of the barrier (h) depends on a gate voltage and a drain voltage. When a positive drain voltage is applied, the height of the barrier (h) is lower than the height of the barrier inFIG. 24Awhere a voltage is not applied, that is, half the band gap (Eg).

At this time, as illustrated inFIG. 25A, the electron travels in the vicinity of the interface between the gate insulating layer and the highly purified oxide semiconductor (the lowest part of the oxide semiconductor, which is energetically stable).

As illustrated inFIG. 25B, when a negative potential (a reverse bias) is applied to the gate electrode (GE1), a hole which is a minority carrier does not substantially exist, so that the current value is as close to zero as possible.

For example, even when a thin film transistor has a channel width W of 1×104μm and a channel length of 3 μm, the off-state current can be 10−13A or less and the subthreshold swing (S value) can be 0.1 V/dec at room temperature (with a 100-nm-thick gate insulating layer).

As described above, the oxide semiconductor is highly purified so as to contain impurities that are not main components of the oxide semiconductor as little as possible, so that the thin film transistor can operate in a favorable manner. For example, the off-state current at room temperature can be reduced to approximately 1×10−20A (10 zA (zeptoamperes)) to 1×10−19A (100 zA).

The above-described oxide semiconductor is a highly purified and electrically intrinsic (i-type) oxide semiconductor made by the following manner: in order to suppress variations in electrical characteristics, impurities which cause variations, such as hydrogen, moisture, a hydroxyl group, and hydride (also referred to as hydrogen compound), are removed intentionally; and oxygen which is a main component of the oxide semiconductor and is reduced in the step of removing impurities is supplied.

Therefore, it is preferable that the amount of hydrogen in the oxide semiconductor be as small as possible, and hydrogen contained in the oxide semiconductor is removed to as close to zero as possible so that the hydrogen concentration of the oxide semiconductor is 5×1019(atoms/cm3) or less. The hydrogen concentration of the oxide semiconductor may be measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS).

The number of carriers in the highly purified oxide semiconductor is extremely small (close to zero), and the carrier density is less than 1×1012cm−3, preferably less than 1.45×1010cm−3. That is, the carrier density of the oxide semiconductor layer is extremely close to zero. Since the number of carriers in the oxide semiconductor layer is extremely small, the off-state current of the thin film transistor can be reduced. It is preferable that the off-state current be as small as possible. The amount of current of the thin film transistor per a channel width (W) of 1 μm is 100 aA (i.e., 100 aA/μm) or less, preferably 10 aA (i.e., 10 aA/μm) or less, and further preferably 1 aA (i.e., 1 aA/μm) or less. Moreover, since the thin film transistor does not have pn junction and hot carrier degradation does not occur, electrical characteristics of the thin film transistor are not adversely affected.

As described above, the off-state current can be extremely small in a thin film transistor in which an oxide semiconductor layer that is highly purified by drastically removing hydrogen contained therein is used in a channel formation region. In other words, in circuit design, the oxide semiconductor layer can be regarded as an insulator when the thin film transistor is off. On the other hand, when the thin film transistor is on, the current supply capability of the oxide semiconductor is expected to be higher than that of a semiconductor layer formed of amorphous silicon.

Design is performed assuming that the off-state current of a thin film transistor formed using low-temperature polysilicon is about 10000 times as large as that of a thin film transistor formed using an oxide semiconductor. Thus, a period for holding voltage of the thin film transistor formed using an oxide semiconductor can be about 10000 times as long as that of the thin film transistor formed using low-temperature polysilicon, when these thin film transistors have an equivalent storage capacitance (of about 0.1 pF). For example, when moving images are displayed at 60 frames per second, a holding period for one signal writing can be approximately 160 seconds, which is 10000 times as long as that of the thin film transistor formed using low-temperature polysilicon. In this manner, still images can be displayed on a display portion even by less frequent writing of image signals.

By application of the transistor in this embodiment to any of the semiconductor devices in Embodiments 1 to 3, the drive capability of the semiconductor device can be improved.

In this embodiment, an example of a display device will be described.

FIG. 18Aillustrates an example of a display device. The display device inFIG. 18Aincludes a circuit5361, a circuit5362, a circuit5363_1, a circuit5363_2, and a pixel portion5364. A plurality of wirings5371that are extended from the circuit5362and a plurality of wirings5372that are extended from the circuits5363_1and5363_2are provided in the pixel portion5364. In addition, pixels5367are arranged in matrix in respective regions where the plurality of wirings5371and the plurality of wirings5372intersect with each other.

The circuit5361has a function of controlling the timing at which the circuit5362, the circuit5363_1, and the circuit5363_2operate. Accordingly, the circuit5361supplies a signal, voltage, current, or the like to the circuits5362,5363_1, and5363_2in response to a video signal5360. For example, the circuit5361supplies a source driver start signal (SSP), a source driver clock signal (SCK), a source driver inverted clock signal (SCKB), video signal data (DATA), and a latch signal (LAT) to the circuit5362. Moreover, the circuit5361supplies a gate driver start signal (GSP), a gate driver clock signal (GCK), and a gate driver inverted clock signal (GCKB) to the circuit5363_1and the circuit5363_2. As described above, the circuit5361has a function of a controller, a control circuit, a timing generator, a power supply circuit, a regulator, or the like.

The circuit5362has a function of outputting video signals to the plurality of wirings5371in response to a signal supplied from the circuit5361(e.g., SSP, SCK, SCKB, DATA, or LAT). That is, the circuit5362has a function of a source driver.

The circuit5363_1and the circuit5363_2each have a function of outputting gate signals to the plurality of wirings5372in response to a signal supplied from the circuit5361(e.g., GSP, GCK, or GCKB). That is, each of the circuit5363_1and the circuit5363_2can function as a gate driver.

Note that in the display device inFIG. 18A, the same signal is supplied to the circuit5363_1and the circuit5363_2, so that the circuit5363_1and the circuit5363_2often output gate signals to the plurality of wirings5372at about the same timing Therefore, the load of the circuit5363_1and the circuit5363_2can be reduced. However, one example of this embodiment is not limited to this structure. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 18B, different signals can be input to the circuit5363_1and the circuit5363_2. Accordingly, part of the plurality of wirings5372(e.g., odd-numbered rows) can be controlled by the circuit5363_1and another part of the plurality of wirings5372(e.g., even-numbered rows) can be controlled by the circuit5363_2. Thus, the drive frequency of the circuits5363_1and5363_2can be lowered.

As illustrated inFIG. 18B, the display device can include a circuit5365and a lighting device5366. The circuit5365has a function of controlling the amount of electric power supplied to the lighting device5366, time to supply the electric power to the lighting device5366, or the like in response to a backlight control signal (BLC) supplied from the circuit5361. Thus, the luminance (or average luminance) of the lighting device5366can be controlled in accordance with the video signal5360, so that local dimming can be realized. The luminance of the lighting device5366can be reduced when an image as a whole is dark, whereas the luminance of the lighting device5366can be increased when an image as a whole is bright. In this manner, the contrast ratio can be increased or power consumption can be reduced.

The plurality of wirings5371and the plurality of wirings5372function as signal lines. Specifically, the plurality of wirings5371function as source signal lines (also referred to as video signal lines), and the plurality of wirings5372function as gate signal lines (also referred to as scan signal lines or selection signal lines).

Note that one of the circuit5363_1and the circuit5363_2can be omitted. Alternatively, a circuit having a function similar to that of the circuits5363_1and5363_2can be additionally provided.

Note that one or a plurality of wirings (e.g., a capacitor line, a power supply line, a gate signal line, and/or a source signal line) can be provided in the pixel portion5364depending on the structure of the pixel5367. In such a case, it is possible to additionally provide a circuit for controlling a potential of the wiring additionally provided. Specifically, when a liquid crystal element, an electrophoretic element, or the like is used as a display element, a capacitor line is preferably provided in the pixel portion5364. Specifically, when an EL element is used as a display element, a power source is preferably provided in the pixel portion5364.

As illustrated inFIG. 19A, in the display device ofFIG. 18A, the circuit5362, the circuit5363_1, and the circuit5363_2can be formed over the substrate5380where the pixel portion5364is formed. Moreover, the circuit5361in the display device ofFIG. 18Acan be formed over a substrate different from the substrate where the pixel portion5364is formed.

As illustrated inFIG. 19B, in the display device ofFIG. 18A, the circuit5361and the circuit5362can be formed over a substrate different from the substrate where the pixel portion5364is formed. Since the drive frequency of the circuit5363_1and the circuit5363_2is often lower than that of the circuit5361and the circuit5362, the circuit5361and the circuit5362are preferably formed over a substrate different from the substrate where the circuit5363_1and the circuit5363_2are formed. Thus, the drive frequency of the circuit5361and the circuit5362can be increased, so that the size of the display device can be increased. Furthermore, the circuit5363_1and the circuit5363_2can be formed over the substrate where the pixel portion5364is formed, so that the display device can be manufactured at lower cost.

As illustrated inFIG. 19C, in the display device ofFIG. 18A, a circuit5362a(part of the circuit5362) can be formed over the substrate where the pixel portion5364is formed, and the circuit5361and a circuit5362b(another part of the circuit5362) can be formed over a substrate different from the substrate where the pixel portion5364is formed. A circuit whose drive frequency is comparatively low, such as a switch, a shift register, and/or a selector can be used as the circuit5362a. Thus, the drive frequency of the circuit5361and the circuit5362bcan be increased, so that the size of the display device can be increased. Alternatively, the circuit5362a, the circuit5363_1, and the circuit5363_2can be formed over the substrate where the pixel portion5364is formed, so that the display device can be manufactured at lower cost.

As illustrated inFIG. 19D, in the display device inFIG. 18A, a circuit5361a(part of the circuit5361) can be formed over the substrate where the pixel portion5364is formed, and a circuit5361b(another part of the circuit5361) can be formed over a substrate different from the substrate where the pixel portion5364is formed.

A circuit formed over a substrate different from the substrate where the pixel portion5364is formed (such a circuit is also referred to as an external circuit) often supplies a signal, voltage, current, or the like through an input terminal5381to a circuit or a wiring formed over the substrate where the pixel portion5364is formed.

Note that the external circuit can be mounted on an FPC (flexible printed circuit) by TAB (tape automated bonding). Alternatively, the external circuit can be mounted on the substrate5380where the pixel portion5364is formed, by COG (chip on glass).

The external circuit is preferably formed using a single crystal substrate, an SOI substrate, or the like. Accordingly, it is possible to realize improvement in drive frequency, improvement in drive voltage, reduction in variation of output signals, or the like.

Note that any of the semiconductor devices shown in Embodiments 1 to 4 can be applied to the display device in this embodiment. Specifically, any of the semiconductor devices in Embodiments 1 to 4 can be used as the circuit5362and the circuit5363. Thus, the drive capability of a circuit for driving the pixel portion5364(e.g., the circuit5362and the circuit5363) can be improved, so that the resolution of the pixel can be increased or the size of the display device can be increased.

Note that in this specification and the like, a display element, a display device which is a device including a display element, a light-emitting element, and a light-emitting device which is a device including a light-emitting element can employ various modes or can include various elements. For example, a display medium whose contrast, luminance, reflectance, transmittance, or the like changes by electromagnetic action, such as an EL (electroluminescence) element (e.g., an EL element including organic and inorganic materials, an organic EL element, or an inorganic EL element), an LED (e.g., a white LED, a red LED, a green LED, or a blue LED), a transistor (a transistor that emits light depending on the amount of current), an electron emitter, a liquid crystal element, electronic ink, an electrophoretic element, a grating light valve (GLV), a plasma display panel (PDP), a digital micromirror device (DMD), or a piezoelectric ceramic display, can be used for a display element, a display device, a light-emitting element, or a light-emitting device. An example of display devices including EL elements is an EL display. Examples of display devices including electron emitters are a field emission display (FED) and an SED-type flat panel display (SED: surface-conduction electron-emitter display). Examples of display devices including liquid crystal elements are liquid crystal displays (e.g., a transmissive liquid crystal display, a transflective liquid crystal display, a reflective liquid crystal display, a direct-view liquid crystal display, and a projection liquid crystal display). An example of display devices including electronic ink or electrophoretic elements is electronic paper.

An example of an EL element is an element including an anode, a cathode, and an EL layer placed between the anode and the cathode. Examples of an EL layer are a layer utilizing light emission (fluorescence) from a singlet exciton, a layer utilizing light emission (phosphorescence) from a triplet exciton, a layer utilizing light emission (fluorescence) from a singlet exciton and light emission (phosphorescence) from a triplet exciton, a layer formed using an organic material, a layer formed using an inorganic material, a layer formed using an organic material and an inorganic material, a layer including a high-molecular material, a layer including a low-molecular material, and a layer including a high-molecular material and a low-molecular material. Note that various types of EL elements can be used without limitation to the above.

An example of liquid crystal elements is an element that controls transmission and non-transmission of light by optical modulation action of liquid crystals. The element can include a pair of electrodes and a liquid crystal layer. The optical modulation action of liquid crystals is controlled by an electric field applied to the liquid crystal (including a lateral electric field, a vertical electric field, and a diagonal electric field). Specifically, the following can be used for a liquid crystal element, for example: a nematic liquid crystal, a cholesteric liquid crystal, a smectic liquid crystal, a discotic liquid crystal, a thermotropic liquid crystal, a lyotropic liquid crystal, a low-molecular liquid crystal, a high-molecular liquid crystal, a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), a ferroelectric liquid crystal, an anti-ferroelectric liquid crystal, a main-chain liquid crystal, a side-chain high-molecular liquid crystal, a plasma addressed liquid crystal (PALC), and a banana-shaped liquid crystal. Moreover, the following methods can be used for driving the liquid crystals, for example: a TN (twisted nematic) mode, an STN (super twisted nematic) mode, an IPS (in-plane-switching) mode, an FFS (fringe field switching) mode, an MVA (multi-domain vertical alignment) mode, a PVA (patterned vertical alignment) mode, an ASV (advanced super view) mode, an ASM (axially symmetric aligned microcell) mode, an OCB (optically compensated birefringence) mode, an ECB (electrically controlled birefringence) mode, an FLC (ferroelectric liquid crystal) mode, an AFLC (anti-ferroelectric liquid crystal) mode, a PDLC (polymer dispersed liquid crystal) mode, a PNLC (polymer network liquid crystal) mode, a guest-host mode, and a blue phase mode. Note that various liquid crystal elements and driving methods can be used without limitation to the above.

For example, display of electronic paper can be performed using molecules (a method utilizing optical anisotropy, dye molecular orientation, or the like), particles (a method utilizing electrophoresis, particle movement, particle rotation, phase change, or the like), movement of one end of a film, coloring properties or phase change of molecules, optical absorption by molecules, or self-light emission by combination of electrons and holes. Specific examples of display methods of electronic paper are microcapsule electrophoresis, horizontal electrophoresis, vertical electrophoresis, a spherical twisting ball, a magnetic twisting ball, a columnar twisting ball, a charged toner, electro liquid powder (registered trademark), magnetophoresis, a magnetic thermosensitive type, electrowetting, light-scattering (transparent-opaque change), a cholesteric liquid crystal and a photoconductive layer, a cholesteric liquid crystal, a bistable nematic liquid crystal, a ferroelectric liquid crystal, a liquid crystal dispersed type with a dichroic dye, a movable film, coloring and decoloring properties of a leuco dye, photochromism, electrochromism, electrodeposition, and flexible organic EL. Note that various electronic paper and display methods can be used without limitation to the above. By using microcapsule electrophoresis as a display method of electronic paper, problems of electrophoresis, that is, aggregation and precipitation of electrophoretic particles can be solved. By using electro liquid powder as a display method of electronic paper, the electronic paper has advantages such as high-speed response, high reflectance, wide viewing angle, low power consumption, and memory properties.

Note that electroluminescence, a cold cathode fluorescent lamp, a hot cathode fluorescent lamp, an LED, a laser light source, a mercury lamp, or the like can be used as a light source of a display device in which a light source is needed, such as a liquid crystal display (e.g., a transmissive liquid crystal display, a transflective liquid crystal display, a reflective liquid crystal display, a direct-view liquid crystal display, or a projection liquid crystal display), a display device including a grating light valve (GLV), or a display device including a digital micromirror device (DMD), for example. Note that a variety of light sources can be used without limitation to the above.

Note that in this specification and the like, a transistor can be formed using a variety of substrates. There is no particular limitation on the kind of a substrate. Examples of a substrate where a transistor is formed are a semiconductor substrate (e.g., a single crystal substrate and a silicon substrate), an SOI substrate, a glass substrate, a quartz substrate, a plastic substrate, a metal substrate, a stainless steel substrate, a substrate including stainless steel foil, a tungsten substrate, a substrate including tungsten foil, a flexible substrate, an attachment film, paper including a fibrous material, and a base material film. Examples of a glass substrate are a barium borosilicate glass substrate, an aluminoborosilicate glass substrate, and a soda lime glass substrate. For a flexible substrate, a flexible synthetic resin such as plastics typified by polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), and polyether sulfone (PES), or acrylic can be used, for example. An example of an attachment film is an attachment film formed using polypropylene, polyester, vinyl, polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinyl chloride, or the like. For a base film, polyester, polyamide, polyimide, an inorganic vapor deposition film, paper, or the like can be used, for example. Specifically, when a transistor is formed using a semiconductor substrate, a single crystal substrate, an SOI substrate, or the like, it is possible to form a transistor with few variations in characteristics, size, shape, or the like and with high current supply capability and a small size. By forming a circuit using such transistors, power consumption of the circuit can be reduced or the circuit can be highly integrated.

Note that a transistor may be formed using one substrate, and then, the transistor may be transferred to another substrate. Example of a substrate to which a transistor is transferred are, in addition to the above-described substrate where the transistor can be formed, a paper substrate, a cellophane substrate, a stone substrate, a wood substrate, a cloth substrate (including a natural fiber (e.g., silk, cotton, or hemp), a synthetic fiber (e.g., nylon, polyurethane, or polyester), a regenerated fiber (e.g., acetate, cupra, rayon, or regenerated polyester), or the like), a leather substrate, and a rubber substrate. By using such a substrate, transistors with excellent properties or transistors with low power consumption can be formed, a device with high durability or high heat resistance can be formed, or reduction in weight or thickness can be achieved.

Note that all the circuits that are necessary to realize a desired function can be formed using one substrate (e.g., a glass substrate, a plastic substrate, a single crystal substrate, or an SOI substrate).

In addition, not all the circuits that are necessary to realize the predetermined function are needed to be formed using one substrate. That is, part of the circuits which are necessary to realize the predetermined function can be formed using one substrate and another part of the circuits which are necessary to realize the predetermined function can be formed using another substrate. For example, some of the circuits which are necessary to realize the predetermined function can be formed using a glass substrate and some of the circuits which are necessary to realize the predetermined function can be formed using a single crystal substrate (or an SOI substrate). Then, the single crystal substrate where some of the circuits which are necessary to realize the predetermined function (such a substrate is also referred to as an IC chip) are formed can be connected to the glass substrate by COG (chip on glass), and the IC chip can be provided over the glass substrate. Alternatively, the IC chip can be connected to the glass substrate by TAB (tape automated bonding), COF (chip on film), SMT (surface mount technology), a printed circuit board, or the like.

Note that the transistor in Embodiment 5 can be used as a transistor included in a driver circuit (e.g., the circuit5362and the circuit5363) and/or a transistor included in the pixel portion5354.

In this embodiment, an example of a pixel and a method for driving the pixel will be described. Specifically, an example of a pixel that includes a display element with memory properties and an example of a method for driving the pixel will be described.

FIG. 20Aillustrates an example of a circuit diagram of a pixel. A pixel5450includes a transistor5451, a capacitor5452, and a display element5453. A first terminal of the transistor5451is connected to a wiring5461. A second terminal of the transistor5451is connected to one electrode of the capacitor5452and one electrode of the display element5453(also referred to as a pixel electrode). A gate of the transistor5451is connected to a wiring5462. The other electrode of the capacitor5452is connected to a wiring5463. The other electrode of the display element5453is connected to an electrode5454(also referred to as a common electrode, a counter electrode, or a cathode electrode).

Note that an electrode5455refers to one electrode of the display element5453.

The display element5453preferably has memory properties. Examples of the display element5453and a method for driving the display element are microcapsule electrophoresis, microcup electrophoresis, horizontal electrophoresis, vertical electrophoresis, twisting ball, liquid powder display, electro liquid powder, a cholesteric liquid crystal, a chiral nematic liquid crystal, an anti-ferroelectric liquid crystal, a polymer dispersed liquid crystal, a charged toner, electrowetting, electrochromism, and electrodeposition.

FIG. 20Bis a cross-sectional view of a pixel using microcapsule electrophoresis. A plurality of microcapsules5480are placed between an electrode5454and an electrode5455. The plurality of microcapsules5480are fixed by a resin5481. The resin5481functions as a binder. The resin5481preferably has light-transmitting properties. A space formed by the electrode5454, the electrode5455, and the microcapsule5480can be filled with a gas such as air or an inert gas. Note that the microcapsules5480can be fixed by formation of a layer including an adhesive or the like on a surface of one or both of the electrodes5454and5455.

The microcapsule5480includes a film5482, a liquid5483, particles5484, and particles5485. The liquid5483, the particles5484, and the particles5485are sealed in the film5482. The film5482has light-transmitting properties. The liquid5483functions as a dispersion liquid. The particles5484and the particles5485can be dispersed in the film5482by the liquid5483. It is preferable that the liquid5483have light-transmitting properties and be not colored. The particle5484and the particle5485have different colors. For example, it is preferable that one of the particle5484and the particle5485be black and the other of the particle5484and the particle5485be white. Note that the particle5484and the particle5485are charged so that their electric charge densities are different from each other. For example, one of the particle5484and the particle5485is positively charged and the other of the particle5484and the particle5485is negatively charged. Thus, when a potential difference occurs between the electrode5454and the electrode5455, the particle5484and the particle5485move in accordance with the direction of electric fields. Accordingly, the reflectance of the display element5453is changed, so that the gray level can be controlled. Note that the structure of the microcapsule5480is not limited to the above-described structure. For example, the liquid5483can be colored. As another example, as particles sealed in the film5482, one kind of particles or three kinds or more of particles can be used. As another example, colors of the particle5484and the particle5485can be selected from red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, yellow emerald green, vermillion, and the like in addition to white and black.

The film5482is formed using a light-transmitting material (e.g., a polymer resin such as an acrylic resin (e.g., poly(methyl methacrylate) or poly(ethyl methacrylate)), a urea resin, or gum arabic), for example. Note that the film5482is preferably gelatinous. By using such a film5482, the plasticity, bending strength, mechanical strength, and the like can be improved, leading to improvement in flexibility. Alternatively, the microcapsules5480can be uniformly arranged with no gap therebetween over a substrate such as film.

A light-transmitting oily liquid is preferably used as the liquid5483. Specific examples of the liquid5483are an alcohol-based solvent (e.g., methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, octanol, and methyl cellosolve), ester (e.g., ethyl acetate and butyl acetate), aliphatic hydrocarbon (e.g., ketone such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and methyl isobutyl ketone; pentane, hexane, and octane), alicyclic hydrocarbon (e.g., cyclohexane and methylcyclohexane), aromatic hydrocarbon such as benzene having a long-chain alkyl group (e.g., benzene, toluene, xylene, hexylbenzene, butylbenzene, octylbenzene, nonylbenzene, decylbenzene, undecylbenzene, dodecylbenzene, tridecylbenzene, and tetradecylbenzene), halogenated hydrocarbon (e.g., methylene chloride, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, and dichloroethane), calboxylate salt, water, and other kinds of oils. Other examples of the liquid5483are a mixture of two or more of the above-described materials, a combination of a surface active agent or the like and one of the above materials, and a combination of a surface active agent or the like and a mixture of two or more of the above materials.

Each of the particle5484and the particle5485is formed using a pigment. The pigments included in the particle5484and the particle5485preferably have different colors. For example, it is preferable that the particle5484be formed using a black pigment and the particle5485be formed using a white pigment. Examples of the black pigment are aniline black and carbon black. Examples of the white pigment are titanium dioxide, zinc white (zinc oxide), and antimony trioxide. Note that it is possible to add, to the above-described pigment, a charge controlling agent (e.g., electrolyte, a surface active agent, metallic soap, resin, rubber, oil, varnish, or a compound), a dispersing agent (e.g., a titanium-based coupling agent, an aluminum-based coupling agent, or a silane-based coupling agent), a lubricant agent, a stabilizing agent, or the like.

FIG. 21Ais a cross-sectional view of a pixel in the case where a twisting ball display method is used for the display element5453. In the twisting ball display method, the reflectance is changed by rotation of a display element in order to control the gray level. The difference fromFIG. 20Bis that instead of the microcapsule5480, a twisting ball5486is placed between the electrode5454and the electrode5455. The twisting ball5486includes a particle5487and a cavity5488formed around the particle5487. The particle5487is a spherical particle in which a surface of one hemisphere is colored in a given color and a surface of the other hemisphere is colored in a different color. Here, the particle5487has a white hemisphere and a black hemisphere. Note that there is a difference in electric charge density between the two hemispheres. For that reason, by generating a potential difference between the electrode5454and the electrode5455, the particle5487can be rotated in accordance with the direction of electric fields. The cavity5488is filled with a liquid. As the liquid, a liquid similar to the liquid5483can be used. Note that the structure of the twisting ball5486is not limited to the structure illustrated inFIG. 21A. For example, the twisting ball5486can be a cylinder, an ellipse, or the like.

FIG. 21Bis a cross-sectional view of a pixel in the case where a microcup electrophoresis method is used for the display element5453. A microcup array can be formed in the following manner: a microcup5491that is formed using a UV curable resin or the like and has a plurality of recessed portions is filled with charged pigment particles5493dispersed in a dielectric solvent5492, and sealing is performed with a sealing layer5494. An adhesive layer5495is preferably formed between the sealing layer5494and the electrode5455. As the dielectric solvent5492, a colorless solvent can be used or a colored solvent of red, blue, or the like can be used. This embodiment shows the case where one kind of charged pigment particles is used; alternatively, two or more kinds of charged pigment particles may be used. The microcup has a wall by which cells are separated, and thus has sufficiently high resistance to shock and pressure. Moreover, since the components of the microcup are tightly sealed, adverse effects due to change in environment can be reduced.

FIG. 21Cis a cross-sectional view of a pixel in the case where an electro liquid powder display method is used for the display element5453. The electro liquid powder has fluidity and is a substance having properties of fluid and properties of a particle. In this method, cells are separated by partitions5504, and electro liquid powders5502and electro liquid powders5503are placed in the cell. As the electro liquid powder5502and the electro liquid powder5503, a white particle and a black particle are preferably used. Note that the kinds of the electro liquid powders5502and5503are not limited thereto. For example, colored particles of two colors which are not white and black can be used as the electro liquid powders5502and5503. As another example, one of the electro liquid powder5502and the electro liquid powder5503can be omitted.

A signal is input to the wiring5461. Specifically, a signal for controlling the gray level of the display element5453(e.g., a video signal) is input to the wiring5461. Accordingly, the wiring5461functions as a signal line or a source signal line (also referred to as a video signal line or a source line). A signal is input to the wiring5462. Specifically, a signal for controlling a conduction state of the transistor5451(e.g., a gate signal, a scan signal, or a selection signal) is input to the wiring5462. Accordingly, the wiring5462functions as a signal line or a gate signal line (also referred to as a scan signal line or a gate line). A constant voltage is supplied to the wiring5463. The wiring5463is connected to the capacitor5452. Accordingly, the wiring5463functions as a power supply line or a capacitor line. A constant voltage is supplied to the electrode5454. The electrode5454is often shared with a plurality of pixels or all the pixels. Accordingly, the electrode5454functions as a common electrode (also referred to as a counter electrode or a cathode electrode).

Note that the signals or voltages input to the wiring5461, the wiring5462, the wiring5463, and the electrode5454are not limited to the above, and various other signals or voltages can be input. For example, a signal can be input to the wiring5463. Thus, the potential of the electrode5455can be controlled, so that the amplitude voltage of a signal input to the wiring5461can be reduced. Thus, the wiring5463can have a function of a signal line. As another example, by changing a voltage supplied to the electrode5454, a voltage applied to the display element5453can be adjusted. Thus, the amplitude voltage of a signal input to the wiring5461can be reduced.

The transistor5451has a function of controlling electrical continuity between the wiring5461and the electrode5455, a function of controlling the timing of supplying the potential of the wiring5461to the electrode5455, or a function of controlling the timing of selecting the pixel5450. In such a manner, the transistor5451has a function of a switch or a selection transistor. The transistor5451is an n-channel transistor. For that reason, the transistor5451is turned on when an H signal is input to the wiring5462, and is turned off when an L signal is input to the wiring5462. Note that transistor5451is not limited to an n-channel transistor and can be a p-channel transistor. In that case, the transistor5451is turned on when an L signal is input to the wiring5462, and is turned off when an H signal is input to the wiring5462. The capacitor5452has a function of holding the potential difference between the electrode5455and the wiring5463, or a function of keeping the potential of the electrode5455a predetermined value. Thus, a voltage can continue to be applied to the display element5453even when the transistor5451is off. In such a manner, the capacitor5452has a function of a storage capacitor. Note that functions of the transistor5451and the capacitor5452are not limited to the above, and the transistor5451and the capacitor5452can have various other functions.

Next, operation of the pixel in this embodiment will be roughly described. The gray level of the display element5453is controlled by applying a voltage to the display element5453so that an electric field is generated in the display element5453. A voltage applied to the display element5453is controlled by controlling the potential of the electrode5454and the potential of the electrode5455. Specifically, the potential of the electrode5454is controlled by controlling a voltage applied to the electrode5454. The potential of the electrode5455is controlled by controlling a signal input to the wiring5461. The signal input to the wiring5461is supplied to the electrode5455when the transistor5451is turned on.

Note that the gray level of the display element5453can be controlled by controlling the intensity or the direction of electric fields applied to the display element5453, the time to apply electric fields to the display element5453, or the like. Note that the gray level of the display element5453can be maintained by not generating a potential difference between the electrode5454and the electrode5455.

Next, an example of operation of the pixel in this embodiment will be described. The timing chart inFIG. 22Ashows a period T including a selection period and a non-selection period. The period T is a period from the start of a selection period until the start of the next selection period.

In the selection period, an H signal is input to the wiring5462, so that the potential of the wiring5462(referred to as a potential V5462) is at the H level. For that reason, the transistor5451is turned on, so that electrical continuity is established between the wiring5461and the electrode5455. Thus, a signal input to the wiring5461is supplied to the electrode5455through the transistor5451. Then, the potential of the electrode5455(referred to as a potential V5455) becomes equal to the signal input to the wiring5461. At this time, the capacitor5452holds a potential difference between the electrode5455and the wiring5463. In the non-selection period, an L signal is input to the wiring5462, so that the potential of the wiring5462is at the L level. For that reason, the transistor5451is turned off, so that electrical continuity between the wiring5461and the electrode5455is broken. Then, the electrode5455is set in a floating state. At this time, the capacitor5452holds the potential difference in the selection period between the electrode5455and the wiring5463. For that reason, the potential of the electrode5455remains equal to the signal input to the wiring5461in the selection period. In such a manner, in the non-selection period, a voltage can continue to be applied to the display element5453even when the transistor5451is off. As described above, by controlling a signal input to the wiring5461in the selection period, a voltage applied to the display element5453can be controlled. That is, the gray level of the display element5453can be controlled by controlling a signal input to the wiring5461in the selection period.

Note that the potential of the electrode5455in the non-selection period may be different from the signal input to the wiring5461in the selection period because of adverse effects of the off-state current of the transistor5451, feedthrough of the transistor5451, charge injection of the transistor5451, or the like.

As illustrated inFIG. 22B, the potential of the electrode5455can be equal to that of the electrode5454in part of the selection period. For that reason, by changing the potential of the electrode5455in part of the selection period even when the same signal is continuously input to the wiring5461, the intensity of electric fields applied to the display element5453can be changed. Thus, afterimages can be reduced; the response speed can be increased; or variations in response speed between pixels can be reduced so that unevenness or afterimages can be prevented. In order to realize such a driving method, the selection period can be divided into a period T1and a period T2. In the period T1, the signal input to the wiring5461is preferably equal to the potential of the electrode5454. In the period T2, the signal input to the wiring5461preferably has various values in order to control the gray level of the display element5453. Note that when the period T1is too long, a period during which a signal for controlling the gray level of the display element5453is written into the pixel5450becomes short. Therefore, the period T1is preferably shorter than the period T2. Specifically, the period T1accounts for preferably 1 to 20%, more preferably 3 to 15%, further preferably 5 to 10% of the selection period.

Next described is an example of operation of the pixel in this embodiment, in which the gray level of the display element5453is controlled by the time to apply a voltage to the display element5453. The timing chart inFIG. 22Cshows a period Ta and a period Tb. The period Ta includes N periods T (N is a natural number). The N periods T are similar to the period T illustrated inFIG. 22AorFIG. 22B. The period Ta is a period for changing the gray level of the display element5453(e.g., an address period, a writing period, or an image rewriting period). The period Tb is a period for holding the gray level of the display element5453in the period Ta (i.e., a holding period).

A voltage V0is supplied to the electrode5454, so that a potential V0is applied to the electrode5454. A signal having at least three values is input to the wiring5463and three potentials of the signal are a potential VH (VH>V0), the potential V0, and a potential VL (VL<V0); accordingly, the potential VH, the potential V0, and the potential VL are selectively applied to the electrode5455.

In each of the N periods T in the period Ta, by controlling a potential applied to the electrode5455, a voltage applied to the display element5453can be controlled. For example, when the potential VH is applied to the electrode5455, the potential difference between the electrode5454and the electrode5455becomes VH−VL. Thus, a positive voltage can be applied to the display element5453. When the potential V0is applied to the electrode5455, the potential difference between the electrode5454and the electrode5455becomes zero. Thus, zero voltage can be applied to the display element5453. When the potential VL is applied to the electrode5455, the potential difference between the electrode5454and the electrode5455becomes VL−VH. Thus, a negative voltage can be applied to the display element5453. As described above, in the period Ta, the positive voltage (VH−VL), the negative voltage (VL−VH), and zero voltage can be applied to the display element5453in a variety of orders. Thus, the gray level of the display element5453can be closely controlled; afterimages can be reduced; or the response speed can be increased.

Note that in this embodiment, when a positive voltage is applied to the display element5453, the gray level of the display element5453is close to black (also referred to as a first gray level). When a negative voltage is applied to the display element5453, the gray level of the display element5453is close to white (also referred to as a second gray level). When zero voltage is applied to the display element5453, the gray level of the display element5453is maintained.

In the period Tb, a signal input to the wiring5461is not written into the pixel5450. Therefore, a potential applied to the electrode5455in the Nth period T in the period Ta continues to be applied in the period Tb. Specifically, it is preferable that in the period Tb, the gray level of the display element5453be maintained by not generating a field effect in the display element5453. For that reason, in the Nth period T in the period Ta, the potential V0is preferably applied to the electrode5455. Thus, the potential V0is applied to the electrode5455also in the period Tb, so that zero voltage is applied to the display element5453. In such a manner, the gray level of the display element5453can be maintained.

Note that as the gray level to be subsequently expressed by the display element5453is closer to the first gray level, the time during which the potential VH is applied to the electrode5455is preferably longer in the period Ta. Alternatively, the frequency of application of the potential VH to the electrode5455is preferably higher in the N periods T. Alternatively, in the period Ta, it is preferable to increase a time obtained by subtracting the time during which the potential VL is applied to the electrode5455from the time during which the potential VH is applied to the electrode5455. Further alternatively, in the N periods T, it is preferable to increase a frequency obtained by subtracting the frequency of application of the potential VL to the electrode5455from the frequency of application of the potential VH to the electrode5455.

In addition, as the gray level to be subsequently expressed by the display element5453is closer to the second gray level, the time during which the potential VL is applied to the electrode5455is preferably longer in the period Ta. Alternatively, the frequency of application of the potential VL to the electrode5455is preferably higher in the N periods T. Alternatively, in the period Ta, it is preferable to increase a time obtained by subtracting the time during which the potential VH is applied to the electrode5455from the time during which the potential VL is applied to the electrode5455. Further alternatively, in the N periods T, it is preferable to increase a frequency obtained by subtracting the frequency of application of the potential VH to the electrode5455from the frequency of application of the potential VL to the electrode5455.

In the period Ta, a combination of potentials (the potential VH, the potential V0, and the potential VL) applied to the electrode5455can depend not only on the gray level to be subsequently expressed by the display element5453, but also on the gray level that has been expressed by the display element5453. For that reason, if a different gray level has been expressed by the display element5453, a combination of potentials applied to the electrode5455may vary even when the gray level to be subsequently expressed by the display element5453is the same.

For example, in the period Ta for expressing the gray level that has been expressed by the display element5453, the time during which the potential VL is applied to the electrode5455is preferably longer in the period Ta in any of the following cases: the case where the time during which the potential VH is applied to the electrode5455is longer; the case where a time obtained by subtracting the time during which the potential VL is applied to the electrode5455from the time during which the potential VH is applied to the electrode5455is longer; the case where the frequency of application of the potential VH to the electrode5455is higher in the N periods T; or the case where a frequency obtained by subtracting the frequency of application of the potential VL to the electrode5455from the frequency of application of the potential VH to the electrode5455is higher in the N periods T. Alternatively, the frequency of application of the potential VL to the electrode5455is preferably higher in the N periods T. Alternatively, in the period Ta, it is preferable to increase a time obtained by subtracting the time during which the potential VH is applied to the electrode5455from the time during which the potential VL is applied to the electrode5455. Further alternatively, in the N periods T, it is preferable to increase a frequency obtained by subtracting the frequency of application of the potential VH to the electrode5455from the frequency of application of the potential VL to the electrode5455. In such a manner, afterimages can be reduced.

As another example, in the period Ta for expressing the gray level that has been expressed by the display element5453, the time during which the potential VH is applied to the electrode5455is preferably longer in the period Ta in any of the following cases: the case where the time during which the potential VL is applied to the electrode5455is longer; the case where a time obtained by subtracting the time during which the potential VH is applied to the electrode5455from the time during which the potential VL is applied to the electrode5455is longer; the case where the frequency of application of the potential VL to the electrode5455is higher in the N periods T; or the case where a frequency obtained by subtracting the frequency of application of the potential VH to the electrode5455from the frequency of application of the potential VL to the electrode5455is higher in the N periods T. Alternatively, the frequency of application of the potential VH to the electrode5455is preferably higher in the N periods T. Alternatively, in the period Ta, it is preferable to increase a time obtained by subtracting the time during which the potential VL is applied to the electrode5455from the time during which the potential VH is applied to the electrode5455. Further alternatively, in the N periods T, it is preferable to increase a frequency obtained by subtracting the frequency of application of the potential VL to the electrode5455from the frequency of application of the potential VH to the electrode5455. In such a manner, afterimages can be reduced.

Note that the N periods T have the same length; however, the length of the N periods T is not limited thereto and the lengths of at least two of the N periods T can be different from each other. It is particularly preferable that the length of the N periods T be weighted. For example, in the case where N=4 and the length of the first period T is denoted by a time h, the length of the second period T is preferably a time h×2, the length of the third period T is preferably a time h×4, and the length of the fourth period T is preferably a time h×8. When the length of the N periods T is weighted in such a manner, the frequency of selection of the pixel5450can be reduced and the time to apply a voltage to the display element5453can be closely controlled. Thus, power consumption can be reduced.

Note that the potential VH and the potential VL can be selectively applied to the electrode5454. In this case, it is preferable that the potential VH and the potential VL be selectively applied also to the electrode5455. For example, in the case where the potential VH is applied to the electrode5454, zero voltage is applied to the display element5453when the potential VH is applied to the electrode5455, whereas a negative voltage is applied to the display element5453when the potential VL is applied to the electrode5455. On the other hand, in the case where the potential VL is applied to the electrode5454, a positive voltage is applied to the display element5453when the potential VH is applied to the electrode5455, whereas zero voltage is applied to the display element5453when the potential VL is applied to the electrode5455. In such a manner, the signal input to the wiring5461can have two values (i.e., the signal can be a digital signal). For that reason, it is possible to simplify a circuit that outputs a signal to the wiring5461.

Note that in the period Tb or part of the period Tb, it is possible not to input a signal to the wiring5461and the wiring5462. That is, the wiring5461and the wiring5462can be set in a floating state. Moreover, in the period Tb or part of the period Tb, it is possible not to input a signal to the wiring5463. That is, the wiring5463can be set in a floating state. Furthermore, in the period Tb or part of the period Tb, it is possible not to supply a voltage to the electrode5454. That is, the electrode5454can be set in a floating state.

The display element with memory properties in this embodiment needs to be supplied with a voltage higher than that for an ordinary liquid crystal element (e.g., a TN liquid crystal). The drive voltage can be increased by using the semiconductor device in any of Embodiments 1 to 4 which includes the transistor in Embodiment 5 as a circuit for driving the display element with memory properties. This is because the transistor in Embodiment 5 has withstand voltage higher than that of an amorphous silicon thin film transistor (a-Si TFT), a polycrystalline silicon thin film transistor (p-Si TFT), or the like.

In addition, it is preferable that the transistor shown in Embodiment 5 be used as the transistor5451included in the pixel that includes the display element with memory properties, as well as using the transistor in Embodiment 5 in the circuit for driving the display element with memory properties. Thus, the off-state current of the transistor5451can be reduced, so that the channel width of the transistor5451can be reduced or the area of the capacitor5452can be reduced. As a result, the area of the pixel can be reduced. Therefore, when the pixel in this embodiment is provided in a pixel portion of a display device, the resolution of the display device can be increased. Moreover, the circuit for driving the display element with memory properties and the pixel portion including the display element with memory properties can be easily formed over one substrate.

In this embodiment, examples of electronic devices will be described.

FIG. 27Aillustrates a personal digital assistant that can include a switch5009, an infrared port5010, and the like in addition to the above-described components.FIG. 27Billustrates a portable image reproducing device (e.g., a DVD reproducing device) provided with a memory medium, and the image reproducing device can include a second display portion5002, a memory medium reading portion5011, and the like in addition to the above components.FIG. 27Eillustrates a mobile television device that can include an antenna5014and the like in addition to the above components.FIG. 27Dillustrates a portable game machine that can include the memory medium reading portion5011and the like in addition to the above components.FIG. 27Cillustrates a projector that can include a light source5033, a projector lens5034, and the like in addition to the above components.FIG. 27Fillustrates a portable game machine that can include the second display portion5002, the memory medium reading portion5011, and the like in addition to the above components.FIG. 27Gillustrates a television receiver that can include a tuner, an image processing portion, and the like in addition to the above components.FIG. 27Hillustrates a portable television receiver that can include a charger5017capable of transmitting and receiving signals and the like in addition to the above components.FIG. 28Aillustrates a display that can include a support base5018and the like in addition to the above-described components.FIG. 28Billustrates a camera that can include an external connecting port5019, a shutter button5015, an image receiving portion5016, and the like in addition to the above components.FIG. 28Cillustrates a computer that can include a pointing device5020, the external connecting port5019, a reader/writer5021, and the like in addition to the above components.FIG. 28Dillustrates a mobile phone that can include the antenna5014, a tuner of one-segment (1 seg digital TV broadcasts) partial reception service for mobile phones and mobile terminals, and the like in addition to the above components.

The electronic devices illustrated inFIGS. 27A to 27HandFIGS. 28A to 28Dcan have a variety of functions, for example, a function of displaying a variety of information (a still image, a moving image, a text image, and the like) on a display portion; a touch panel function; a function of displaying a calendar, date, time, and the like; a function of controlling process with a variety of software (programs); a wireless communication function; a function of being connected to a variety of computer networks with a wireless communication function; a function of transmitting and receiving a variety of data with a wireless communication function; and a function of reading program or data stored in a memory medium and displaying the program or data on a display portion. Further, the electronic device including a plurality of display portions can have a function of displaying image information mainly on one display portion and displaying text information on another display portion, a function of displaying a three-dimensional image by displaying images where parallax is considered on a plurality of display portions, or the like. Furthermore, the electronic device including an image receiving portion can have a function of photographing a still image, a function of photographing a moving image, a function of automatically or manually correcting a photographed image, a function of storing a photographed image in a memory medium (an external memory medium or a memory medium incorporated in the camera), a function of displaying a photographed image on a display portion, or the like. Note that functions which can be provided for the electronic devices illustrated inFIGS. 27A to 27HandFIGS. 28A to 28Dare not limited to those described above, and the electronic devices can have a variety of functions.

Next, applications of a semiconductor device will be described.

FIG. 28Eillustrates an example in which a semiconductor device is incorporated in a building structure.FIG. 28Eillustrates a housing5022, a display portion5023, a remote controller5024which is an operation portion, a speaker5025, and the like. The semiconductor device is incorporated in the building as a wall-hanging type, so that the semiconductor device can be provided without requiring a large space.

FIG. 28Fillustrates another example in which a semiconductor device is incorporated in a building. A display panel5026is integrated with a prefabricated bath5027, so that a person who takes a bath can watch the display panel5026.

Note that although this embodiment gives the wall and the prefabricated bath as examples of the building, this embodiment is not limited to these examples and the semiconductor device can be provided in a variety of buildings.

Next, examples in which the semiconductor device is incorporated with a moving object will be described.

FIG. 28Gillustrates an example in which the semiconductor device is provided in a car. A display panel5028is provided in a body5029of the car and can display information related to the operation of the car or information input from inside or outside of the car on demand. Note that a navigation function may be provided.

FIG. 28Hillustrates an example in which the semiconductor device is incorporated in a passenger airplane.FIG. 28Hillustrates a usage pattern when a display panel5031is provided for a ceiling5030above a seat of the airplane. The display panel5031is integrated with the ceiling5030through a hinge portion5032, and a passenger can watch the display panel5031by extending and contracting the hinge portion5032. The display panel5031has a function of displaying information when operated by the passenger.

Note that although this embodiment gives the body of the car and the body of the plane as examples of the moving body, this embodiment is not limited to these examples. The semiconductor device can be provided for a variety of moving bodies such as a two-wheel motor vehicle, a four-wheel vehicle (including a car, bus, and the like), a train (including a monorail, a railway, and the like), and a ship.

Any of the semiconductor devices in Embodiments 1 to 4 is preferably provided in the electronic device shown in this embodiment. In particular, any of the semiconductor devices in Embodiments 1 to 4 is preferably provided as a circuit for driving the display portion of the electronic device. When any of the semiconductor devices in Embodiments 1 to 4 is provided as a circuit for driving the display portion of the electronic device, the area of the driver circuit can be reduced and the size of the display portion can be increased. Alternatively, the resolution of the display portion can be increased.

In this embodiment, another example of the structure and the manufacturing method of the semiconductor device according to Embodiment 5 will be described with reference toFIGS. 29A to 29D. In this embodiment, the difference from Embodiment 5 is described in detail and the description of Embodiment 5 is employed for similar portions.

First, the gate electrode layer411is formed over the substrate400, and then, the gate insulating layer402is formed so as to cover the gate electrode layer411. After that, a first oxide semiconductor layer404is formed over the gate insulating layer402.

The first oxide semiconductor layer404can be formed using an oxide semiconductor material which is a three-component metal oxide and can be represented by In-Mx-Zny—Oz(Y=0.5 to 5). Here, M denotes one or plural kinds of elements selected from elements of Group 13, such as gallium (Ga), aluminum (Al), and boron (B). Note that the amount of In, M, Zn, and O contained is not limited and the amount of M can be zero (i.e., X can be 0). In contrast, the amount of In and Zn is not zero. That is, the above expression represents In—Ga—Zn—O and In—Zn—O, for example.

Like the oxide semiconductor layer406in Embodiment 5, the first oxide semiconductor layer404can be formed using a four-component metal oxide such as an In—Sn—Ga—Zn—O-based metal oxide; a three-component metal oxide such as an In—Ga—Zn—O-based metal oxide, an In—Sn—Zn—O-based metal oxide, an In—Al—Zn—O based metal oxide, a Sn—Ga—Zn—O-based metal oxide, an Al—Ga—Zn—O-based metal oxide, or a Sn—Al—Zn—O-based metal oxide; a two-component metal oxide such as an In—Zn—O-based metal oxide, a Sn—Zn—O-based metal oxide, an Al—Zn—O-based metal oxide, a Zn—Mg—O-based metal oxide, a Sn—Mg—O-based metal oxide, or an In—Mg—O-based metal oxide; an In—O-based metal oxide, a Sn—O-based metal oxide, a Zn—O-based metal oxide, or the like.

In this embodiment, the first oxide semiconductor layer404is formed by a sputtering method with the use of an In—Ga—Zn—O-based oxide semiconductor target.

As a target used for forming the In—Ga—Zn—O-based first oxide semiconductor layer404by a sputtering method, a metal oxide target containing zinc oxide as its main component can be used, for example. The target containing In, Ga, and Zn has a composition ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:x:y (x is 0 or larger and y is 0.5 to 5). For example, a target with a composition ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:1:1 [atomic ratio] (x=1 and y=1; that is, In2O3:Ga2O3:ZnO=1:1:2 [molar ratio]) may be used. As the oxide semiconductor target, it is possible to use a target with a composition ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:1:0.5 [atomic ratio], a target with a composition ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:1:2 [atomic ratio], or a target with a composition ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:0:1 [atomic ratio] (x=0 and y=1). In this embodiment, it is preferable to use an oxide semiconductor target with which crystals are easily generated, because heat treatment is performed later in order to intentionally crystallize the first oxide semiconductor layer404.

Then, the first heat treatment is performed on the first oxide semiconductor layer404, so that a region including at least a surface of the first oxide semiconductor layer404is crystallized (seeFIG. 29A). By performing the first heat treatment on the first oxide semiconductor layer404, an excess amount of water (including a hydroxyl group), hydrogen, and the like that are contained in the first oxide semiconductor layer404can be removed. The first heat treatment is performed at 450° C. to 850° C., preferably 550° C. to 750° C. for 1 minute to 24 hours.

In this embodiment, as the first heat treatment, heat treatment is performed at 700° C. for one hour in a nitrogen atmosphere; after dehydration or dehydrogenation is performed, the atmosphere is switched to an oxygen atmosphere so that oxygen is supplied inside the first oxide semiconductor layer404.

The first heat treatment in Embodiment 5 can be referred to for other conditions of the heat treatment; therefore, the detailed description is not repeated.

The first heat treatment is performed on the first oxide semiconductor layer404, so that a non-single-crystal region can be formed in the region including at least the surface of the first oxide semiconductor layer404. The non-single-crystal region formed in the region including the surface of the first oxide semiconductor layer404is formed by crystal growth from the surface toward the inside. The non-single-crystal region is a plate-like non-single-crystal layer with an average thickness of 2 nm to 10 nm Moreover, the non-single-crystal region includes a non-single-crystal layer which has a c-axis alignment in the direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the first oxide semiconductor layer404. Here, “substantially parallel” means a state within ±10° from a parallel direction. Further, “substantially perpendicular” means a state within ±10° from a perpendicular direction.

Next, a second oxide semiconductor layer405is formed over the first oxide semiconductor layer404(seeFIG. 29B).

Like the first oxide semiconductor layer404, the second oxide semiconductor layer405can be formed using a four-component metal oxide such as an In—Sn—Ga—Zn—O-based metal oxide; a three-component metal oxide such as an In—Ga—Zn—O-based metal oxide, an In—Sn—Zn—O-based metal oxide, an In—Al—Zn—O based metal oxide, a Sn—Ga—Zn—O-based metal oxide, an Al—Ga—Zn—O-based metal oxide, or a Sn—Al—Zn—O-based metal oxide; a two-component metal oxide such as an In—Zn—O-based metal oxide, a Sn—Zn—O-based metal oxide, an Al—Zn—O-based metal oxide, a Zn—Mg—O-based metal oxide, a Sn—Mg—O-based metal oxide, or an In—Mg—O-based metal oxide; an In—O-based metal oxide, a Sn—O-based metal oxide, a Zn—O-based metal oxide, or the like.

It is preferable that the second oxide semiconductor layer405be formed using a material containing the same main component as the first oxide semiconductor layer404, or that the second oxide semiconductor layer405have the same crystal structure as the first oxide semiconductor layer404and have a lattice constant close to the first oxide semiconductor layer404(the mismatch is 1% or lower). In the case where a material containing the same main component is used for the second oxide semiconductor layer405and the first oxide semiconductor layer404, the second oxide semiconductor layer405is easily crystallized when crystals grow using the non-single-crystal region of the first oxide semiconductor layer404as seeds in the second heat treatment performed later. Moreover, the case where a material containing the same main component is used for these oxide semiconductor layers, favorable electrical characteristics and interface characteristics such as adhesion between the second oxide semiconductor layer405and the first oxide semiconductor layer404can be obtained.

Alternatively, the second oxide semiconductor layer405may be formed using a material containing a main component different from that of a material for the first oxide semiconductor layer404. In the case of using a material containing a main component different from that of a material for the first oxide semiconductor layer404, electrical characteristics of the layers can be different from each other. For example, when the second oxide semiconductor layer405is formed using a material with high electrical conductivity and the first oxide semiconductor layer404is formed using a material with low electrical conductivity, it is possible to realize a semiconductor device in which adverse effects of the base interface are reduced. Furthermore, when a material that is easily crystallized is used for the first oxide semiconductor layer404to form a favorable seed crystal and then, the second oxide semiconductor layer405is formed and crystallized, the crystallinity of the second oxide semiconductor layer405can be favorable regardless of easiness of crystallization of the second oxide semiconductor layer405.

In this embodiment, the second oxide semiconductor layer405is formed by a sputtering method with the use of an In—Ga—Zn—O-based oxide semiconductor target. The second oxide semiconductor layer405may be deposited in a manner similar to that of the first oxide semiconductor layer404. Note that the thickness of the second oxide semiconductor layer405is preferably larger than that of the first oxide semiconductor layer404. Moreover, it is preferable to form the second oxide semiconductor layer405so that the sum of the thickness of the first and second oxide semiconductor layers404and405is 3 nm to 50 nm Note that since an appropriate thickness differs depending on an oxide semiconductor material to be used, application, and the like, the thickness is set in accordance with the material to be used, application, and the like.

Next, the second heat treatment is performed on the second oxide semiconductor layer405, so that crystals grow using the non-single-crystal region of the first oxide semiconductor layer404as seeds and the crystallized second oxide semiconductor layer405is formed (seeFIG. 29C).

By performing the second heat treatment on the second oxide semiconductor layer405, crystals can grow in the entire second oxide semiconductor layer405from the non-single-crystal region formed at the interface between the first oxide semiconductor layer404and the second oxide semiconductor layer405, and the crystallized second oxide semiconductor layer405can be formed. Furthermore, by performing the second heat treatment, the first oxide semiconductor layer404can be a non-single-crystal layer with higher degree of crystal orientation.

Note that in the first oxide semiconductor layer404, a region overlapping with unevenness of the gate insulating layer402has a grain boundary and thus has a non-single-crystal structure. In the second oxide semiconductor layer405, a region that serves as a channel formation region at least has a flat surface. Moreover, the region serving as the channel formation region in the second oxide semiconductor layer405includes c-axis-oriented non-single crystals like the first oxide semiconductor layer404. Note that in the region overlapping with the gate electrode layer411(i.e., the channel formation region), a difference in height of the surface of the second oxide semiconductor layer405is preferably 1 nm or less, further preferably 0.2 nm or less. The a-axis and the b-axis of the non-single crystals deviate in the channel formation region of the second oxide semiconductor layer405.

For example, when an In—Ga—Zn—O-based oxide semiconductor material is used for the second oxide semiconductor layer405, the second oxide semiconductor layer405can include a crystal represented by InGaO3(ZnO)m(m is larger than 0 and is not a natural number), a crystal represented by In2Ga2ZnO7(In:Ga:Zn:O=2:2:1:7), or the like. By the second heat treatment, such crystals align so that the c-axis is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the second oxide semiconductor layer405.

Here, the above-described crystal includes any of In, Ga, and Zn and can be considered to have a layered structure of layers parallel to the a-axis and the b-axis. Specifically, the above crystal has a structure in which a layer that contains In and a layer that does not contain In (i.e., a layer that contains Ga or Zn) are stacked in the c-axis direction.

In the In—Ga—Zn—O-based oxide semiconductor, the conductivity in the direction parallel to the a-axis and the b-axis of the layer containing In is favorable. This is because electrical conduction in the In—Ga—Zn—O-based oxide semiconductor is mainly controlled by In and because a carrier path is formed since the 5 s orbital of one In overlaps with the 5 s orbital of adjacent In.

When the first oxide semiconductor layer404includes an amorphous region at the interface with the gate insulating layer402, the second heat treatment sometimes makes crystal grow from the crystalline region formed on the surface of the first oxide semiconductor layer404toward a bottom surface of the first oxide semiconductor layer404so that the amorphous region is crystallized. Note that the amorphous region is left in some cases depending on the material included in the gate insulating layer402, the conditions of the heat treatment, or the like.

In the case where the first oxide semiconductor layer404and the second oxide semiconductor layer405are formed using an oxide semiconductor material with the same main component, when crystal grows upward toward the surface of the second oxide semiconductor layer405as illustrated inFIG. 29C, using the first oxide semiconductor layer404as the seeds for crystal growth, the first oxide semiconductor layer404and the second oxide semiconductor layer405have the same crystal structure. For that reason, although shown by dot lines inFIG. 29C, the interface between the first oxide semiconductor layer404and the second oxide semiconductor layer405cannot be recognized and the first and second oxide semiconductor layers404and405can be regarded as one layer in some cases.

In such a manner, by performing the second heat treatment, the entire second oxide semiconductor layer405can be crystallized from the non-single-crystal region formed at the interface between the second oxide semiconductor layer405and the first oxide semiconductor layer404. Furthermore, by performing the second heat treatment, the first oxide semiconductor layer404can be a non-single-crystal layer with higher degree of crystal orientation.

The second heat treatment is performed at 450° C. to 850° C., preferably 600° C. to 700° C. for 1 minute to 100 hours, preferably 5 hours to 20 hours, typically 10 hours.

Also in the second heat treatment, it is preferable that water, hydrogen, and the like be not contained in nitrogen, oxygen, or a rare gas such as helium, neon, or argon. Alternatively, it is preferable that the purity of nitrogen, oxygen, or the rare gas such as helium, neon, or argon which is introduced into a heat treatment apparatus be 6N or higher, further preferably 7N or higher. The second heat treatment may be performed in ultra-dry air with an H2O concentration of 20 ppm or lower, preferably in ultra-dry air with an H2O concentration of 1 ppm or lower. By such second heat treatment, water (including a hydroxyl group), hydrogen, and the like that are contained in the second oxide semiconductor layer405can be removed. Thus, it is possible to form the first oxide semiconductor layer404and the second oxide semiconductor layer405that are made to be intrinsic or substantially intrinsic by being highly purified by reduction in impurities.

In addition, the atmosphere inside a furnace may be switched so that a nitrogen atmosphere is used when the temperature is increased in the second heat treatment and an oxygen atmosphere is used at the time of cooling; when the atmosphere is switched to an oxygen atmosphere after dehydration or dehydrogenation is performed in a nitrogen atmosphere, oxygen can be supplied inside the second oxide semiconductor layer405.

The heat treatment apparatus in Embodiment 5 can be referred to for the heat treatment apparatus used in the second heat treatment; therefore, the detailed description is not repeated.

The subsequent steps can refer to Embodiment 5 (FIGS. 15B to 15D).

Through the above-described process, the transistor450including the oxide semiconductor layer406ais completed (seeFIG. 29D).

The non-single-crystal region is formed in the oxide semiconductor layer406aas described above, whereby the mobility of the transistor can be increased. When the transistor whose mobility is increased in such a manner is applied to a circuit for which high-speed operation is required, the drive capability of the circuit can be improved.

By application of the transistor in this embodiment to any of the semiconductor devices in Embodiments 1 to 3, the drive capability of the semiconductor device can be improved.

In addition, a combination of the transistor in this embodiment and the transistor in Embodiment 5 can be applied to any of the semiconductor devices in Embodiments 1 to 4.

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application serial no. 2009-282268 filed with Japan Patent Office on Dec. 11, 2009, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.