Semiconductor device with volatile and non-volatile memories to retain data during power interruption

An object is to solve all of the following problems caused when a volatile register and a non-volatile register are used as registers in a processor: degradation of the integrity of data stored in the non-volatile register; loss of data security due to the processor and a non-volatile memory device that are provided apart from each other; and slow data processing speed due to wiring delay or the like caused by these devices provided apart from each other. When data maintained in the volatile register is stored in the non-volatile register before supply of power supply voltage is stopped, the data is encrypted by an encryption circuit and stored in a non-volatile memory device that is provided separately from the processor. Then, the data stored in the non-volatile register is compared with the compressed and encrypted data stored in the non-volatile memory device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and particularly to a semiconductor device capable of retaining data even when the supply of power is stopped and a method for driving the semiconductor device.

2. Description of the Related Art

The increase in operating frequency and miniaturization of elements have been researched and developed to improve performance and reduce power consumption of semiconductor devices such as micro processing units (MPUs). On the other hand, power consumption of semiconductor devices due to leakage power caused by miniaturization of elements has been steadily increased.

To deal with the problem of increased power consumption, recent attention has been focused on a technique of saving data in a non-volatile memory device and stopping the supply of power to circuits other than a circuit that needs to operate.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) is used as a non-volatile memory element. In the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1, data is saved from a processor to a non-volatile memory device provided outside the processor before the supply of power is stopped, and the data saved in the non-volatile memory device is restored to the processor when the supply of power is resumed.

Patent Document 2 discloses a structure in which data is encrypted when the data is saved from a processor to a non-volatile memory device. In the structure disclosed in Patent Document 2, the processor is reset when data obtained by decrypting encrypted data is incorrect.

REFERENCE

Patent Document 1: PCT International Publication No. 2009/136442

Patent Document 2: Japanese Published Patent Application No. 2008-204459

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In Patent Documents 1 and 2, the processor and the non-volatile memory device input and output data via a bus line.

It has been difficult to fabricate a processor and a non-volatile memory device on one chip because they are formed in different processes and have different operating voltages.

Because of the necessity of two devices of a processor and a non-volatile memory device, data security cannot be maintained without encryption of data saved from the processor to the non-volatile memory device.

To address the data security problem, data to be saved can be subjected to encryption as disclosed in Patent Document 2.

Meanwhile, when a processor and a non-volatile memory device are different chips, as the amount of saved data is increased, wiring delay due to parasitic resistance, parasitic capacitance, and the like of a bus line provided between the processor and the non-volatile memory device results in slower speed of data saving. Furthermore, as the amount of data to be restored is increased, wiring delay of the bus line reduces data reading speed when data is restored to the processor; thus, the processing speed of the processor is decreased.

Moreover, a volatile register and a non-volatile register may be used as registers in a processor so that data can be saved and restored at high speed in the processor.

However, when a volatile register and a non-volatile register are used as registers in a processor, false data might be stored in the non-volatile register or data stored in the non-volatile register might be lost. Such improper data storage or data loss degrades the data integrity of the non-volatile register during power interruption, which adversely affects the operation at the resumption of power supply.

In view of the above, an object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor device capable of solving all of the following problems caused when a volatile register and a non-volatile register are used as registers in a processor, and a method for driving the semiconductor device. The problems to be solved are degradation of the integrity of data stored in the non-volatile register, loss of data security due to the processor and a non-volatile memory device that are provided apart from each other, and slow data processing speed due to wiring delay or the like caused by these devices provided apart from each other.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a volatile register and a non-volatile register are used as registers in a processor. When data maintained in the volatile register is stored in the non-volatile register before supply of power supply voltage is stopped, the data is compressed and encrypted by an encryption circuit and the resulting data is stored in a non-volatile memory device that is provided separately from the processor. Then, the data stored in the non-volatile register is compared with the compressed and encrypted data stored in the non-volatile memory device.

With the structure of one embodiment of the present invention, the volatile register and the non-volatile register can be fabricated on one chip through successive steps; data can be input and output between the volatile register and the non-volatile register in the processor; the amount of data saved in the non-volatile register is reduced by data compression and thus a smaller amount of data can be input and output through a bus line; and data stored in the non-volatile register can be verified against data that is encrypted and then decrypted.

One embodiment of the present invention is a semiconductor device including a processor including a volatile register and a non-volatile register; an encryption circuit compressing and encrypting first data stored in the non-volatile register to create second data; a non-volatile memory device storing the second data; and a control circuit comparing the first data and third data obtained by decryption of the second data, to verify whether the first data is correct or not.

One embodiment of the present invention is a semiconductor device including a processor including a volatile register and a non-volatile register; an encryption circuit compressing and encrypting first data stored in the non-volatile register to create second data; a non-volatile memory device that stores the second data and includes a memory element fabricated in a process different from a process of fabricating a memory element included in the non-volatile register; and a control circuit comparing the first data and third data obtained by decryption of the second data, to verify whether the first data is correct or not.

In the semiconductor device of one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that second data be input to and output from the encryption circuit, the control circuit, and the non-volatile memory device through a bus line.

In the semiconductor device of one embodiment of the present invention, the control circuit preferably includes a decryption circuit generating the third data by decrypting the second data, and a comparator circuit comparing the first data and the third data.

In the semiconductor device of one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the memory element included in the non-volatile register store the first data by holding charge with a transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer.

One embodiment of the present invention is a method for driving any of the above semiconductor devices through the following steps: saving the first data to the non-volatile register; copying the first data to the encryption circuit; compressing and encrypting the copied first data to create the second data; transferring the second data to the non-volatile memory device; and stopping supply of a power supply voltage to the processor.

One embodiment of the present invention is a method for driving any of the above semiconductor devices through the following steps: resuming supply of a power supply voltage to the processor; transferring the second data to the control circuit; decrypting the second data to create the third data; copying the first data stored in the non-volatile register to the control circuit; performing a comparison between the first data and the third data; and reading the first data stored in the non-volatile register and transmitting the first data to the volatile register to resume processing when the comparison shows that the first data and the third data are the same, or discarding the first data stored in the non-volatile register when the comparison shows that the first data and the third data are not the same.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the integrity of data stored in the non-volatile register can be ensured by verification of the data stored in the non-volatile register against data obtained by compression and subsequent decoding. In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, data input to and output from the bus line is encrypted, so that the integrity of data can be improved even when the processor and the non-volatile memory device are provided apart from each other. Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, data input to and output from the bus line is compressed, so that data processing speed depending on wiring delay or the like can be improved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments will be hereinafter described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiments can be implemented with various modes. It will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modes and details can be changed in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the following description of the embodiments. Note that in structures of the present invention described below, reference numerals denoting the same portions are used in common in different drawings.

In the drawings, the size, the thickness of layers, or regions may be exaggerated for clarity in some cases; therefore, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to such a scale. Note that drawings are schematic views of ideal examples, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the shape or the value illustrated in the drawings. For example, variation in signal, voltage, or current due to noise or a difference in timing can be included.

In this specification and the like, a transistor is an element having at least three terminals: a gate, a drain, and a source. The transistor has a channel region between the drain (a drain terminal, a drain region, or a drain electrode) and the source (a source terminal, a source region, or a source electrode), and current can flow through the drain, the channel region, and the source.

Here, since the source and the drain of the transistor may change depending on a structure, operating conditions, and the like of the transistor, it is difficult to define which is a source or a drain. Thus, it is possible that a portion functioning as the source and a portion functioning as the drain are not called a source and a drain, and that one of the source and the drain is referred to as a first electrode and the other is referred to as a second electrode.

Note that in this specification, ordinal numbers such as “first”, “second”, and “third” are used to avoid confusion among components, and thus do not limit the number of the components.

In this specification, the expression “A and B are connected” means the case where A and B are electrically connected to each other in addition to the case where A and B are directly connected to each other. Here, the expression “A and B are electrically connected” means the case where electric signals can be transmitted and received between A and B when an object having any electric action exists between A and B.

In this specification, terms for explaining arrangement, such as “over” and “under”, are used for convenience to describe the positional relation between components with reference to drawings. Further, the positional relation between components is changed as appropriate in accordance with a direction in which each component is described. Thus, there is no limitation on terms used in this specification, and description can be made as appropriate depending on the situation.

Note that the layout of circuit blocks in a drawing specifies the positional relation for description. Thus, even when a drawing shows that different functions are achieved in different circuit blocks, an actual circuit block may be configured so that the different functions are achieved in the same circuit block. In addition, the function of each circuit block in a drawing is specified for description. Thus, even when one circuit block is illustrated, an actual circuit or region may be configured so that processing which is shown as being performed in the one circuit block is performed in a plurality of circuit blocks.

In this specification, voltage often refers to a potential difference between a given potential and a reference potential (e.g., a ground potential). Accordingly, voltage, potential, and potential difference can also be referred to as potential, voltage, and voltage difference, respectively. Note that voltage refers to a difference between potentials of two points, and a potential refers to electrostatic energy (electric potential energy) of a unit charge at a given point in an electrostatic field.

In this specification, the term “parallel” indicates that the angle formed between two straight lines ranges from −10° to 10°, and accordingly also includes the case where the angle ranges from −5° to 5°. In addition, the term “perpendicular” indicates that the angle formed between two straight lines ranges from 80° to 100°, and accordingly also includes the case where the angle ranges from 85° to 95°.

In this embodiment, a circuit configuration and operation of a memory cell included in a semiconductor device of one embodiment of the disclosed invention will be described with reference toFIG. 1.

Note that a semiconductor device refers to a device including a semiconductor element. A semiconductor device includes an encryption circuit, a non-volatile memory device, and a control circuit in addition to a processor.

FIG. 1is a block diagram of a semiconductor device. A semiconductor device100illustrated inFIG. 1includes a processor101, an encryption circuit102, a non-volatile memory device (referred to as non-volatile memory in drawings)103, and a control circuit104.

The processor101includes both of a nonvolatile register and a volatile register. Specifically, the processor101includes a volatile register105and a non-volatile register106.

The volatile register105and the non-volatile register106each perform data storage associated with data processing. Data storage in the processor101is performed by the volatile register105while power is supplied, and is performed by the non-volatile register106while the supply of power is stopped.

The volatile register105is preferably composed of elements that are stacked by an element included in the non-volatile register106. Specifically, the volatile register105can use silicon-based semiconductor elements (e.g., capacitor and transistor).

The non-volatile register106preferably includes an element having a non-volatile memory element that is stacked on the element included in the volatile register105. Specific examples of the non-volatile memory element that can be used in the non-volatile register106are ferroelectric random access memory (FeRAM), magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM), phase-change memory (PRAM), resistive random access memory (ReRAM) utilizing change in electric-field induced colossal electroresistance, and a non-volatile memory element using a transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer.

The encryption circuit102compresses and encrypts data stored in the non-volatile register106(hereinafter referred to as first data). The first data is read from the non-volatile register106under the control of the control circuit104and copied to the encryption circuit102. Data that is compressed and encrypted by the encryption circuit102(hereinafter referred to as second data) is read from the encryption circuit102under the control of the control circuit104, and stored in the non-volatile memory device103. Note that the second data can be read and transmitted to the control circuit104under the control of the control circuit104and converted into data decrypted by a decryption circuit included in the control circuit104(hereinafter referred to as third data).

Note that the second data is obtained by compressing and encrypting the first data; thus, the amount of the second data is smaller than that of the first data. The encryption circuit102can employ a symmetric-key algorithm, for example. Examples of a symmetric-key algorithm include Data Encryption Standard (DES) and Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). Note that the same cryptographic keys can be used for both encryption by the encryption circuit102and decryption by the decryption circuit included in the control circuit104.

Alternatively, the encryption circuit102can be an error detection circuit. In this case, the second data is an error-detecting code (cyclic redundancy check: CRC), and the decryption circuit in the control circuit104can be omitted, resulting in omission of decoding of the second data to the third data. Here, the first data that is compared with the error-detecting code, which is the second data, can be converted into an error-detecting code like the second data for verification. An error-detecting code can be a checksum.

The non-volatile memory device103is a circuit capable of storing the second data even while the supply of power is stopped.

Specifically, a memory element in the non-volatile memory device103can be flash memory. Other examples of the memory element that can be used in the non-volatile memory device103are ferroelectric random access memory (FeRAM), magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM), phase-change memory (PRAM), resistive random access memory (ReRAM) utilizing change in electric-field induced colossal electroresistance, and a non-volatile memory element using a transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer.

The control circuit104controls the processor101, the encryption circuit102, and the non-volatile memory device103in response to stop or restart of power supply. Specifically, the control circuit104controls these circuits so that the following operations involved in stop of power supply are performed, for example: saving of the first data from the volatile register105to the non-volatile register106; copy of the first data to the encryption circuit102; storage of the second data in the non-volatile memory device103; decryption of the second data; and comparison between the third data and the first data.

In the semiconductor device100described above, the first data stored in the non-volatile register106is copied to the encryption circuit102via a bus line107under the control of the control circuit104. Then, in the semiconductor device100, the copied first data is converted into the second data, which is compressed and encrypted by the encryption circuit102, and after that, the second data obtained by compression and encryption is stored in the non-volatile memory device103under the control of the control circuit104. Thus, even when the supply of power to the processor101and the non-volatile memory device103is stopped, the first data can be stored in the non-volatile register106and the second data can be stored in the non-volatile memory device103.

After the supply of power to the processor101and the non-volatile memory device103is resumed in the semiconductor device100, the second data stored in the non-volatile memory device103is converted into the third data, which is decrypted by the control circuit104. Then, in the semiconductor device100, the decrypted third data is compared with the first data, which is copied under the control of the control circuit104, and whether the first data stored in the non-volatile register106is maintained correctly during power interruption can be judged by the comparison result.

With the structure of this embodiment, the volatile register105and the non-volatile register106can be mounted on one chip through successive steps. Fabricating these registers as one chip enables data to be transmitted and received therebetween without passing through the bus line107such as a data bus and an address bus. As a result, adverse effects of wiring delay due to parasitic resistance, parasitic capacitance, and the like of the bus line107can be eliminated.

Moreover, integration of the volatile register105and the non-volatile register106on one chip increases the speed of data saving from the volatile register105to the non-volatile register106and data restoration from the non-volatile register106to the volatile register105.

In addition, in the structure of this embodiment, data transmitted and received between the encryption circuit102and the non-volatile memory device103is the encrypted second data, so that the data security can be enhanced even when these two devices are positioned apart from each other. Furthermore, in the structure of this embodiment, data saved from the encryption circuit102to the non-volatile memory device103is compressed to be transmitted and received. Accordingly, adverse effects of wiring delay due to parasitic resistance, parasitic capacitance, and the like of the bus line107can be reduced, and data processing speed can be increased.

In the structure of this embodiment, the second data stored in the non-volatile memory device103is decrypted by the control circuit104to be the third data after the supply of power is resumed, and the third data and the first data stored in the non-volatile register106are compared for verification. Thus, the integrity of the first data can be ensured.

Next, operations of stopping and restarting the supply of power to the semiconductor device100inFIG. 1will be described with reference toFIGS. 2 to 7.

FIG. 2is a block diagram in which a decryption circuit (referred to as decoder circuit in drawings)108and a comparator circuit109are added in the control circuit104in the block diagram ofFIG. 1.

The decryption circuit108illustrated inFIG. 2decrypts the second data stored in the non-volatile memory device103. Specifically, the decryption circuit108changes the second data into the decrypted third data.

The comparator circuit109inFIG. 2compares the third data with the first data that is copied from the non-volatile register106to verify whether the first data is maintained correctly during power interruption.

FIG. 3is a flow chart showing data saving and restoration operations performed simultaneously with stop and restart of power supply to the semiconductor device100inFIG. 2.

First, the processor101operates in Step S101. In the state where the processor operates, data input to the processor101is processed; this state corresponds to normal operation. At this time, power is continuously supplied, and data obtained by arithmetic processing is temporarily stored in the volatile register105.

In Step S102, whether no processing is performed in the processor101for a given time is judged. The procedure proceeds to Step S103when no processing is performed in the processor101for a given time. The procedure returns to Step S101when processing is performed in the processor101. Note that the expression “no processing is performed in the processor for a given time” means that data to be processed is not input to the processor101within a given time and thus the processor101is idle. Further, the term “a given time” is a period whose length is set as appropriate in consideration of the performance of the processor101, for example.

In Step S103, data saving operation is performed so that the data in the volatile register105is written into the non-volatile register106and the supply of power is stopped. The data saving operation in Step S103will be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 4 and 5.

In Step S104, the processor101is stopped. In the state where the processor stops, the supply of power to the processor101is stopped, and data is not input to or output from the processor101. In this state, data in the volatile register105is lost and data in the non-volatile register106is retained.

In Step S105, whether processing in the processor101is required is judged. The procedure proceeds to Step S106when processing in the processor101is required. The procedure returns to Step S104when processing in the processor101is not required. Note that whether processing in the processor101is required may be judged at predetermined intervals by using a timer, or may be judged by the control circuit104every time an input is given from an external device.

In Step S106, data restoration operation is performed so that the supply of power is restarted and the data in the non-volatile register106is read and transmitted to the volatile register105. The data restoration operation in Step S106will be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 6 and 7.

In Step S107, the processor101operates as in Step S101. That is, power is continuously supplied, and data obtained by arithmetic processing is temporarily stored in the volatile register105.

As described above, according to the flow chart inFIG. 3, the supply of power to the semiconductor device100inFIG. 2can be stopped and restarted as appropriate when the processor101needs to be operated. In addition, data saving and restoration operations can be implemented simultaneously with stop and restart of power supply to the semiconductor device100, thereby preventing data loss before and after stop and restart of power supply.

FIG. 4is a flow chart of the data saving operation corresponding to Step S103in the flow chart ofFIG. 3.FIG. 5is a block diagram in which the operations shown in the flow chart ofFIG. 4are added to the block diagram of the semiconductor device100inFIG. 2.

First, in Step S201, the processor101makes data stored in the volatile register105(first data) to be saved and stored in the non-volatile register106.

In Step S202, the data (first data) stored in the non-volatile register106is copied to the encryption circuit102under the control of the control circuit104.

In Step S203, the encryption circuit102compresses and encrypts the data (first data) to create compressed and encrypted data (second data). The compressed and encrypted data (second data) is temporarily transferred to the control circuit104under the control of the control circuit104.

In Step S204, the control circuit104transmits the compressed and encrypted data (second data), which is transferred from the encryption circuit102, to the non-volatile memory device103.

In Step S205, the non-volatile memory device103stores the compressed and encrypted data (second data), which is transferred from the control circuit104.

In Step S206, the supply of power to the processor101, the encryption circuit102, and the non-volatile memory device103is stopped under the control of the control circuit104.

The block diagram inFIG. 5illustrates input and output of the first data and the second data (indicated as 1st data and 2nd data inFIG. 5) in the semiconductor device that are performed as above according to the flow chart ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 6is a flow chart of the data restoration operation corresponding to Step S106in the flow chart ofFIG. 3.FIG. 7is a block diagram in which the operations shown in the flow chart ofFIG. 6are added to the block diagram of the semiconductor device100inFIG. 2.

First, in Step S301, the supply of power to the processor101, the encryption circuit102, and the non-volatile memory device103is restarted under the control of the control circuit104.

In Step S302, the data (second data) stored in the non-volatile memory device103is transferred to the decryption circuit108under the control of the control circuit104.

In Step S303, the decryption circuit108decrypts the data (second data), thereby obtaining decrypted data (third data).

In Step S304, the decrypted data (third data) is transferred to the comparator circuit109under the control of the control circuit104.

In Step S305, the data (first data) stored in the non-volatile register106is copied to the comparator circuit109under the control of the control circuit104.

In Step S306, whether the data (third data) obtained by decrypting the data stored in the non-volatile memory device103during power interruption is the same as the data (first data) stored in the non-volatile register106during power interruption is judged. The procedure proceeds to Step S307when the data (third data) obtained by decrypting the data stored in the non-volatile memory device103is the same as the data (first data) stored in the non-volatile register106. The procedure proceeds to Step S308when they are not the same data.

In the case where the third data is the same as the first data, the first data is regarded as correct data and used in subsequent process in Step S307. Specifically, the processor101reads (loads) the first data to the volatile register105and resumes data processing.

In the case where the third data is not the same as the first data, the first data is regarded as incorrect data and thus is not used in subsequent process in Step S308. Specifically, the processor101discards the first data and reads new data from another device to the volatile register105to resume processing.

The block diagram inFIG. 7illustrates input and output of the first data, the second data, and the third data (indicated as 1st data, 2nd data, and 3rd data inFIG. 7) in the semiconductor device that are performed as above according to the flow chart ofFIG. 6.

With the structure shown in this embodiment, it is possible to provide a semiconductor device that obtains data integrity and security without reduction in data processing speed due to wiring delay or the like. It is also possible to provide a method for driving the semiconductor device.

A register having a non-volatile part and a volatile part will be described with reference toFIG. 8.

FIG. 8is a circuit diagram of a register with 1-bit storage capacity having a non-volatile part and a volatile part. The register illustrated inFIG. 8includes a memory circuit201and a memory circuit202. The memory circuit201is a 1-bit volatile register, and the memory circuit202is a 1-bit non-volatile register. Note that the memory circuits201and202can include another element such as a diode, a resistor, or an inductor as needed.

The memory circuit201includes inverters211to213, transmission gates214and215, NAND216, and NAND217. The memory circuit201stores data while power is supplied. The memory circuit201writes the stored data to the memory circuit202in a period just before the supply of power is stopped. Then, the data written into the memory circuit202is read out in a period just after the supply of power is resumed, and the read data is used as data of the memory circuit201.

The memory circuit202includes a selector221, a transistor222, a capacitor223, transistors231to233, a capacitor234, and an inverter235. The memory circuit202is capable of storing data while the supply of power is stopped.

The inverter211has a function of generating a clock signal CLKb that is obtained by inverting the polarity of the potential of a clock signal CLK. In the transmission gates214and215, the inverter212, and the NAND217, whether to output a signal is selected in accordance with the clock signals CLK and CLKb.

The transmission gate214has a function of supplying a data signal D supplied to its input terminal to a first input terminal of the NAND216when the clock signal CLK is low and the clock signal CLKb is high. Moreover, the transmission gate214has high impedance and stops the supply of the data signal D to the first input terminal of the NAND216when the clock signal CLK is high and the clock signal CLKb is low.

The NAND216is a two-input NAND. The first input terminal of the NAND216is supplied with the data signal D output from the transmission gate214or a signal output from the inverter212. A second input terminal of the NAND216is supplied with a control signal RESET. The NAND216has a function of outputting a signal to a first input terminal of the selector221in accordance with the signals input to the first and second input terminals.

The selector221is a two-input multiplexer. The first input terminal of the selector221is supplied with a signal output from the NAND216. A second input terminal of the selector221is supplied with a signal output from the inverter235. The selector221has a function of outputting a signal input to its first input terminal to an input terminal of the inverter212, an input terminal of the transmission gate215, and a first terminal of the transistor222when the control signal RE is low. Moreover, the selector221has a function of outputting a signal input to its second input terminal to the input terminal of the inverter212, the input terminal of the transmission gate215, and the first terminal of the transistor222when the control signal RE is high.

The inverter212has a function of inverting the polarity of the potential of a signal supplied to its input terminal and outputting the inverted signal when the clock signal CLK is high and the clock signal CLKb is low. The output signal is supplied to the second input terminal of the NAND216. Further, the inverter212has high impedance and stops the supply of a signal to the second input terminal of the NAND216when the clock signal CLK is low and the clock signal CLKb is high.

The inverter213has a function of inverting the potentials of signals supplied from output terminals of the transmission gate215and the NAND217and outputting the inverted signals as signals Q. The signal Q output from the inverter213is supplied to a first input terminal of the NAND217.

The NAND217is a two-input NAND. The first input terminal of the NAND217is supplied with a signal output from the inverter213. A second input terminal of the NAND217is supplied with the control signal RESET. The NAND217has a function of outputting a signal to an input terminal of the inverter213in accordance with the signals input to the first and second input terminals.

The on/off state of the transistor222is controlled in accordance with the potential of a control signal WE. The transistor222has a function of controlling the supply of a potential of a node N_D in the memory circuit201to a floating node FN. The potential of the node N_D corresponds to data 1 or 0 that the memory circuit201has.

The floating node FN included in the memory circuit202is a data storage portion. The potential of the floating node FN is maintained by the transistor222and the capacitor223. The on/off state of the transistor233is controlled in response to the potential of the floating node FN.

To improve charge retention characteristics of the memory circuit202, the off-state current of the transistor222is preferably as low as possible. Low off-state current of the transistor222results in a smaller amount of charge leaking from the floating node FN. An example of a transistor with lower leakage current than a single crystal silicon transistor is a transistor using a thin film of an oxide semiconductor.

Among oxide semiconductors, in particular, a highly purified oxide semiconductor (purified OS) obtained by reduction of impurities such as moisture or hydrogen serving as electron donors (donors) and reduction of oxygen vacancies is an i-type (intrinsic) semiconductor or a substantially i-type semiconductor. For this reason, a transistor having a channel formation region in a highly purified oxide semiconductor layer has an extremely small amount of off-state current and high reliability, and thus is suitable for the transistor222.

The on/off states of the transistors231and232are controlled with the control signal RE. The transistors231and232have a function of controlling charge and discharge of the capacitor234using a potential VDD. When the control signal RE is low, the transistor231is turned on and the transistor232is turned off, so that the capacitor234is charged with the potential VDD.

On the other hand, when the control signal RE is high, the transistor231is turned off and the transistor232is turned on. At this time, the charge charged in the capacitor234is discharged when the transistor233is on, whereas it is not discharged when the transistor233is off Depending on whether the discharge occurs, data stored at the floating node FN in the memory circuit202is converted into a potential of the capacitor234to be data corresponding to 1 or 0. The potential of the capacitor234is output to the second input terminal of the selector221through the inverter235.

As above, in a semiconductor device including the register illustrated inFIG. 8, a circuit can be composed of the transistor222using an oxide semiconductor and other transistors using silicon. The transistor222using an oxide semiconductor and the transistors using silicon can be stacked; thus, in the semiconductor device including the register inFIG. 8, these transistors can be fabricated in successive steps and formed on one chip.

In a semiconductor device serving as a non-volatile register using the transistor222, which contains an oxide semiconductor and has extremely low off-state current, power consumed by data saving and restoration operations (i.e., overhead) can be lower than that of a non-volatile register using magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM). While current necessary for data writing is 50 μA to 500 μA in MRAM, the non-volatile register inFIG. 8, which uses the transistor containing an oxide semiconductor, only requires about 1/100 of the current used in MRAM because data is written with supply of charge to the capacitor. Accordingly, break-even time (BET) in the semiconductor device including the register inFIG. 8can be shorter than that in a register using MRAM. Note that BET is a power-off period in which overhead is equal to power cut by power interruption.

Next,FIG. 9shows a timing chart of the register illustrated inFIG. 8.

In normal operation (T1), an output signal of the NAND216is selected as an output signal of the selector221by a low-level control signal RE. At this time, the memory circuit201can function as a normal D flip-flop.

In data writing into the memory circuit202(T2), the clock signal CLK is kept high so that data (D2) of the memory circuit201is determined, and the control signal WE is set high. At this time, the floating node FN in the memory circuit202has a potential corresponding to the data of the memory circuit201, so that the data (D1) stored in the memory circuit201is maintained in the memory circuit202.

In a power-off period (T3), the potential (data) of the floating node FN is maintained by a low-level control signal WE. At this time, the supply of power to the memory circuit202is stopped, and each of the control signals is set low.

In power recovery (T4), the supply of power is resumed, and the control signal RE is set low to charge the capacitor234. At this time, the clock signal CLK is kept high.

In data reading from the memory circuit202(T5), the control signal RE is set high, and whether charge in the capacitor234is discharged in accordance with the potential of the floating node FN is determined. At this time, by making the control signal RE high, an output signal of the inverter235is selected as an output signal of the selector221, and the data stored in the memory circuit202is read and transmitted to the memory circuit201. Moreover, the clock signal CLK is kept high so that the data read from the memory circuit202is held in the memory circuit201.

Then, in normal operation (T6), input of the clock signal CLK and data (D3) is resumed.

As above, in the semiconductor device including the register described usingFIGS. 8 and 9, the memory circuit201serving as a volatile register can operate as a D flip-flop in normal operation. Thus, even with the addition of the memory circuit202serving as a non-volatile register, the register can operate at high speed in normal operation without being adversely affected by the oxide semiconductor transistor that limits the operating speed.

In the semiconductor device including the register described usingFIGS. 8 and 9, the operating mode (on/off state) of the transistor233is selected in accordance with the potential held at the floating node FN in the memory circuit202, and data 0 or 1 is read out in response to the selected operating mode. Thus, the original data can be accurately read out even if the amount of charge stored at the floating node FN fluctuates to some degree during the power-off period (T3).

This embodiment will explain an oxide semiconductor layer that can be used for a semiconductor layer of the transistor with low off-state current described in Embodiment 2.

An oxide semiconductor used for a channel formation region in the semiconductor layer of the transistor preferably contains at least indium (In) or zinc (Zn). In particular, the oxide semiconductor preferably contains both In and Zn. The oxide semiconductor preferably contains a stabilizer that is strongly bonded to oxygen, in addition to In and Zn. The oxide semiconductor preferably contains at least one of gallium (Ga), tin (Sn), zirconium (Zr), hafnium (Hf), and aluminum (Al) as the stabilizer.

For example, an In—Ga—Zn-based oxide with an atomic ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:1:1, 3:1:2, or 2:1:3 or an oxide with an atomic ratio close to the above atomic ratios can be used.

If an oxide semiconductor film forming the semiconductor layer contains a large amount of hydrogen, the hydrogen and the oxide semiconductor are bonded to each other, so that part of the hydrogen serves as a donor and causes generation of an electron which is a carrier. As a result, the threshold voltage of the transistor shifts in the negative direction. It is therefore preferable that after formation of the oxide semiconductor film, dehydration treatment (dehydrogenation treatment) be performed to remove hydrogen or moisture from the oxide semiconductor film so that the oxide semiconductor film is highly purified to contain impurities as little as possible.

Note that oxygen in the oxide semiconductor film is sometimes reduced by the dehydration treatment (dehydrogenation treatment). For that reason, it is preferable that oxygen be added to the oxide semiconductor film to fill oxygen vacancies increased by the dehydration treatment (dehydrogenation treatment). In this specification and the like, supplying oxygen to an oxide semiconductor film may be expressed as oxygen adding treatment or oxygen supplying treatment.

In this manner, hydrogen or moisture is removed from the oxide semiconductor film by the dehydration treatment (dehydrogenation treatment) and oxygen vacancies therein are filled by the oxygen adding treatment, whereby the oxide semiconductor film can be turned into an i-type (intrinsic) oxide semiconductor film or a substantially i-type (intrinsic) oxide semiconductor film that is extremely close to an i-type oxide semiconductor film. Note that “substantially intrinsic” means that the oxide semiconductor film contains extremely few (close to zero) carriers derived from a donor and has a carrier density of 1×1017/cm3or lower, 1×1016/cm3or lower, 1×1015/cm3or lower, 1×1014/cm3or lower, or 1×1013/cm3or lower.

The transistor including an i-type or substantially i-type oxide semiconductor film can have extremely favorable off-state current characteristics. For example, the off-state drain current of the transistor including the oxide semiconductor film can be 1 ×10−18A or less, preferably 1×10−21A or less, more preferably 1×10−24A or less at room temperature (approximately 25° C.), or 1×10−15A or less, preferably 1×10−18A or less, more preferably 1×10−21A or less at 85° C. Note that the off state of an n-channel transistor refers to a state where a gate voltage is sufficiently lower than the threshold voltage. Specifically, the transistor is in an off state when the gate voltage is lower than the threshold voltage by 1 V or more, 2 V or more, or 3 V or more.

Next, a structure of an oxide semiconductor will be described.

An oxide semiconductor film is classified roughly into a single-crystal oxide semiconductor film and a non-single-crystal oxide semiconductor film. The non-single-crystal oxide semiconductor film includes any of an amorphous oxide semiconductor film, a microcrystalline oxide semiconductor film, a polycrystalline oxide semiconductor film, a c-axis aligned crystalline oxide semiconductor (CAAC-OS) film, and the like.

The amorphous oxide semiconductor film has disordered atomic arrangement and no crystalline component. A typical example of the amorphous oxide semiconductor film is an oxide semiconductor film in which no crystal part exists even in a microscopic region and which is entirely amorphous.

The microcrystalline oxide semiconductor film includes a microcrystal (also referred to as nanocrystal) with a size greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than 10 nm, for example. Thus, the microcrystalline oxide semiconductor film has a higher degree of atomic order than the amorphous oxide semiconductor film. Hence, the density of defect states of the microcrystalline oxide semiconductor film is lower than that of the amorphous oxide semiconductor film.

The CAAC-OS film is one of oxide semiconductor films including a plurality of crystal parts, and most of the crystal parts each fit inside a cube whose one side is less than 100 nm. Thus, there is a case where a crystal part included in the CAAC-OS film fits inside a cube whose one side is less than 10 nm, less than 5 nm, or less than 3 nm. The density of defect states of the CAAC-OS film is lower than that of the microcrystalline oxide semiconductor film. The CAAC-OS film will be described below in detail.

Note that the crystal part is formed concurrently with deposition of the CAAC-OS film or is formed through crystallization treatment such as heat treatment. As described above, the c-axis of the crystal is aligned in a direction parallel to a normal vector of a formation surface or a normal vector of a top surface of the CAAC-OS film. Thus, for example, when the shape of the CAAC-OS film is changed by etching or the like, the c-axis might not be necessarily parallel to a normal vector of a formation surface or a normal vector of a top surface of the CAAC-OS film.

The degree of crystallinity in the CAAC-OS film is not necessarily uniform. For example, when crystal growth leading to the CAAC-OS film occurs from the vicinity of the top surface of the film, the degree of the crystallinity in the vicinity of the top surface is sometimes higher than that in the vicinity of the formation surface. Further, when an impurity is added to the CAAC-OS film, the crystallinity in a region to which the impurity is added is changed, and the degree of crystallinity in the CAAC-OS film varies depending on regions in some cases.

With the use of the CAAC-OS film in a transistor, variation in electrical characteristics of the transistor due to irradiation with visible light or ultraviolet light is small. Thus, the transistor has high reliability.

Note that an oxide semiconductor film may be a stacked film including two or more kinds of an amorphous oxide semiconductor film, a microcrystalline oxide semiconductor film, and a CAAC-OS film, for example.

In this embodiment, a cross-sectional structure of a transistor included in a register of a semiconductor device of one embodiment of the disclosed invention will be described with reference to drawings.

FIG. 10illustrates an example of part of a cross-sectional structure of a semiconductor device of one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 10illustrates the transistor222, the transistor232, and the capacitor223shown in Embodiment 2.

In this embodiment, the transistor232is formed in a single crystal silicon substrate, and the transistor222including an oxide semiconductor layer is formed over the transistor232. The transistor232may use a semiconductor thin film of silicon, germanium, or the like in an amorphous, microcrystalline, polycrystalline, or single crystal state as a semiconductor layer.

When the transistor232is formed using a thin silicon film, any of the following can be used, for example: amorphous silicon formed by sputtering or vapor phase growth such as plasma-enhanced CVD; polycrystalline silicon obtained by crystallization of amorphous silicon by laser annealing or the like; and single crystal silicon obtained by separation of a surface portion of a single crystal silicon wafer by implantation of hydrogen ions or the like into the silicon wafer.

When the transistor222contains an oxide semiconductor and the other transistors including the transistor232contain silicon in the register of the semiconductor device described in Embodiment 2, the number of transistors using an oxide semiconductor (oxide semiconductor transistors) is smaller than that of transistors using silicon (silicon transistors). Thus, stacking the transistor222over a silicon transistor makes the design rule for the transistor222less strict.

The structure in which a silicon transistor and an oxide semiconductor transistor are stacked can reduce the chip area of a semiconductor device. Since the number of silicon transistors is larger than that of oxide semiconductor transistors in one circuit block, the actual chip area of the semiconductor device depends on the number of silicon transistors. In addition, a volatile register including silicon transistors and a non-volatile register including a silicon transistor and an oxide semiconductor transistor can be fabricated on one chip through successive steps.

InFIG. 10, the n-channel transistor232is formed in a semiconductor substrate800.

The transistor232is electrically isolated from another transistor by an element isolation insulating film801. The element isolation insulating film801can be formed by a local oxidation of silicon (LOCOS) method, a trench isolation method, or the like.

Specifically, the transistor232includes impurity regions802and803that are formed in the semiconductor substrate800and function as a source region and a drain region, a gate electrode804, and a gate insulating film805provided between the semiconductor substrate800and the gate electrode804. The gate electrode804overlaps a channel formation region between the impurity regions802and803with the gate insulating film805positioned between the gate electrode804and the channel formation region.

An insulating film809is provided over the transistor232. Openings are formed in the insulating film809. Wirings810and811that are in contact with the impurity regions802and803, respectively, and a wiring812that is in contact with the gate electrode804are formed in the openings.

The wiring810is connected to a wiring815formed over the insulating film809. The wiring811is connected to a wiring816formed over the insulating film809. The wiring812is connected to a wiring817formed over the insulating film809.

An insulating film820is formed over the wirings815to817. An opening is formed in the insulating film820. In the opening, a wiring821that is connected to the wiring817is formed.

InFIG. 10, the transistor222and the capacitor223are formed over the insulating film820.

The transistor222includes, over the insulating film820, a semiconductor film830containing an oxide semiconductor, conductive films832and833that are positioned over the semiconductor film830and function as a source electrode and a drain electrode, a gate insulating film831over the semiconductor film830and the conductive films832and833, and a gate electrode834that is positioned over the gate insulating film831and overlaps the semiconductor film830between the conductive films832and833. The conductive film833is connected to the wiring821.

A conductive film835is provided over the gate insulating film831to overlap the conductive film833. A portion where the conductive films833and835overlap with each other with the gate insulating film831placed therebetween functions as the capacitor223.

Although the capacitor223is provided over the insulating film820together with the transistor222inFIG. 10, the capacitor223may be provided below the insulating film820together with the transistor232.

An insulating film841is provided over the transistor222and the capacitor223. An opening is provided in the insulating film841. A conductive film843that is in contact with the gate electrode834through the opening is provided over the insulating film841.

Note that inFIG. 10, the transistor222includes the gate electrode834on at least one side of the semiconductor film830; alternatively, the transistor222may include a pair of gate electrodes with the semiconductor film830positioned therebetween.

When the transistor222includes a pair of gate electrodes with the semiconductor film830positioned therebetween, a signal for controlling the on/off state may be supplied to one of the gate electrodes, and the other of the gate electrodes may be supplied with a potential from another element. In the latter case, potentials with the same level may be supplied to the pair of gate electrodes, or a fixed potential such as a ground potential may be supplied only to the other of the gate electrodes. By controlling the level of a potential supplied to the other of the gate electrodes, the threshold voltage of the transistor222can be controlled.

The semiconductor film830is not limited to a single oxide semiconductor film and may be a stack including a plurality of oxide semiconductor films.FIGS. 11A and 11Billustrate examples of the structure of the transistor222in which the semiconductor film830has a three-layer structure.

A transistor222A illustrated inFIG. 11Aincludes the semiconductor film830over the insulating film820and the like, the conductive films832and833electrically connected to the semiconductor film830, the gate insulating film831, and the gate electrode834provided over the gate insulating film831so as to overlap the semiconductor film830.

As the semiconductor film830in the transistor222A, oxide semiconductor layers830ato830care stacked in this order from the insulating film820side.

The oxide semiconductor layers830aand830care each an oxide film that contains at least one of metal elements contained in the oxide semiconductor layer830b. The energy at the bottom of the conduction band of the oxide semiconductor layers830aand830cis closer to a vacuum level than that of the oxide semiconductor layer830bby 0.05 eV or more, 0.07 eV or more, 0.1 eV or more, or 0.15 eV or more and 2 eV or less, 1 eV or less, 0.5 eV or less, or 0.4 eV or less. The oxide semiconductor layer830bpreferably contains at least indium to increase carrier mobility.

Note that as in a transistor222B illustrated inFIG. 11B, the oxide semiconductor layer830coverlapping with the gate insulating film831may be partly provided over the conductive films832and833.

In this embodiment, application examples of the semiconductor device described in the foregoing embodiment to an electronic component and to an electronic device including the electronic component will be described with reference toFIGS. 12A and 12BandFIGS. 13A to 13E.

FIG. 12Ashows an example where the semiconductor device described in the foregoing embodiment is used to make an electronic component. Note that an electronic component is also referred to as semiconductor package or IC package. For the electronic component, there are various standards and names corresponding to the direction of terminals or the shape of terminals; hence, one example of the electronic component will be described in this embodiment.

A semiconductor device including the transistors illustrated inFIG. 10of Embodiment 4 undergoes the assembly process (post-process) and is completed by using a combination of components detachable to a printed circuit board.

The post-process can be completed through steps shown inFIG. 12A. Specifically, after an element substrate obtained in the wafer process is completed (Step S1), a back surface of the substrate is ground (Step S2). The substrate is thinned in this step to reduce warpage or the like of the substrate in the wafer process and to reduce the size of the component itself.

A dicing step of grinding the back surface of the substrate to separate the substrate into a plurality of chips is performed. Then, a die bonding step of individually picking up separate chips to be mounted on and bonded to a lead frame is performed (Step S3). To bond a chip and a lead frame in the die bonding step, resin bonding, tape-automated bonding, or the like is selected as appropriate depending on products. Note that in the die bonding step, a chip may be mounted on and bonded to an interposer.

Next, wire bonding for electrically connecting a lead of the lead frame and an electrode on a chip through a metal wire is performed (Step S4). As a metal wire, a silver wire or a gold wire can be used. For wire bonding, ball bonding or wedge bonding can be employed.

A wire-bonded chip is subjected to a molding step of sealing the chip with an epoxy resin or the like (Step S5). With the molding step, the inside of the electronic component is filled with a resin, so that a circuit unit and the wire embedded in the component can be protected from external mechanical force and deterioration of characteristics due to moisture or dust can be reduced.

Subsequently, the lead of the lead frame is plated. Then, the lead is cut and processed into a predetermined shape (Step S6). With the plating process, corrosion of the lead can be prevented, and soldering for mounting the electronic component on a printed circuit board in a later step can be performed with higher reliability.

Next, printing process (marking) is performed on a surface of the package (Step S7). Then, through a final test step (Step S8), the electronic component is completed (Step S9).

The electronic component described above includes the semiconductor device of the foregoing embodiment; thus, it is possible to obtain the electronic component including the semiconductor device with high data processing speed and high data security. Since the electronic component includes the semiconductor device in which data can be processed at high speed at the time of stopping and resuming the supply of power and data security is high, power consumption is reduced and the degree of convenience is enhanced.

FIG. 12Bis a perspective schematic diagram of a completed electronic component.FIG. 12Bshows a perspective schematic diagram of a quad flat package (QFP) as an example of the electronic component. An electronic component700illustrated inFIG. 12Bincludes a lead701and a semiconductor device703. The electronic component700inFIG. 12Bis, for example, mounted on a printed circuit board702. A plurality of electronic components700are used in combination to be electrically connected to each other over the printed wiring board702; thus, a circuit board on which the electronic components are mounted (a circuit board704) is completed. The completed circuit board704is provided in an electronic device or the like.

Next, the description is made on applications of the above electronic component to electronic devices such as a computer, a portable information appliance (including a mobile phone, a portable game machine, an audio reproducing device, and the like), electronic paper, a television device (also referred to as television or television receiver), and a digital video camera.

FIG. 13Aillustrates a portable information appliance that includes a housing901, a housing902, a first display portion903a, a second display portion903b, and the like. A circuit board provided with an electronic device including the semiconductor device described in the foregoing embodiment is mounted on at least one of the housings901and902. Thus, it is possible to achieve a portable information appliance with lower power consumption and higher degree of convenience.

Note that the first display portion903ais a touch panel, and for example, as illustrated in the left ofFIG. 13A, which of “touch input” and “keyboard input” is performed can be selected by a selection button904displayed on the first display portion903a. Since selection buttons with a variety of sizes can be displayed, the information appliance can be easily used by people of any generation. For example, when “touch input” is selected, a keyboard905is displayed on the first display portion903aas illustrated in the right ofFIG. 13A. Thus, letters can be input quickly by key input as in the case of using a conventional information appliance, for example.

One of the first display portion903aand the second display portion903bcan be detached from the portable information appliance as shown in the right ofFIG. 13A. Providing the second display portion903bwith a touch input function makes the information appliance convenient to carry because the weight can be further reduced and the information appliance can operate with one hand while the other hand supports the housing902.

The portable information appliance inFIG. 13Acan be equipped with a function of displaying a variety of information (e.g., a still image, a moving image, and a text image); a function of displaying a calendar, a date, the time, or the like on the display portion; a function of operating or editing information displayed on the display portion; a function of controlling processing by various kinds of software (programs); and the like. Furthermore, an external connection terminal (e.g., an earphone terminal or a USB terminal), a recording medium insertion portion, and the like may be provided on the back surface or the side surface of the housing.

The portable information appliance illustrated inFIG. 13Amay transmit and receive data wirelessly. Through wireless communication, desired book data or the like can be purchased and downloaded from an electronic book server.

Further, the housing902illustrated inFIG. 13Amay be equipped with an antenna, a microphone function, or a wireless communication function to be used as a mobile phone.

FIG. 13Billustrates an e-book reader910in which electronic paper is incorporated. The e-book reader has two housings of a housing911and a housing912. The housing911and the housing912are provided with a display portion913and a display portion914, respectively. The housings911and912are connected by a hinge915and can be opened or closed with the hinge915as an axis. The housing911is provided with a power switch916, an operation key917, a speaker918, and the like. A circuit board provided with an electronic device including the semiconductor device described in the foregoing embodiment is mounted on at least one of the housings911and912. Thus, it is possible to achieve an e-book reader with lower power consumption and higher degree of convenience.

FIG. 13Cillustrates a television device920including a housing921, a display portion922, a stand923, and the like. The television device920can operate with a switch of the housing921and a separate remote controller924. A circuit board provided with an electronic device including the semiconductor device of the foregoing embodiment is mounted on the housings921and the remote controller924. Thus, it is possible to achieve a television device with lower power consumption and higher degree of convenience.

FIG. 13Dillustrates a smartphone in which a main body930is provided with a display portion931, a speaker932, a microphone933, an operation key934, and the like. A circuit board provided with an electronic device including the semiconductor device of the foregoing embodiment is incorporated in the main body930. Thus, it is possible to achieve a smartphone with lower power consumption and higher degree of convenience.

FIG. 13Eillustrates a digital camera including a main body941, a display portion942, an operation switch943, and the like. A circuit board provided with an electronic device including the semiconductor device described in the foregoing embodiment is incorporated in the main body941. Thus, it is possible to achieve a digital camera with lower power consumption and higher degree of convenience.

As described above, the electronic device shown in this embodiment incorporates a circuit board provided with an electronic device including the semiconductor device described in any of the foregoing embodiments, thereby achieving lower power consumption and higher degree of convenience.

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application serial no. 2013-083550 filed with Japan Patent Office on Apr. 12, 2013, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.