Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to a MOS transistor having an electrostatic protection function, and also relates to a semiconductor integrated circuit apparatus having this MOS transistor. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   In an input/output circuit of an integrated circuit (IC), a MOS transistor having an electrostatic protection function is used in order to prevent an electrostatic breakdown caused by an electrostatic surge applied to the input or output terminal. 
     FIG. 6  is a section view schematically showing the structure of a conventional NMOS transistor having an electrostatic protection function.  FIG. 7  is an equivalent circuit diagram of the NMOS transistor shown in  FIG. 6 . 
   The NMOS transistor in  FIG. 6  is separated, as an element, by a field oxide film  62  formed on the surface of a P-type semiconductor substrate  61 . This NMOS transistor is provided on the outermost layer portion of the P-type semiconductor substrate  61  with an N + -type (high concentration N type) drain region  63 , an annular N + -type source region  64  surrounding the periphery of the N + -type drain region  63  with a predetermined distance provided between the N + -type drain region  63  and the N + -type source region  64 , an annular N − -type (low concentration N type) impurity region  65  surrounding the N + -type drain region  63  adjacent to the outer periphery thereof, and an annular P + -type (high concentration P type) impurity region  66  surrounding the N + -type source region  64  adjacent to the outer periphery thereof. A LOCOS  67  is formed on the N − -type impurity region  65 . A gate oxide film  68  is formed in the channel region between the N + -type source region  64  and the N − -type impurity region  65 . The inner peripheral portion of the gate oxide film  68  is positioned on the LOCOS  67 . A gate electrode  69  is formed on the gate oxide film  68 , and a drain electrode, a source electrode and a backgate electrode are respectively connected to the N + -type drain region  63 , the N + -type source region  64  and the P + -type impurity region  66 . 
   In the structure above-mentioned, parasitic resistance components  71 ,  72  are respectively generated in the P-type semiconductor substrate  61  and the N − -type impurity region  65 . Further, the N − -type impurity region  65 , the P-type semiconductor substrate  61  and the N + -type source region  64 , form an NPN-type parasitic transistor  73  with the N − -type impurity region  65 , the P-type semiconductor substrate  61  and the N + -type source region  64  respectively serving as a collector, a base and an emitter. Further, a PN junction by the P-type semiconductor substrate  61  and the N + -type drain region  63  forms a parasitic diode  74 . 
   For example, when the NMOS transistor shown in  FIG. 6  is used in an output circuit, the gate electrode  69  is connected to an internal circuit, and an output terminal is connected to the drain electrode with both the source electrode and the backgate electrode grounded. In such a case, a negative electrostatic surge applied to the output terminal, is escaped through the parasitic diode  74  with the NMOS transistor turned OFF. However, even though a positive electrostatic surge is applied to the output terminal, the NMOS transistor and the parasitic transistor  73  remain OFF. Accordingly, there is no route through which the positive electrostatic surge is escaped. Therefore, when a positive electrostatic surge exceeding the electrostatic breakdown voltage of the NMOS transistor, is applied to the output terminal (drain electrode), the NMOS transistor is broken at its part between the drain and the gate or between the drain and the source. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a MOS transistor having the structure capable of preventing an electrostatic breakdown caused by an electrostatic surge which cannot be escaped through a parasitic diode, and also to provide a semiconductor integrated circuit apparatus provided in its input/output circuit with this MOS transistor. 
   A MOS transistor according to the present invention comprises: a first conduction type region; a second conduction type drain region formed on the outermost layer portion of the first conduction type region; a second conduction type source region formed on the outermost layer portion of the first conduction type region with a channel region provided between the second conduction type drain region and the second conduction type source region; agate electrode formed on the channel region; a second conduction type base region formed inside of the second conduction type drain region in plan elevation; a plurality of first conduction type emitter regions formed in the second conduction type base region on the outermost layer portion thereof at spatial intervals in a predetermined direction; and a drain contact connected to, as lying astride, adjacent two first conduction type emitter regions and that portion of the second conduction type drain region between these adjacent two first conduction type emitter regions. 
   According to the arrangement above-mentioned, in the first conduction type emitter regions, the second conduction type base region and the first conduction type region, there is formed a vertical transistor with these regions respectively serving as an emitter, a base and a collector. Further, in the second conduction type drain region, the first conduction type region and the second conduction type source region, there is formed a parasitic transistor with these regions respectively serving as a collector, a base and an emitter. Further, there is generated, in the second conduction type drain region, a parasitic resistance component serving as a resistance across the emitter and the base of the vertical transistor, and there is generated, in the first conduction type region, a parasitic resistance component serving as a resistance across the emitter and the base of the parasitic transistor. 
   When a positive/negative electrostatic surge (a positive electrostatic surge for an NMOS transistor and a negative electrostatic surge for a PMOS transistor), is applied to the drain contact, an electric current flows, toward the gate electrode, in the second conduction type drain region having a parasitic resistance component. This generates a potential difference between the emitter and the base of the vertical transistor. When the potential difference between the emitter and the base, is not less than a predetermined value, the vertical transistor is conducted. As a result, the parasitic transistor is conducted, enabling the electrostatic surge applied to the drain contact to be escaped. 
   The potential difference generated between the emitter and the base of the vertical transistor, can be controlled by the resistance value of the parasitic resistance component (which serves as a resistance across the emitter and the base of the vertical transistor) generated in the second conduction type drain region. Accordingly, as far as the parasitic resistance component has a suitable resistance value, the vertical transistor can securely be conducted to prevent an electrostatic breakdown across the drain and the gate of the MOS transistor or across the drain and the source of the MOS transistor, when an electrostatic surge is applied to the drain contact. 
   The resistance value of the parasitic resistance component generated in the second conduction type drain region, is determined by a parameter of which examples include the concentration of the second conduction type impurity of the second conduction type drain region, the distance between adjacent two first conduction type emitter regions, and the width between that end edge of the drain contact in the direction at right angles to the predetermined direction and that end edge of each first conduction type emitter region in the direction at right angles to the predetermined direction. Accordingly, by properly setting the parameter, a potential difference not less than a predetermined value can be generated between the emitter and the base of the vertical transistor to enable the vertical transistor to be securely conducted, when an electrostatic surge is applied to the drain contact. 
   For example, the concentration of the second conduction type impurity in the second conduction type drain region, is preferably controlled such that a potential difference not less than a predetermined value is generated between the second conduction type base region and the first conduction type emitter regions connected to the drain contact when an electrostatic surge is applied to the drain contact. By such an arrangement, the vertical transistor can securely be conducted. 
   Preferably, the distance between adjacent two first conduction type emitter regions, is set such that a potential difference not less than a predetermined value is generated between the second conduction type base region and the first conduction type emitter regions connected to the drain contact when an electrostatic surge is applied to the drain contact. By such an arrangement, too, the vertical transistor can securely be conducted. 
   Preferably, the width between that end edge of the drain contact in the direction at right angles to the predetermined direction and that end edge of each first conduction type emitter region in the direction at right angles to the predetermined direction, is set such that a potential difference not less than a predetermined value is generated between the second conduction type base region and the first conduction type emitter regions connected to the drain contact when an electrostatic surge is applied to the drain contact. By such an arrangement, too, the vertical transistor can securely be conducted. 
   A semiconductor integrated circuit apparatus according to the present invention is provided, in its input/output circuit having an input/output terminal, with a MOS transistor of the type above-mentioned. The MOS transistor of the type above-mentioned can escape an electrostatic surge applied to the drain contact. Accordingly, when the MOS transistor is used in an input/output circuit, an electrostatic surge applied to the input/output terminal can securely be escaped. This enables the internal circuit to be securely protected from such an electrostatic surge. 
   The foregoing and other elements, features, steps, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view schematically illustrating the structure of an NMOS transistor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a plan view of the NMOS transistor shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is an equivalent circuit diagram of the NMOS transistor shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a plan view illustrating the vicinity of a drain contact shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a graph illustrating the relationship between the distance between two P + -type emitter regions connected to the same drain contact, and the voltage across the emitter and the base of a VPNP transistor; 
       FIG. 6  is a section view schematically illustrating the structure of a conventional NMOS transistor having an electrostatic protection function; and 
       FIG. 7  is an equivalent circuit diagram of the NMOS transistor shown in  FIG. 6 . 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1  is a perspective view schematically illustrating the structure of an NMOS transistor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2  is a plan view of the NMOS transistor shown in  FIG. 1 , and  FIG. 3  is an equivalent circuit diagram of the NMOS transistor shown in  FIG. 1 . 
   The NMOS transistor is provided on the outermost layer portion of a P-type well region  1  with (i) an N + -type (high concentration N type) drain region  2  which is substantially rectangular in plan elevation, (ii) an N + -type source region  3  which is substantially in the form of a quadrilateral frame in plan elevation and which surrounds the periphery of the N + -type drain region  2  with a predetermined distance provided between the N + -type drain region  2  and the N + -type source region  3 , and (iii) a P + -type impurity diffusion region  4  which is substantially in the form of a quadrilateral frame in plan elevation and which surrounds the periphery of the N + -type source region  3  with a predetermined distance provided between the N + -type source region  3  and the P + -type impurity diffusion region  4 . A source electrode S and a backgate electrode BG are respectively connected to the N + -type source region  3  and the P + -type impurity diffusion region  4 . 
   Formed on the surface of the P-type well region  1  between the N + -type source region  3  and the P + -type impurity diffusion region  4  is a LOCOS  5 , which separates the N + -type source region  3  from the P + -type impurity diffusion region  4 . A gate electrode  6 , substantially in the form of a quadrilateral frame in plan elevation, is formed on the channel region between the N + -type drain region  2  and the N + -type source region  3 . A gate oxide film (not shown) is formed under the gate electrode  6 . 
   An N-type base region  7 , substantially rectangular in plan elevation, is formed in the N + -type drain region  2  at its center portion in plan elevation, this N-type base region  7  being deeply dug down from the peripheral N + -type drain region  2 . In the N-type base region  7 , there are formed, on its outermost layer portion, a plurality of P + -type emitter regions  8  arranged longitudinally of the N-type base region  7  substantially at regular spatial intervals. Band-like drain contacts  9  are formed on adjacent P + -type emitter regions  8  and on those portions of the N + -type drain region  2  between these adjacent P + -type emitter regions  8 . Each drain contact  9  extends longitudinally of the N + -type drain region  2 . Both ends of each drain contact  9  are disposed on the opposite ends of adjacent P + -type emitter regions  8 , and are connected to, as lying astride, these adjacent P + -type emitter regions  8  and that portion of the N + -type drain region  2  between these adjacent P + -type emitter regions  8 . A drain electrode D is connected to the drain contacts  9 . 
   According to the structure above-mentioned, a PNP junction is formed in the P + -type emitter regions  8 , the N-type base region  7  and the P-type well region  1 , and a VPNP (vertical PNP) transistor  11  is formed with the P + -type emitter regions  8 , the N-type base region  7  and the P-type well region  1  respectively serving as an emitter, a base and a collector. Further, an NPN junction is formed in the N + -type drain region  2 , the P-type well region  1 and the N + -type source region  3 , and an NPN parasitic transistor  12  is formed with the N + -type drain region  2 , the P-type well region  1  and the N + -type source region  3  respectively serving as a collector, a base and an emitter. Further, there is generated, in the N + -type drain region  2 , a parasitic resistance component  13  serving as an emitter-base resistance of the VPNP transistor  11 . There is also generated, in the P-type well region  1 , a parasitic resistance component  14  serving as an emitter-base resistance of the NPN parasitic transistor  12 . For simplification,  FIG. 2  shows the junction of five drain contacts  9 . To obtain a better effect, however, it is preferable to dispose 10 or more drain contacts  9 . 
   For example, when this NMOS transistor is used in an output circuit of an integrated circuit (IC), the gate electrode  6  is connected to an internal circuit of the integrated circuit, and the drain electrode D is connected to the output terminal. Further, the source electrode S and the backgate electrode BG are grounded. 
   In this NMOS transistor, when a positive electrostatic surge is applied to the output terminal, an electric current flows, toward the gate electrode  6 , in the N + -type drain region  2  having the parasitic resistance component  13 . This generates a potential difference V EB  between the emitter and the base of the VPNP transistor  11 . When this potential difference V EB  between the emitter and the base, is not less than a predetermined potential difference V F , the VPNP transistor  11  is conducted. As a result, the NPN parasitic transistor  12  is conducted, causing a positive electrostatic surge applied to the output terminal to be escaped to the ground. The potential difference V EB  generated between the emitter and the base of the VPNP transistor  11 , can be controlled by the resistance value of the parasitic resistance component  13 . Accordingly, as far as this parasitic resistance component  13  has a suitable resistance value, the VPNP transistor  11  can securely be conducted to prevent an electrostatic breakdown across the drain and the gate of the NMOS transistor or across the drain and the source of the NMOS transistor, when a positive electrostatic surge is applied to the output terminal. 
   The resistance value of the parasitic resistance component  13  is determined according to (i) the N-type impurity concentration of the N + -type drain region  2 , (ii) the distance W (See  FIG. 4 ) between adjacent two P + -type emitter regions  8  connected to the same drain contact  9 , and (iii) the width L (See  FIG. 4 ) of a rectangular zone adjacent to the drain contact  9  between adjacent two P + -type emitter regions  8 . Accordingly, the potential difference V EB  generated between the emitter and the base of the VPNP transistor  11 , can be controlled by the N-type impurity concentration of the N + -type drain region  2 , the distance W between adjacent two P + -type emitter regions  8  and/or the width L of the rectangular zone adjacent to each drain contact  9 . 
     FIG. 5  is a graph illustrating the relationship between the distance W between two P + -type emitter regions  8  connected to the same drain contact  9 , and the potential difference V EB  (the voltage drop amount in the parasitic resistance component  13 ) generated between the emitter and the base of the VPNP transistor  11  when an electric current I=0.0125 A flows in the N + -type drain region  2 . A curve  51  shows the relationship at the time when the N + -type drain region  2  contains As (arsenic) and P (phosphorus) each having a predetermined concentration (5E20/cm 3 ) (when the impurity concentration is relatively high). A curve  52  shows the relationship at the time when the N + -type drain region  2  contains only As of a predetermined concentration (5E20/cm 3 ) (when the impurity concentration is relatively low). 
   As shown by the curve  51  in  FIG. 5 , when the distance W between two P + -type emitter regions  8  connected to the same drain contact  9 , is decreased, the potential difference V EB  generated between the emitter and the base of the VPNP transistor  11  can be increased when a positive electrostatic surge is applied to the output terminal. For example, it is now supposed that the width L is equal to 0.6 μm. In this case, by setting the distance W to 0.6 μm or less, it is possible to generate the potential difference V EB  not less than the predetermined value V F  between the emitter and the base of the VPNP transistor  11  to enable the VPNP transistor  11  to be securely conducted, when a positive electrostatic surge is applied to the output terminal. 
   Further, as shown by the curve  52 , when the N-type impurity concentration in the N + -type drain region  2  is decreased, the potential difference V EB  generated between the emitter and the base of the VPNP transistor  11  can be increased when a positive electrostatic surge is applied to the output terminal. For example, it is now supposed that the width L is equal to 0.6 μm and the distance W is equal to 0.9 μm. In this case, by setting the N-type impurity concentration of the N + -type drain region  2  to 5E20/cm 3  or less, a potential difference V EB  not less than the predetermined value V F , can be generated between the emitter and the base of the VPNP transistor  11  to enable the VPNP transistor  11  to be securely conducted, when a positive electrostatic surge is applied to the output terminal. 
   In the foregoing, a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been discussed, but the present invention can also be embodied in other manner. For example, in the preferred embodiment above-mentioned, the gate electrode  6  substantially in the form of a quadrilateral frame in plan elevation, is formed on the channel region between the N + -type drain region  2  and the N + -type source region  3 . However, the gate electrode  6  may be formed substantially in the U shape in plan elevation, or may linearly extend along the channel region between the N + -type drain region  2  and the N + -type source region  3 . 
   In the preferred embodiment above-mentioned, the N + -type drain region  2 , the N + -type source region  3  and the like are formed on the outermost layer portion of the P-type well region  1 . However, the N + -type drain region  2 , the N + -type source region  3  and the like may be formed on the outermost layer portion of the P-type semiconductor substrate. 
   Further, the present invention may be applied not only to an NMOS transistor, but also to a PMOS transistor provided, on the outermost layer portion of an N-type well region or an N-type semiconductor substrate, with a P + -type drain region and a P + -type source region. In this case, a P-type base region may be formed in the P + -type drain region at its periphery, and a plurality of N + -type emitter regions may be formed, within the P-type base region, on its outermost layer portion at substantially regular spatial intervals. Each band-like drain contact may be formed on adjacent two N + -type emitter regions and that portion of the P + -type drain region between these adjacent two N + -type emitter regions such that these regions are connected to one another. According to the arrangement above-mentioned, a positive electrostatic surge applied to the drain contacts can be escaped through a parasitic diode, and a negative electrostatic surge applied to the drain contacts can be escaped through a VNPN transistor and a parasitic PNP transistor. 
   Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been discussed in detail, but these embodiments are mere specific examples for clarifying the technical contents of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as limited to these specific examples. The spirit and scope of the present invention are limited only by the appended claims. 
   This Application corresponds to Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-136572 filed with the Japanese Patent Office on 30 Apr. 2004, the full disclosure of which is incorporated hereby by reference.

Technology Category: h