WO2024101014A1 - 固体撮像装置 - Google Patents
固体撮像装置 Download PDFInfo
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- WO2024101014A1 WO2024101014A1 PCT/JP2023/034719 JP2023034719W WO2024101014A1 WO 2024101014 A1 WO2024101014 A1 WO 2024101014A1 JP 2023034719 W JP2023034719 W JP 2023034719W WO 2024101014 A1 WO2024101014 A1 WO 2024101014A1
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- Prior art keywords
- solid
- imaging device
- state imaging
- region
- guard ring
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H10F—INORGANIC SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES SENSITIVE TO INFRARED RADIATION, LIGHT, ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION OF SHORTER WAVELENGTH OR CORPUSCULAR RADIATION
- H10F39/00—Integrated devices, or assemblies of multiple devices, comprising at least one element covered by group H10F30/00, e.g. radiation detectors comprising photodiode arrays
- H10F39/10—Integrated devices
- H10F39/12—Image sensors
Definitions
- This disclosure relates to a solid-state imaging device.
- Patent Document 1 discloses a back-illuminated solid-state imaging device.
- photoelectric conversion units that convert incident light into electric charges are arranged in an imaging region of a semiconductor layer.
- a lens material or the like is formed with a passivation film interposed therebetween.
- a guard ring is disposed along the outer periphery of the imaging region and along the inner periphery of the dicing line.
- the guard ring is formed in a passivation film using a metal material formed in the imaging region.
- the guard ring is electrically connected to the semiconductor layer, and the potential of the guard ring is fixed. According to the solid-state imaging device configured in this manner, the intrusion of moisture from the dicing line side to the imaging region side can be effectively suppressed or prevented, and therefore moisture resistance can be improved.
- an n-type semiconductor substrate is used for the semiconductor layer.
- a p-type semiconductor region (p-type well region) constituting a photoelectric conversion unit is formed in the imaging region of the n-type semiconductor substrate.
- a p-type carrier region (hole layer) serving as a pinning layer is formed on the light-incident surface of the semiconductor layer from the imaging region to its outer periphery.
- the guard ring is electrically connected to the n-type semiconductor substrate without the p-type carrier region interposed therebetween.
- a power supply of 0 V or less is supplied to the p-type semiconductor region, and a power supply of more than 0 V is supplied to the n-type semiconductor substrate. For this reason, it has been desired to effectively suppress or prevent a short circuit between different power supplies with the n-type semiconductor substrate, the guard ring, and the p-type semiconductor region (p-type carrier region) as a short circuit path.
- the solid-state imaging device includes a semiconductor layer having a first semiconductor region of a first conductivity type and a second semiconductor region of a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type in an imaging region in which a plurality of first photoelectric conversion elements that convert light into electric charges are arranged, an insulator disposed on a first surface of the semiconductor layer on the light incident side, a first guard ring disposed within the insulator along the outer periphery of the imaging region, formed of a metallic material, and electrically connected to the first semiconductor region of the semiconductor layer, and an isolation insulator disposed in the semiconductor layer along the outer periphery of the imaging region and along the inner periphery of the first guard ring, electrically isolating the first guard ring from the second semiconductor region.
- the solid-state imaging device is the solid-state imaging device according to the first embodiment, in which a carrier layer of a second conductivity type having a shallower junction depth than the second semiconductor region is formed in the first surface portion of the semiconductor layer between the second semiconductor region and the first guard ring, and the isolation insulator is formed to a depth that at least separates the carrier layer.
- the isolation insulator is disposed penetrating from the first surface of the semiconductor layer to the second surface opposite the first surface.
- FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional configuration diagram of a main part of a solid-state imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure (a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. 2).
- FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of the solid-state imaging device shown in FIG.
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of an area B enclosed by a dashed line shown in FIG.
- FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the essential parts of the solid-state imaging device shown in FIG. 1 during a wafer manufacturing process (before a scribing process).
- FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional configuration diagram of a main part of a solid-state imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure (a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. 2).
- FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of the solid-state imaging device shown in FIG.
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical cross-section
- FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional configuration diagram of a main part of a solid-state imaging device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, corresponding to FIG. 1 (a sectional view taken along the CC cutting line shown in FIG. 6).
- FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of the solid-state imaging device shown in FIG. 5 and corresponds to FIG.
- FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional configuration diagram of a main part of a solid-state imaging device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, corresponding to FIG. 1 (a sectional view taken along the line DD shown in FIG. 8).
- FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of the solid-state imaging device shown in FIG. 7 and corresponds to FIG. FIG.
- FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional configuration diagram of a main part of a solid-state imaging device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, corresponding to FIG. 1 (a sectional view taken along the line E-E shown in FIG. 10).
- FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of the solid-state imaging device shown in FIG. 9 and corresponds to FIG.
- FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional configuration diagram of a main part of a solid-state imaging device according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, corresponding to FIG. 1 (a sectional view taken along the line FF shown in FIG. 12).
- FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of the solid-state imaging device shown in FIG. 11 and corresponds to FIG. FIG.
- FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional configuration diagram of a main part of a solid-state imaging device according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, corresponding to FIG. 1 (a cross-sectional view taken along line GG shown in FIG. 14).
- FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of the solid-state imaging device shown in FIG. 13 and corresponds to FIG.
- FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional configuration diagram of a main part of a solid-state imaging device according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure, corresponding to FIG. 1 (a sectional view taken along the HH cutting line shown in FIG. 16).
- FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of the solid-state imaging device shown in FIG. 15 and corresponds to FIG.
- FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a vehicle control system.
- FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the installation positions of the outside-of-vehicle information detection unit and the imaging unit.
- first embodiment a first example in which the present technology is applied to a solid-state imaging device will be described.
- the solid-state imaging device is a back-illuminated solid-state imaging device.
- a vertical cross-sectional configuration including a guard ring of the solid-state imaging device, a planar configuration, and a vertical cross-sectional configuration during a manufacturing process will be described.
- Second Embodiment a second example in which the structure of the guard ring is changed in the solid-state imaging device according to the first embodiment will be described. 3.
- Third Embodiment in the third embodiment a third example in which the structure of the guard ring is changed in the solid-state imaging device according to the first embodiment will be described. 4.
- Fourth Embodiment In the fourth embodiment a fourth example will be described in which a first semiconductor element is mounted on the light incident surface side in the solid-state imaging device according to the second embodiment. 5.
- Fifth Embodiment The fifth embodiment describes a fifth example in which a second semiconductor element is mounted on the side opposite to the light incident surface side in the solid-state imaging device according to the second embodiment. 6.
- Sixth Embodiment In the sixth embodiment a sixth example will be described in which a third semiconductor element is further mounted on the second semiconductor element in the semiconductor device according to the fifth embodiment. 7.
- the semiconductor device according to the fifth embodiment further includes two types of photoelectric conversion elements in the imaging region.
- Application Example to a Mobile Body In this application example, an example in which the present technology is applied to a vehicle control system, which is an example of a mobile body control system, will be described. 9. Other embodiments
- a solid-state imaging device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS.
- the arrow X direction shown as appropriate in the figure indicates one planar direction of the solid-state imaging device 1 placed on a flat surface for convenience.
- the arrow Y direction indicates another planar direction perpendicular to the arrow X direction.
- the arrow Z direction indicates an upward direction perpendicular to the arrow X and arrow Y directions.
- the arrow X direction, the arrow Y direction, and the arrow Z direction exactly coincide with the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction, respectively, of a three-dimensional coordinate system. Note that these directions are shown to facilitate understanding of the description, and are not intended to limit the directions of the present technology.
- FIG. 1 shows an example of a vertical cross-sectional configuration of the peripheral region of the solid-state imaging device 1 according to the first embodiment.
- Fig. 2 shows an example of an overall planar configuration of the solid-state imaging device 1 shown in Fig. 1.
- Fig. 3 shows an example of an enlarged vertical cross-sectional configuration of a main part shown in Fig. 1.
- Fig. 4 shows an example of a vertical cross-sectional configuration of the peripheral region during the manufacturing process of the solid-state imaging device 1 (before the dicing process of the semiconductor wafer).
- the solid-state imaging device 1 is a back-illuminated solid-state imaging device. More specifically, the solid-state imaging device 1 is constructed as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor.
- the solid-state imaging device 1 includes a semiconductor layer 2, an insulator 4, a first guard ring 5, and an isolation insulator 26 as main components. The details will be explained below.
- the solid-state imaging device 1 includes a semiconductor layer 2.
- the semiconductor layer 2 is formed of, for example, a single crystal silicon (Si) substrate.
- the semiconductor layer 2 is formed of, for example, an n-type semiconductor substrate having a low impurity density as a first conductivity type.
- the semiconductor layer 2 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed in the direction of the arrow Z (hereinafter simply referred to as "in a plan view").
- the planar shape of the semiconductor layer 2 is formed in a rectangular shape.
- the solid-state imaging device 1 as the final product is formed in a planar shape that is substantially the same as the planar shape of the semiconductor layer 2.
- An imaging area IA is disposed in the center of the solid-state imaging device 1.
- the imaging area IA occupies most of the solid-state imaging device 1, and is formed in a similar shape to, but slightly smaller than, the planar shape of the semiconductor layer 2 in a plan view.
- a plurality of first photoelectric conversion elements PE1 that convert light into electric charges are arranged in the semiconductor layer 2.
- the plurality of first photoelectric conversion elements PE1 are regularly arranged in each of the directions of the arrow X and the arrow Y.
- the first photoelectric conversion element PE1 is formed, for example, by a photodiode.
- a p-type semiconductor region (p-type well region) 22 constituting the photodiode is formed in the imaging area IA.
- the p-type semiconductor region 22 is of a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type.
- the p-type semiconductor region 22, the p-type well region, or a carrier region 23 described later corresponds to a "second semiconductor region of the second conductivity type" according to the present technology.
- a power supply VSS is supplied to the p-type semiconductor region 22 during standby of the solid-state imaging device 1.
- a power supply of, for example, 0 V or less is used as the power supply VSS.
- a guard ring area GA is disposed around the outer periphery of the imaging area IA.
- the guard ring area GA is formed along each side of the planar rectangular shape at the outermost edge of the semiconductor layer 2.
- the guard ring area GA is formed in a rectangular ring shape in a planar view.
- the guard ring area GA is disposed along the outer periphery of the imaging area IA, and is also disposed along the inner periphery of the scribe area SA that exists during the manufacturing process of the solid-state imaging device 1.
- the semiconductor layer 2 is in the state of a semiconductor wafer SW before the scribing process (before the dicing process).
- a plurality of solid-state imaging devices 1 are formed in the semiconductor layer 2 with scribe areas SA interposed therebetween. For example, in the state of the semiconductor wafer SW, electrical characteristics of the plurality of solid-state imaging devices 1 are inspected. After that, the semiconductor layer 2 is cut in the scribe areas SA and separated into individual solid-state imaging devices 1 as dies or semiconductor chips.
- an n-type semiconductor region (n-type well region) 21 is disposed in the semiconductor layer 2.
- the n-type semiconductor region 21 is formed to have the same conductivity type as the semiconductor layer 2, but is formed to have a higher impurity density than the impurity density of the semiconductor layer 2.
- the n-type semiconductor region 21 or the n-type semiconductor substrate corresponds to a "first semiconductor region on the first conductive side" according to the present technology.
- a power supply VDD is supplied to the n-type semiconductor region 21 during standby of the solid-state imaging device 1.
- a power supply exceeding 0 [V] for example, is used as the power supply VDD.
- the components such as the first guard ring 5 disposed in the guard ring area GA will be described later.
- a pinning film (charge fixing film) 3 is disposed on the first surface 2A, which is the light incident side of the semiconductor layer 2, from the imaging area IA to the guard ring area GA.
- a carrier region (carrier accumulation region) 23 is formed in the portion of the first surface 2A of the semiconductor layer 2 that contacts the pinning film 3.
- the pinning film 3 is made of one or more metal oxide materials selected from, for example, hafnium oxide (HfO 2 ), zirconium oxide (ZrO 2 ), aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ), titanium oxide (TiO 2 ), and tantalum oxide (Ta 2 O 5 ).
- the carrier region 23 is electrically connected to the p-type semiconductor region 22 formed in the imaging region IA of the semiconductor layer 2, and extends across the guard ring region GA.
- the carrier region 23 is a hole accumulation region here.
- the junction depth of the carrier region 23 is shallower than the junction depth of the p-type semiconductor region 22.
- the impurity density of the carrier region 23 is higher than the impurity density of the p-type semiconductor region 22.
- the insulator 4 is disposed on the first surface 2A of the semiconductor layer 2 with the pinning film 3 interposed therebetween.
- the insulator 4 is actually formed of a plurality of insulating layers.
- the insulator 4 is used as an interlayer insulating film or a passivation film that provides insulation and isolation between the wiring 41, the metal layer 42, the metal layer 43, etc.
- the insulator 4 is used as a waveguide that guides incident light to the first photoelectric conversion element PE1 in the imaging area IA, and also constitutes a wiring layer.
- the insulator 4 is made of an insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO 2 ).
- the metal layers 42 and 43 shown in Fig. 2 are disposed in the peripheral region of the imaging region IA, closer to the inner periphery than the guard ring region GA.
- the metal layer 43 is formed in contact with the metal layer 42 and is electrically connected to the metal layer 42.
- the metal layers 42 and 43 are used as connection terminals CP.
- the connection terminals CP are used, for example, when mounting the first semiconductor element 31 of the solid-state imaging device 1 according to the fourth embodiment described later (see Figs. 9 and 10).
- the metal layer 42 is made of a metal material such as cobalt (Co), and the metal layer 43 is made of a metal material such as copper (Cu).
- the wiring 41 is formed in contact with the metal layer 42 and is electrically connected to the wiring 41.
- the wiring 41 has a through-wire that penetrates the semiconductor layer 2 in the thickness direction, and is connected to a pixel circuit PC disposed on the second surface 2B side of the semiconductor layer 2.
- the wiring 41 is made of a metal material such as Cu.
- the pixel P includes a first photoelectric conversion element PE1, an optical filter 8, and an optical lens 9 as main components.
- the optical filter 8 is disposed on the first surface 2A side of the semiconductor layer 2 with an insulator 4, an insulating film 6, and a protective film 7 interposed therebetween.
- the optical filter 8 includes, for example, color filters of a total of three colors, each of which has a different color for each pixel P. That is, the optical filter 8 includes a red light filter that transmits light in the red light band, a green light filter that transmits light in the green light band, and a blue light filter that transmits light in the blue light band.
- the optical filter 8 is formed, for example, from a resin material containing a dye.
- the insulating film 6 is made of an insulating material such as silicon nitride (SiN), and the protective film 7 is made of an insulating material such as SiO2 .
- the optical lens 9 is disposed on the opposite side of the optical filter 8 to the first photoelectric conversion element PE1. In other words, the optical lens 9 is disposed on the light incident side of the optical filter 8. Although not shown in a plan view, the optical lens 9 is formed in a circular shape for each pixel P. Moreover, when viewed in the direction of the arrow Y for each pixel P (hereinafter referred to as "in a side view"), the optical lens 9 is formed in a curved shape that curves toward the light incident side and collects incident light at the first photoelectric conversion element PE1.
- the optical lens 9 is formed as a so-called on-chip lens, and is formed for each pixel P or integrally across a plurality of pixels P.
- the optical lens 9 is formed of, for example, a transparent resin material.
- inter-pixel separators 53 are disposed between the pixels P.
- the inter-pixel separators 53 are formed on the opposite side of the pinning film 3 from the semiconductor layer 2, and are formed as light shields that optically separate the pixels P.
- the inter-pixel separators 53 are made of a metal material such as tungsten (W) that has excellent light shielding properties.
- a pixel circuit PC is electrically connected to one pixel P or to a plurality of pixels P via a transfer transistor (not shown).
- the pixel circuit PC is configured to include a plurality of transistors.
- the pixel circuit PC includes transistors used as a reset transistor, an amplifier transistor, a select transistor, etc.
- the pixel circuit PC includes a transfer transistor and is formed of, for example, an n-channel conductive insulated gate field effect transistor (IGFET).
- IGFET n-channel conductive insulated gate field effect transistor
- the wiring layer 10 is disposed on the second surface 2B side of the semiconductor layer 2 so as to cover the pixel circuits PC.
- the wiring layer 10 for example, multiple layers of wiring 101 that connect between multiple transistors that configure the pixel circuits PC are formed.
- the wiring 101 is made of a metal wiring material such as copper (Cu).
- Cu copper
- an insulator 103 is formed between the wirings 101 of the multiple layers.
- the insulator 103 is actually formed of a multiple-layer insulating film.
- the insulator 103 is formed of, for example, SiO2 .
- the pixel circuits PC and their connections are disposed on the second surface 2B side of the semiconductor layer 2.
- an optical lens 9, an optical filter 8, and a first photoelectric conversion element PE1 are disposed, and a structure that does not block incident light is adopted.
- the solid-state imaging device 1 is constructed as a back-illuminated solid-state imaging device.
- the solid-state imaging device 1 includes, in addition to the first guard ring 5, the second guard ring 25 and the third guard rings 11 to 13. First, the second guard ring 25 will be described.
- the second guard ring 25 is disposed in the semiconductor layer 2 along the outer periphery of the first guard ring 5. To explain in more detail, the second guard ring 25 is disposed further adjacent to the scribe area SA along the inner periphery of the scribe area SA.
- the second guard ring 25 is configured to include a through groove 251 and a buried insulator 252.
- the through groove 251 is formed as a groove that extends in both the direction of the arrow X and the direction of the arrow Y along the outer periphery of the first guard ring 5 and surrounds the imaging area IA and has no terminal end.
- the through groove 251 is formed as a through groove that penetrates the semiconductor layer 2 in the thickness direction from the first surface 2A to the second surface 2B of the semiconductor layer 2.
- the groove width of the through groove 251 is, for example, not less than 0.1 ⁇ m and not more than 0.5 ⁇ m.
- the embedded insulator 252 is embedded in the through groove 251.
- the embedded insulator 252 is formed of an inorganic insulating material such as SiO2 or SiN. In the region where the second guard ring 25 is disposed, the pinning film 3, the insulator 4, the insulating film 6 and the protective film 7 are removed before the dicing step and do not exist in the final product.
- the second guard ring 25 configured in this manner, chipping, in which the dicing end surface breaks off during the dicing process, can be effectively suppressed or prevented. Also, by providing the second guard ring 25, it is possible to effectively suppress or prevent moisture from penetrating along the first surface 2A of the semiconductor layer 2. Furthermore, by providing the second guard ring 25, it is possible to electrically separate the semiconductor layer 2 on the scribe area SA side from the semiconductor layer 2 on the imaging area IA side, with the second guard ring 25 as a boundary.
- Third guard ring 11 to third guard ring 13 are sequentially disposed in guard ring area GA, from scribe area SA to imaging area IA, on wiring layer 10. Each of third guard ring 11 to third guard ring 13 is disposed along the outer periphery of imaging area IA.
- the third guard ring 11 is disposed closest to the scribe area SA in the wiring layer 10.
- the third guard ring 11 is formed by stacking the multiple layers of wiring 101 and wiring 102 disposed in the imaging area IA in the thickness direction of the wiring layer 10, using each of the multiple layers of wiring 101 and wiring 102.
- the wiring 102 is made of a metal wiring material such as an aluminum (Al)-Cu alloy.
- Al aluminum
- the third guard ring 12 is disposed along the inner periphery of the third guard ring 11 in the wiring layer 10. Like the third guard ring 11, the third guard ring 12 is formed by stacking the multiple layers of wiring 101 and wiring 102 disposed in the imaging area IA in the thickness direction of the wiring layer 10 using each of the multiple layers of wiring 101 and wiring 102.
- the third guard ring 13 is disposed in the wiring layer 10 along the inner periphery of the third guard ring 12, closest to the imaging area IA. Similar to the third guard ring 11, the third guard ring 13 is formed by stacking the multiple layers of wiring 101 and wiring 102 disposed in the imaging area IA in the thickness direction of the wiring layer 10 using each of the multiple layers of wiring 101 and wiring 102.
- the third guard ring 11 By providing the third guard ring 11 to the third guard ring 13 configured in this manner, it is possible to effectively suppress or prevent moisture from penetrating into the imaging area IA side, particularly through the wiring layer 10.
- the first guard ring 5 is disposed within the insulator 4 along the outer periphery of the imaging area IA. To explain in detail, the first guard ring 5 is disposed closer to the imaging area IA than the second guard ring 25, the third guard ring 11, and the third guard ring 12, and is disposed in an equivalent area to the third guard ring 13.
- the first guard ring 5 is constructed including a first metal layer 51 and a second metal layer 52.
- the first metal layer 51 is formed on the opposite side of the pinning film 3 to the semiconductor layer 2, utilizing the inter-pixel separator 53. Since the inter-pixel separator 53 is utilized in the first metal layer 51, the first metal layer 51 is formed of a metal material such as W. A part of the first metal layer 51 is electrically connected to the n-type semiconductor substrate, which is the semiconductor layer 2, through a connection hole (not shown) formed in the pinning film 3 (see FIG. 3 in particular). In the connection region between the first metal layer 51 and the semiconductor layer 2, the pinning film 3 has been removed, and therefore the carrier region 23 is not formed.
- the second metal layer 52 is disposed within the insulator 4, is connected to the first metal layer 51, and extends in the thickness direction of the insulator 4.
- the second metal layer 52 is formed from the same metal material as the first metal layer 51.
- the first guard ring 5 configured in this manner, it is possible to effectively suppress or prevent moisture from penetrating into the imaging area IA, particularly through the insulator 4 and the interface between the insulator 4 and the semiconductor layer 2.
- the isolation insulator 26 is disposed in the semiconductor layer 2 along the outer periphery of the imaging area IA and along the inner periphery of the first guard ring 5.
- the depth of the isolation insulator 26 from the first surface 2A is formed to a depth that at least divides the carrier region 23. In other words, the depth of the isolation insulator 26 is formed to be the same as or deeper than the pn junction depth between the carrier region 23 and the n-type semiconductor substrate of the semiconductor layer 2.
- the isolation insulator 26 is configured to include a through groove 261 and a buried insulator 262 .
- the through groove 261 is formed as a groove that extends in both the direction of the arrow X and the direction of the arrow Y along the inner periphery of the first guard ring 5 and surrounds the imaging area IA and has no terminal end.
- the through groove 261 is formed as a through groove that penetrates the semiconductor layer 2 in the thickness direction from the first surface 2A to the second surface 2B of the semiconductor layer 2.
- the groove width of the through groove 261 is, for example, not less than 0.1 ⁇ m and not more than 0.5 ⁇ m.
- the through groove 261 is formed to have the same or substantially the same groove width from the first surface 2A to the second surface 2B of the semiconductor layer 2. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the isolation insulator 26 is formed to be rectangular, specifically, rectangular parallelepiped, in side view. In the present technology, the through groove 261 may be formed to have a groove width that is linearly or stepwise reduced from the first surface 2A to the second surface 2B of the semiconductor layer 2. The cross-sectional shape of the isolation insulator 26 thus formed is formed to be an inverted trapezoid in side view.
- the embedded insulator 262 is embedded in the through groove 261.
- the embedded insulator 262 is formed of an inorganic insulating material such as SiO2 or SiN.
- isolation insulator 26 is formed to have the same cross-sectional structure as second guard ring 25.
- isolation insulator 26 is formed in the same manufacturing process as the manufacturing process for forming second guard ring 25.
- the groove width of the through groove 261 of the isolation insulator 26 may be different from the groove width of the through groove 251 of the second guard ring 25 .
- a solid-state imaging device 1 includes a semiconductor layer 2, an insulator 4, a first guard ring 5, and an isolation insulator .
- the semiconductor layer 2 has an n-type semiconductor region (first semiconductor region) 21 of a first conductivity type, and also has a p-type semiconductor region (second semiconductor region) 22 of a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type in an imaging area IA in which a plurality of first photoelectric conversion elements PE1 that convert light into electric charges are arranged.
- the insulator 4 is disposed on a first surface 2A on the light incident side of the semiconductor layer 2.
- the first guard ring 5 is disposed within the insulator 4 along the outer periphery of the imaging area IA.
- the first guard ring 5 is formed of a metal material and is electrically connected to the n-type semiconductor region 21 of the semiconductor layer 2.
- the isolation insulator 26 is disposed in the semiconductor layer 2 along the outer periphery of the imaging area IA and along the inner periphery of the first guard ring 5. The isolation insulator 26 electrically isolates the first guard ring 5 from the p-type semiconductor region 22.
- a power supply VSS of 0 V or less is supplied to the p-type semiconductor region 22, and a power supply VDD of more than 0 V is supplied to the n-type semiconductor region (n-type semiconductor substrate) 21.
- the isolation insulator 26 is disposed between the imaging region IA and the first guard ring 5, and electrically isolates the first guard ring 5 from the p-type semiconductor region 22. This makes it possible to effectively suppress or prevent a short circuit between different power supplies (VSS-VDD) with the n-type semiconductor region 21, the first guard ring 5, and the p-type semiconductor region 22 as a short circuit path.
- a carrier region 23 of the second conductivity type is formed in the first surface 2A of the semiconductor layer 2 between the p-type semiconductor region 22 and the first guard ring 5.
- the carrier region 23 has a junction depth shallower than that of the p-type semiconductor region 22.
- the isolation insulator 26 is formed to a depth that at least divides the carrier region 23. For this reason, the isolation insulator 26 can electrically isolate the first guard ring 5 from the p-type semiconductor region 22. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress or prevent a short circuit between different power supplies with the n-type semiconductor region 21, the first guard ring 5, and the p-type semiconductor region 22 as a short circuit path.
- the isolation insulator 26 is disposed penetrating from the first surface 2A of the semiconductor layer 2 to the second surface 2B opposite to the first surface 2A. For this reason, the isolation insulator 26 can electrically and physically isolate the first guard ring 5 from the p-type semiconductor region 22. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress or prevent a short circuit between different power supplies with the n-type semiconductor region 21, the first guard ring 5, and the p-type semiconductor region 22 as a short circuit path.
- the solid-state imaging device 1 further includes a second guard ring 25.
- the second guard ring 25 is disposed in the semiconductor layer 2 along the outer periphery of the first guard ring 5.
- the second guard ring 25 is disposed along the inner periphery of the scribe area SA.
- the second guard ring 25 is disposed penetrating the semiconductor layer 2 from the first surface 2A to the second surface 2B.
- the isolation insulator 26 is formed to have the same cross-sectional structure as the second guard ring 25 . Therefore, since the isolation insulator 26 is formed by utilizing the second guard ring 25, the isolation insulator 26 can be easily formed.
- the isolation insulator 26 is formed in the same manufacturing process as the process for forming the second guard ring 25 of the solid-state imaging device 1. Therefore, the number of manufacturing processes for the solid-state imaging device 1 can be reduced compared to the case where the isolation insulator 26 is formed in a separate process from the process for forming the second guard ring 25.
- the first guard ring 5 is formed to include W. Since W is used for the inter-pixel separator 53 in the imaging area IA, the first guard ring 5 can be easily formed. In other words, since the first guard ring 5 is formed by utilizing the process for forming the inter-pixel separator 53, the number of manufacturing processes for the solid-state imaging device 1 can be reduced.
- the isolation insulator 26 is formed containing at least one type of inorganic insulating material selected from SiO2 and SiN. Since the inorganic insulating material is a highly reliable insulating material in semiconductor technology, the isolation insulator 26 can be easily formed.
- the solid-state imaging device 1 includes a pixel P in which an optical filter 8 and an optical lens 9 are sequentially arranged with an insulator 4 interposed between the first surface 2A of the semiconductor layer 2 in a region corresponding to the first photoelectric conversion element PE1.
- the solid-state imaging device 1 includes a pixel circuit PC that processes charges transferred from the first photoelectric conversion element PE1 on the second surface 2B side opposite to the first surface 2A of the semiconductor layer 2.
- the solid-state imaging device 1 has a back-illuminated structure. Therefore, in the back-illuminated solid-state imaging device 1, a short circuit between different power sources with the n-type semiconductor region 21, the first guard ring 5, and the p-type semiconductor region 22 as a short circuit path can be effectively suppressed or prevented.
- Second embodiment> A solid-state imaging device 1 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS.
- components that are the same or substantially the same as the components of the solid-state imaging device 1 of the first embodiment are given the same symbols, and duplicated explanations are omitted.
- FIG. 5 shows an example of a vertical cross-sectional configuration of a peripheral region of the solid-state imaging device 1 according to the second embodiment.
- Fig. 6 shows an example of an overall planar configuration of the solid-state imaging device 1 shown in Fig. 5.
- Second guard ring 27 As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in the solid-state imaging device 1 of the second embodiment, in the solid-state imaging device 1 of the first embodiment, a plurality of second guard rings 25 and second guard rings 27 are arranged in the semiconductor layer 2 along the outer periphery of the first guard ring 5.
- the second guard ring 25 is disposed adjacent to the scribe area SA and along the inner periphery of the scribe area SA.
- the second guard ring 27 is disposed along the inner periphery of the second guard ring 25.
- the second guard ring 27 is disposed within the insulator 4, and is configured to include a through groove 271 and a buried insulator 272.
- the through groove 271 is formed as a groove that extends in both the directions of the arrow X and the arrow Y along the outer periphery of the first guard ring 5 and surrounds the imaging area IA and has no terminal end.
- the through groove 271 is formed as a through groove that penetrates the semiconductor layer 2 in the thickness direction from the first surface 2A to the second surface 2B of the semiconductor layer 2.
- the embedded insulator 272 is embedded in the through groove 271.
- the embedded insulator 272 is made of an inorganic insulating material. That is, second guard ring 27 is formed to have the same or substantially the same vertical cross-sectional structure as second guard ring 25 .
- the second guard ring 25 and the second guard ring 27 configured in this manner, chipping can be more effectively suppressed or prevented. Also, by providing the second guard ring 25 and the second guard ring 27, it is possible to more effectively suppress or prevent moisture from penetrating through the first surface 2A of the semiconductor layer 2. Furthermore, by providing the second guard ring 25 and the second guard ring 27, it is possible to electrically separate the semiconductor layer 2 on the scribe area SA side from the semiconductor layer 2 on the imaging area IA side, with these as a boundary.
- the second guard ring 27 may be used as a guard ring that surrounds the outer periphery of the connection terminal CP.
- the isolation insulator 26 includes a groove 263 and a buried insulator 262. This will be described in detail.
- the groove 263 is formed as a groove that extends in both the arrow X direction and the arrow Y direction along the inner periphery of the first guard ring 5 and surrounds the imaging area IA without an end.
- the groove 263 is dug in the thickness direction of the semiconductor layer 2 from the first surface 2A toward the second surface 2B of the semiconductor layer 2, and does not penetrate to the second surface 2B.
- the depth of the groove 263 from the first surface 2A is formed to a depth that at least divides the carrier region 23.
- the depth of the isolation insulator 26 is formed to be the same as or deeper than the pn junction depth between the carrier region 23 and the n-type semiconductor substrate of the semiconductor layer 2.
- the embedded insulator 262 is embedded in the groove 263.
- the embedded insulator 262 is made of an inorganic insulating material, similar to the embedded insulator 262 of the solid-state imaging device 1 according to the first embodiment.
- the groove 263 is formed with the same or substantially the same groove width from the first surface 2A toward the second surface 2B of the semiconductor layer 2. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the isolation insulator 26 is formed in a rectangular shape, specifically a rectangular parallelepiped shape, in a side view. In this technology, the groove 263 may be formed with a groove width that is linearly or stepwise reduced from the first surface 2A toward the second surface 2B of the semiconductor layer 2. The cross-sectional shape of the isolation insulator 26 formed in this way is formed in an inverted trapezoid shape in a side view.
- the components other than those described above are the same as or substantially the same as the components of the solid-state imaging device 1 according to the first embodiment described above.
- FIG. 7 shows an example of a vertical cross-sectional configuration of a peripheral region of the solid-state imaging device 1 according to the third embodiment.
- Fig. 8 shows an example of an overall planar configuration of the solid-state imaging device 1 shown in Fig. 7.
- the solid-state imaging device 1 according to the third embodiment includes components that combine the solid-state imaging device 1 according to the first embodiment and the solid-state imaging device 1 according to the second embodiment.
- a plurality of second guard rings 25 and second guard rings 27 are disposed in the semiconductor layer 2 along the outer periphery of the first guard ring 5 .
- an isolation insulator 26 is disposed in the semiconductor layer 2 along the inner periphery of the first guard ring 5.
- the isolation insulator 26 is configured to include a through groove 261 and an embedded insulator 262, similar to the isolation insulator 26 of the solid-state imaging device 1 according to the first embodiment.
- the isolation insulator 26 is formed with a vertical cross-sectional structure that is the same as, or substantially the same as, the vertical cross-sectional structure of the second guard ring 25.
- the components other than those described above are the same as or substantially the same as the components of the solid-state imaging device 1 according to the first or second embodiment described above.
- FIG. 9 shows an example of a vertical cross-sectional configuration of a peripheral region of the solid-state imaging device 1 according to the fourth embodiment.
- Fig. 10 shows an example of an overall planar configuration of the solid-state imaging device 1 shown in Fig. 9.
- a first semiconductor element 31 is mounted on the first surface 2A of the semiconductor layer 2 at the outer periphery of the imaging area IA, with an insulator 4 interposed therebetween. A detailed description will be given.
- the first semiconductor element 31 has a rectangular planar shape in plan view.
- the planar area (planar size) of the first semiconductor element 31 is smaller than the planar area (planar size) of the semiconductor layer 2 on which the first semiconductor element 31 is mounted.
- a total of two first semiconductor elements 31 are mounted along each of two sides of the rectangular semiconductor layer 2 that face each other in the direction of the arrow Y. Since such a layout is adopted, the first semiconductor element 31 is formed in a rectangular shape with the direction of the arrow X as the longitudinal direction in a plan view.
- the number of first semiconductor elements 31 is not limited to two, and one or three or more may be mounted.
- the first semiconductor element 31 (its terminals, not shown and not referenced) is electrically and mechanically connected to a connection terminal CP disposed on the first surface 2A side of the semiconductor layer 2.
- a bump electrode 301 is used for this connection.
- a microbump electrode is used as the bump electrode 301 here.
- a Sn-based solder such as a tin (Sn)-silver (Ag) alloy is used for the bump electrode 301.
- the mounting method of the first semiconductor element 31 may be either a face-up method or a face-down method.
- the first semiconductor element 31 is equipped with a circuit (not shown) that is electrically connected to the pixel circuit PC.
- the circuit comprises one or more logic circuits that constitute the peripheral circuitry of the back-illuminated solid-state imaging device 1, for example, selected from a vertical drive circuit, a column signal processing circuit, a horizontal drive circuit, an output circuit, and a control circuit.
- the circuit is constructed to include transistors, resistors, capacitors, etc., similar to the pixel circuit PC.
- two first semiconductor elements 31 are mounted, and therefore the logic circuit that constitutes the peripheral circuit is divided and mounted on the circuits of the two first semiconductor elements 31. Also, a part of the logic circuit of the peripheral circuit may be mounted on the circuit of one of the two first semiconductor elements 31, and the other part of the logic circuit of the peripheral circuit may be mounted on the circuit of the other first semiconductor element 31.
- control circuit receives an input clock and data commanding the operating mode, etc., and outputs data such as internal information of the solid-state imaging device.
- control circuit generates clock signals and control signals that serve as the basis for the operation of the vertical drive circuit, column signal processing circuit, horizontal drive circuit, etc., based on the vertical synchronization signal, horizontal synchronization signal, and master clock. These signals are then input to the vertical drive circuit, column signal processing circuit, horizontal drive circuit, etc.
- the vertical drive circuit is composed of, for example, a shift register.
- the vertical drive circuit selects a pixel drive wiring and supplies a pulse to the selected pixel drive wiring to drive the pixel P.
- the pixels P are driven in row units. That is, the vertical drive circuit selects and scans each pixel P in the imaging area IA in the vertical direction in sequence in row units.
- a signal charge generated in the first photoelectric conversion element PE1 of each pixel P according to the amount of incident light received is supplied to the column signal processing circuit as a pixel signal through the vertical signal line.
- the column signal processing circuit is arranged, for example, for each column of pixels P.
- signal processing such as noise removal is performed for each pixel column on the signals output from one row of pixels P. That is, the column signal processing circuit performs signal processing such as CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) that removes fixed pattern noise specific to the pixels P, signal amplification, AD conversion, etc.
- a horizontal selection switch (not shown) is connected between the output stage of the column signal processing circuit and the horizontal signal line.
- the horizontal drive circuit is composed of, for example, a shift register.
- the horizontal drive circuit sequentially outputs horizontal scanning pulses to select each of the column signal processing circuits in turn, and outputs pixel signals from each of the column signal processing circuits to the horizontal signal line.
- the output circuit processes the signals sequentially supplied from each of the column signal processing circuits through the horizontal signal line and outputs the processed signals.
- the output circuit may perform only buffering, black level adjustment, column variation correction, various digital signal processing, etc.
- the logic circuit also includes input/output terminals (not shown) for transmitting and receiving signals between the solid-state imaging device 1 and the outside.
- a memory circuit may be mounted on at least a portion of the circuit of the first semiconductor element 31.
- the memory circuit may be used, for example, as a shift register.
- the components other than those described above are the same as or substantially the same as the components of the solid-state imaging device 1 according to the second embodiment described above.
- a first semiconductor element 31 is mounted on the first surface 2A side of the semiconductor layer 2 around the outer periphery of the imaging area IA.
- the first semiconductor element 31 has a circuit mounted thereon that is electrically connected to the pixel circuit PC. This makes it possible to improve the packaging density in the thickness direction of the first semiconductor element 31, thereby enabling the imaging area IA to be enlarged while improving the packaging density of the peripheral circuits including the circuit.
- the planar area of the first semiconductor element 31 is smaller than the planar area of the semiconductor layer 2 when viewed in the thickness direction of the semiconductor layer 2, as shown in FIGS. This allows the imaging area IA of the solid-state imaging device 1 to be further enlarged.
- the first semiconductor element 31 is mounted on the semiconductor layer 2 via bump electrodes 301.
- the first semiconductor element 31 is mounted using the bump electrodes 301, so the area required for mounting can be reduced compared to mounting using, for example, a bonding wire method. This makes it possible to increase the mounting density of the peripheral circuits, including the circuit, while expanding the imaging area IA.
- FIG. 11 shows an example of a vertical cross-sectional configuration of a peripheral region of a solid-state imaging device 1 according to the fifth embodiment.
- Fig. 12 shows an example of an overall planar configuration of the solid-state imaging device 1 shown in Fig. 11.
- the solid-state imaging device 1 according to the fifth embodiment is an application example of the solid-state imaging device 1 according to the fourth embodiment.
- a second semiconductor element 32 is mounted on the second surface 2B of the semiconductor layer 2 in an area overlapping the imaging area IA.
- the second semiconductor element 32 is configured to include a semiconductor layer (semiconductor substrate) 321 and a wiring layer 322. Furthermore, the second semiconductor element 32 is equipped with a circuit (not shown) that is similar to the circuit mounted on the first semiconductor element 31 of the solid-state imaging device 1 according to the fourth embodiment. In other words, the circuit is electrically connected to the pixel circuit PC.
- a circuit (not shown) is formed on the pixel circuit PC side of the semiconductor layer 321.
- a plurality of layers of wiring 323 are arranged in the wiring layer 322.
- a terminal 324 is arranged in the uppermost layer of the wiring layer 322 in the arrow Z direction.
- the terminal 324 is formed of a wiring material such as Cu.
- an insulator 325 is formed to electrically separate the multiple layers of wiring 323, terminals 324, and the like.
- a terminal 104 is disposed on the uppermost layer of the wiring layer 10 on the semiconductor layer 2 side, on the side of the second semiconductor element 32.
- the terminal 104 is formed of a wiring material such as Cu.
- a terminal 324 of the second semiconductor element 32 is joined to this terminal 104, so that the second semiconductor element 32 is mounted and the circuit of the second semiconductor element 32 is electrically connected to the pixel circuit.
- the joining between the terminal 104 and the terminal 324 is a so-called Cu-Cu joining.
- the components other than those described above are the same as or substantially the same as the components of the solid-state imaging device 1 according to the fourth embodiment described above.
- a second semiconductor element 32 is mounted on the second surface 2B side of the semiconductor layer 2 in an area overlapping the imaging area IA.
- the second semiconductor element 32 has a circuit mounted thereon that is electrically connected to the pixel circuit PC. Therefore, the imaging area IA can be enlarged while improving the packaging density of the peripheral circuits including the circuit.
- FIG. 13 shows an example of a vertical cross-sectional configuration of a peripheral region of the solid-state imaging device 1 according to the sixth embodiment.
- Fig. 14 shows an example of an overall planar configuration of the solid-state imaging device 1 shown in Fig. 13.
- the solid-state imaging device 1 according to the sixth embodiment is an application example of the solid-state imaging device 1 according to the fifth embodiment.
- a third semiconductor element 33 is further mounted on the second semiconductor element 32.
- the third semiconductor element 33 is mounted on the opposite side of the second semiconductor element 32 to the semiconductor layer 2. In other words, the second semiconductor element 32 and the third semiconductor element 33 are sequentially stacked and mounted on the semiconductor layer 2.
- the third semiconductor element 33 is configured to include a semiconductor layer (semiconductor substrate) 331 and a wiring layer 332.
- the specific structure of the wiring layer 322 is the same or substantially the same as the structure of the wiring layer 322, so a description thereof will be omitted here.
- the third semiconductor element 33 is also equipped with a circuit (not shown) similar to the circuit mounted on the first semiconductor element 31 of the solid-state imaging device 1 according to the fourth embodiment. That is, the circuit is electrically connected to the pixel circuit PC.
- the logic circuit constituting the peripheral circuit is divided and mounted on each of the circuits of the second semiconductor element 32 and the third semiconductor element 33. Also, a part of the logic circuit of the peripheral circuit may be mounted on the circuit of the second semiconductor element 32, and the other part of the logic circuit of the peripheral circuit may be mounted on the circuit of the third semiconductor element 33.
- the circuit of the second semiconductor element 32 and the circuit of the third semiconductor element are electrically connected to each other via through-wiring that penetrates the semiconductor layer 321 of the second semiconductor element 32 in the thickness direction.
- a logic circuit may be mounted on the second semiconductor element 32 and a memory circuit may be mounted on the third semiconductor element 33 .
- the components other than those described above are the same as or substantially the same as the components of the solid-state imaging device 1 according to the fifth embodiment described above.
- a third semiconductor element 33 is mounted on the second semiconductor element 32.
- the third semiconductor element 33 has a circuit mounted thereon that is electrically connected to the pixel circuit PC. Therefore, the imaging area IA can be enlarged while still further improving the packaging density of the peripheral circuits including the circuit.
- FIG. 15 shows an example of a vertical cross-sectional configuration of a peripheral region of the solid-state imaging device 1 according to the seventh embodiment.
- Fig. 16 shows an example of an overall planar configuration of the solid-state imaging device 1 shown in Fig. 15.
- the solid-state imaging device 1 according to the seventh embodiment is an application example of the solid-state imaging device 1 according to the fifth embodiment.
- the solid-state imaging device 1 further includes, in addition to the first photoelectric conversion element PE1, a second photoelectric conversion element PE2 between the first photoelectric conversion element PE1 and the optical filter 8 in the insulator 4.
- the second photoelectric conversion element PE2 is formed by sequentially stacking a first electrode 45, a photoelectric conversion layer 46, and a second electrode 47 in the direction of the arrow Z.
- the first electrode 45 is disposed for each pixel P, and is made of, for example, a transparent electrode material.
- the photoelectric conversion layer 46 converts incident light into electric charges.
- the photoelectric conversion layer 46 is made of, for example, an organic photoelectric conversion material. That is, here, the second photoelectric conversion element PE2 is an organic photoelectric conversion element.
- the second electrodes 47 are disposed for each of the plurality of pixels P, and are formed of, for example, a transparent electrode material.
- a charge storage and transfer layer may be disposed between the first electrode 45 and the photoelectric conversion layer 46.
- the charge transfer and storage layer is formed of, for example, an oxide semiconductor material.
- oxide semiconductor material for example, IGZO containing indium (In), gallium (Ga), zinc (Zn), and oxygen (O) is used.
- oxide semiconductor material IGSiO containing In, Ga, Si, and O, or IAZO containing In, Al, Zn, and O, etc. may also be used.
- the components other than those described above are the same as or substantially the same as the components of the solid-state imaging device 1 according to the fifth embodiment described above.
- a back-illuminated solid-state imaging device is constructed that includes two types of first and second photoelectric conversion elements PE1 and PE2.
- a solid-state imaging device it is possible to effectively suppress or prevent short circuits between different power sources.
- the technology according to the present disclosure can be applied to various products.
- the technology according to the present disclosure may be realized as a device mounted on any type of moving body such as an automobile, an electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, a motorcycle, a bicycle, a personal mobility device, an airplane, a drone, a ship, or a robot.
- FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a vehicle control system, which is an example of a mobile object control system to which the technology disclosed herein can be applied.
- the vehicle control system 12000 includes a plurality of electronic control units connected via a communication network 12001.
- the vehicle control system 12000 includes a drive system control unit 12010, a body system control unit 12020, an outside vehicle information detection unit 12030, an inside vehicle information detection unit 12040, and an integrated control unit 12050.
- a microcomputer 12051 Also shown in the figure are a microcomputer 12051, an audio/video output unit 12052, and an in-vehicle network I/F (Interface) 12053 as functional configurations of the integrated control unit 12050.
- the drive system control unit 12010 controls the operation of devices related to the drive system of the vehicle according to various programs.
- the drive system control unit 12010 functions as a control device for a drive force generating device for generating the drive force of the vehicle, such as an internal combustion engine or a drive motor, a drive force transmission mechanism for transmitting the drive force to the wheels, a steering mechanism for adjusting the steering angle of the vehicle, and a braking device for generating a braking force for the vehicle.
- the body system control unit 12020 controls the operation of various devices installed in the vehicle body according to various programs.
- the body system control unit 12020 functions as a control device for a keyless entry system, a smart key system, a power window device, or various lamps such as headlamps, tail lamps, brake lamps, turn signals, and fog lamps.
- radio waves or signals from various switches transmitted from a portable device that replaces a key can be input to the body system control unit 12020.
- the body system control unit 12020 accepts the input of these radio waves or signals and controls the vehicle's door lock device, power window device, lamps, etc.
- the outside-vehicle information detection unit 12030 detects information outside the vehicle equipped with the vehicle control system 12000.
- the image capturing unit 12031 is connected to the outside-vehicle information detection unit 12030.
- the outside-vehicle information detection unit 12030 causes the image capturing unit 12031 to capture images outside the vehicle and receives the captured images.
- the outside-vehicle information detection unit 12030 may perform object detection processing or distance detection processing for people, cars, obstacles, signs, characters on the road surface, etc. based on the received images.
- the imaging unit 12031 is an optical sensor that receives light and outputs an electrical signal according to the amount of light received.
- the imaging unit 12031 can output the electrical signal as an image, or as distance measurement information.
- the light received by the imaging unit 12031 may be visible light, or may be invisible light such as infrared light.
- the in-vehicle information detection unit 12040 detects information inside the vehicle.
- a driver state detection unit 12041 that detects the state of the driver is connected.
- the driver state detection unit 12041 includes, for example, a camera that captures an image of the driver, and the in-vehicle information detection unit 12040 may calculate the driver's degree of fatigue or concentration based on the detection information input from the driver state detection unit 12041, or may determine whether the driver is dozing off.
- the microcomputer 12051 can calculate control target values for the driving force generating device, steering mechanism, or braking device based on information inside and outside the vehicle acquired by the outside vehicle information detection unit 12030 or the inside vehicle information detection unit 12040, and output control commands to the drive system control unit 12010.
- the microcomputer 12051 can perform cooperative control aimed at realizing the functions of an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), including vehicle collision avoidance or impact mitigation, following driving based on the distance between vehicles, maintaining vehicle speed, vehicle collision warning, or vehicle lane departure warning.
- ADAS Advanced Driver Assistance System
- the microcomputer 12051 can also control the driving force generating device, steering mechanism, braking device, etc. based on information about the surroundings of the vehicle acquired by the outside vehicle information detection unit 12030 or the inside vehicle information detection unit 12040, thereby performing cooperative control aimed at automatic driving, which allows the vehicle to travel autonomously without relying on the driver's operation.
- the microcomputer 12051 can also output control commands to the body system control unit 12030 based on information outside the vehicle acquired by the outside information detection unit 12030. For example, the microcomputer 12051 can control the headlamps according to the position of a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle detected by the outside information detection unit 12030, and perform cooperative control aimed at preventing glare, such as switching high beams to low beams.
- the audio/image output unit 12052 transmits at least one output signal of audio and image to an output device capable of visually or audibly notifying the occupants of the vehicle or the outside of the vehicle of information.
- an audio speaker 12061, a display unit 12062, and an instrument panel 12063 are exemplified as output devices.
- the display unit 12062 may include, for example, at least one of an on-board display and a head-up display.
- FIG. 18 shows an example of the installation position of the imaging unit 12031.
- the imaging unit 12031 includes imaging units 12101, 12102, 12103, 12104, and 12105.
- the imaging units 12101, 12102, 12103, 12104, and 12105 are provided, for example, at the front nose, side mirrors, rear bumper, back door, and upper part of the windshield inside the vehicle cabin of the vehicle 12100.
- the imaging unit 12101 provided at the front nose and the imaging unit 12105 provided at the upper part of the windshield inside the vehicle cabin mainly acquire images of the front of the vehicle 12100.
- the imaging units 12102 and 12103 provided at the side mirrors mainly acquire images of the sides of the vehicle 12100.
- the imaging unit 12104 provided at the rear bumper or back door mainly acquires images of the rear of the vehicle 12100.
- the imaging unit 12105 provided at the upper part of the windshield inside the vehicle cabin is mainly used to detect leading vehicles, pedestrians, obstacles, traffic lights, traffic signs, lanes, etc.
- FIG. 18 shows an example of the imaging ranges of the imaging units 12101 to 12104.
- Imaging range 12111 indicates the imaging range of the imaging unit 12101 provided on the front nose
- imaging ranges 12112 and 12113 indicate the imaging ranges of the imaging units 12102 and 12103 provided on the side mirrors, respectively
- imaging range 12114 indicates the imaging range of the imaging unit 12104 provided on the rear bumper or back door.
- an overhead image of the vehicle 12100 viewed from above is obtained by superimposing the image data captured by the imaging units 12101 to 12104.
- At least one of the imaging units 12101 to 12104 may have a function of acquiring distance information.
- at least one of the imaging units 12101 to 12104 may be a stereo camera consisting of multiple imaging elements, or an imaging element having pixels for detecting phase differences.
- the microcomputer 12051 can obtain the distance to each solid object within the imaging ranges 12111 to 12114 and the change in this distance over time (relative speed with respect to the vehicle 12100) based on the distance information obtained from the imaging units 12101 to 12104, and can extract as a preceding vehicle, in particular, the closest solid object on the path of the vehicle 12100 that is traveling in approximately the same direction as the vehicle 12100 at a predetermined speed (e.g., 0 km/h or faster). Furthermore, the microcomputer 12051 can set the inter-vehicle distance that should be maintained in advance in front of the preceding vehicle, and perform automatic braking control (including follow-up stop control) and automatic acceleration control (including follow-up start control). In this way, cooperative control can be performed for the purpose of automatic driving, which runs autonomously without relying on the driver's operation.
- automatic braking control including follow-up stop control
- automatic acceleration control including follow-up start control
- the microcomputer 12051 classifies and extracts three-dimensional object data on three-dimensional objects, such as two-wheeled vehicles, ordinary vehicles, large vehicles, pedestrians, utility poles, and other three-dimensional objects, based on the distance information obtained from the imaging units 12101 to 12104, and can use the data to automatically avoid obstacles.
- the microcomputer 12051 distinguishes obstacles around the vehicle 12100 into obstacles that are visible to the driver of the vehicle 12100 and obstacles that are difficult to see.
- the microcomputer 12051 determines the collision risk, which indicates the risk of collision with each obstacle, and when the collision risk is equal to or exceeds a set value and there is a possibility of a collision, it can provide driving assistance for collision avoidance by outputting an alarm to the driver via the audio speaker 12061 or the display unit 12062, or by forcibly decelerating or steering the vehicle to avoid a collision via the drive system control unit 12010.
- At least one of the imaging units 12101 to 12104 may be an infrared camera that detects infrared rays.
- the microcomputer 12051 can recognize a pedestrian by determining whether or not a pedestrian is present in the captured image of the imaging units 12101 to 12104. The recognition of such a pedestrian is performed, for example, by a procedure of extracting feature points in the captured image of the imaging units 12101 to 12104 as infrared cameras, and a procedure of performing pattern matching processing on a series of feature points that indicate the contour of an object to determine whether or not it is a pedestrian.
- the audio/image output unit 12052 controls the display unit 12062 to superimpose a rectangular contour line for emphasis on the recognized pedestrian.
- the audio/image output unit 12052 may also control the display unit 12062 to display an icon or the like indicating a pedestrian at a desired position.
- the above describes an example of a vehicle control system to which the technology disclosed herein can be applied.
- the technology disclosed herein can be applied to the imaging unit 12031.
- the technology disclosed herein By applying the technology disclosed herein to the imaging unit 12031, it is possible to effectively suppress or prevent a short circuit between different power sources via a guard ring.
- a plurality of first semiconductor elements may be mounted in a stack in a thickness direction of the first semiconductor element.
- at least a fourth semiconductor element may be further mounted on the third semiconductor element.
- the present technology may be an isolation insulator in which polycrystalline Si with an inorganic insulating material interposed therebetween is embedded as a buried insulator in the through trench or in the trench.
- a solid-state imaging device includes a semiconductor layer, an insulator, a first guard ring, and an insulating separator.
- the semiconductor layer has a first semiconductor region of a first conductivity type, and a second semiconductor region of a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type in an imaging region in which a plurality of first photoelectric conversion elements for converting light into electric charges are arranged.
- the insulator is disposed on a first surface on the light incident side of the semiconductor layer.
- the first guard ring is disposed within the insulator along the outer periphery of the imaging region.
- the first guard ring is formed of a metal material and is electrically connected to the first semiconductor region of the semiconductor layer.
- the isolation insulator is disposed in the semiconductor layer along the outer periphery of the imaging region and along the inner periphery of the first guard ring, the isolation insulator electrically isolating the first guard ring from the second semiconductor region. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress or prevent a short circuit between different power supplies with the first semiconductor region, the first guard ring, and the second semiconductor region as a short circuit path.
- the solid-state imaging device is the same as the solid-state imaging device according to the first embodiment, and a carrier layer of a second conductivity type having a junction depth shallower than that of the second semiconductor region is formed in a first surface portion of the semiconductor layer between the second semiconductor region and the first guard ring, and an isolation insulator is formed to a depth at least sufficient to separate the carrier layer. Therefore, the isolation insulator can electrically isolate the first guard ring from the carrier layer connected to the second semiconductor region, and therefore it is possible to effectively suppress or prevent a short circuit between different power supplies with the first semiconductor region, the first guard ring, and the second semiconductor region as a short circuit path.
- an isolation insulator is arranged penetrating from a first surface of the semiconductor layer to a second surface opposite the first surface. Therefore, the isolation insulator can electrically and physically isolate the first guard ring from the second semiconductor region, thereby effectively suppressing or preventing a short circuit between different power supplies with the first semiconductor region, the first guard ring, and the second semiconductor region as a short circuit path.
- the present technology includes the following configuration: According to the present technology having the following configuration, in a solid-state imaging device, it is possible to effectively suppress or prevent a short circuit between different power supplies with a guard ring interposed therebetween.
- a semiconductor layer having a first semiconductor region of a first conductivity type and a second semiconductor region of a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type in an imaging region in which a plurality of first photoelectric conversion elements for converting light into electric charges are arranged; an insulator disposed on a first surface of the semiconductor layer on a light incident side; a first guard ring disposed within the insulator along an outer periphery of the imaging region, the first guard ring being made of a metallic material and electrically connected to the first semiconductor region of the semiconductor layer; an isolation insulator disposed in the semiconductor layer along an outer periphery of the imaging region and along an inner periphery of the first guard ring, electrically isolating the first guard ring from the second semiconductor region;
- the isolation insulator is formed containing at least one inorganic insulating material selected from SiO 2 and SiN.
- the first semiconductor region is an n-type semiconductor region or an n-type semiconductor substrate, The solid-state imaging device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the second semiconductor region is a p-type semiconductor region or a p-type well region.
Landscapes
- Solid State Image Pick-Up Elements (AREA)
Abstract
Description
また、固体撮像装置では、撮像領域の外周囲に沿って、かつ、ダイシングラインの内周囲に沿って、ガードリングが配設されている。ガードリングは、撮像領域内に形成される金属材料を利用してパッシベーション膜内に形成されている。そして、ガードリングは半導体層に電気的に接続され、ガードリングの電位が固定されている。
このように構成される固体撮像装置によれば、ダイシングライン側から撮像領域側への水分の浸入を効果的に抑制又は防止することができるので、耐湿性を向上させることができる。
固体撮像装置のスタンバイ時には、p型半導体領域に0V以下の電源が供給され、n型半導体基板には0Vを越える電源が供給される。このため、n型半導体基板、ガードリング及びp型半導体領域(p型キャリア領域)を短絡経路とした異電源間の短絡を効果的に抑制又は防止することが望まれていた。
1.第1実施の形態
第1実施の形態は、固体撮像装置に、本技術を適用した第1例を説明する。第1実施の形態では、固体撮像装置は、裏面照射型固体撮像装置である。また、第1実施の形態は、固体撮像装置のガードリングを含む縦断面構成、平面構成及び製造工程中の縦断面構成について説明する。
2.第2実施の形態
第2実施の形態は、第1実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置において、ガードリングの構造を変えた第2例を説明する。
3.第3実施の形態
第3実施の形態は、第1実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置において、ガードリングの構造を変えた第3例を説明する。
4.第4実施の形態
第4実施の形態は、第2実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置において、光入射面側に第1半導体素子を実装した第4例を説明する。
5.第5実施の形態
第5実施の形態は、第2実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置において、光入射面側とは反対側に第2半導体素子を実装した第5例を説明する。
6.第6実施の形態
第6実施の形態は、第5実施の形態に係る半導体装置において、第2半導体素子に更に第3半導体素子を実装した第6例を説明する。
7.第7実施の形態
第7実施の形態は、第5実施の形態に係る半導体装置において、撮像領域に2種類の光電変換素子を更に備えた第7例を説明する。
8.移動体への応用例
この応用例は、移動体制御システムの一例である車両制御システムに本技術を適用した例を説明する。
9.その他の実施の形態
図1~図4を用いて、本開示の第1実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1を説明する。
ここで、図中、適宜、示されている矢印X方向は、便宜的に平面上に載置された固体撮像装置1の1つの平面方向を示している。矢印Y方向は、矢印X方向に対して直交する他の1つの平面方向を示している。また、矢印Z方向は、矢印X方向及び矢印Y方向に対して直交する上方向を示している。つまり、矢印X方向、矢印Y方向、矢印Z方向は、丁度、三次元座標系のX軸方向、Y軸方向、Z軸方向に各々一致している。
なお、これらの各方向は、説明の理解を助けるために示されており、本技術の方向を限定するものではない。
(1)固体撮像装置1の全体構成
図1は、第1実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1の周辺領域の縦断面構成の一例を表している。図2は、図1に示される固体撮像装置1の全体の平面構成の一例を表している。図3は、図1に示される要部の拡大縦断面構成の一例を表している。また、図4は、固体撮像装置1の製造工程中(半導体ウエハのダイシング工程前)の周辺領域の縦断面構成の一例を表している。
固体撮像装置1は、半導体層2と、絶縁体4と、第1ガードリング5と、分離絶縁体26とを主要な構成要素として備えている。
以下、詳細に説明する。
図1~図3に示されるように、固体撮像装置1は、半導体層2を備えている。半導体層2は、例えば単結晶珪素(Si)基板により形成されている。さらに詳しく説明すると、半導体層2には、例えば低不純物密度を有する第1導電型としてのn型半導体基板が使用されている。
第1光電変換素子PE1は、詳細な断面構造の説明は省略するが、例えばフォトダイオードにより形成されている。このため、半導体層2において、撮像領域IAには、フォトダイオードを構築するp型半導体領域(p型ウエル領域)22が形成されている。p型半導体領域22は、第1導電型とは反対の第2導電型である。p型半導体領域22、p型ウエル領域又は後述するキャリア領域23は、本技術に係る「第2導電型の第2半導体領域」に相当する。
p型半導体領域22には、固体撮像装置1のスタンバイ時において、電源VSSが供給される。電源VSSには、例えば0[V]以下の電源が使用されている。
例えば、半導体ウエハSWの状態において、複数の固体撮像装置1の電気的特性が検査される。この後に、半導体層2はスクライブ領域SAにおいて切断され、ダイ(Die)又は半導体チップとして、個々の固体撮像装置1に個片化される。
n型半導体領域21には、固体撮像装置1のスタンバイ時において、電源VDDが供給される。電源VDDには、例えば0[V]を越える電源が使用されている。
なお、ガードリング領域GAに配設される第1ガードリング5等の構成要素の説明は、後述する。
キャリア領域23は、半導体層2の撮像領域IAに形成されたp型半導体領域22に電気的に接続され、ガードリング領域GAにわたって延設されている。キャリア領域23は、ここではホール蓄積領域である。キャリア領域23の接合深さは、p型半導体領域22の接合深さよりも浅い。さらに、キャリア領域23の不純物密度は、p型半導体領域22の不純物密度よりも高い。
図2に示されるように、絶縁体4は、半導体層2の第1面2Aにピニング膜3を介在して配設されている。絶縁体4は、実際には複数層の絶縁層から形成されている。絶縁体4は、配線41、金属層42、金属層43等の絶縁分離を行う層間絶縁膜又はパッシベーション膜として使用されている。表現を代えると、絶縁体4は、撮像領域IAにおいて、入射光を第1光電変換素子PE1へ導く導波路として使用されるとともに、配線層を構築している。
絶縁体4は、例えば酸化珪素(SiO2)等の絶縁材料により形成されている。
金属層42には、例えばコバルト(Co)等の金属材料が使用されている。また、金属層43には、例えば銅(Cu)等の金属材料が使用されている。
配線41には、例えばCu等の金属材料が使用されている。
図1及び図2に示されるように、撮像領域IAには、複数の画素Pが配設されている。詳細な構造は省略するが、画素Pは、第1光電変換素子PE1と、光学フィルタ8と、光学レンズ9とを主要な構成要素として備えている。
ここで、絶縁膜6は、例えば窒化珪素(SiN)等の絶縁材料により形成されている。また、保護膜7は、例えばSiO2等の絶縁材料により形成されている。
光学レンズ9は、いわゆるオンチップレンズとして形成され、画素P毎に、又は複数の画素Pにわたって一体に形成されている。光学レンズ9は、例えば透明樹脂材料により形成されている。
図1に示されるように、1つの画素P又は複数の画素Pには、図示省略の転送トランジスタを介在させて、画素回路PCが電気的に接続されている。
画素回路PCの詳細な回路構成の図示、側面視においての縦断面構成の図示並びに説明は省略するが、画素回路PCは、複数のトランジスタを含んで構成されている。例えば、画素回路PCは、リセットトランジスタ、増幅トランジスタ、セレクトトランジスタ等に使用されるトランジスタを備えている。
転送トランジスタを含み、画素回路PCを構築するトランジスタは、例えばnチャネル導電型の絶縁ゲート電界効果トランジスタ(IGFET)により形成されている。画素回路PCは、半導体層2の第2面2B側の主面部に配設されている。
半導体層2の第2面2B側には、画素回路PCを覆って配線層10が配設されている。配線層10には、例えば画素回路PCを構成する複数のトランジスタ間を結線する複数層の配線101等が形成されている。配線101には、例えば銅(Cu)等の金属配線材料が使用されている。
簡略化されて示されているが、複数層の配線101間等には、絶縁体103が形成されている。絶縁体103は、実際には複数層の絶縁膜により形成されている。絶縁体103は、例えばSiO2により形成されている。
図1、図2及び図4に示されるように、第1実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1では、第1ガードリング5に加えて、第2ガードリング25及び第3ガードリング11~第3ガードリング13を備えている。最初に、第2ガードリング25について説明する。
第2ガードリング25は、第1ガードリング5の外周囲に沿って半導体層2に配設されている。詳しく説明すると、第2ガードリング25は、更にスクライブ領域SAに近接し、このスクライブ領域SAの内周囲に沿って配設されている。第2ガードリング25は、貫通溝251と、埋込絶縁体252とを備えて構成されている。
埋込絶縁体252は、貫通溝251内に埋設されている。埋込絶縁体252は、例えばSiO2又はSiNの無機絶縁材料により形成されている。
なお、第2ガードリング25が配設された領域において、ピニング膜3、絶縁体4、絶縁膜6及び保護膜7は、ダイシング工程前に取り除かれ、最終製品として存在していない。
第3ガードリング11~第3ガードリング13のそれぞれは、ガードリング領域GAにおいて、スクライブ領域SAから撮像領域IAにわたって、配線層10に順次配設されている。第3ガードリング11~第3ガードリング13のそれぞれは、いずれも撮像領域IAの外周囲に沿って配設されている。
ここで、配線101、配線102のそれぞれを利用するとは、配線101、配線102のそれぞれと同一層に、同一配線材料を用いて同一製造工程により形成するという意味において使用されている。
図1~図4に示されるように、第1ガードリング5は、撮像領域IAの外周囲に沿って絶縁体4内に配設されている。詳しく説明すると、第1ガードリング5は、第2ガードリング25、第3ガードリング11及び第3ガードリング12よりも撮像領域IA側に配設され、かつ、第3ガードリング13に対して同等の領域に配設されている。第1ガードリング5は、第1金属層51と、第2金属層52とを備えて構築されている。
第1金属層51の一部は、ピニング膜3に形成された符号省略の接続孔を通して半導体層2であるn型半導体基板に電気的に接続されている(特に、図3参照。)。第1金属層51と半導体層2との接続領域においては、ピニング膜3が除去されているので、キャリア領域23は形成されていない。
図1~図4、特に図3に示されるように、分離絶縁体26は、撮像領域IAの外周囲に沿って、かつ、第1ガードリング5の内周囲に沿って、半導体層2に配設されている。分離絶縁体26の第1面2Aからの深さは、キャリア領域23を少なくとも分断する深さに形成されている。表現を代えれば、分離絶縁体26の深さは、キャリア領域23と半導体層2のn型半導体基板とのpn接合深さと同一か、このpn接合深さよりも深く形成されている。
貫通溝261は、第1ガードリング5の内周囲に沿って、矢印X方向、矢印Y方向のそれぞれに延設され、撮像領域IAを取り囲む終端を持たない溝として形成されている。貫通溝261は、半導体層2の第1面2Aから第2面2Bにわたって、半導体層2を厚さ方向に貫通する貫通溝として形成されている。貫通溝261の溝幅は、例えば0.1μm以上0.5μm以下である。
埋込絶縁体262は、貫通溝261内に埋設されている。埋込絶縁体262は、例えばSiO2又はSiNの無機絶縁材料により形成されている。
なお、分離絶縁体26の貫通溝261の溝幅は、第2ガードリング25の貫通溝251の溝幅に対して異なる寸法であってもよい。
第1実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1は、図1~図4に示されるように、半導体層2と、絶縁体4と、第1ガードリング5と、分離絶縁体26とを備える。
半導体層2は、第1導電型のn型半導体領域(第1半導体領域)21を有し、かつ、光を電荷に変換する第1光電変換素子PE1が複数配列された撮像領域IAに第1導電型とは反対の第2導電型のp型半導体領域(第2半導体領域)22を有する。絶縁体4は、半導体層2の光の入射側の第1面2Aに配設される。第1ガードリング5は、撮像領域IAの外周囲に沿って絶縁体4内に配設される。この第1ガードリング5は、金属材料により形成されるとともに、半導体層2のn型半導体領域21に電気的に接続される。
ここで、分離絶縁体26は、撮像領域IAの外周囲に沿って、かつ、第1ガードリング5の内周囲に沿って半導体層2に配設される。分離絶縁体26は、p型半導体領域22に対して、第1ガードリング5を電気的に分離する。
このように構成される固体撮像装置1では、スタンバイ時に、p型半導体領域22に0[V]以下の電源VSSが供給され、n型半導体領域(n型半導体基板)21には0[V]を越える電源VDDが供給される。分離絶縁体26は、撮像領域IAと第1ガードリング5との間に配設され、p型半導体領域22に対して、第1ガードリング5を電気的に分離する。このため、n型半導体領域21、第1ガードリング5及びp型半導体領域22を短絡経路とした異電源(VSS-VDD)間の短絡を効果的に抑制又は防止することができる。
このため、分離絶縁体26は、p型半導体領域22に対して、第1ガードリング5を電気的に分離することができる。従って、n型半導体領域21、第1ガードリング5及びp型半導体領域22を短絡経路とした異電源間の短絡を効果的に抑制又は防止することができる。
このため、分離絶縁体26は、p型半導体領域22に対して、第1ガードリング5を電気的に、かつ、物理的に分離することができる。従って、n型半導体領域21、第1ガードリング5及びp型半導体領域22を短絡経路とした異電源間の短絡を効果的に抑制又は防止することができる。
そして、図1~図4に示されるように、分離絶縁体26は、第2ガードリング25と同一の断面構造に形成される。
このため、分離絶縁体26は第2ガードリング25を利用して形成されるので、分離絶縁体26を簡易に形成することができる。
表現を代えれば、第1ガードリング5は画素間分離体53を形成する工程を利用して形成されているので、固体撮像装置1の製造工程数を削減することができる。
このため、裏面照射型の固体撮像装置1において、n型半導体領域21、第1ガードリング5及びp型半導体領域22を短絡経路とした異電源間の短絡を効果的に抑制又は防止することができる。
図5及び図6を用いて、本開示の第2実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1を説明する。
なお、第2実施の形態並びにそれ以降の実施の形態において、第1実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1の構成要素と同一の構成要素、又は実質的に同一の構成要素には同一の符号を付し、重複する説明は省略する。
図5は、第2実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1の周辺領域の縦断面構成の一例を表している。図6は、図5に示される固体撮像装置1の全体の平面構成の一例を表している。
図5及び図6に示されるように、第2実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1は、第1実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1において、第1ガードリング5の外周囲に沿って、半導体層2に複数の第2ガードリング25及び第2ガードリング27が配設されている。
一方、第2ガードリング27は、第2ガードリング25の内周囲に沿って配設されている。第2ガードリング27は、絶縁体4内に配設され、貫通溝271と、埋込絶縁体272とを備えて構成されている。
埋込絶縁体272は、貫通溝271内に埋設されている。埋込絶縁体272は、埋込絶縁体252と同様に、無機絶縁材料により形成されている。
すなわち、第2ガードリング27は、第2ガードリング25の縦断面構造と同一又は実質的に同一の縦断面構造により形成されている。
なお、第2ガードリング27は、接続端子CPの外周囲を取り囲むガードリングとして使用してもよい。
また、第2実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1では、分離絶縁体26は、溝263と、埋込絶縁体262とを備えて構成されている。詳しく説明する。
溝263は、第1ガードリング5の内周囲に沿って、矢印X方向、矢印Y方向のそれぞれに延設され、撮像領域IAを取り囲む終端を持たない溝として形成されている。溝263は、半導体層2の第1面2Aから第2面2Bに向かって、半導体層2の厚さ方向に掘り下げられ、第2面2Bには貫通されていない。溝263の第1面2Aからの深さは、キャリア領域23を少なくとも分断する深さに形成されている。表現を代えれば、分離絶縁体26の深さは、キャリア領域23と半導体層2のn型半導体基板とのpn接合深さと同一か、このpn接合深さよりも深く形成されている。
埋込絶縁体262は、溝263内に埋設されている。埋込絶縁体262は、第1実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1の埋込絶縁体262と同様に、無機絶縁材料により形成されている。
第2実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1によれば、第1実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1により得られる作用効果と同様の作用効果を得ることができる。
図7及び図8を用いて、本開示の第3実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1を説明する。
図7は、第3実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1の周辺領域の縦断面構成の一例を表している。図8は、図7に示される固体撮像装置1の全体の平面構成の一例を表している。
固体撮像装置1では、第2実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1と同様に、第1ガードリング5の外周囲に沿って、複数の第2ガードリング25及び第2ガードリング27が半導体層2に配設されている。
第3実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1によれば、第1実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1と第2実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1とを組み合わせた作用効果を得ることができる。
図9及び図10を用いて、本開示の第4実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1を説明する。
図9は、第4実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1の周辺領域の縦断面構成の一例を表している。図10は、図9に示される固体撮像装置1の全体の平面構成の一例を表している。
第4実施の形態では、矩形状に形成されている半導体層2の矢印Y方向に対向する2辺のそれぞれに沿って、合計2個の第1半導体素子31が実装されている。このようなレイアウトが採用されているので、第1半導体素子31は、平面視において、矢印X方向を長手方向とする長方形状に形成されている。
なお、第1半導体素子31は、2個に限定されるものではなく、1個又は3個以上を実装してもよい。
第1半導体素子31の実装方式としては、フェイスアップ方式、フェイスダウン方式のいずれが採用されてもよい。
また、ロジック回路は、図示省略の入出力端子を備えている。入出力端子は、固体撮像装置1とその外部との信号の遣り取りを行う。
第4実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1によれば、第2実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1により得られる作用効果と同様の作用効果を得ることができる。
このため、第1半導体素子31の厚さ方向に実装密度を向上させることができるので、撮像領域IAを拡大しつつ、回路を含む周辺回路の実装密度を向上させることができる。
このため、更に固体撮像装置1の撮像領域IAを拡大することができる。
このように構成される固体撮像装置1では、バンプ電極301を用いて第1半導体素子31が実装されているので、例えばボンディングワイヤ方式を用いて実装する場合よりも、実装に要する面積を縮小することができる。このため、撮像領域IAを拡大しつつ、回路を含む周辺回路の実装密度を向上させることができる。
図11及び図12を用いて、本開示の第5実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1を説明する。
図11は、第5実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1の周辺領域の縦断面構成の一例を表している。図12は、図11に示される固体撮像装置1の全体の平面構成の一例を表している。
固体撮像装置1では、撮像領域IAに重複する領域において、半導体層2の第2面2Bに第2半導体素子32が実装されている。
配線層322には、複数層の配線323、端子324等を電気的に分離する絶縁体325が形成されている。
この端子104に第2半導体素子32の端子324が接合され、第2半導体素子32が実装されるとともに、第2半導体素子32の回路が画素回路に電気的に接続される。端子104と端子324との接合は、いわゆるCu-Cu接合である。
第5実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1によれば、第4実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1により得られる作用効果と同様の作用効果を得ることができる。
このため、撮像領域IAを拡大しつつ、回路を含む周辺回路の実装密度を向上させることができる。
図13及び図14を用いて、本開示の第6実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1を説明する。
図13は、第6実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1の周辺領域の縦断面構成の一例を表している。図14は、図13に示される固体撮像装置1の全体の平面構成の一例を表している。
固体撮像装置1では、第2半導体素子32に更に第3半導体素子33が実装されている。第3半導体素子33は、第2半導体素子32の半導体層2とは反対側に実装されている。表現を代えれば、半導体層2には、第2半導体素子32、第3半導体素子33のそれぞれが順次積層されて実装されている。
なお、第2半導体素子32の回路、第3半導体素子の回路のそれぞれは、図示を省略するが、第2半導体素子32の半導体層321を厚さ方向に貫通する貫通配線を通して電気的に接続されている。
また、本技術は、第2半導体素子32にロジック回路を搭載し、第3半導体素子33にメモリ回路を搭載してもよい。
第6実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1によれば、第5実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1により得られる作用効果と同様の作用効果を得ることができる。
このため、撮像領域IAを拡大しつつ、回路を含む周辺回路の実装密度をより一層向上させることができる。
図15及び図16を用いて、本開示の第6実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1を説明する。
図15は、第7実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1の周辺領域の縦断面構成の一例を表している。図16は、図15に示される固体撮像装置1の全体の平面構成の一例を表している。
固体撮像装置1は、撮像領域IAにおいて、第1光電変換素子PE1に加えて、絶縁体4内の第1光電変換素子PE1と光学フィルタ8との間に、第2光電変換素子PE2を更に備えている。第2光電変換素子PE2は、第1電極45と、光電変換層46と、第2電極47とを順次矢印Z方向に積層して形成されている。
光電変換層46は、入射光を電荷に変換する。光電変換層46は、例えば有機光電変換材料により形成されている。つまり、ここでは、第2光電変換素子PE2は、有機光電変換素子である。
第2電極47は、複数の画素P毎に配設され、例えば透明電極材料により形成されている。
また、第1電極45と光電変換層46との間に、電荷蓄積転送層が配設されてもよい。電荷転送蓄積層は、例えば酸化物半導体材料により形成されている。酸化物半導体材料としては、例えばインジウム(In)、ガリウム(Ga)、亜鉛(Zn)、酸素(O)を含むIGZOが使用されている。また、酸化物半導体材料としては、In、Ga、Si、Oを含むIGSiO、或いはIn、Al、Zn、Oを含むIAZO等も使用することができる。
第7実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1によれば、第5実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置1により得られる作用効果と同様の作用効果を得ることができる。
本開示に係る技術(本技術)は、様々な製品へ応用することができる。例えば、本開示に係る技術は、自動車、電気自動車、ハイブリッド電気自動車、自動二輪車、自転車、パーソナルモビリティ、飛行機、ドローン、船舶、ロボット等のいずれかの種類の移動体に搭載される装置として実現されてもよい。
本技術は、上記実施の形態に限定されるものではなく、その要旨を逸脱しない範囲内において、種々変更可能である。
例えば、上記第1実施の形態から第7実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置のうち、2以上の実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置を組み合わせてもよい。
また、本技術は、第6実施の形態に係る固体撮像装置において、第3半導体素子に、少なくとも第4半導体素子を更に実装してもよい。
さらに、本技術は、貫通溝内若しくは溝内に、無機絶縁材料を介在させた多結晶Siを埋込絶縁体として埋設した分離絶縁体であってもよい。
半導体層は、第1導電型の第1半導体領域を有し、かつ、光を電荷に変換する第1光電変換素子が複数配列された撮像領域に第1導電型とは反対の第2導電型の第2半導体領域を有する。絶縁体は、半導体層の光の入射側の第1面に配設される。第1ガードリングは、撮像領域の外周囲に沿って絶縁体内に配設される。この第1ガードリングは、金属材料により形成されるとともに、半導体層の第1半導体領域に電気的に接続される。
ここで、分離絶縁体は、撮像領域の外周囲に沿って、かつ、第1ガードリングの内周囲に沿って半導体層に配設される。分離絶縁体は、第2半導体領域に対して、第1ガードリングを電気的に分離する。
このため、第1半導体領域、第1ガードリング及び第2半導体領域を短絡経路とした異電源間の短絡を効果的に抑制又は防止することができる。
このため、分離絶縁体は、第2半導体領域に接続されるキャリア層に対して、第1ガードリングを電気的に分離することができる。従って、第1半導体領域、第1ガードリング及び第2半導体領域を短絡経路とした異電源間の短絡を効果的に抑制又は防止することができる。
このため、分離絶縁体は、第2半導体領域に対して、第1ガードリングを電気的に、かつ、物理的に分離することができる。従って、第1半導体領域、第1ガードリング及び第2半導体領域を短絡経路とした異電源間の短絡を効果的に抑制又は防止することができる。
本技術は、以下の構成を備えている。以下の構成の本技術によれば、固体撮像装置において、ガードリングを介在させた異電源間の短絡を効果的に抑制又は防止することができる。
(1)
第1導電型の第1半導体領域を有し、かつ、光を電荷に変換する第1光電変換素子が複数配列された撮像領域に第1導電型とは反対の第2導電型の第2半導体領域を有する半導体層と、
前記半導体層の光の入射側の第1面に配設された絶縁体と、
前記撮像領域の外周囲に沿って前記絶縁体内に配設され、金属材料により形成されるとともに、前記半導体層の前記第1半導体領域に電気的に接続された第1ガードリングと、
前記撮像領域の外周囲に沿って、かつ、前記第1ガードリングの内周囲に沿って前記半導体層に配設され、前記第2半導体領域に対して前記第1ガードリングを電気的に分離する分離絶縁体と、
を備えている固体撮像装置。
(2)
前記第2半導体領域と前記第1ガードリングとの間において、前記半導体層の前記第1面部分には、前記第2半導体領域よりも接合深さが浅い第2導電型のキャリア領域が形成され、
前記分離絶縁体は、前記キャリア領域を少なくとも分断する深さに形成されている
前記(1)に記載の固体撮像装置。
(3)
前記分離絶縁体は、前記半導体層の前記第1面から前記第1面に対向する第2面にわたって貫通して配設されている
前記(1)又は前記(2)に記載の固体撮像装置。
(4)
前記第1ガードリングの外周囲に沿って前記半導体層に配設され、前記半導体層の前記第1面から前記第2面にわたって貫通して配設された第2ガードリングを更に備え、
前記分離絶縁体は、前記第2ガードリングと同一の断面構造に形成されている
前記(3)に記載の固体撮像装置。
(5)
前記第2ガードリングは、ダイシング領域の内周囲に沿って配設されている
前記(4)に記載の固体撮像装置。
(6)
前記第2ガードリングは、前記第1ガードリングの外周囲に沿って複数配設されている
前記(4)又は前記(5)に記載の固体撮像装置。
(7)
前記第1ガードリングは、Wを含んで形成されている
前記(1)から前記(6)のいずれか1つに記載の固体撮像装置。
(8)
前記分離絶縁体は、SiO2及びSiNから選択される少なくとも1種以上の無機絶縁材料を含んで形成されている
前記(1)から前記(7)のいずれか1つに記載の固体撮像装置。
(9)
前記第1半導体領域は、n型半導体領域又はn型半導体基板であり、
前記第2半導体領域は、p型半導体領域又はp型ウエル領域である
前記(1)から前記(8)のいずれか1つに記載の固体撮像装置。
(10)
前記第1光電変換素子に対応した領域において、前記半導体層の前記第1面には、前記絶縁体を介在させて、光学フィルタ、光学レンズのそれぞれが順次配設された画素を備え、
前記半導体層の前記第1面に対向する第2面側には、前記第1光電変換素子から転送された電荷を処理する画素回路を備えている
前記(1)から前記(9)のいずれか1つに記載の固体撮像装置。
(11)
裏面照射型構造を備えている
前記(10)に記載の固体撮像装置。
(12)
前記撮像領域の外周囲において、前記半導体層の前記第1面には、前記絶縁体を介在させて、前記画素回路に電気的に接続された回路を有する第1半導体素子が実装されている
前記(10)又は前記(11)に記載の固体撮像装置。
(13)
前記半導体層の厚さ方向から見て、前記第1半導体素子の平面面積は、前記半導体層の平面面積よりも小さい
前記(12)に記載の固体撮像装置。
(14)
前記第1半導体素子は、バンプ電極を介在させて前記半導体層に実装されている
前記(12)又は前記(13)に記載の固体撮像装置。
(15)
前記半導体層の前記第2面に、前記画素回路に電気的に接続された回路を有する第2半導体素子が実装されている
前記(10)から前記(14)のいずれか1つに記載の固体撮像装置。
(16)
前記第2半導体素子に、前記画素回路に電気的に接続された回路を有する第3半導体素子が更に実装されている
前記(15)に記載の固体撮像装置。
(17)
前記撮像領域において、前記絶縁体内に第2光電変換素子を更に備えている
前記(1)から前記(16)のいずれか1つに記載の固体撮像装置。
(18)
前記第2光電変換素子は、有機光電変換素子である
前記(17)に記載の固体撮像装置。
Claims (18)
- 第1導電型の第1半導体領域を有し、かつ、光を電荷に変換する第1光電変換素子が複数配列された撮像領域に第1導電型とは反対の第2導電型の第2半導体領域を有する半導体層と、
前記半導体層の光の入射側の第1面に配設された絶縁体と、
前記撮像領域の外周囲に沿って前記絶縁体内に配設され、金属材料により形成されるとともに、前記半導体層の前記第1半導体領域に電気的に接続された第1ガードリングと、
前記撮像領域の外周囲に沿って、かつ、前記第1ガードリングの内周囲に沿って前記半導体層に配設され、前記第2半導体領域に対して前記第1ガードリングを電気的に分離する分離絶縁体と、
を備えている固体撮像装置。 - 前記第2半導体領域と前記第1ガードリングとの間において、前記半導体層の前記第1面部分には、前記第2半導体領域よりも接合深さが浅い第2導電型のキャリア領域が形成され、
前記分離絶縁体は、前記キャリア領域を少なくとも分断する深さに形成されている
請求項1に記載の固体撮像装置。 - 前記分離絶縁体は、前記半導体層の前記第1面から前記第1面に対向する第2面にわたって貫通して配設されている
請求項1に記載の固体撮像装置。 - 前記第1ガードリングの外周囲に沿って前記半導体層に配設され、前記半導体層の前記第1面から前記第2面にわたって貫通して配設された第2ガードリングを更に備え、
前記分離絶縁体は、前記第2ガードリングと同一の断面構造に形成されている
請求項3に記載の固体撮像装置。 - 前記第2ガードリングは、ダイシング領域の内周囲に沿って配設されている
請求項4に記載の固体撮像装置。 - 前記第2ガードリングは、前記第1ガードリングの外周囲に沿って複数配設されている
請求項4に記載の固体撮像装置。 - 前記第1ガードリングは、Wを含んで形成されている
請求項1に記載の固体撮像装置。 - 前記分離絶縁体は、SiO2及びSiNから選択される少なくとも1種以上の無機絶縁材料を含んで形成されている
請求項1に記載の固体撮像装置。 - 前記第1半導体領域は、n型半導体領域又はn型半導体基板であり、
前記第2半導体領域は、p型半導体領域又はp型ウエル領域である
請求項1に記載の固体撮像装置。 - 前記第1光電変換素子に対応した領域において、前記半導体層の前記第1面には、前記絶縁体を介在させて、光学フィルタ、光学レンズのそれぞれが順次配設された画素を備え、
前記半導体層の前記第1面に対向する第2面側には、前記第1光電変換素子から転送された電荷を処理する画素回路を備えている
請求項1に記載の固体撮像装置。 - 裏面照射型構造を備えている
請求項10に記載の固体撮像装置。 - 前記撮像領域の外周囲において、前記半導体層の前記第1面には、前記絶縁体を介在させて、前記画素回路に電気的に接続された回路を有する第1半導体素子が実装されている
請求項10に記載の固体撮像装置。 - 前記半導体層の厚さ方向から見て、前記第1半導体素子の平面面積は、前記半導体層の平面面積よりも小さい
請求項12に記載の固体撮像装置。 - 前記第1半導体素子は、バンプ電極を介在させて前記半導体層に実装されている
請求項12に記載の固体撮像装置。 - 前記半導体層の前記第2面に、前記画素回路に電気的に接続された回路を有する第2半導体素子が実装されている
請求項10に記載の固体撮像装置。 - 前記第2半導体素子に、前記画素回路に電気的に接続された回路を有する第3半導体素子が更に実装されている
請求項15に記載の固体撮像装置。 - 前記撮像領域において、前記絶縁体内に第2光電変換素子を更に備えている
請求項1に記載の固体撮像装置。 - 前記第2光電変換素子は、有機光電変換素子である
請求項17に記載の固体撮像装置。
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2010219425A (ja) * | 2009-03-18 | 2010-09-30 | Toshiba Corp | 半導体装置 |
| JP2011114261A (ja) * | 2009-11-30 | 2011-06-09 | Sony Corp | 固体撮像装置及びその製造方法、並びに固体撮像素子の製造方法及び半導体装置 |
| JP2012178496A (ja) * | 2011-02-28 | 2012-09-13 | Sony Corp | 固体撮像装置、電子機器、半導体装置、固体撮像装置の製造方法 |
| WO2020075388A1 (ja) * | 2018-10-11 | 2020-04-16 | ソニーセミコンダクタソリューションズ株式会社 | 固体撮像装置及び電子機器 |
-
2023
- 2023-09-25 CN CN202380066571.2A patent/CN119949048A/zh active Pending
- 2023-09-25 WO PCT/JP2023/034719 patent/WO2024101014A1/ja not_active Ceased
- 2023-10-12 TW TW112138941A patent/TW202425305A/zh unknown
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2010219425A (ja) * | 2009-03-18 | 2010-09-30 | Toshiba Corp | 半導体装置 |
| JP2011114261A (ja) * | 2009-11-30 | 2011-06-09 | Sony Corp | 固体撮像装置及びその製造方法、並びに固体撮像素子の製造方法及び半導体装置 |
| JP2012178496A (ja) * | 2011-02-28 | 2012-09-13 | Sony Corp | 固体撮像装置、電子機器、半導体装置、固体撮像装置の製造方法 |
| WO2020075388A1 (ja) * | 2018-10-11 | 2020-04-16 | ソニーセミコンダクタソリューションズ株式会社 | 固体撮像装置及び電子機器 |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2026083699A1 (ja) * | 2024-10-15 | 2026-04-23 | ソニーセミコンダクタソリューションズ株式会社 | 半導体パッケージ、半導体装置、および、半導体パッケージの製造方法 |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| TW202425305A (zh) | 2024-06-16 |
| CN119949048A (zh) | 2025-05-06 |
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