How does substrate bias influence MOSFET operation?
Technical Blog / Author: icDirectory / Date: Apr 06, 2024 15:04
Substrate biasing plays a crucial role in the operation of MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors). Let%27s delve into the details:

1. Definition and Purpose:
- Substrate biasing, also known as back biasing, involves applying a voltage to the substrate (or body) of the MOSFET.
- The purpose is to modify the transistor%27s characteristics, particularly the threshold voltage (Vth) and the leakage current.

2. Effect on Threshold Voltage (Vth):
- For PMOS (p-channel) MOSFETs, the substrate is biased to a voltage higher than the supply voltage (Vdd).
- For NMOS (n-channel) MOSFETs, the substrate is biased to a voltage lower than the ground voltage (Vss).
- This biasing alters the threshold voltage:
- In PMOS, it makes Vth more negative.
- In NMOS, it makes Vth less negative.

3. Leakage Current Reduction:
- Leakage currents depend on Vth.
- By adjusting the substrate bias, we can reduce leakage power.
- Higher substrate bias raises the transistor thresholds, thus minimizing leakage.

4. Dynamic Biasing:
- Advanced techniques allow dynamic biasing:
- During active operation, the reverse bias is small.
- During standby, the reverse bias is stronger.
- However, this incurs area and routing penalties.

5. Implementation:
- Well-tap cells (also called body-bias cells) are used to distribute bias voltages to standard cells.
- These cells tap VDDbias and VSSbias to the n-well and p-substrate, respectively.
- Multiple well-tap cells prevent latch-up.
- Charge pumps generate the bias voltages.

6. Diminishing Returns:
- At smaller process nodes (e.g., 65nm and below), the body-bias effect decreases.
- TSMC reports a reduction factor of 4× at 90nm and 2× at 65nm.
- Power gating may overshadow substrate biasing.

In summary, substrate biasing allows us to fine-tune MOSFET behavior, balancing performance and leakage control.

For more in-depth understanding, you can explore resources like this [video on MOSFET biasing](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ae8L9-WOiVE) ¹ or this [lecture on substrate bias effects](http://www.faadooengineers.com/online-study/post/cse/fundamental-of-electronic-devices/992/mosfet-substrate-bias-effects) ⁶.


(1) MOSFET Biasing : Enhancement Type MOSFET Biasing Explained. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ae8L9-WOiVE.
(2) MOSFET: Substrate Bias Effects lecture notes - Faadooengineers. http://www.faadooengineers.com/online-study/post/cse/fundamental-of-electronic-devices/992/mosfet-substrate-bias-effects.
(3) Substrate Bias Effect in MOSFET, Threshold voltage under substrate bias voltage by Engineering Funda. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaT3YGycvTA.
(4) How Does a MOSFET Work?. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkbjHNEKcRw.
(5) Substrate Biasing - Semiconductor Engineering. https://semiengineering.com/knowledge_centers/low-power/techniques/substrate-biasing/.
(6) How does the substrate voltage change the state of the MOSFET?. https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/377261/how-does-the-substrate-voltage-change-the-state-of-the-mosfet.

icDirectory Limited | https://www.icdirectory.com/b/blog/how-does-substrate-bias-influence-mosfet-operation.html
  • Describe the short-channel effects in MOSFETs.
  • What is the impact ionization phenomenon in MOSFETs?
  • How does gate leakage current affect MOSFET reliability?
  • What is the drain-gate capacitance and why is it important?
  • Explain the body-source voltage and its effects.
  • How does channel length modulation impact MOSFET behavior?
  • What is the role of the body diode in a MOSFET?
  • Describe the threshold voltage variation in MOSFETs.
  • How does temperature influence MOSFET characteristics?
  • What are the parasitic capacitances associated with MOSFETs?
  • Explain the concept of transconductance in a MOSFET.
  • How does the Miller capacitance affect MOSFET performance?
  • What is the significance of the pinch-off voltage in MOSFETs?
  • How does the body effect impact MOSFET behavior?
  • What is the gate-source resistance capacitance in a MOSFET?
  • What is the drain-source overlap capacitance in a MOSFET?
  • What is the gate-source overlap capacitance in a MOSFET?
  • What is the drain-source voltage swing in a MOSFET?
  • What is the gate-source voltage swing in a MOSFET?
  • What is the drain-source capacitance in a MOSFET?