CHARGE SEPARATION FOR BIPOLAR-TRANSISTORS

The role of net positive oxide trapped charge and surface recombination velocity on excess base current in BJTs is identified. Although the interaction of these two radiation-induced defects is physically complex, simple approaches for estimating these quantities from measured BJT characteristics are presented. The oxide charge is estimated using a transition voltage in the plot of excess base current vs. emitter bias. Two approaches for quantifying the effects of surface recombination velocity are described; the first measures surface recombination directly using a gated diode. The second estimates its effects using an intercept current that is easily obtained from the BJT itself. The results are compared to two-dimensional simulations and measurements made on test structures. The techniques are simple to implement and provide insight into the mechanisms and magnitudes of the radiation-induced damage in BJTs.