Short-channel effects on the subthreshold behavior are modeled for fully depicted Si-SOI MESFETs through an analytical solution of the two-dimensional Poisson equation in the subthreshold region. Based on the resultant minimum bottom potential caused by drain-induced barrier lowering, accurate analytical expressions for short-channel threshold voltage and subthreshold swing are derived. This model is verified by comparison to a two-dimensional device simulator, MEDICI, over a wide range of device parameters and bias conditions. Good agreement is obtained for channel lengths down to 0.2 mu m. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.