Dynamically Tunable Pseudo-Enhancement-Load Inverters Based on High-Performance InAlZnO Thin-Film Transistors

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Semiconductor Physics

Background:

• Oxide transistors are crucial for integrated circuits (ICs).
• Indium Aluminum Zinc Oxide (IAZO) shows potential for high mobility and stability.
• Existing oxide transistors face challenges in balancing performance and power.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate high-performance IAZO transistors.
• To construct Pseudo-Enhancement-Load (PEL) inverters using IAZO transistors.
• To investigate the impact of adjustable bias voltage (V_BIAS) on inverter performance.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of IAZO thin-film transistors.
• Characterization of transistor electrical properties (mobility, subthreshold swing, on/off ratio, bias stress stability).
• Construction and testing of IAZO-based PEL inverters with variable V_BIAS.

Main Results:

• Achieved IAZO transistors with mobility of 56.60 cm²/V·s and on/off ratio > 10⁷.
• Demonstrated PEL inverters with voltage gain of 1.83 V/V.
• Showcased low power consumption (2.58 × 10⁻⁶ W at V_BIAS = 1.0 V) and flexible performance control via V_BIAS.

Conclusions:

• IAZO transistors are suitable for high-performance oxide ICs.
• IAZO-based PEL inverters offer a viable solution for low-power applications.
• Adjustable V_BIAS provides effective control over the performance-power trade-off in these inverters.