Analysis and Modeling of an 11.8 GHz Fin Resonant Body Transistor in a 14nm FinFET CMOS Process

TL;DR

This paper presents a comprehensive compact model for an 11.8 GHz FinFET resonant body transistor in 14nm CMOS, enabling RF applications with validated accuracy against measured data.

Contribution

It introduces the first complete, integrated model for a FinFET-based resonant body transistor operating at GHz frequencies in standard CMOS processes.

Findings

Model accurately predicts RF behavior of the fRBT.

Validated against measured data across various conditions.

Framework integrates with standard PDKs and circuit simulators.

Abstract

In this work, a compact model is presented for a 14 nm CMOS-based FinFET Resonant Body Transistor (fRBT) operating at a frequency of 11.8 GHz and targeting RF frequency generation/filtering for next generation radio communication, clocking, and sensing applications. Analysis of the phononic dispersion characteristics of the device, which informs the model development, shows the presence of polarization exchange due to the periodic nature of the back-end-of-line (BEOL) metal PnC. An eigenfrequency-based extraction process, applicable to resonators based on electrostatic force transduction, has been used to model the resonance cavity. Augmented forms of the BSIM-CMG (Common Multi-Gate) model for FinFETs are used to model the drive and sense transistors in the fRBT. This model framework allows easy integration with the foundry-supplied process design kits (PDKs) and circuit simulators while being flexible towards change in transduction mechanisms and device architecture. Ultimately, the behaviour is validated against RF measured data for the fabricated fRBT device under different operating conditions, leading to the demonstration of the first complete model for this class of resonant device integrated seamlessly in the CMOS stack.