Predictive and efficient modeling of hot-carrier degradation in nLDMOS devices

We present a physical model for hot-carrier degradation (HCD) which is based on the information provided by the carrier energy distribution function. In the first version of our model the distribution function is obtained as the exact solution of the Boltzmann transport equation, while in the second one we employ the simplified drift-diffusion scheme. Both versions of the model are validated against experimental HCD data in nLDMOS transistors, namely against the change of such device characteristics as the linear and saturation drain currents. We also compare the intermediate results of these two versions, i.e. the distribution function, defect generation rates, and interface state density profiles. Finally, we make a conclusion on the vitality of the drift-diffusion based version of the model.