Advantages of the graded-channel SOI FD MOSFET for application as a quasi-linear resistor

In this paper, we analyze the previously unexpected advantages of asymmetric channel engineering on the MOS resistance behavior in quasi-linear operation, such as used in integrated continuous-time tunable filters. The study of the two major figures of merit in such applications as on-resistance and nonlinear harmonic distortion, is supported by both measurements and simulations of conventional and graded-channel (GC) fully depleted silicon-on-insulator (SOI) MOSFETs. The quasi-linear current-voltage characteristics of GC transistors show a decrease of the on-resistance as the length of the low doped region in the channel is increased, as well as an improvement in the third-order harmonic distortion (HD3), when compared with conventional transistors. A method for full comparison between conventional and GC SOI MOSFETs is presented, considering HD3 evolution with on-resistance tuning under low voltage of operation. Results demonstrate the significant advantages provided by the asymmetrical long channel transistors.