Enhanced hot-carrier induced degradation in pMOSFETs stressed under high gate voltage

Enhanced hot-carrier induced drain current degradation under high gate voltage stress is observed in pMOSFETs. Electron tunneling from the gate plus Auger recombination assisted hot-hole energy gain process is responsible for this phenomenon. This enhancement in drain current degradation is more severe for devices with thinner gate oxide, or devices operated under higher temperature or lower drain voltage.