High-voltage devices for 0.5-μm standard CMOS technology

The feasibility of the smart voltage extension (SVX) technique featuring complementary high-voltage devices without any modifications of the process steps of an 0.5-μm standard CMOS technology is discussed here. This letter focuses on the optimization of the breakdown voltage of the HVNMOS as well as the possible implementation of the HVPMOS. Different high-voltage options with increasing process modification steps are discussed as a function of the required high-voltage capabilities.