The invention relates to a high power (HP) generator configured to deliver pulsed high power with a high value of voltage and/or high current to a capacitive load, in particular to a plasma process. The invention also concerns a method of supplying a plasma process with high power pulses.

By a capacitive load is meant a load with a capacitive part, which means, that a voltage rise on this load implies a high current capability. The capacitive part may in these cases at least be 100 pF, preferred 200 pF or more, such as around 500 pF. This could be a load in a plasma process as, for example, a plasma treatment application.

Some plasma treatment applications, such as etching or layer deposition, demand a high voltage (HV), high frequency (HF), rectangular, asymmetrical, pulsed voltage supply. Often the voltage values significantly exceed the voltage handling possibilities of individual semiconductor switches, especially when high frequency operation is required.

It is the object of the present invention to present a high-power generator and a method of supplying a plasma with high power pulses that allow supply of a plasma process with quickly varying power (pulses).

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a high-power- (HP-) generator configured to deliver high power with a high value of voltage and/or a high current value to a load, in particular to a plasma process, comprising:

■ several low-power- (LP-) generators, o each LP-generator comprising an energy storage component, wherein in use the energy storage component is charged to a predefined value related to the energy storage component, o each LP-generator supplying, in use, at its output an LP-generator-value which corresponds to the value of the energy storage component incorporated in the respective LP-generator,

■ a coupling, in which the LP-generators are electrically connected such that a coupling-value at the output of the coupling, which corresponds to the output value of the HP-generator, may be obtained, which is, in use, at least in some states of the HP-generator higher than the LP-generator-value at the output of one of the LP-generators,

■ a control unit configured to select the contribution of LP-generators to the output value of the HP-generator during power delivery of the HP-generator in order to generate a rise and/or decay of a pulse at the output of the coupling.

In one aspect the control unit may be configured to select the contribution of LP- generators in a way to reduce voltage overshoots at the output of the HP- generator and/or at a dedicated location on the load, in particular at the substrate of a plasma process. This may be done by a first step at the output of the HP-generator which is only a part, in particular the half, of the value of the second step which may be the full amount, e.g..

According to one aspect the output of the coupling and/or the output of the HP- generator (10), in use, is a step-function, in particular a real step-function without a continuous slope.

According to one aspect the LP-generators are activated sequentially during one pulse. This means that not all LP-generators are activated at once with the beginning of the pulse. So, for example, if a pulse has a length of 0,5 ps to 2 ps, then a first LP-generator or a stack of some of the LP-generators are activated at the beginning of the pulse. Some 10 ns or 100 ns later, one or some additional LP-generators are activated, so that the pulse at the output of the HP generator rises. And then, some more 10 ns or 100 ns later the next LP- generator or stack of LP-generators are activated additionally, so that the pulse further rises. For a decay of the pulse one or some of the LP-generators could be deactivated stepwise in the same way. By 'activating one or some LP- generator(s)' is meant that the control unit selects these LP-generator(s) to bring a contribution to the output value of the HP-generator during power delivery of the HP-generator. In other words, the control unit may be configured to select the contribution of each LP-generator to the output value of the HP- generator several times during a pulse at the output of the HP-generator.

According to one aspect the coupling comprises more than four electrically connected LP-generators, in particular 6 or more LP-generators, preferably 10 or more, most preferred 15 or more LP-generators. With such a high amount of LP- generators it is possible to generate a real step-function without a continuous slope.

In one aspect the control unit is configured to select the contribution of the LP- generators in a way that at least one amplitude step is lower than 500 V and/or in a way that no generator with a continuous slope output is needed.

With such solutions no continuous slope generating generator is needed, which makes the HP generator more efficient.

In one aspect the coupling and the control unit are configured to connect the LP- generators by switching only.

In one aspect the control unit may be configured to select the contribution of the LP-generators to the output value of the HP-generator to form a step-line pulse shape at the rising and/or falling edge of a pulse.

In one aspect the number of LP-generators is high enough to form at the output of the coupling pulses with a voltage rise and/or fall with values equal or higher as a sum of several values of the LP-generators, and a step-line pulse shape, where the value of a step corresponds to a value equal or higher as the value(s) of one or more of the LP-generators.

According to one aspect the charging energy of the LP-generators is supplied over a transformer, with a primary winding, and a secondary winding for each LP-generator, the secondary winding connected to a rectifier, each rectifier connected to the energy storage component of the corresponding LP-generator. The rectifier may comprise at least one semiconductor element such as a diode. The rectifier may comprise four diodes connected in a bridge rectifier way. The rectifiers and/or the transformer(s) may be part of power source. Several, in particular each LP-generators may have its corresponding transformer.

Several, in particular each of the transformers corresponding to a LP-generator, may have its own magnetic core.

Several, in particular each transformer corresponding to a LP-generator, may comprise a balancing winding, preferred two balancing windings.

This allows an AC supply current to flow freely along the transformers, supplying charge to the loaded stages, i.e. LP-generators connected to the load, and preventing the unloaded stages, i.e. the LP-generators not connected to the load and thus not contributing to the HV generator output, from being over-charged. The same concept may be used to power the driver circuits.

One balancing winding of one transformer may be connected to a balancing winding of a different transformer.

So, several, in particular each transformer corresponding to a LP-generator, may be connected in an open chain configuration.

The primary winding of several, in particular each primary winding of a transformer corresponding to a LP-generator, may be connected in series. This could mean one wire is leaded through all transformers in series, configured to be supplied by an AC supply current.

The high voltages and currents may be separated in an efficient and effective way, if each transformer has its own magnetic core and the only common elements are the primary windings, which can be made by one common wire.

Several, in particular each transformer corresponding to a LP-generator, also called 'stage', may be embodied as ring-core transformers.

In one aspect a balancing circuit comprising a component allowing current flow in one direction only, in particular a diode or component working like a diode, is connected between two LP-generators. E.g. a negative output of several, in particular each LP-generator's energy storage component, in particular as capacitor, is connected with the same potential of preceding LP-generator with such a balancing circuit. This may enable the charge from a lower LP-generator energy storage component to be transferred to the energy storage component on a higher LP-generator when the switch which is in parallel to the load is activated and if the lower LP-generator energy storage component value exceeds that on the higher LP-generator. 'Activated' shall mean: 'switched to an on-state', or 'switched to a low impedance at its output'. With the 'switch parallel to the load' is meant the switching element which is responsible to disconnect the corresponding LP-generator from the nearby connected LP-generator when activated. In Fig 2a, 2b, 4, 5 these are the switching elements SI. In Fig 3 these are the switching elements S2. With the connecting switch is meant the switching element which is responsible to connect the corresponding LP-generator when activated. In Fig 2a, 2b, 4, 5 these are the switching elements S2. In Fig 3 these are the switching elements SI. The energy storage component of the highest LP- generator will accumulate the excessive charge from the entire stack. These highest LP-generators may therefore advantageously be controlled in a way to provide more power to the load than the other LP-generators in order to get rid of the excessive charge.

In one aspect a damping circuit may be positioned between several, in particular all of the LP-generators in an open chain configuration. Open chain configuration shall mean that such a damping circuit is positioned between every LP generator and its next higher LP-generator, but not between the highest and lowest. The damping circuit may comprise a resistor and/or an inductivity if the energy storage component is a capacitor. The damping circuit may comprise a resistor and/or a capacitor if the energy storage component is an Inductor. The damping circuit between the LP-generators may be positioned preferably in series with the balancing circuit. The damping circuit may be used to eliminate oscillations on the parasitic components of the charge handling path.

The entire HP generator may be directly liquid cooled. This may be done by immersed dielectric cooling liquid, in particular the LP-generators are bathed by dielectric cooling liquid. All components of the HP generator, including the transformers, may be immersed dielectric cooling liquid which reduces clearance and creepage requirements, while delivering high cooling ability. This allows improved usage of a safe operating area of all components and results in further size reduction and decreased parasitic inductance and capacitance. This leads to a small size of the entire HP generator and increased efficiency. Several, in particular all, LP-generators and the control unit at least partially, at least with the switching units may be located in one housing. The coupling may be located in the same housing. The transformer and the rectifier may be located in the housing. The housing may be liquid-proof. The dielectric cooling liquid may flow through the housing. By that the cooling and isolation could be enhanced. Distances could be reduced. This allows to use shorter wire lengths which reduces the inherent inductances which makes the switching capabilities faster. The temperature differences between different switches and other components of the LP-generators and/or coupling may be decreased by this kind of direct liquid cooling. So, an advanced balancing is possible.

In one aspect the control unit may be configured to select the contribution of the LP-generator in a sequenced way through the LP-generators. In particular each pulse sequence may begin on a different LP-generator, so that all n LP- generators are equally loaded after n pulses. This leads to an enhanced load distribution among the LP-generator stack and thus better power-loss balance between the switching elements.

In one aspect the control unit may comprise switching units, having current rise capability of at least 10 A/ps. With such high current rise capability, it is possible to charge the capacitive load fast enough.

In one aspect the control unit may comprise switching units, having capability of withstanding voltage of about 0,5 kV or more with voltage rise and fall rates of 15 kV/ps or more. By that, an extremely pulse with extremely sharp voltage transitions may be realizable. This is an extremely needed feature for many applications such as plasma processes, especially in semiconductor plasma processes.

In one aspect at least one, preferably several, most preferred all LP-generators comprise a LP-generator-value limiting circuit, such as a voltage limiting circuit or a current limiting circuit. This might be an additional switching element with an additional resistor or a variable eclectically controllable impedance with a power dissipating part. With such a circuit, the HP-generator could be made much more reliable.

In one aspect the control unit is configured to select the contribution of LP- generators in a galvanically isolated way, in particular via a fiber optic connection or magnetically coupling. Some or preferred each of the LP-generators may be selected by the control unit by control of switching units. The connection between output of a data processor and the switching units may be realized by fiber optics or by magnetically coupling. This could help to switch all LP- generators effectively and fast and without time delay to form a pulse with sharp edges in voltage, e.g. Several switching elements of one switching unit could be connected by one galvanically isolated connection. Several LP-Generators with corresponding switching units could be merged to one group, which could be configured in a way that this group is activated or deactivated only together. Then, for such a group it is possible to use only one galvanically isolated connection. Reducing the number of galvanically isolated connections could save costs and makes the HP-generator more reliable due to less parts with failure risk. Advantageously each switch has its own galvanically isolated connection. Several transmitters may, however, be controlled by one control signal if merged. This reduces the number of I/O ports needed.

In one aspect the voltages on all LP-generators, also called 'stages', are equal despite their unbalanced loads. Also, the primary-to-secondary winding isolation (ground-to-HV) is easy to obtain by positioning the primary path near the middle of the ring-core transformers, while keeping the secondary winding close to the core and away from the primary winding. The balancing windings can be placed close to the secondary winding, because only the stage-to-stage voltage insulation should be provided here.

The meaning of 'the control unit is configured to select the contribution of LP- generators to the output value of the HP-generator' shall be understood as the ability and configuration of the circuit of the HP-generator in combination with the program of the control unit, that enables the HP-generator to select a choice of LP-generators with their respective LP-generator-value to supply a contribution to the output value of the HP-generator. The control unit may comprise a data processor, embodied for example as an embedded microcontroller with a program memory, embodied as a non-volatile data memory, e.g., and a data memory, embodied as a volatile data memory, e.g. Such a control unit typically comprises data interfaces for incoming data, such as measurement data, control input data and so on, as well as outcoming data, as control signals, information signals, alert signals, and so on. Such a control unit typically comprises data computing section, data comparing possibilities and similar circuits enabling it to compute new data out of incoming data, find decisions related to incoming and/or computed data, and output relevant data signals to control other electrical circuits of the HP-generator, e.g.

The output of the coupling could be the output of the HP-generator. But it is also possible that some minor additional voltage or current shaping components may be connected between the output of the coupling and the output of the HP- generator. This minor additional voltage or current shaping components could be filters or small voltage, current, or power sources with much smaller amount than the output value of the coupling.

With 'states of the HP-generator' is meant the different states the HP-generator could be, when being in use, depending on the activation of the different LP- generators and/or switching units and/or switching elements in the HP- generator.

High power means 10 kW during pulsing or more. High value of voltage means 4 kV or more. High current means 10 A or more. The HP-generator may be configured to influence a voltage and/or movement of charge carriers in a plasma and/or between a plasma potential and a substrate in a plasma process. An energy storage component may be a capacitor or an inductor and/or other energy storage component. It should be understood as an energy storage component being configured to store an amount of energy, which could be a reasonable part of the output energy of one pulse of the HP-generator, which means at least 1/200, preferably at least 1/100, even more preferred at least 1/50 of the energy of one pulse of the HP-generator. Continuously charging the energy storage component includes charging to a predefined value of voltage of a capacitor or a predefined value of current of an inductor. The electrical connection of the LP-generators in the coupling may be a series connection, a parallel connection or a combination of both. The coupling value may be a voltage, a current or a power. The control unit may determine which of the LP- generators contributes to the output power of the HP-generator. The control unit may be configured to control the LP-generators such that at least two LP- generators contribute to the output of the HP-generator, i.e. that the output values of at least two LP-generators are added to form an HP output value.

The main advantage is that the energy storage components are charged independently of the state of the control unit. That means that there is no limitation in duty cycle of the generated output value, in particular output pulses, their widths and in consequence: the mean output power. The second advantage is that each LP-generator has its own energy storage component, which protects switches in the control unit against overvoltage or overcurrent, respectively. The third advantage is that all components are relatively cheap due to low power components.

The control unit may comprise switching units, wherein one switching unit is associated with each LP-generator. Each switching unit may comprise one or two transistors, in particular MOSFETS. MOSFETS provide high switching capability, can be used with currents of 50 A or more, and allow voltages of 500 V or more to be switched. If MOSFETS are being used, an antiparallel diode may be provided for each MOSFET, in particular in parallel to each MOSFET. The MOSFETs may be silicon-carbide- (SiC-) based or gallium-nitride- (GaN-) based MOSFETs which are suitable for fast switching voltages of 500 V or more with high rise and fall times of voltage (15 kV/ps or more) as well as high currents (50 A or more) with high rise and fall times of current (10 A/ps or more).

Each switching unit may comprise a half-bridge circuit comprising two switching elements connected in series. One transistor may be configured to connect two of the LP-generators when closed in such a way, that both values of both LP- generators influence the value at the output of the coupling. In particular, the output values of both LP-generators may be added. The other transistor may be configured to short-circuit the load, when activated, i.e. when the transistor is closed or in the conducting state.

Each half-bridge circuit may be clamped by its storage component, for example a capacitor. This means the storage component is directly parallel connected to its half-bridge. This configuration protects both switches from over-voltage up to the voltage of the capacitor. The storage component may also be an inductor. This configuration protects then both switches from over-current up to the current in the inductor. It is enough to maintain safe voltages / currents individual on all LP-generators to prevent over-voltage or over current related failures, respectively. Thus, each LP-generator maintains it's operating levels within its own . This leads to a self-maintained safe condition.

The control unit may comprise a driver. The driver may be configured to drive the switching unit, especially the transistors, in particular the MOSFETs. The control unit, in particular the switching unit, may be part of a respective LP- generator.

At least 6, preferably 10 or more, preferably 15 or more LP-generators may be coupled in one coupling. At least two LP-generators may provide equal LP- generator values. Preferably the majority of LP-generators, or even all LP- generators provide equal values. It is also possible that at least two LP- generators provide different LP-generator values, in particular, all LP-generators may provide different values. One LP-generator may provide an LP-generator value that is half of the LP-generator value of another LP-generator.

A capacitor may be provided as an energy storing component in parallel to a switching unit, in particular a half bridge. This allows stabilizing the output value of the coupling. Each LP-generator may have its own capacitor charged to an appropriate voltage level. Activating one switch of the associated switching unit connects the load, for example a plasma process, to the capacitor. Activating the other switch of the switching unit shortens the load. The output of the entire HV generator may present a true dynamic voltage source during each pulse enabling huge output currents and the required fast voltage transitions.

An inverter comprising a full-bridge circuit and, preferably a buck converter, may be connected to the primary windings. By that an efficient power delivery to the LP-generators is possible.

In a further aspect the invention relates to a method of supplying a plasma process with high power pulses having varying amplitudes provided by a high- power (HP-) generator, comprising the steps of a. continuously charging energy storage components of multiple low power (LP-) generators to a predefined value respectively, b. selectively coupling the output values of at least some LP-generators to obtain a desired output value of the HP-generator corresponding to a pulse having a desired amplitude, by controlling contribution of the LP- generators to the output of the HP generator.

By using many LP-generators each containing an energy storage component, together with a coupling, one can choose how many LP-generators contribute to generate the output pulse. This solution is relatively safe, universal and cheap. It is safe, because every LP-generator may be configured to protect its own associated switches against powers higher than the power values of their energy storage components. The solution is universal due the fact that it is possible to rapidly change the output pulse amplitude with resolution equal to the number of low power generators. It is cheap because many low power generators and low voltage switches can be used, which is usually cheaper than single HP-generators and high-power pulse units.

In one aspect, the LP-generators, also called 'stages', may be controlled individually or in groups. Control signals may be fed to the drivers of the switching units, preferably by optic-fiber, but also other means can be used. All switches of the switching units can be controlled separately from one main control board, but also one signal can control an entire stage (e.g. the control signal for the connecting switch of the switching unit may come from the main control board; the signal for the parallel-to-the-load-switch of the switching unit may be generated on the connecting switch driver board), one signal can control a number of switches/stages in grouped control, etc. The total output value is a sum of the output values of only the activated/selected LP-generators. By activating or selecting a different number of the LP-generators for each pulse, one can change the total output value from pulse to pulse.

In one aspect, the output values of the LP-generators, i.e. the LP-generator values, may be dynamically stabilized. Each LP-generator may have its own capacitor charged to an appropriate voltage level. Activating one switch connects the load to that capacitor. Activating the other switch shortens the load. The output of the entire HP-generator presents a true dynamic power source during each pulse enabling huge output currents and the required fast voltage transitions.

Dual-step transition instead of single-step output value transition may be realized. Connecting a low impedance voltage source with a capacitive load by any connector inductance inevitably causes current and voltage oscillations. The load peak voltage reaches twice the applied voltage level. Resistive damping circuits dissipate huge amounts of power. By applying a dual step transition the power-loss can be reduced significantly. This is possible in the presented topology. Near rectangular voltage waveform shapes, lower overshoots, and significantly reduced power losses can be obtained by dual-step transition.

Several stages, also called 'LP-generators' may be activated in a sequence during a lasting output pulse. Activating a LP-generator means activating the corresponding connecting switching element. In order to compensate for the decaying wafer voltage, one may increase the output voltage in several steps. Each step adds its voltage to the total output voltage value. If the voltages on all stages are equal, the resolution of each step is 1/n times the voltage of the full stack of LP-generators. A separate stack may be built to handle the compensation feature. This can be controlled separately and may result in much finer step resolution, resulting in more stable wafer voltage, and better ion energy distribution.

Further features and advantages of the invention result from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention on the basis of the figures of the drawing, which shows details essential to the invention, as well as from the claims. The features shown there are not necessarily to be understood as being to scale and are shown in such a way that the special features according to the invention can be made clearly visible. The various features can be implemented individually or in any combination in variants of the invention.

In the schematic drawing, examples of the invention in various stages of use are shown and explained in more detail in the following description.

Fig. 1 shows a sequence of pulses with varying amplitude.

Fig. 2a shows a first embodiment of an HP-generator.

Fig. 2b shows a second embodiment of an HP-generator. Fig. 3 shows a first embodiment of part of an HP-generator for producing positive voltage pulses.

Fig. 4 shows a second embodiment of part of an HP-generator for producing positive voltage pulses.

Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of an HP-generator with a power supply for supplying power to the LP-generators.

Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of an HP-generator with balancing and damping circuits.

Fig. 7 shows waveform shapes and power losses in single and dual-step transition.

Fig. 8 shows waveforms resulting from sequential activation of LP- generators.

Fig. 9 shows the result of cycling control signal sequences through the LP- generators.

Fig. 10 shows a plasma processing system with a plasma chamber.

Fig. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of an HP-generator.

Fig. 12 shows an alternative embodiment of an HP-generator.

Fig. 13 shows an alternative embodiment of an HP-generator.

Fig. 14 shows an alternative embodiment of an HP-generator.

Fig. 15 shows an example of a LP-generator-value limiting circuit.

Fig. 16 shows an embodiment of an HP-generator with balancing circuits.

Fig. 17 shows an embodiment of an HP-generator with liquid cooling

Fig. 18a, show both an embodiment of an HP-generator with galvanically

Fig. 18b isolated drivers

Fig. 1 shows a sequence of pulses 1 that is required by a plasma application. It can be seen that the amplitude of the pulses 1 may have to be constant for some pulses, but also may have to amplitude change from pulse 1 to pulse la. Fig. 2a shows a first embodiment of a high power (HP) generator 10 suitable for producing high power pulses. The HP-generator has a positive output 32 and a negative output 12. The HP-generator 10 comprises several low-power- (LP-) generators 14, 16, 18, wherein each LP-generator 14, 16, 18 comprises an energy storage component Cl, C2, Cn in this case embodied as a capacitor. In use the energy storage components Cl are continuously charged to a predefined value related to the energy storage component Cl to keep the energy stored in it constant. In use, each LP-generator 14, 16, 18 supplies at its output an LP- generator-value which corresponds to the value of the energy storage component Cl incorporated in the respective LP-generator 14, 16, 18. The LP- generators 14, 16, 18 are electrically connected in a coupling 20 such that a coupling-value at the output of the coupling 20, which corresponds to the output value of the HP-generator 10, may be obtained, which is higher than the LP- generator-value at the output of one of the LP-generators 14, 16, 18. A control unit 22 is configured to select the contribution of LP-generators 14, 16, 18 to the output value of the HP-generator 10 during power delivery of the HP-generator 10. For clarity reasons only three LP-generators are shown. Actually, much more LP-generators are used, typically 6 or more, even 10 or more, especially 15 or more, in order to generate stepwise transition of the output which may be as smooth as needed for the load.

The control unit 22 comprises switching units 24, 26, 28 associated with each LP- generator 14, 16, 18. The switching units 24, 26, 28 each comprise switching elements SI, S2. In the embodiment shown the switching elements SI, S2 are connected in series and thus realize a half bridge. The switching units 24, 26, 28 and thus the switching elements SI, S2 are driven by a driver 30 of the control unit 22.

The positive output 32 of HP-generator is connected to ground, also called earth potential PE. All LP-generators are connected to a power source 34 comprising transformers, rectifiers and an inverter connected to a grid and itself comprising a full bridge and a buck converter, which will be described in greater detail later.

Fig. 2b largely corresponds to Fig. 2a. Therefore, like elements carry like numerals. The difference between Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b is that in Fig. 2b the energy storage components are embodied as inductances LI, L2, Ln. Therefore, the electrical connection/wiring within the coupling 20 is slightly different. Generally, energy stored in an inductor turns into a current source. So, the energy storage components are parallel connected with the other current sources and leading to current multiplication.

In both Figures, Fig 2a, Fig 2b, the ground potential, also called earth potential PE, could be connected to one of the outputs of one of the LP-generators 14, 16, 18. By that it is possible to form voltage signals with positive and negative voltage over ground as it is shown in Fig 10 of US 10,474,184 B2 or Fig 21 of US 10,607,813 B2 e.g.. The ground potential could also be connected to the positive output 32 or the negative output 12. In Fig. 2a and 2b it is connected to the positive output 32 as an example.

Fig. 3 shows a simplified embodiment of part of a HP-generator 10 with several LP-generators 14, 16, 18. In order to generate high-voltage pulses, it is advantageous to build a push-pull switch, which means that switching units should have at least two switching elements SI, S2: "push" (switching element SI) which is used to charge the capacitance of the plasma reactor, and "pull" (S2) which is used to discharge the capacitance of plasma reactors. In order to generate pulses with different amplitudes, while the amplitude can be changed rapidly between the pulses (like it is shown in Fig. 1, 7, 8), it is necessary to combine the outputs of two or more LP-generators 14, 16, 18. LP-generators 14, 16, 18 can have the same or different LP-generator values, in this case voltage amplitudes. In Fig. 3, the ground potential, also called earth potential PE is connected to the negative output of LP-generator 18.

In a situation, when none of the switching elements SI, S2 are switched on (during a transition state between two operating states) and the LP-generators 14, 16, 18 are connected in series and also in series with the load (for example the plasma reactor), it is possible that switching elements SI, S2 are destroyed by the overvoltage. For that reason, it is advantageous to add diodes DI, D2 in parallel to all switching elements SI, S2 to protect them from voltages higher than the voltages stored in the respective energy storage components. This is particularly true if the switching elements SI, S2 are embodied as MOSFETs. If the switching elements are embodied as unipolar transistors, like MOSFETs are typically, diodes are already mounted as a part of the transistors or are an integral part of the transistor die. A die, in the context of integrated circuits, is a small block of semiconducting material on which a given functional circuit is fabricated. Then these diodes could be used and there is no need to add them separately.

It is possible to generate a ground potential at the output of the HP-generator (Load is short-circuited to earth potential PE). This state is achievable by switching-on switching elements S2 when earth potential is connected to the negative output 12 or positive output 32 of the HP-generator. Switching elements SI are open (switched off) during this state. In order to generate a (voltage) pulse on the load it is necessary to switch-on a suitable number of the switching elements SI. LP-generators 14, 16, 18 can provide the same or different LP-generator values, in this case voltage amplitudes. By switching on some switching elements SI the associated LP-generators are connected in series, for example LP-generators 14, 16, so that the amplitude of voltage pulses on the load is equal to the sum of LP-generator values, for example their output voltages.

Complementary switching elements S2 associated with LP-generators 14, 16 should be switched off in order to avoid a short circuit in the LP-generators 14, 16.

Switching elements SI associated with LP-generator 18 (or further LP- generators) should be switched off and switching elements S2 can be switched on or off (the current will flow through the diodes D2 anyway).

The configuration of switching elements that are switched on and off can be changed rapidly, which leads to a rapid change of amplitude of the generated pulses at the output of the HP-generator 10. The number of LP-generators 14, 16, 18 which are supplying the Load can be rapidly changed to any accessible number (from 0 to n). Fig. 4 differs from Fig. 3 only in the wiring, i.e. interconnection of the LP- generators 14, 16, 18 and connecting points of the Load and PE. However, the same results can be achieved as with Fig. 3, i.e. voltage pulses of different amplitude can be realized by selecting the LP-generators 14, 16, 18 that contribute to the output voltage pulse by suitably driving switching elements SI, S2. In Fig. 4, the ground potential, also called earth potential PE is connected to the negative output of HP-generator 10.

Fig. 5 shows in more detail the power supply of the LP-generators 14, 16, 18. The energy storage components Cl, C2, Cn of the LP-generators 14, 16, 18 are continuously charged by transformers Tl, T2, Tn respectively and associated rectifiers XI, X2, Xn respectively. It is much easier and cheaper if every transformer XI, X2, Xn has its own magnetic core and the only common elements are the primary windings Pl, P2, Pn, which can be made by one common wire. In order to have the same voltages which do not depend on the load, balancing windings BW are added. The balancing windings BW equalize the magnetic fluxes in every transformer Tl, T2, Tn. If the number of wires in the secondary windings SW1, SW2, SWn are the same, the voltages on the energy storage components Cl are equal. By changing the number of turns in the secondary windings SW1, SW2, SWn, one can change the charging voltages of the energy storage components Cl. In that way, one can ensure that every energy storage component Cl is charged to a different voltage.

The balancing windings BW in the transformers Tl, T2, Tn work in that way, that if the magnetic flux is the same in both neighboring transformers Tl, T2, Tn, on both windings BW there is the same voltage, so there is no current between the windings BW. If for some reason flux in one core will be different (for example: higher) than in the next core, the induced voltages will be different in different transformers Tl, T2, Tn so some current will start to flow between this windings BW. By this current the transformer Tl, T2, Tn with higher flux is loaded more, while the next transformer's flux is increased by this current. Equalizing the fluxes in the magnetic cores causes the equalization of the induced voltages. The balancing windings BW should have the same number of turns in both transformers that are connected using the magnetic flux equalizing method. The primary windings Pl, P2, Pn are connected to an inverter 40, which is connected to a power grid 42. The inverter 40, which is part of a power source 34, comprises a full bridge 44 and upstream of the full bridge 44 a buck converter 46, which is connected to a rectifier 48.

Fig. 6 shows a HP-generator 10 like the one in Fig. 2a, e.g., where a balancing circuit comprising a component allowing current flow in one direction only, in particular a diode D or component working like a diode, is connected between two LP-generators 14, 16, 18. The switching units 24, 26, 28 comprise switching elements in a half-bridge. These switching elements are shown as transistors, more precise as bipolar transistors. For high switching times a more preferred transistor type would be a MOSFET, in particular a MOSFET based on SiC or GaN. In this embodiment, where the negative terminal of each LP-generator 14, 16, 18, also called stage, is connected with the same potential as the preceding LP- generator 14, 16, 18 with a diode D or a circuit containing a diode. This enables the energy stored in a lower stage energy storage component to be transferred to the energy storage component on a higher stage when the switching element is activated and if the lower stage energy storage component voltage exceeds that on the higher stage. The charge of the highest stages 14 will accumulate the excessive charge from the entire stack. The highest stages 14 should therefore be controlled to provide the most power to the load in order to get rid of the excessive charge. Using diodes D or circuits containing a diode leads to better voltage distribution along the LP-generator stack. A damping circuit 50, in particular in series with the balancing circuit, here the diode D, may be used to eliminate oscillations on the parasitic components of the charge handling path. The damping circuit may comprise an inductor L and/or a resistor R, in particular connected in parallel as shown in Fig. 6.

Connecting a low impedance voltage source such like a capacitive voltage source with a capacitive load by any connector inductance inevitably causes current and voltage oscillations. Load peak voltage could reach then twice the applied voltage level. This could damage the load and is highly undesirable. Resistive snubber circuits are often used to dampen the peak voltages. Those dissipative circuits dissipate huge amounts of power and generate therefore huge amount of heat, what is also highly undesirable. By applying a dual step transition this overshoot could be controlled, reduced, or even avoided. Dissipating energy in a dissipating circuit could dramatically be reduced or even avoided. The part which should dissipate the energy may be then much smaller or could be avoided totally. Power-loss can be reduced significantly. This is possible in the presented topology and shown in Fig. 7. Waveform 70 shows single step transition 0 kV to 10 kV at the output of a coupling 20, by activating all fifteen stages, e.g., in one moment. This causes a voltage overshoot, as can be seen in Fig. 74. With a stepwise transition following a first step from 0 V to 5,5 kV, by activating only eight of fifteen stages, e.g., and a second step from 5,5 kV to 10 kV, by activating the rest of fifteen stages, e.g., some 10 or 100 ns later, as shown in waveform 71, the results are much better. The resulting waveform 73 has a much lower overshoot peak and the voltage rise is slower but fast enough for the process. As can be seen in waveform 73, dual step transition leads to a near rectangular output waveform and lower overshoots and hence almost no power dissipation, whereas single step transition leads to waveform 74 showing voltage overshoots and hence significant power loss 75. The same overshoot peak and its reduction may be seen at the falling slope after 1 ps, 3,5 ps e.g.

Figure 8 shows a step-wise increase of an amplitude of a pulse 80 as a result of sequentially activating LP-generators 14, 16, 18 to contribute to the HP output signal. Waveform 81 shows the voltage at the output of the HP-generator and waveform 82 shows the voltage on a wafer in a plasma chamber.

Fig. 9 shows the result of cycling a control signal sequence through an LP- generator stack comprising 15 LP-generators #01 - #015. The diagrams show on the horizontal axis a timeline t like in Fig. 8. On the vertical axis the activation of 15 switching elements, corresponding to 15 LP-generators #01 ... #15 are shown. The diagonal shaded areas 92 are areas where the connecting switching elements are activated. The white box areas 91 are areas where the parallel-to- the-load-switching elements are activated, So, in time frames when no diagonal shaded areas are present, there is no pulse at the output. In the first column the LP-generators #01 - #06 are switched together with the corresponding connecting switching elements. In the 2 ^nd column the LP-generators #01 - #10 are switched together with the corresponding connecting switching elements. In the 3 ^rd column the LP-generators #01 - #11 are switched together with the corresponding connecting switching elements. In the 4 ^th column the LP- generators #01 - #12 are switched together with the corresponding connecting switching elements, and so on. In this way a pulse is shaped as a step-wise function. In the 9 ^th column the pulse is over, all connecting switching elements are deactivated. Then, in the 10 column the next pulse starts, this time not with the LP-generators #01 - #06, but with the LP-generators #02 - #07. While all LP-generators in this example have the same output value, the output value at the output of the coupling 20 is the same as it was for the first pulse. The advantage is that each pulse sequence begins on a different LP-generator stack so that all 15 LP-generators and corresponding switching elements are equally loaded after 15 pulses. This leads to better load distribution among the LP- generator stack and thus better power-loss balance between the switching elements.

Fig. 10 shows a plasma processing system with a plasma chamber 100 in which a plasma 101 is established in a plasma space. Such or similar systems are shown and described in US 2020 0118794 Al, US 10,474,184 B2, or

US 10,607,813 B2 e.g.. In the plasma chamber an upper electrode 103 may be positioned. A gas inlet and/or outlet, in particular a gas supply pipe 104 may be placed from the outside to the inside of the plasma chamber 100, in particular connected to the electrode 103. A substrate 102, in particular a semiconductor wafer may be placed on a support 105 which comprises a substrate holder inside the plasma chamber 100. In use the substrate 102 may be processed by the plasma 101, e.g., in a process of etching, ashing, or deposition in particular with atomic layered deposition. Etching process may be an extremely high challenge, for instance when the ratio between etched hole diameter and hole length is extremely low, < 1/100, e.g., as it is in deep etching often necessary. An electric conductive electrode 106 may be placed in the plasma chamber 100, in particular nearby the substrate 102, for example around the substrate 102. This electric conductive electrode 106 may be an edge ring which may be also called focus ring. This electric conductive electrode 106 may be connected to a first power supply 114 via a first connection line 115. The first power supply 114 may be a DC pulsed power supply, where in particular the pulses may be of different length, different amplitude and shaped as described in US 9,287,086 B2 Fig. 11, 14, or US 10,474,184 B2, Fig. 2 e.g.. With the control of the first power supply 114 the electric conductive electrode 106 may be used additionally or alternatively as an ion energy and/or ion acceleration direction control as also described in US 9,287,086 B2 or US 10,474,184 B2. A first radio-frequency (RF) power supply 118 may be electrically connected to the support 105 via a first power feeding rod 119 and a first matching unit 116 and a first connection unit 117. A second radio-frequency (RF) power supply 108 may be electrically connected to the upper electrode 103 via a second power feeding rod 109 and a second matching unit 110 and a second connection unit 111. An electrode 107 may be positioned in or nearby the support 105 and is electrically connected to a second power supply 112 via a second connection line 113. The second power supply 112 may be a DC pulsed power supply, where in particular the pulses may be of different length, different amplitude and shaped as described in US 9,287,086 B2 Fig. 11, 14, or US 10,474,184 B2, Fig. 2 e.g... The substrate 102 may be fixed at the support 105 via the electrode 107 which may work as an electrostatic chuck. With the control of the second power supply 112 the electrode 107 may be used additionally or alternatively as an ion energy and/or ion acceleration direction control as described in US 9,287,086 B2 or US 10,474,184 B2.

Some plasma treatment applications, such as etching or layer deposition, demand a high voltage (HV), high frequency (HF), rectangular, asymmetrical, pulsed voltage supply. Often the voltage values significantly exceed the voltage handling possibilities of individual semiconductor switches, especially when high frequency operation is required.

Some plasma applications require not only pulsing, but pulse-to-pulse amplitude variation. Some plasma applications require the source to deliver high peak currents in order to obtain short voltage transition times. Most plasma applications present a load, which contains a capacitive component. Significant power loss is related to the pulse-by-pulse charging and discharging process of this load capacitance. Some plasma applications require pulse shaping as described in US 9,287,086 B2 Fig. 11, 14, or US 10,474,184 B2, Fig. 2, e.g..

Therefore, a series connection of such switches is one possible solution. Series connection requires voltage balancing means. These voltage balancing means are not easily realizable in HF operation. Fig. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of an HP-generator as shown in Fig. 5. The difference between the HP-generator as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig 11 is that in Fig. 11 the primary winding Pl, P2, .. Pn is connected in parallel to the transformers Tl, T2, .. Tn, and that no balancing windings BW are provided.

Fig. 12 shows a further alternative embodiment of an HP-generator as shown in Fig. 5. The difference between the HP-generator as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig 12 is that in Fig. 12 all transformers Tl, T2, ... Tn of Fig 5 are in Fig 12 incorporated as one main transformer Tl with only one core. Only one primary winding P is needed, and no balancing windings BW are provided.

Fig. 13 shows a further alternative embodiment of an HP-generator as shown in Fig. 5. The difference between the HP-generator as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig 13 is that in Fig. 13 the primary winding Pl, P2, .. Pn is connected in parallel to the transformers Tl, T2, .. Tn. Balancing windings are shown, also not absolutely necessary in such a configuration.

Fig. 14 shows an alternative embodiment of an HP-generator as shown in Fig. 5. The difference between the HP-generator as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig 14 is that in Fig. 14 the primary winding Pl is connected only to the transformers Tl. Balancing windings BW are used to transport the energy from transformer Tl to T2 and from transformer T2 to the following transformers.

Fig. 15 shows an example of a LP-generator-value limiting circuit 151. This LP- generator-value limiting circuit 151 is a voltage limiting circuit. It may be connected with its ends 152a, 152b in parallel to one, or some, or all of the LP- generators 14, 16, 18. It could also be connected with its ends 152a, 152b in parallel to one, or some, or all of the switching units 24, 26, 28. This LP- generator-value limiting circuit 151 comprises a series circuit of a diode D15 and capacitor C15 to clamp the overvoltage present at its ends 152, 153 to a voltage the capacitor C15 is charged up. The voltage of the capacitor C15 will be controlled by a discharge circuit 153. The discharge circuit 153 comprises a transistor T15, in this case a MOSFET, and a resistor R.15 in this case a power resistor, configured to be cooled very effectively. The transistor T15 is controlled in a way to be switched on or off, so in a pulsing mode. So, the transistor T15 does not dissipate to much energy into heat and is kept quite cool. When the transistor T15 is switched on, the capacitor will be discharged and the discharge current flows through resistor R.15, dissipating the energy into heat. Most of the heat is generated in the resistor R15, which is easier and cheaper to keep cool enough as the transistor T15. The transistor T15 is controlled over its control input G15 by a voltage control circuit 154. The voltage control circuit 154 comprises a series connection of a first high-voltage Zener-diode 155, a current limiting resistor 156, a second low-voltage Zener-diode 158. The connection point of the the current limiting resistor 156 with a second low-voltage Zener- diode 158 is connected to the control input G15 of the transistor T15. The voltage control circuit 154 may further comprise a driver 157. The driver 157 may be connected with its input to the connection point of the current limiting resistor 156, a second low-voltage Zener-diode 158. The driver 157 may be connected with its output to the control input G15 of the transistor T15. Between the output of the driver 157 and the control input G15 of the transistor T15 may be connected a voltage divider 159.

The driver may have a hysteresis at its input, so embodied as a Schmitt-Trigger. So, it generates a pulsing signal to drive the discharge transistor T15 with a frequency of about 2 to 20 kHz. With such a configuration, over 90% of the power is dissipated in the resistor R.15. This keeps the transistor cool enough to work reliable for a long time.

Fig. 16 shows an embodiment of an HP-generator 10 with balancing circuits comprising a component allowing current flow in one direction only, in particular a diode D or component working like a diode, is connected between two LP- generators 14, 16 and 18. A balancing circuit, in particular a diode D, is connected between two negative outputs of the LP-generators 14, 16, 18. This enables the energy from a lower stage energy storage component to be transferred to the energy storage component of a higher stage when the switching element SI is activated and if the lower stage energy storage component voltage exceeds that on the higher stage. The charge of the highest stages 14 will accumulate the excessive charge from the entire stack. The highest stages 14 should therefore be controlled to provide the most power to the load in order to get rid of the excessive charge. Using diodes D or circuits containing a diode leads to better voltage distribution along the LP-generator stack.

Fig. 17 shows an embodiment of an HP-generator 10 with a liquid cooling. All electronic parts of the HP-generator 10, as for example the LP-generators 14, 16, 18, the switching units 24, 26, 28, transformer Tl, T2, Tn, and the inverter 40 are located in a liquid-proof housing 171. Nearby the housing is located a liquid reservoir 174. Between the housing and the reservoir 174 is located a liquid pump 173 for circulating the liquid 171 between the housing and the reservoir 174 in a closed liquid loop. The reservoir is in thermal contact to a heat exchanger 175 to transfer the heat from the closed cooling liquid loop to the environment.

Fig 18a and 18b show an embodiment of an HP-generator 10 with galvanically isolated connections 181 between driver 30 and switching elements SI, S2.

So, here the control unit 22 is configured to select the contribution of LP- generators 14, 16, 18 in a galvanically isolated way, in particular via a fiber optic connection or magnetically coupling. The connection between output of a data processor and the switching units 24, 26, 28 may be realized by fiber optics or by magnetically coupling. This could help to switch all LP-generators 14, 16, 18 effectively and fast and without time delay to form a pulse with sharp edges in voltage, e.g. Several switching elements SI, S2 of one switching unit 24, 26, 28 could be connected by one galvanically isolated connection. Several LP- generators 14, 16, 18 with corresponding switching units 24, 26, 28 could be merged to one group, which could be configured in a way that this group is activated or deactivated only together. Then, for such a group it is possible to use only one galvanically isolated connection 181. Galvanic isolation (transmitter and receiver) may be used for every switch. Groups of transmitters may be controlled simultaneously decreasing the number of control signals required. Reducing the number of galvanically isolated connections 181 could save costs and makes the HP-generator 10 more reliable due to less parts with failure risk.