Physical model for the frequency dependence of time-dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB)

A molecular physics-based model is presented for understanding the frequency dependence of time-dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB). The fundamental physics behind the frequency dependence comes from the relative dielectric constant ɛr, which is known to be frequency dependent. A small fractional power-law decrease in dielectric constant with frequency produces a lower local electric field with a significant improvement in TDDB lifetime with frequency.