Macronix International Co., Ltd.

Feng-Ming Lee

Wei-Chih Chien

Ming-Hsiu Lee

Yu-Yu Lin

Yi-Chou Chen

A programmable metallization device comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, and a dielectric layer, a conductive ion-barrier layer, and an ion-supplying layer in series between the first and second electrodes. In operation, a conductive bridge is formed or destructed in the dielectric layer to represent a data value using bias voltages having the same polarity, enabling the use of diode access devices. To form a conductive bridge, a bias is applied that is high enough to cause ions to penetrate the conductive ion-barrier layer into the dielectric layer, which then form filaments or bridges. To destruct the conductive bridge, a bias of the same polarity is applied that causes current to flow through the structure, while ion flow is blocked by the conductive ion-barrier layer. As a result of Joule heating, any bridge in the dielectric layer disintegrates.

Unipolar programmable metallization cell

A programmable metallization device comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, and a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, and an ion-supplying layer in series between the first and second electrodes. In operation, a conductive bridge is formed or destructed in the first dielectric layer to represent a data value. During read, a read bias is applied that is sufficient to cause formation of a transient bridge in the second dielectric layer, and make a conductive path through the cell if the bridge is present in the first dielectric layer. If the bridge is not present in the first dielectric layer during the read, then the conductive path is not formed. Upon removal of the read bias voltage any the conductive bridge formed in the second dielectric layer is destructed while the conductive bridge in the corresponding other first dielectric layer, if any, remains.

Programmable metallization cell with two dielectric layers

A resistive memory and a method for controlling operations of the resistive memory are provided. The resistive memory has a first memory layer, a second memory layer and a medium layer. Each of the first memory layer and the second memory layer is used to store data. The medium layer is formed between the first memory layer and the second memory layer. The method comprises at least a step of measuring a resistance between the first memory layer and the second memory layer, and determining which one of a first state, a second state and a third state is a state of the resistive memory according to the measured resistance. A resistive memory array including an array of the above resistive memory units, word lines and bit lines is also described, wherein the word (bit) lines are coupled to the first (second) memory layers.

Resistive memory array and method for controlling operations of the same

A semiconductor device and a manufacturing method and an operating method for the same are provided. The semiconductor device comprises a substrate, a doped region and a stack structure. The doped region is in the substrate. The stack structure is on the substrate. The stack structure comprises a dielectric layer, an electrode layer, a solid electrolyte layer and an ion supplying layer.

Semiconductor device and manufacturing method and operating method for the same

A switching device and an operating method for the same and a memory array are provided. The switching device comprises a first solid electrolyte, a second solid electrolyte and a switching layer. The switching layer is adjoined between the first solid electrolyte and the second solid electrolyte.

Switching device and operating method for the same and memory array

A memory device comprises an array of memory cells each capable of storing multiple bits of data. The memory cells are arranged in memory strings that are connected to a common source line. Each memory cell includes a programmable transistor connected in parallel with a resistance switching device. The transistor is switchable between a plurality of different threshold voltages associated with respective memory states. The resistance switching device is configured to be switchable between a plurality of different resistances associated with respective memory states.

Nonvolatile memory device having a transistor connected in parallel with a resistance switching device

A resistive memory and a method for controlling operations of the resistive memory are provided. The resistive memory has a first memory layer, a second memory layer and a medium layer. Each of the first memory layer and the second memory layer is used to store data. The medium layer is formed between the first memory layer and the second memory layer. The method comprises at least a step of measuring a resistance between the first memory layer and the second memory layer, and determining which one of a first state, a second state and a third state is a state of the resistive memory according to the measured resistance.

Resistive memory and method for controlling operations of the same

A memory device comprises an array of memory cells each capable of storing multiple bits of data. Each memory cell includes a programmable transistor in series with a resistance switching device. The transistor is switchable between a plurality of different threshold voltages associated with respective memory states. The resistance switching device is configured to be switchable between a plurality of different resistances associated with respective memory states.

Nonvolatile memory device

A programmable metallization device, comprises a first electrode; a memory layer electrically coupled to the first electrode and adapted for electrolytic formation and destruction of a conducting bridge therethrough; an ion-supplying layer containing a source of ions of a first metal element capable of diffusion into and out of the memory layer; a conductive ion buffer layer between the ion-supplying layer and the memory layer, and which allows diffusion therethrough of said ions; and a second electrode electrically coupled to the ion-supplying layer. Circuitry is coupled to the device to apply bias voltages to the first and second electrodes to induce creation and destruction of conducting bridges including the first metal element in the memory layer. The ion buffer layer can improve retention of the conducting bridge by reducing the likelihood that the first metallic element will be absorbed into the ion supplying layer.

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Changhua, Taiwan

Feng-Ming Lee