Pdf Solutions, Incorporated

Hendrik Schneider

Christopher Hess

Tuan Duc Pham

Klaus Florian Schuegraf

Tomasz Brozek

Rakesh Vallishayee

Yuan Yu

Meindert Martin Lunenborg

Christoph Dolainsky

Amit Joag

Huan Tsung Huang

SiewHoon Ng

Dong Kyu Lee

Kelvin Yih-Yuh Doong

Disclosed is a system and method for performing direct memory characterization of memory cells in a memory array using peripheral transistors. A memory array is fabricated using a mask layer defining routing for a set of first stage periphery transistors electrically connected to the word lines of the memory array. A revised mask is used for defining a different routing for a set of second stage periphery transistors including different characteristics than the first stage periphery transistors. Testing is conducted by applying a simulated Erase signal to the nonvolatile memory cells and determining which cells are erased. Based on this test, certain characteristics of the first and/or second stage periphery transistors can be identified that provide improved conditions for the nonvolatile memory cells. A product chip can be manufactured using modified versions of the first stage periphery transistors that incorporate the characteristics that provide the improved condition(s).

Direct memory characterization using periphery transistors

An apparatus and method for testing two-terminal memory elements organized as a cross-point memory array. The apparatus allows functional testing of two-terminal memory elements organized as a cross-point memory array, and built in a short flow manufacturing process. The proposed apparatus substantially eliminates the use of any type of additional active or passive switches, selectors, or decoders. A large number of memory elements of various memory types including planar (two dimensional) or three dimensional memory structures can be tested without the need of manufacturing selectors or running the full flow process.

Passive array test structure for cross-point memory characterization

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Santa Clara, CA, United States of America

Hendrik Schneider