Resistive Memory Device Non-Linear Current Pulse Programming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current resistive memory devices face inefficiencies in write operations due to linearly increasing current pulses, which make it difficult to predictably and controllably change resistance levels, leading to challenges in achieving high memory cell integration density, nonvolatile data storage, and high operating speeds.

Innovation Solution

The method involves applying non-linearly increasing current pulses to resistive memory cells, with each successive pulse incrementing by a greater difference, allowing for more uniform and predictable resistance changes, thereby improving the efficiency and speed of write operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If linearly increasing current pulses are used for write operations, then the write operation can be performed, but the resistance changes are difficult to predict and control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance change predictabilityVSAvoidwrite operation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of current pulse increment from linear to non-linear. Specifically, the current pulses are designed to increase by progressively larger amounts (first difference, then second difference greater than the first), creating a non-linear progression that better predicts and controls resistance changes in the resistive memory cells.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustment in the current pulse sequence. Instead of a static linear increment, the system dynamically adapts the pulse magnitude at each step, with the increment itself changing over time. This dynamic approach allows the write operation to respond to the actual state of memory cells, improving both predictability and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If non-linearly increasing current pulses are applied, then write operation efficiency is improved, but the complexity of controlling current sequences increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewrite operation efficiencyVSAvoidcurrent pulse control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the write operation into distinct steps with specific current pulses. Each step (first current pulse, second current pulse with first difference, third current pulse with second difference) is a separate controllable unit. This segmentation simplifies control by breaking down the complex non-linear sequence into manageable discrete stages, each with defined parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If conventional write operations are used, then basic writing function is achieved, but memory cell integration density is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory cell integration densityVSAvoiddata storage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the current pulse parameters (amplitude, width, and non-linear increment pattern) to achieve more uniform and predictable resistance changes. This improved control over resistance states enables higher memory cell integration density while maintaining reliable data storage, as cells can be more precisely programmed and distinguished.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances the efficiency and speed of write operations in resistive memory devices by ensuring more uniform resistance changes, addressing the limitations of linear pulse increments and improving memory performance.

Implementation Method 1

applying a first current pulse to each of the plurality of memory cells; applying a second current pulse that increases by a first difference compared to the first current pulse to each of the plurality of memory cells to which the first current pulse is applied

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS9171617B1Resistive memory device and method programming same
Publication Date: 2015.10.27 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US9171617B1 patent drawing
  • US9171617B1 patent drawing
  • US9171617B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of programming memory cells of a resistive memory device includes; applying a first current pulse to each of the plurality of memory cells; applying a second current pulse that increases by a first difference compared to the first current pulse to each of the plurality of memory cells to which the first current pulse is applied; and applying a third current pulse that increases by a second difference compared to the second current pulse to each of the plurality of memory cells to which the second current pulse is applied, wherein the first through third current pulses non-linearly increase, and the second difference is greater than the first difference.