Cross-bar arrays having steering element with diode
US11170852B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 24, 2020 |
| Grant date | Nov 9, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 24, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C2213/79
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Technology for operating cross-bar arrays is disclosed herein. The memory cells may each have a reversible resistivity element and a steering element comprising a diode. The cross-bar array may be operated in read mode and a bipolar programming mode. Selected memory cells may be sensed by operating the steering elements such that sense currents pass through the diodes and any sneak currents are blocked by the diodes. During bipolar programming of selected memory cells, the steering element of the selected memory cells allows current to flow in either direction through the steering element to permit bipolar programming. In some aspects, the steering element has a switch in parallel with the diode. The switches may be opened when sensing selected memory cells to pass sense currents and block sneak currents with the diodes. The switches may be closed during bipolar programming of the selected memory cells to allow bi-directional current flow.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.