NON-VOLATILE FERROELECTRIC MEMORY CELLS WITH MULTILEVEL OPERATION
First Claim
1. A method for storing multiple bits of information in a multi-level ferroelectric memory cell, comprising:
- a) receiving a bit pattern for writing to a multi-level memory cell comprising a ferroelectric layer;
b) selecting a pulse duration for applying a write pulse to the memory cell based, at least in part, on the received bit pattern; and
c) applying at least one write pulse to the memory cell having the selected pulse duration, in which the at least one write pulse creates a remnant polarization within the ferroelectric layer that is representative of the received bit pattern,wherein the ferroelectric multi-level memory cell is comprised of a ferroelectric capacitor or ferroelectric diode.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Ferroelectric components, such as the ferroelectric field effect transistors (FeFETs), ferroelectric capacitors and ferroelectric diodes described above may be operated as multi-level memory cells as described by the present invention. Storing multiple bits of information in each multi-level memory cell may be performed by a controller coupled to an array of the ferroelectric components configured as ferroelectric memory cells. The controller may execute the steps of receiving a bit pattern for writing to a multi-level memory cell comprising a ferroelectric layer; selecting a pulse duration for applying a write pulse to the memory cell based, at least in part, on the received bit pattern; and applying at least one write pulse to the memory cell having the selected pulse duration, in which the at least one write pulse creates a remnant polarization within the ferroelectric layer that is representative of the received bit pattern.
5 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for storing multiple bits of information in a multi-level ferroelectric memory cell, comprising:
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a) receiving a bit pattern for writing to a multi-level memory cell comprising a ferroelectric layer; b) selecting a pulse duration for applying a write pulse to the memory cell based, at least in part, on the received bit pattern; and c) applying at least one write pulse to the memory cell having the selected pulse duration, in which the at least one write pulse creates a remnant polarization within the ferroelectric layer that is representative of the received bit pattern, wherein the ferroelectric multi-level memory cell is comprised of a ferroelectric capacitor or ferroelectric diode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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3. (canceled)
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10. (canceled)
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14. (canceled)
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19. (canceled)
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20. An apparatus, comprising:
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a) a memory cell comprising a ferroelectric capacitor or ferroelectric diode comprising; an upper electrode; a lower electrode; a blend of ferroelectric and semiconducting material between lower and upper electrode; and b) a controller coupled to the memory cell and configured to perform the steps of; i. receiving a bit pattern for writing to the memory cell; ii. selecting a pulse duration for applying a write pulse to the memory cell based, at least in part, on the received bit pattern; and iii. applying at least one write pulse to the memory cell having the selected pulse duration, in which the at least one write pulse creates a remnant polarization within the ferroelectric layer that is representative of the received bit pattern. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification