Phase change memory dynamic resistance test and manufacturing methods
First Claim
1. A method for testing an integrated circuit memory device, the memory device including memory cells comprising phase change elements having a dynamic resistance, comprising:
- applying a sequence of test pulses to at least one memory cell on the device, which test pulses result in current through the memory cell having amplitude dependent on the test pulse;
measuring resistance of the memory cell in response to the sequence of test pulses;
extracting a parameter set including at least one numerical coefficient that models dependence of the measured resistance on the amplitude of the current through the memory cell; and
associating the parameter set with the device.
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Abstract
A method for testing an integrated circuit memory device includes applying a sequence of test pulses to a memory cell on the device, where the test pulses result in current through the memory cell having an amplitude dependent on the test pulse. Resistance in the memory cell is measured in response to the sequence of test pulses. A parameter set is extracted from the resistance measurements which includes at least one numerical coefficient that models dependency of the measured resistance on the amplitude of the current through the memory cell. The extracted numerical coefficient or coefficients are associated with the memory device, and used for controlling manufacturing operations.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method for testing an integrated circuit memory device, the memory device including memory cells comprising phase change elements having a dynamic resistance, comprising:
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applying a sequence of test pulses to at least one memory cell on the device, which test pulses result in current through the memory cell having amplitude dependent on the test pulse; measuring resistance of the memory cell in response to the sequence of test pulses; extracting a parameter set including at least one numerical coefficient that models dependence of the measured resistance on the amplitude of the current through the memory cell; and associating the parameter set with the device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for manufacturing an integrated circuit including a memory device, the memory device including memory cells comprising phase change elements having a dynamic resistance, comprising:
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performing manufacturing processed to produce an integrated circuit including including a testable memory cell; testing the testable memory cell by a test process comprising applying a sequence of test pulses to the testable memory cell on the device, which test pulses result in current through the testable memory cell having amplitude dependent on the test pulse; measuring a resistance of the testable memory cell in response to the sequence of test pulses; extracting a parameter set including at least one numerical coefficient that models dependence of the measured resistance on the amplitude of the current through the testable memory cell; and analyzing the parameter set, and performing continuing manufacturing if the parameter set meets specified guidelines, else performing at least one of the actions including discarding the integrated circuit device and suspending manufacturing process for pending analysis. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification