Active protection device for resistive random access memory (RRAM) formation
First Claim
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1. An apparatus comprising:
- a resistive random access memory (RRAM) cell comprising a programmable resistive sense element (RSE) and a switching device connected in series between a first control line and a second control line; and
an active protection device (APD) connected between the second control line and an electrical ground terminal which, when activated, limits a maximum formation current magnitude applied to the RSE during an RRAM formation process to prepare the RRAM cell for normal read and write operations, wherein the APD is subsequently placed in a deactivated, non-conductive state during the normal read and write operations upon the RRAM cell.
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Abstract
Apparatus and method for providing overcurrent protection to a resistive random access memory (RRAM) cell during an RRAM formation process used to prepare the cell for normal read and write operations. In accordance with various embodiments, the RRAM cell is connected between a first control line and a second control line, and an active protection device (APD) is connected between the second control line and an electrical ground terminal. A formation current is applied through the RRAM cell, and an activation voltage is concurrently applied to the APD to maintain a maximum magnitude of the formation current below a predetermined threshold level.
15 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus comprising:
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a resistive random access memory (RRAM) cell comprising a programmable resistive sense element (RSE) and a switching device connected in series between a first control line and a second control line; and an active protection device (APD) connected between the second control line and an electrical ground terminal which, when activated, limits a maximum formation current magnitude applied to the RSE during an RRAM formation process to prepare the RRAM cell for normal read and write operations, wherein the APD is subsequently placed in a deactivated, non-conductive state during the normal read and write operations upon the RRAM cell. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method comprising:
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connecting a resistive random access memory (RRAM) cell comprising a programmable resistive sense element (RSE) in series with a switching device between a first control line and a second control line, and an active protection device (APD) between the second control line and an electrical ground terminal; applying a formation current through the RSE, the switching device and the APD during an RRAM formation process to prepare the RRAM cell for normal read and write operations, and concurrently applying an activation voltage to the APD to maintain a maximum magnitude of said formation current below a predetermined threshold level; and subsequently programming the RSE to a selected programmed state by applying a write current through the RSE and the switching device, the write current bypassing the APD. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An apparatus comprising:
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a plurality of resistive random access memory (RRAM) cells connected between a common bit line and a common source line, each RRAM cell comprising a programmable resistive sense element (RSE) in series with a switching device; and an active protection device (APD) connected between the common source line and a reference terminal, the APD limiting a maximum formation current magnitude applied to the respective RSEs of said plurality of RRAM cells during an RRAM formation process to prepare said plurality of RRAM cells for normal read and write operations. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification