Phase change memory cycle timer and method
First Claim
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1. A system, comprising:
- at least one reference phase change element (PCE); and
a circuit that performs a write operation on the at least one reference PCE and substantially immediately thereafter continuously senses and returns a value of a resistance of the at least one reference PCE.
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Abstract
A phase change memory (PCM) cycle timer and associated method are disclosed. A system includes at least one reference phase change element (PCE). The system also includes a circuit that performs a write operation on the at least one reference PCE and substantially immediately thereafter continuously senses and returns a value of a resistance of the at least one reference PCE throughout a settling time of the at least one reference PCE.
11 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A system, comprising:
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at least one reference phase change element (PCE); and a circuit that performs a write operation on the at least one reference PCE and substantially immediately thereafter continuously senses and returns a value of a resistance of the at least one reference PCE. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method, comprising:
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triggering a cycle timer associated with a portion of phase change memory (PCM), wherein the triggering causes the cycle timer to;
execute a write operation on a reference phase change element (PCE) associated with the portion of PCM; and
sense a parameter of the reference PCE after the executing the write operation; anddetermining whether to permit or prevent subsequent writing to the portion of PCM based upon the sensed parameter. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A system, comprising:
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a memory controller associated with a phase change memory (PCM) array; and a cycle timer comprising at least one reference phase change element (PCE), wherein a write command from the memory controller to a portion of the PCM array triggers the cycle timer to fill charge traps of the at least one reference PCE and thereafter continuously sense and return a value of a resistance of the at least one reference PCE. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21)
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Specification