IP Library Granted Patent US 7,339,814
Granted Patent B2
US 7,339,814 · App. 11/210,525 · Granted Mar 4, 2008

Phase change memory array having equalized resistance

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,339,814
App. No.
11/210,525
Granted
Mar 4, 2008
Kind
B2
Abstract

A memory includes memory cells, a first line coupled to the memory cells, and a second line coupled to the memory cells. A series resistance due of the first line plus the second line at each one of the memory cells is substantially equal.

Claims (31)

1. An integrated circuit having a memory comprising:

resistive memory cells;

a first line coupled to the resistive memory cells; and

a second line coupled to the resistive memory cells,

wherein a series resistance of the first line plus the second line at each one of the resistive memory cells is substantially equal.

2. The integrated circuit of claim 1 , wherein the first line and the second line have substantially the same resistance per unit length.

3. The integrated circuit of claim 1 , wherein the first line and the second line are located in separate metallization layers.

4. The integrated circuit of claim 1 , wherein the first line and the second line are located in a same metallization layer.

5. The integrated circuit of claim 1 , wherein the resistive memory cells each comprise a phase-change element.

6. The integrated circuit of claim 1 , wherein the resistive memory cells each comprise a transistor coupled to a phase-change element, and wherein the transistor and the phase-change element for each one of the resistive memory cells are coupled between the first line and the second line.

7. A memory comprising:

an array of phase-change memory cells;

bit lines coupled to each of the phase-change memory cells; and

ground lines parallel to the bit lines and coupled to each of the phase-change memory cells,

wherein the bit lines are connected at a first side of the array of phase-change memory cells and the ground lines are connected at a second side of the array of phase-change memory cells opposite the first side, and

wherein the bit lines and the ground lines have substantially the same resistance/length.

8. The memory of claim 7 , wherein the bit lines are located in a first metallization layer and the ground lines are located in a second metallization layer.

9. The memory of claim 7 , wherein the bit lines and the ground lines are located in a same metallization layer.

10. The memory of claim 7 , wherein each phase-change memory cell comprises a transistor and a phase-change element coupled between the transistor and a bit line.

11. The memory of claim 7 , wherein each phase-change memory cell comprises a transistor and a phase change element coupled between the transistor and a ground line.

12. A method for fabricating a memory, the method comprising:

providing an array of phase-change memory cells;

providing bit lines coupled to each of the phase-change memory cells;

providing, ground lines parallel to the bit lines and coupled to each of the phase-change memory cells;

connecting the bit lines to a first side of the array of phase-change memory cells; and

connecting the ground lines to a second side of the array of phase-change memory cells opposite the first side,

wherein the bit lines and the ground lines have substantially the same resistance/length.

13. The memory of claim 12 , wherein providing the bit lines comprises providing the bit lines in a separate metallization layer from the ground lines.

14. The memory of claim 12 , wherein providing the ground lines comprises providing the ground lines in a same metallization layer as the bit lines.

15. The memory of claim 12 , wherein providing the array of phase-change memory cells comprises providing a transistor and a phase-change element between the transistor and a bit line for each phase-change memory cell.

16. The memory of claim 12 , wherein providing the array of phase-change memory cells comprises providing a transistor and a phase change element between the transistor and a ground line for each phase-change memory cell.

Assignments (4)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 8, 2015
From: QIMONDA AG
To: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
Reel/Frame 035623/0001 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jan 13, 2010
From: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
To: QIMONDA AG
Reel/Frame 023773/0001 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 27, 2005
From: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES NORTH AMERICA CORP.
To: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
Reel/Frame 016692/0622 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 14, 2005
From: HAPP, THOMAS
To: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES NORTH AMERICA CORP.
Reel/Frame 016642/0582 →