IP Library Granted Patent US 7,449,711
Granted Patent B2
US 7,449,711 · App. 11/329,224 · Granted Nov 11, 2008

Phase-change-type semiconductor memory device

View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,449,711
App. No.
11/329,224
Granted
Nov 11, 2008
Kind
B2
Abstract

A phase-change memory device includes a plurality of bit lines extending in a row direction, a plurality of selection lines extending in a column direction, and an array of memory cells each disposed at one of intersections between the bit lines and selection lines. Each memory cell includes a chalcogenide element and a diode connected in series, and an n-type contact layer underlying the n-type layer of the diode. Adjacent two of memory cells share a common bit-line contact plug connecting the n-type contact layers and the bit line.

Claims (23)

1. A semiconductor memory device comprising:

a semiconductor substrate;

a plurality of bit lines overlying said semiconductor substrate and extending parallel to one another;

a plurality of selection lines overlying said semiconductor substrate, extending parallel to one another, and intersecting said bit lines; and

an array of phase-change memory cells each disposed for one of intersections between said bit lines and said selection lines, each of said memory cells being connected between a corresponding one of said bit lines and a corresponding one of said selection lines,

wherein adjacent two of said memory cells share a single bit-line contact plug connected to a corresponding one of said bit lines.

2. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 1 , wherein each of said memory cells includes a phase-change memory element and a diode connected in series with said phase-change memory element, and said diode has a p-n junction configured by an n-type semiconductor layer electrically connected to said bit-line contact plug and a p-type semiconductor layer overlying said n-type semiconductor layer.

3. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 2 , wherein said diodes in said adjacent two of said memory cells configure a pair of diodes formed in a single active region, and both diodes in said pair are isolated from each other by an insulating film covering said shared bit-line contact plug.

4. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 2 , wherein said diodes in said adjacent two of said memory cells configure a pair of diodes formed in separate active regions, and said n-type semiconductor layers in said pair of diodes are connected together by said shared bit-line contact plug.

5. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 2 , wherein said each of shared bit-line contact plugs penetrates said n-type and p-type semiconductor layers while isolated therefrom and is in contact with another n-type semiconductor layer which underlies said n-type semiconductor layer in contact therewith.

6. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 2 , wherein said diodes in said adjacent two of said memory cells comprise a pair of diodes formed in a single active region.

7. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 2 , wherein said diodes in said adjacent two of said memory cells comprise a pair of diodes formed in separate active regions.

8. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 2 , wherein said each of said shared bit-line contact plugs penetrates said n-type and p-type semiconductor layers.

9. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 2 , wherein said each of said shared bit-line contact plugs penetrates said n-type and p-type semiconductor layers while isolated therefrom.

10. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 1 , wherein said bit lines overlie said memory cells and said selection lines.

11. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 1 , wherein said selection lines overlie said bit lines.

12. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 11 , wherein each of said bit lines has a sidewall insulation film, and a contact plug connecting together one of said selection lines and one of said memory cells is deposited in self-alignment with said sidewall insulation film.

13. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 1 , wherein each of said bit lines has a sidewall insulation film, and a contact plug connecting together one of said selection lines and one of said memory cells, and

wherein one of said memory cells is deposited in self-alignment with said sidewall insulation film.

14. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 1 , wherein each of said bit lines has a sidewall insulation film, and a contact plug connecting together one of said selection lines and one of said memory cells.

15. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 1 , wherein said adjacent two of said memory cells are connected to a pair of diodes formed in a single active region.

16. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 1 , wherein said adjacent two of said memory cells are connected to a pair of diodes formed in separate active regions.

17. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 1 , wherein said bit-lines have a sidewall insulation film.

Assignments (6)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Aug 21, 2018
From: LONGITUDE SEMICONDUCTOR S.A.R.L.
To: LONGITUDE LICENSING LIMITED
Reel/Frame 046867/0248 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Aug 24, 2016
From: PS5 LUXCO S.A.R.L.
To: LONGITUDE SEMICONDUCTOR S.A.R.L.
Reel/Frame 039793/0880 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Aug 24, 2016
From: PS4 LUXCO S.A.R.L.
To: PS5 LUXCO S.A.R.L.
Reel/Frame 039818/0506 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 15, 2014
From: ELPIDA MEMORY, INC.
To: PS4 LUXCO S.A.R.L.
Reel/Frame 032900/0568 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jul 29, 2013
From: PS4 LUXCO S.A.R.L.
To: ELPIDA MEMORY INC.
Reel/Frame 032414/0261 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jan 11, 2006
From: ASANO, ISAMU; KAWAGOE, TSUYOSHI; FUJI, YUKIO; NAKAI, KIYOSHI; KAJIGAYA, KAZUHIKO
To: ELPIDA MEMORY, INC.
Reel/Frame 017466/0587 →