Abstract: An improved memory system incorporates an array of memory cells that are subjected to minimal location dependent power variations and, optionally, allows for bi-directional random access of millions of bits. The system architecture provides a consistent amount of bit line resistance in the write and read paths to each memory cell in the array, independent of position, in order to minimize variations in power delivery to the cells and, thereby, allow for optimal cell distributions. The system architecture further allows current to pass in either direction through the cells in order to minimize element electro-migration and, thereby, extend memory cell life.

Abstract: A method of determining an initial state of a reference cell in a fabricated memory array includes performing a first read operation of the reference cell by comparing current through the reference cell with the average current passing through a pair of data cells, and storing the result of the first read operation; inverting the value of one of the pair of the data cells; performing a second read operation of the reference cell, and storing the result of the second read operation; inverting the value of the other of the pair of the data cells; performing a third read operation of the reference cell, and storing the result of the third read operation. A majority compare operation of the results of the first, second and third operations is performed, wherein the result of the majority compare operation is the initial state of the reference cell.

Abstract: A design structure embodied in a machine readable medium used in a design process includes a circuit for implementing a write operation for a programmable resistive random access memory array, the circuit including a current source coupled to a bit line associated with a programmable resistive memory element; a dummy path configured for selective coupling to the bit line prior to activation of a word line associated with the memory element, wherein the passage of current through the bit line and dummy path precharges the bit line; and control circuitry for decoupling the dummy path from the bit line and for activating the word line associated with the memory element upon achieving a desired operating point of bit line current and bit line voltage, so as to cause current from the bit line to flow for a period of time selected to program the memory element to one of a low resistance state and a high resistance state.

Abstract: A method of implementing a write operation for a programmable resistive random access memory array includes coupling a current source to a bit line associated with a programmable resistive memory element; prior to activating a word line associated with the memory element, precharging the bit line by passing current the bit line and through a dummy path selectively coupled to the bit line; and upon achieving a desired operating point of bit line current and bit line voltage, decoupling the dummy path from the bit line and activating the word line associated with the memory element so as to cause current from the bit line to flow for a period of time selected to program the memory element to one of a low resistance state and a high resistance state.

Abstract: A nonvolatile static random access memory (SRAM) device includes a pair of cross-coupled, complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) inverters configured as a storage cell for a bit of data and a pair of magnetic spin transfer devices coupled to opposing sides of the storage cell. The magnetic spin transfer devices are configured to retain the storage cell data therein following removal of power to the SRAM device, and are further configured to initialize the storage cell with the retained data upon application of power to the SRAM device.

Abstract: A design structure embodied in a machine readable medium used in a design process includes a nonvolatile static random access memory (SRAM) device, including a pair of cross-coupled, complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) inverters configured as a storage cell for a bit of data; and a pair of magnetic spin transfer devices coupled to opposing sides of the storage cell; wherein the magnetic spin transfer devices are configured to retain the storage cell data therein following removal of power to the SRAM device, and are further configured to initialize the storage cell with the retained data upon application of power to the SRAM device.

Abstract: A method of determining an initial state of a reference cell in a fabricated memory array includes performing a first read operation of the reference cell by comparing current through the reference cell with the average current passing through a pair of data cells, and storing the result of the first read operation; inverting the value of one of the pair of the data cells; performing a second read operation of the reference cell, and storing the result of the second read operation; inverting the value of the other of the pair of the data cells; performing a third read operation of the reference cell, and storing the result of the third read operation. A majority compare operation of the results of the first, second and third operations is performed, wherein the result of the majority compare operation is the initial state of the reference cell.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of an improved large scale memory system and, more particularly, an improved memory system that incorporates an array of memory cells that are subjected to minimal location dependent power variations and that, optionally, allows for bi-directional random access of millions of bits. Specifically, the system architecture provides a consistent amount of bit line resistance in the write and read paths to each memory cell in the array, independent of position, in order to minimize variations in power delivery to the cells and, thereby, allow for optimal cell distributions. The system architecture further allows current to pass in either direction through the cells in order to minimize element electro-migration and, thereby, extend memory cell life.

Abstract: A method, system and program product to verify a data preparation employed on a plurality of design layers that make up an article. An instruction algorithm representative of the data preparation is restated in terms of fundamental algorithms having corresponding graphical representations. The graphical representations can be combined to form a combination graphical representation that is used to determine whether the data preparation is correct. The invention can be used to verify correct data preparation of highly complex articles.

Abstract: A method, system and program product to verify a data preparation employed on a plurality of design layers that make up an article. An instruction algorithm representative of the data preparation is restated in terms of fundamental algorithms having corresponding graphical representations. The graphical representations can be combined to form a combination graphical representation that is used to determine whether the data preparation is correct. The invention can be used to verify correct data preparation of highly complex articles.