Abstract: In a nonvolatile memory cell with charge trapping dielectric (150), the tunnel dielectric (140) includes chlorine adjacent to the charge trapping dielectric but no chlorine (or less chlorine) adjacent to the cell's channel region (120). The chlorine adjacent to the charge trapping dielectric serves to improve the programming and/or erase speed. The low chlorine concentration adjacent to the channel region prevents chlorine from degrading the data retention. Other features are also provided.

Abstract: A phase change memory device is provided. The phase change memory device includes a substrate with a first electrode layer formed thereon. A first phase change memory structure is on the first electrode layer and electrically connected to the first electrode layer. A second phase change memory structure is on the first phase change memory structure and electrically connected to the first phase change memory structure, wherein the first or second phase change memory structure includes a cup-shaped heating electrode. A first insulating layer covers a portion of the cup-shaped heating electrode along a first direction. A first electrode structure covers a portion of the first insulating layer and the cup-shaped heating electrode along a second direction. The first electrode structure includes a pair of phase change material sidewalls on a pair of sidewalls of the first electrode structure and covering a portion of the cup-shaped heating electrode.

Abstract: A data sensing method for a dynamic random access memory including a storage capacitor configured to store data, a bit line, a transistor connecting the storage capacitor and the bit line, a reference bit line, and a sense amplifier connecting the bit line and the reference bit line. The data sensing method comprises the steps of turning off the transistor when the stored data is a predetermined value before enabling the sense amplifier to sense the voltage of the bit line and the reference bit line, and turning on the transistor when the stored data is opposite to the predetermined value such that a charge sharing process occurs between the storage capacitor and a parasitic capacitor of the bit line before enabling the sense amplifier to sense the voltage of the bit line and the reference bit line.

Abstract: A configurable architecture, hybrid analog/digital delay locked loop and technique with fast open loop digital locking for integrated circuit dynamic random access memory (DRAM) devices and devices incorporating embedded DRAM. The DLL design and technique disclosed employs a hybrid analog/digital delay line, but does not use conventional closed loop architecture during the digital phase of the locking process.

Abstract: A phase-change memory element with an electrically isolated conductor is provided. The phase-change memory element includes: a first electrode and a second electrode; a phase-change material layer electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode; and at least two electrically isolated conductors, disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, directly contacting the phase-change material layers.

Abstract: A phase change memory device is disclosed. A second conductive spacer is under a first conductive spacer. A phase change layer comprises a first portion substantially parallel to the first and second conductive spacers and a second portion on top of the second conductive spacer, wherein the second conductive spacer is electrically connected to the first conductive spacer through the second portion of the phase change layer.

Abstract: A phase change memory array is disclosed, comprising a first cell having a patterned phase change layer, and a second cell having a patterned phase change layer, wherein the patterned phase change layer of the first cell and the patterned phase change layer of the second cell are disposed at different layers.

Abstract: A phase-change memory element for reducing heat loss is disclosed. The phase-change memory element comprises a composite layer, wherein the composite layer comprises a dielectric material and a low thermal conductivity material. A via hole is formed within the composite layer. A phase-change material occupies at least one portion of the via hole. The composite layer comprises alternating layers or a mixture of the dielectric material and the low thermal conductivity material.

Abstract: An output driver calibration circuit includes a programmable drive strength output pullup driver including a strongest transistor and a number of other transistors, a programmable drive strength output pulldown driver including a strongest transistor and a number of other transistors, and a calibration circuit for generating a number of control signals for controlling the transistors in the output pullup driver and the transistors in the output pulldown driver, wherein the control signals are generated simultaneously, except for two the strongest driver transistors.

Abstract: A method for preparing a multi-level flash memory device comprises forming a dielectric stack including a charge-trapping layer on a semiconductor substrate, forming an insulation structure having a depression on the charge-trapping layer, removing a portion of the charge-trapping layer from the depression such that the charge-trapping layer is segmented to form a plurality of storage nodes, forming a gate oxide layer isolating the storage nodes and forming a damascene gate including a polysilicon layer filling the depression.

Abstract: Phase change memory devices and methods for fabricating the same are provided. A phase change memory device includes a first conductive electrode disposed in a first dielectric layer. A second dielectric layer is disposed over the first dielectric layer. A phase change material layer is disposed in the second dielectric layer and electrically connected to the first conductive electrode. A space is disposed in the second dielectric layer to at least isolate a sidewall of the phase change material layer and the second dielectric layer adjacent thereto. A second conductive electrode is disposed in the second dielectric layer and electrically connected to the phase change material layer.

Abstract: A method for determining the performance of an implanting apparatus comprises the steps of forming a dopant barrier layer on a substrate, forming a target layer on the dopant barrier layer, performing an implanting process by using the implanting apparatus to implant dopants into the target layer such that the target layer becomes conductive, measuring at least one electrical property of the target layer, and determining the performance of the implanting apparatus by taking the electrical property into consideration. In one embodiment of the present invention, the dopant barrier layer is silicon nitride layer, the target layer is a polysilicon layer, and the electrical property is the sheet resistance of the conductive polysilicon layer.

Abstract: A writing circuit for a phase change memory is provided. The writing circuit comprises a driving current generating circuit, a first switch device, a first memory cell and a second switch device. The driving current generating circuit provides a writing current to the first memory cell. The first switch device is coupled to the driving current generating circuit. The first memory cell is coupled between the first switch device and the second switch device. The second switch device is coupled between the first memory cell and a ground, wherein when the driving current generating circuit outputs the writing current to the first memory cell, the second switch device is turned on after the first switch device has been turned on for a first predetermined time period.

Abstract: A memory device is disclosed. A pillar structure comprises a first electrode layer, a dielectric layer overlying the first electrode layer, and a second electrode layer overlying the dielectric layer. A phase change layer covers a surrounding of the pillar structure. A bottom electrode electrically connects the first electrode layer of the pillar structure. A top electrode electrically connects the second electrode layer of the pillar structure.

Abstract: An integrated circuit structure comprises a semiconductor substrate, a device region positioned in the semiconductor substrate, an insulating region adjacent to the device region, an isolation structure positioned in the insulating region and including a bottle portion and a neck portion filled with a dielectric material, and a dielectric layer sandwiched between the device region and the insulation region.

Abstract: A method for preparing a multi-level flash memory structure comprises the steps of forming a protrusion in a semiconductor substrate, forming a plurality of storage structures at the sides of the protrusion, forming a dielectric layer overlying the storage structures and the protrusion of the semiconductor substrate, forming a gate structure on the dielectric layer, and forming a plurality of diffusion regions at the sides of the protrusion. Each of the storage structures includes a charge-trapping site and an insulation structure isolating the charge-trapping site from the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A programming method for a phase change memory based on the phase transformations between amorphous and crystalline phases is disclosed. The programming method comprises a current pulse with step waveform providing a first crystallization current pulse to the phase change memory and providing a second crystallization current pulse to the phase change memory. The first crystallization current pulse has a first rising edge, a first falling edge and a first peak current held for a first hold time. The second crystallization current pulse has a second peak current. The second peak current follows the first falling edge and is held for a second hold time.

Abstract: A phase change memory device comprising a substrate. A plurality of bottom electrodes isolated from each other is on the substrate. An insulating layer crosses a portion of the surfaces of any two of the adjacent bottom electrodes. A pair of phase change material spacers is on a pair of sidewalls of the insulating layer, wherein the pair of the phase change material spacers is on any two of the adjacent bottom electrodes, respectively. A top electrode is on the insulating layer and covers the phase change material spacers.

Abstract: A multi-level flash memory comprises a semiconductor substrate, a gate structure having a lower block positioned in the semiconductor substrate and an upper block positioned on the semiconductor substrate, and a plurality of storage structures separated by the gate structure. The upper block connects to the lower block of the gate structure, and each of the storage structures includes a charge-trapping site and an insulation structure surrounding the charge-trapping site.

Abstract: A multi-level flash memory structure comprises a semiconductor substrate having a protrusion, a plurality of storage structures separated by the protrusion, a dielectric layer overlying the storage structures and the protrusion of the semiconductor substrate, a gate structure positioned on the dielectric layer, and several diffusion regions positioned at the sides of the protrusion. Each of the storage structures includes a charge-trapping site and an insulation structure isolating the charge-trapping site from the semiconductor substrate.