Patents by Inventor Giorgio Servalli

Giorgio Servalli has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9755145
    Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming memory cells. Heater structures are formed over an array of electrical nodes, and phase change material is formed across the heater structures. The phase change material is patterned into a plurality of confined structures, with the confined structures being in one-to-one correspondence with the heater structures and being spaced from one another by one or more insulative materials that entirely laterally surround each of the confined structures. Some embodiments include memory arrays having heater structures over an array of electrical nodes. Confined phase change material structures are over the heater structures and in one-to-one correspondence with the heater structures. The confined phase change material structures are spaced from one another by one or more insulative materials that entirely laterally surround each of the confined phase change material structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Redaelli, Giorgio Servalli, Carmela Cupeta, Fabio Pellizzer
  • Patent number: 9735354
    Abstract: A resistive random access memory array may be formed on the same substrate with a fuse array. The random access memory and the fuse array may use the same active material. For example, both the fuse array and the memory array may use a chalcogenide material as the active switching material. The main array may use a pattern of perpendicular sets of trench isolations and the fuse array may only use one set of parallel trench isolations. As a result, the fuse array may have a conductive line extending continuously between adjacent trench isolations. In some embodiments, this continuous line may reduce the resistance of the conductive path through the fuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Redaelli, Agostino Pirovano, Umberto Maria Meotto, Giorgio Servalli
  • Publication number: 20170221965
    Abstract: Phase change memory apparatuses include memory cells including phase change material, bit lines electrically coupled to aligned groups of at least some of the memory cells, and heating elements electrically coupled to the phase change material of the memory cells. The heating elements include vertical portions extending in a bit line direction. Additional phase change memory apparatuses include dummy columns positioned between memory columns and base contact columns. The dummy columns include phase change memory cells and lack heating elements coupled to the phase change memory cells thereof. Additional phase change memory apparatuses include heating elements operably coupled to phase change memory cells. An interfacial area between the heating elements and the phase change memory cells has a length that is independent of a bit line width. Methods relate to forming such phase change memory apparatuses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Ugo Russo, Andrea Redaelli, Giorgio Servalli
  • Patent number: 9697913
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for recovering fatigued ferroelectric memory cells are described. Recovery voltages may be applied to a ferroelectric memory cell that is fatigued due to repeated access (read or write) operations. The recovery voltage may have a greater amplitude than the access voltage and may include multiple voltage pulses or a constant voltage. The recovery operation may be performed in the background as the memory array operates, or it may be performed when a host device is not actively using the memory array. The recovery operations may be performed periodically or may include discrete series of pulses distributed among several instances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Marcello Mariani, Giorgio Servalli, Andrea Locatelli
  • Patent number: 9627440
    Abstract: Phase change memory apparatuses include memory cells including phase change material, bit lines electrically coupled to aligned groups of at least some of the memory cells, and heating elements electrically coupled to the phase change material of the memory cells. The heating elements include vertical portions extending in a bit line direction. Additional phase change memory apparatuses include dummy columns positioned between memory columns and base contact columns. The dummy columns include phase change memory cells and lack heating elements coupled to the phase change memory cells thereof. Additional phase change memory apparatuses include heating elements operably coupled to phase change memory cells. An interfacial area between the heating elements and the phase change memory cells has a length that is independent of a bit line width. Methods relate to forming such phase change memory apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ugo Russo, Andrea Redaelli, Giorgio Servalli
  • Publication number: 20170047187
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a fuse having a tungsten-containing structure directly contacting an electrically conductive structure. The electrically conductive structure may be a titanium-containing structure. An interface between the tungsten-containing structure and the electrically conductive structure is configured to rupture when current through the interface exceeds a predetermined level. Some embodiments include a method of forming and using a fuse. The fuse is formed to have a tungsten-containing structure directly contacting an electrically conductive structure. An interface between the tungsten-containing structure and the electrically conductive structure is configured to rupture when current through the interface exceeds a predetermined level. Current exceeding the predetermined level is passed through the interface to rupture the interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Andrea Redaelli, Giorgio Servalli
  • Publication number: 20170018708
    Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming memory cells. Heater structures are formed over an array of electrical nodes, and phase change material is formed across the heater structures. The phase change material is patterned into a plurality of confined structures, with the confined structures being in one-to-one correspondence with the heater structures and being spaced from one another by one or more insulative materials that entirely laterally surround each of the confined structures. Some embodiments include memory arrays having heater structures over an array of electrical nodes. Confined phase change material structures are over the heater structures and in one-to-one correspondence with the heater structures. The confined phase change material structures are spaced from one another by one or more insulative materials that entirely laterally surround each of the confined phase change material structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Andrea Redaelli, Giorgio Servalli, Carmela Cupeta, Fabio Pellizzer
  • Patent number: 9514905
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a fuse having a tungsten-containing structure directly contacting an electrically conductive structure. The electrically conductive structure may be a titanium-containing structure. An interface between the tungsten-containing structure and the electrically conductive structure is configured to rupture when current through the interface exceeds a predetermined level. Some embodiments include a method of forming and using a fuse. The fuse is formed to have a tungsten-containing structure directly contacting an electrically conductive structure. An interface between the tungsten-containing structure and the electrically conductive structure is configured to rupture when current through the interface exceeds a predetermined level. Current exceeding the predetermined level is passed through the interface to rupture the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Redaelli, Giorgio Servalli
  • Patent number: 9484536
    Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming memory cells. Heater structures are formed over an array of electrical nodes, and phase change material is formed across the heater structures. The phase change material is patterned into a plurality of confined structures, with the confined structures being in one-to-one correspondence with the heater structures and being spaced from one another by one or more insulative materials that entirely laterally surround each of the confined structures. Some embodiments include memory arrays having heater structures over an array of electrical nodes. Confined phase change material structures are over the heater structures and in one-to-one correspondence with the heater structures. The confined phase change material structures are spaced from one another by one or more insulative materials that entirely laterally surround each of the confined phase change material structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Redaelli, Giorgio Servalli, Carmela Cupeta, Fabio Pellizzer
  • Publication number: 20160260897
    Abstract: A resistive random access memory array may be formed on the same substrate with a fuse array. The random access memory and the fuse array may use the same active material. For example, both the fuse array and the memory array may use a chalcogenide material as the active switching material. The main array may use a pattern of perpendicular sets of trench isolations and the fuse array may only use one set of parallel trench isolations. As a result, the fuse array may have a conductive line extending continuously between adjacent trench isolations. In some embodiments, this continuous line may reduce the resistance of the conductive path through the fuses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Redaelli, Agostino Pirovano, Umberto Maria Meotto, Giorgio Servalli
  • Patent number: 9356237
    Abstract: A resistive random access memory array may be formed on the same substrate with a fuse array. The random access memory and the fuse array may use the same active material. For example, both the fuse array and the memory array may use a chalcogenide material as the active switching material. The main array may use a pattern of perpendicular sets of trench isolations and the fuse array may only use one set of parallel trench isolations. As a result, the fuse array may have a conductive line extending continuously between adjacent trench isolations. In some embodiments, this continuous line may reduce the resistance of the conductive path through the fuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Redaelli, Agostino Pirovano, Umberto Maria Meotto, Giorgio Servalli
  • Patent number: 9343671
    Abstract: Memory cells having heaters with angled sidewalls and methods of forming the same are described herein. As an example, a method of forming an array of resistive memory cells can include forming a first resistive memory cell having a first heater element angled with respect to a vertical plane, forming a second resistive memory cell adjacent to the first resistive memory cell and having a second heater element angled with respect to the vertical plane and toward the first heater, and forming a third resistive memory cell adjacent to the first resistive memory cell and having a third heater element angled with respect to the vertical plane and away from the first heater element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Redaelli, Giorgio Servalli, Pietro Petruzza, Cinzia Perrone
  • Publication number: 20150340408
    Abstract: Phase change memory apparatuses include memory cells including phase change material, bit lines electrically coupled to aligned groups of at least some of the memory cells, and heating elements electrically coupled to the phase change material of the memory cells. The heating elements include vertical portions extending in a bit line direction. Additional phase change memory apparatuses include dummy columns positioned between the memory columns and base contact columns. The dummy columns include phase change memory cells and lack heating elements coupled to the phase change memory cells thereof. Additional phase change memory apparatuses include heating elements operably coupled to phase change memory cells. An interfacial area between the heating elements and the phase change memory cells has a length that is independent of a bit line width. Methods relate to forming such phase change memory apparatuses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ugo Russo, Andrea Redaelli, Giorgio Servalli
  • Publication number: 20150325627
    Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming memory cells. Heater structures are formed over an array of electrical nodes, and phase change material is formed across the heater structures. The phase change material is patterned into a plurality of confined structures, with the confined structures being in one-to-one correspondence with the heater structures and being spaced from one another by one or more insulative materials that entirely laterally surround each of the confined structures. Some embodiments include memory arrays having heater structures over an array of electrical nodes. Confined phase change material structures are over the heater structures and in one-to-one correspondence with the heater structures. The confined phase change material structures are spaced from one another by one or more insulative materials that entirely laterally surround each of the confined phase change material structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventors: Andrea Redaelli, Giorgio Servalli, Carmela Cupeta, Fabio Pellizzer
  • Publication number: 20150280123
    Abstract: A resistive random access memory array may be formed on the same substrate with a fuse array. The random access memory and the fuse array may use the same active material. For example, both the fuse array and the memory array may use a chalcogenide material as the active switching material. The main array may use a pattern of perpendicular sets of trench isolations and the fuse array may only use one set of parallel trench isolations. As a result, the fuse array may have a conductive line extending continuously between adjacent trench isolations. In some embodiments, this continuous line may reduce the resistance of the conductive path through the fuses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Andrea Redaelli, Agostino Pirovano, Umberto Maria Meotto, Giorgio Servalli
  • Patent number: 9136471
    Abstract: A resistive random access memory array may be formed on the same substrate with a fuse array. The random access memory and the fuse array may use the same active material. For example, both the fuse array and the memory array may use a chalcogenide material as the active switching material. The main array may use a pattern of perpendicular sets of trench isolations and the fuse array may only use one set of parallel trench isolations. As a result, the fuse array may have a conductive line extending continuously between adjacent trench isolations. In some embodiments, this continuous line may reduce the resistance of the conductive path through the fuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Redaelli, Agostino Pirovano, Umberto M. Meotto, Giorgio Servalli
  • Patent number: 9112150
    Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming memory cells. Heater structures are formed over an array of electrical nodes, and phase change material is formed across the heater structures. The phase change material is patterned into a plurality of confined structures, with the confined structures being in one-to-one correspondence with the heater structures and being spaced from one another by one or more insulative materials that entirely laterally surround each of the confined structures. Some embodiments include memory arrays having heater structures over an array of electrical nodes. Confined phase change material structures are over the heater structures and in one-to-one correspondence with the heater structures. The confined phase change material structures are spaced from one another by one or more insulative materials that entirely laterally surround each of the confined phase change material structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Redaelli, Giorgio Servalli, Carmela Cupeta, Fabio Pellizzer
  • Publication number: 20150200366
    Abstract: Memory cells having heaters with angled sidewalls and methods of forming the same are described herein. As an example, a method of forming an array of resistive memory cells can include forming a first resistive memory cell having a first heater element angled with respect to a vertical plane, forming a second resistive memory cell adjacent to the first resistive memory cell and having a second heater element angled with respect to the vertical plane and toward the first heater, and forming a third resistive memory cell adjacent to the first resistive memory cell and having a third heater element angled with respect to the vertical plane and away from the first heater element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Inventors: Andrea Redaelli, Giorgio Servalli, Pietro Petruzza, Cinzia Perrone
  • Publication number: 20150170859
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a fuse having a tungsten-containing structure directly contacting an electrically conductive structure. The electrically conductive structure may be a titanium-containing structure. An interface between the tungsten-containing structure and the electrically conductive structure is configured to rupture when current through the interface exceeds a predetermined level. Some embodiments include a method of forming and using a fuse. The fuse is formed to have a tungsten-containing structure directly contacting an electrically conductive structure. An interface between the tungsten-containing structure and the electrically conductive structure is configured to rupture when current through the interface exceeds a predetermined level. Current exceeding the predetermined level is passed through the interface to rupture the interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: Andrea Redaelli, Giorgio Servalli
  • Publication number: 20150108422
    Abstract: A method and resulting structure, is disclosed to fabricate vertical bipolar junction transistors including a regular array of base contact pillars and emitter contact pillars with a at least one dimension below the minimum lithographical resolution, F, of the lithographic technique employed. A storage element, such as a phase change storage element, can be formed above the regular array of base contact pillars and emitter contact pillars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Fabio Pellizzer, Marcello Mariani, Giorgio Servalli