Abstract: A multi-bit memory cell stores information corresponding to a high resistive state and multiple other resistive states lower than the high resistive state. A resistance of a memory element within the multi-bit memory cell switches from the high resistive state to one of the other multiple resistive states by applying a corresponding current to the memory element.

Abstract: A magnetic memory device is provided. The magnetic memory device includes an invariable pinning pattern and a variable pinning pattern on a substrate. A tunnel barrier pattern is interposed between the invariable pinning pattern and the variable pinning pattern, and the pinned pattern is interposed between the invariable pinning pattern and the tunnel barrier pattern. A storage free pattern is interposed between the tunnel barrier pattern and the variable pinning pattern, and a guide free pattern is interposed between the storage free pattern and the variable pinning pattern. A free reversing pattern is interposed between the storage and guide free patterns. The free reversing pattern reverses a magnetization direction of the storage free pattern and a magnetization direction of the guide free pattern in the opposite directions.

Abstract: Methods of forming a resistive memory device include forming an insulation layer on a semiconductor substrate including a conductive pattern, forming a contact hole in the insulation layer to expose the conductive pattern, forming a lower electrode in the contact hole, forming a variable resistive oxide layer in the contact hole on the lower electrode, forming a middle electrode in the contact hole on the variable resistive oxide layer, forming a buffer oxide layer on the middle electrode and the insulation layer, and forming an upper electrode on the buffer oxide layer. Related resistive memory devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a magnetic memory device and a method of forming the same. The magnetic memory device includes an invariable pinning pattern and a variable pinning pattern on a substrate. A tunnel barrier pattern is interposed between the invariable pinning pattern and the variable pinning pattern, and the pinned pattern is interposed between the invariable pinning pattern and the tunnel barrier pattern. A storage free pattern is interposed between the tunnel barrier pattern and the variable pinning pattern, and a guide free pattern is interposed between the storage free pattern and the variable pinning pattern. A free reversing pattern is interposed between the storage and guide free patterns. The free reversing pattern reverses a magnetization direction of the storage free pattern and a magnetization direction of the guide free pattern in the opposite directions.

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device includes a first electrode and a second electrode, and a variable resistor interposed between the first and second electrodes. The variable resistor has a critical voltage, and a resistance-voltage characteristic of the variable resistor is switched at a voltage higher than the critical voltage, so that a resistance of the variable resistor is higher at a read voltage applied after the switching of the resistance-voltage curve than at a read voltage applied before the switching of the resistance-voltage curve. Methods of operating a nonvolatile memory device include setting a plurality of write voltages higher than an initial critical voltage, assigning respective data values to states in which a resistance-voltage characteristic is switched at the write voltages, setting a read voltage lower than the initial critical voltage, and reading the data values by measuring current flowing through the variable resistor in response to the read voltage.

Abstract: A magnetic memory cell array device can include a first current source line extending between pluralities of first and second memory cells configured for respective simultaneous programming and configured to conduct adequate programming current for writing one of the pluralities of first and second memory cells, a first current source transistor coupled to the first current source line and to a word line, a programming conductor coupled to the first current source transistor and extending across bit lines coupled to the one of the pluralities of first and second memory cells, configured to conduct the programming current across the bit lines, a second current source transistor coupled to the programming conductor and configured to switch the programming current from the programming conductor to a second current source transistor output, a second current source line extending adjacent the one of the pluralities of first and second memory cells opposite the first current source line, a first bias circuit config

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention disclose a semiconductor memory device and a method of forming a memory device. A semiconductor memory device may include a digit line disposed on a substrate, an intermediate insulating layer covering the digit line, a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) pattern disposed on the intermediate insulating layer and over the digit line, the MTJ pattern including a sequentially stacked lower magnetic pattern, upper magnetic pattern, and capping pattern, wherein the capping pattern does not react with the upper magnetic pattern at a temperature above about 280° C., and a bit line connected to the capping pattern and disposed to intersect the digit line.

Abstract: A magnetic memory device includes a pinning layer, a pinned layer, an insulation layer, which are sequentially stacked on a semiconductor substrate. The magnetic memory device further includes a free layer disposed on the insulation layer, a capping layer disposed on the free layer and an MR (magnetoresistance) enhancing layer interposed between the free layer and the capping layer. The MR enhancing layer is formed of at least one anti-ferromagnetic material.

Abstract: Provided are magnetic tunnel junction structures having bended tips at both ends thereof, magnetic RAM cells employing the same and photo masks used in formation thereof. The magnetic tunnel junction structures have a pinned layer pattern, a tunneling insulation layer pattern and a free layer pattern, which are stacked on an integrated circuit substrate. At least the free layer pattern has a main body as well as first and second bended tips each protruded from both ends of the main body when viewed from a plan view.

Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor device including a resistive memory element. The semiconductor device includes a substrate and the resistive memory element disposed on the substrate. The resistive memory element has resistance states of a plurality of levels according to generation and dissipation of at least one platinum bridge therein.

Abstract: A magnetic memory device and a method of fabricating the same. The magnetic memory device includes a free layer, a write element, and a read element. The write element changes the magnetization direction of the free layer, and the read element senses the magnetization direction of the free layer. Herein, the write element includes a current confinement layer having a width smaller than the minimum width of the free layer to locally increase the density of a current flowing through the write element.

Abstract: A Resistance based Random Access Memory (ReRAM) can include a sense amplifier circuit that includes a first input coupled to a bit line of a reference cell in a first block of the ReRAM responsive to a read operation to a second block.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a phase-change memory device has an oxidation barrier layer to protect against memory cell contamination or oxidation and a method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device comprises a molding layer overlying a semiconductor substrate. The molding layer has a protrusion portion vertically extending from a top surface thereof. The device further includes a phase-changeable material pattern adjacent the protrusion portion and a lower electrode electrically connected to the phase-changeable material pattern.

Abstract: A magnetic memory cell array device can include a first current source line extending between pluralities of first and second memory cells configured for respective simultaneous programming and configured to conduct adequate programming current for writing one of the pluralities of first and second memory cells, a first current source transistor coupled to the first current source line and to a word line, a programming conductor coupled to the first current source transistor and extending across bit lines coupled to the one of the pluralities of first and second memory cells, configured to conduct the programming current across the bit lines, a second current source transistor coupled to the programming conductor and configured to switch the programming current from the programming conductor to a second current source transistor output, a second current source line extending adjacent the one of the pluralities of first and second memory cells opposite the first current source line, a first bias circuit config

Abstract: Methods of forming a resistive memory device include forming an insulation layer on a semiconductor substrate including a conductive pattern, forming a contact hole in the insulation layer to expose the conductive pattern, forming a lower electrode in the contact hole, forming a variable resistive oxide layer in the contact hole on the lower electrode, forming a middle electrode in the contact hole on the variable resistive oxide layer, forming a buffer oxide layer on the middle electrode and the insulation layer, and forming an upper electrode on the buffer oxide layer. Related resistive memory devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A Resistance based Random Access Memory (ReRAM) can include a current reference circuit including at least three ReRAM reference cells coupled in parallel with one another and configured to provide a reference current to respective ReRAM sense amplifier circuits.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a phase-change memory device has an oxidation barrier layer to protect against memory cell contamination or oxidation and a method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device comprises a molding layer overlying a semiconductor substrate. The molding layer has a protrusion portion vertically extending from a top surface thereof. The device further includes a phase-changeable material pattern adjacent the protrusion portion and a lower electrode electrically connected to the phase-changeable material pattern.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device having a switching device capable of preventing a snake current. First, a transition metal oxide layer and a leakage control layer are alternately stacked on a substrate 1 to 20 times to form a varistor layer. The transition metal oxide layer is formed to contain an excessive transition metal compared to its stable state. The leakage control layer may be formed of one selected from the group consisting of a Mg layer, a Ta layer, an Al layer, a Zr layer, a Hf layer, a polysilicon layer, a conductive carbon group layer, and a Nb layer.

Abstract: Provided are methods for forming conductive plug structures, such as via plugs, from a plurality of conductive layer patterns and methods of fabricating semiconductor devices, including semiconductor memory devices such as phase change semiconductor memory devices. An example method forms a small via structure by forming a conductive layer on a semiconductor substrate. A molding insulating layer is formed on the conductive layer and a via hole is formed through the insulating layer to expose a region of the conductive layer. A first via filling layer is formed and then partially removed to form a partial via plug. The formation and removal of the phase change material layer are then repeated as necessary to form a multilayer plug structure that substantially fills the via hole with the multilayer structure typically exhibiting reduced defects and damage than plug structures prepared by conventional methods.

Abstract: There is provided a storage of a non-volatile memory device and a method of forming the same. The storage of example embodiments may include a bottom electrode, a first tunneling insulating layer on the bottom electrode, a middle electrode on the first tunneling insulating layer, a second tunneling insulating layer on the middle electrode, and a top electrode on the second tunneling insulating layer. The first and second tunneling insulating layers may be formed of metal oxide having a thickness from about several ? to about several tens ? and a storage may be formed to have a width of about several tens nm. Therefore, a multi bit storage, increased integration, increased operation speed and decreased power consumption may be realized.