Abstract: A non-volatile memory array includes an array of phase-changeable memory elements that are electrically insulated from each other by at least a first electrically insulating region extending between the array of phase-changeable memory elements. The first electrically insulating region includes a plurality of voids therein. Each of these voids extends between a corresponding pair of phase-changeable memory cells in the non-volatile memory array and, collectively, the voids form an array of voids in the first electrically insulating region.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a phase change memory includes forming a lower electrode on a semiconductor substrate, forming a phase change pattern, an upper electrode, and a hard mask pattern sequentially on the lower electrode, a width of a bottom surface of the hard mask pattern being greater than a width of a top surface of the hard mask pattern, the bottom surface of the hard mask pattern facing the upper electrode and being opposite the top surface of the hard mask pattern, and forming a capping layer to cover the top surface of the hard mask pattern and sidewalls of the hard mask pattern, phase change pattern, and upper electrode.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate and a lower interlayer insulating layer disposed on the substrate. An opening passing through the lower interlayer insulating layer and exposing the substrate is included. A buried insulating pattern is disposed in the opening. First and second conductive layer patterns are sequentially stacked to surround the sidewall and bottom of the buried insulating pattern. A phase change material pattern is included, which is disposed on the lower interlayer insulating layer in contact with a top surface of the second conductive layer pattern, and spaced apart from the first conductive layer pattern. An upper interlayer insulating layer covering the lower interlayer insulating layer and the phase change material pattern is included. A conductive plug is included, which passes through the upper interlayer insulating layer and is electrically connected to the phase change material pattern. A method of fabricating the semiconductor device is also provided.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate and a lower interlayer insulating layer disposed on the substrate. An opening passing through the lower interlayer insulating layer and exposing the substrate is included. A buried insulating pattern is disposed in the opening. First and second conductive layer patterns are sequentially stacked to surround the sidewall and bottom of the buried insulating pattern. A phase change material pattern is included, which is disposed on the lower interlayer insulating layer in contact with a top surface of the second conductive layer pattern, and spaced apart from the first conductive layer pattern. An upper interlayer insulating layer covering the lower interlayer insulating layer and the phase change material pattern is included. A conductive plug is included, which passes through the upper interlayer insulating layer and is electrically connected to the phase change material pattern. A method of fabricating the semiconductor device is also provided.

Abstract: Non-volatile memory devices include an array of phase-changeable memory cells, which have first phase-changeable material patterns therein, and at least one phase-changeable fuse element. This phase-changeable fuse element includes a second phase-changeable material pattern therein with a higher crystallization temperature relative to the first phase-changeable material patterns in the array of phase-changeable memory cells. This higher crystallization temperature may be greater than about 300° C. According to additional embodiments of the present invention, the at least one phase-changeable fuse element includes a composite of the second phase-changeable material pattern and a third phase-changeable material pattern, which is formed of the same material at the first phase-changeable material patterns.

Abstract: In a method of forming a phase-change memory unit, a conductive layer is formed on a substrate having a trench. The conductive layer is planarized until the substrate is exposed to form a first electrode. A spacer partially covering the first electrode is formed. A phase-change material layer is formed on the first electrode and the second spacer. A second electrode is formed on the phase-change material layer. Reset/set currents of the phase-change memory unit may be reduced and deterioration of the phase-change material layer may be reduced and/or prevented.

Abstract: Provided is a resistive memory device that can be integrated with a high integration density and method of forming the same.

Abstract: Provided is a resistive memory device that can be integrated with a high integration density and method of forming the same. An insulating layer enclosing a resistive memory element and an insulating layer enclosing a conductive line connected with the resistive memory element have different stresses, hardness, porosity degrees, dielectric constant or heat conductivities.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a phase change memory includes forming a lower electrode on a semiconductor substrate, forming a phase change pattern, an upper electrode, and a hard mask pattern sequentially on the lower electrode, a width of a bottom surface of the hard mask pattern being greater than a width of a top surface of the hard mask pattern, the bottom surface of the hard mask pattern facing the upper electrode and being opposite the top surface of the hard mask pattern, and forming a capping layer to cover the top surface of the hard mask pattern and sidewalls of the hard mask pattern, phase change pattern, and upper electrode.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory array includes an array of phase-changeable memory elements that are electrically insulated from each other by at least a first electrically insulating region extending between the array of phase-changeable memory elements. The first electrically insulating region includes a plurality of voids therein. Each of these voids extends between a corresponding pair of phase-changeable memory cells in the non-volatile memory array and, collectively, the voids form an array of voids in the first electrically insulating region.

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: 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: Disclosed is a phase-change memory device including a phase-change material pattern, a diffusion barrier layer, a bottom electrode and a top electrode. The phase-change material pattern is placed on the bottom electrode, and the diffusion barrier layer containing tellurium is placed on the phase-change material pattern. The top electrode containing titanium is placed on the diffusion barrier layer. The diffusion barrier layer acts to inhibit diffusion of titanium from the top electrode into the phase-change material pattern.

Abstract: In a phase changeable memory device and a method of formation thereof, the phase changeable memory device comprises: a lower electrode pattern on an interlayer insulating layer; an insulating pattern located on the lower electrode pattern; a phase changeable pattern penetrating the insulating pattern and the lower electrode pattern to contact the lower electrode pattern and the interlayer insulating layer; and an upper electrode on the phase changeable pattern.

Abstract: 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 semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate and a lower interlayer insulating layer disposed on the substrate. An opening passing through the lower interlayer insulating layer and exposing the substrate is included. A buried insulating pattern is disposed in the opening. First and second conductive layer patterns are sequentially stacked to surround the sidewall and bottom of the buried insulating pattern. A phase change material pattern is included, which is disposed on the lower interlayer insulating layer in contact with a top surface of the second conductive layer pattern, and spaced apart from the first conductive layer pattern. An upper interlayer insulating layer covering the lower interlayer insulating layer and the phase change material pattern is included. A conductive plug is included, which passes through the upper interlayer insulating layer and is electrically connected to the phase change material pattern. A method of fabricating the semiconductor device is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a phase-change memory device including a phase-change material pattern, a diffusion barrier layer, a bottom electrode and a top electrode. The phase-change material pattern is placed on the bottom electrode, and the diffusion barrier layer containing tellurium is placed on the phase-change material pattern. The top electrode containing titanium is placed on the diffusion barrier layer. The diffusion barrier layer acts to inhibit diffusion of titanium from the top electrode into the phase-change material pattern.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor memory device includes forming a first insulating layer and a sacrificial layer on a substrate. The first insulating layer and the sacrificial layer have an opening therein. A first conductive layer is formed in the opening and on the sacrificial layer. A second insulating layer is formed on the first conductive layer. The second insulating layer, the first conductive layer and the sacrificial layer are then planarized until the first insulating layer is exposed, thereby forming a first conductive pattern and a second insulating layer pattern in the opening. A phase change material layer is formed on the first conductive pattern, the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer pattern. A second conductive pattern is formed on the phase change material layer. A semiconductor memory device and a data processing system adopting the semiconductor memory device are also provided.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the present invention, there are provided PRAMS having a phase-change layer pattern interposed between a molding layer and a forming layer pattern, and methods of forming the same that include a node conductive layer pattern, a molding layer, a forming layer pattern and a protecting layer. The molding layer, the forming layer pattern and the protecting layer are formed to cover the planarized interlayer insulating layer and the node conductive layer pattern. A lower electrode is interposed between the molding layer and the planarized interlayer insulating layer. A phase-change layer pattern is formed on the planarized interlayer insulating layer. A spacer pattern is disposed between the phase-change layer pattern and the molding layer.

Abstract: A method of forming a memory device may include forming an insulating layer on a substrate, and forming a first electrode through at least a portion of the insulating layer. A memory storage element may be formed on the first electrode so that the first electrode is between the memory storage element and the substrate, and a second electrode may be formed on the memory storage element so that the memory storage element is between the first and second electrodes. After forming the memory storage element and after forming the second electrode, insulating spacers may be formed on sidewalls of the memory storage element. After forming the insulating spacers, an interconnection line may be formed on the second electrode, on the insulating spacers, and on the insulating layer beyond the insulating spacers. Related memory devices are also discussed.