Abstract: A memory device includes a cell region including a plurality of word lines, a plurality of bit lines, and a plurality of memory cells connected to the plurality of word lines and the plurality of bit lines disposed therein, where each of the plurality of memory cells includes a switch element and a memory element connected to each other in series between a corresponding word line and a corresponding bit line, and a peripheral circuit region including a control logic configured to, when a read command for a selected memory cell among the memory cells is received from an external controller, input a pre-voltage to the selected memory cell before reading data of the selected memory cell. The control logic is configured to determine a level of the pre-voltage with reference to an elapsed time after programming of the selected memory cell.

Abstract: An example apparatus include an array of memory cells. The example apparatus includes a memory controller coupled to the array. The memory controller can include an internal reference resistor. The memory controller can be configured to monitor memory characteristics for the array and the memory controller. The memory controller can be configured to trim the internal reference resistor to result in a target resistance value based on the memory characteristics.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory cell including a capacitorless transistor having a floating body configured to store data as charge therein when power is applied to the cell, and a non-volatile memory comprising a bipolar resistive change element, and methods of operating.

Abstract: A ReRAM memory array includes ReRAM memory cells having two series-connected select transistors connected in series with a ReRAM device. When ReRAM memory cell(s) are selected for erasing, the bit line coupled to the ReRAM memory cell(s) to be erased is biased at a first voltage potential. The source line coupled to the ReRAM memory cell(s) to be erased is biased at a second voltage potential greater than the first voltage potential, the difference between the first voltage potential and the second voltage potential being sufficient to erase the ReRAM device. The gates of the series-connected select transistors of the ReRAM memory cell(s) to be erased are supplied with positive voltage pulses. The gates of the series-connected select transistors of the ReRAM memory cell(s) unselected for erasing are supplied with a voltage potential insufficient to turn them on.

Abstract: A memory device, an operation method of a memory cell in a memory device and a semiconductor die are provided. A computational memory cell in the memory device includes: a field effect transistor (FET), with a changeable threshold voltage; and resistive storage devices, connected by a common terminal coupled to a source/drain terminal of the FET. By altering the threshold voltage of the FET, a logic function of the computational memory cell can be changed. During a logic operation, inputs are provided to the computational memory cell as resistance states of the resistive storage devices, and a current passing through a conduction channel of the FET is functioned as an output for the logic operation.

Abstract: A memory device includes a plurality of computing memory cells, each of which stores a weight value, receives an input value and generates an output value. Each of the computing memory cells includes a transistor connected to a bit line and a word line, receiving a sensing current through the bit line and receiving an input voltage through the word line. When the sensing current flows through the transistor, the computing memory cell generates a first voltage difference corresponding to the output value. The output value is equal to a product of the input value and the weight value.

Abstract: A resistive random access memory (RRAM) and a method for operating the RRAM are disclosed. The RRAM includes at least two successively stacked conductive layers and a resistive switching layer situated between every adjacent two conductive layers, wherein a migration interface with an interface effect is formed at each interface between one conductive layer and the resistive switching layer in contact therewith, wherein the migration interface regulates, by the interface effect, vacancies formed in the resistive switching layer under the effect of an electrical signal. The regulation includes at least one of absorption, migration and diffusion.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for structures for word line multiplexing in three-dimensional memory arrays are described. A memory die may include circuitry for access line multiplexing in regions adjacent to or between staircase regions. For example, a multiplexing region may include, for each word line of a stack of word lines, a respective first portion of a semiconductor material and a respective second portion of the semiconductor material, and may also include one or more gate material portions operable to modulate a conductivity between respective first and second portions. Each word line may be coupled with the respective first portion of the semiconductor material, such that biasing of the gate material portions may couple the word lines with the respective second portion of the semiconductor material. Such features may support various techniques for multiplexing associated with the stack of word lines, or among multiple stacks of word lines, or both.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a microelectronic device including resistive memory points, a first portion of the memory points forming a physical unclonable function, the memory points of the first portion forming a PUF zone, a second portion of the memory points providing a memory function, the memory points of the second forming a memory zone, the method including providing a support including a first electrode layer and an active oxide resistive memory layer; etching the active oxide resistive memory layer in the PUF zone; etching the active oxide resistive memory layer in the memory zone, the etching in the memory zone producing a dispersion of roughness of the oxide layer less than the dispersion of roughness produced by the etching in the PUF zone; depositing a second electrode layer; etching the second electrode layer, the active oxide layer and the first electrode layer to define the memory points.

Abstract: A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) includes a switching network and built-in-self-test (BIST) circuitry. The DAC, in operation, generates analog output signals in response to input codes of a set of input codes of the DAC. The BIST circuitry sequentially applies codes of a determined subset of codes of the set of input codes to test the plurality of switches. The determined subset of codes has fewer codes than the set of input codes. The BIST circuitry detects failures of switches of the plurality of switches based on responses of the DAC to the applied codes. In response to detecting a failure of a switch, the BIST generates a signal indicating a failure of the switching network.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes apparatuses, methods, and systems for balancing data in memory. An embodiment includes a memory having a group of memory cells, wherein each respective memory cell is programmable to one of three possible data states, and circuitry to balance data programmed to the group between the three possible data states by determining whether the data programmed to the group is balanced for any one of the three possible data states, and upon determining the data programmed to the group is not balanced for any one of the three possible data states apply a rotational mapping algorithm to the data programmed to the group until the data is balanced for any one of the three possible data states and apply a Knuth algorithm to the data of the group programmed to the two of the three possible data states that were not balanced by the rotational mapping algorithm.

Abstract: A method of performing a memory cell operation can include maintaining a plate voltage at a first access line of a memory cell during at least a first operation and a second operation of the memory cell. The method can further include charging a second access line to a first voltage greater than zero and greater than a threshold voltage of a selector device of the memory cell during the first operation on the memory cell. The method can further include, subsequent to the first operation, charging the second access line to a second voltage greater than the plate voltage plus the threshold voltage of the selector device to perform the second operation of the memory cell.

Abstract: Architectures of 3D memory arrays, systems, and methods regarding the same are described. An array may include a substrate arranged with conductive contacts in a geometric pattern and openings through alternative layers of conductive and insulative material that may decrease the spacing between the openings while maintaining a dielectric thickness to sustain the voltage to be applied to the array. After etching material, a sacrificial layer may be deposited in a trench that forms a serpentine shape. Portions of the sacrificial layer may be removed to form openings, into which cell material is deposited. An insulative material may be formed in contact with the sacrificial layer. The conductive pillars extend substantially perpendicular to the planes of the conductive material and the substrate, and couple to conductive contacts. A chalcogenide material may be formed in the recesses partially around the conductive pillars.

Abstract: A cell array structure includes a first resistive memory cell. The first resistive memory cell includes a well region, a first doped region, a merged region, a first gate structure, a second gate structure and a first metal layer. The first doped region is formed under a surface of the well region. The merged region is formed under the surface of the well region. The first gate structure is formed over the surface of the well region between the first doped region and the merged region. The first gate structure includes a first insulation layer and a first conductive layer. The second gate structure is formed over the merged region. The second gate structure includes a second insulation layer and a second conductive layer. The first metal layer is connected with the first doped region.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to multi-switch storage cells (MSSCs), three-dimensional MSSC arrays, and three-dimensional MSSC memory. Multi-switch storage cells include a cell select device, multiple resistive change elements, and an intracell wiring electrically connecting the multiple resistive change elements together and to the cell select device. MSSC arrays are designed (architected) and operated to prevent inter-cell (sneak path) currents between multi-switch storage cells, which prevents stored data disturb from adjacent cells and adjacent cell data pattern sensitivity. Additionally, READ and WRITE operations may be performed on one of the multiple resistive change elements in a multi-switch storage cell without disturbing the stored data in the remaining resistive change elements. However, controlled parasitic currents may flow in the remaining resistive change elements within the cell.

Abstract: A memory device includes: a first interconnect; a second interconnect; a first string and a second string whose first ends are coupled to the first interconnect; a third string and a fourth string whose second ends are coupled to the second interconnect; a third interconnect; and driver. The third interconnect is coupled to second ends of the first and second strings and to first ends of the third and fourth strings. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth strings includes a first switch element and a memory cell coupled in series. The memory cell includes a second switch element and a resistance change element coupled in parallel. The third interconnect is coupled to the driver via the first interconnect or the second interconnect.

Abstract: A forming control method for a resistive random-access memory cell array is provided. While a forming action of the resistive random-access memory cell array is performed, a verification action is performed to judge whether the forming action on the resistive random-access memory cells has been successfully done. By properly changing a forming voltage or a pulse width, the forming actions on all of the resistive random-access memory cells of the resistive random-access memory cell array can be successfully done.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a memory device, a memory system, and an operation method. The memory device includes a memory array having a plurality of memory blocks and a control circuit coupled to the memory array and used to control the memory array. The control circuit is configured to determine a first average value of threshold voltages of bottom dummy cells in an unused memory block, determine a difference value between the first average value and a first reference value, and judge based on the difference value when bottom dummy cells in the memory block are to be programmed so that the first average value reaches a first threshold.

Abstract: A request to write data at a memory device is received. Responsive to receiving the request to write the data at the memory device, a first random value and a second random value is determined. Responsive to determining that the first random value does not satisfy a first threshold criterion and the second random value does not satisfy a second threshold criterion, a first write operation mode is selected from a plurality of write operations modes, and a write operation to write the data at the memory device is performed in accordance with the first write operation mode.

Abstract: Methods for programming memory cells of a resistive memory device include applying a voltage pulse sequence to a memory cell to set a logic state of the memory cell. An initial set sequence of voltage pulses may be applied to the memory cell, followed by a reform voltage pulse having an amplitude greater than the amplitudes of the initial set sequence, and within ±5% of the amplitude of a voltage pulse used in an initial forming process. Additional voltage pulses having amplitudes that are less than the amplitude of the reform voltage pulse may be subsequently applied. By applying a reform voltage pulse in the middle of, or at the end of, a memory set sequence including multiple voltage pulses, a resistive memory device may have a larger memory window and improved data retention relative to resistive memory devices programmed using conventional programming methods.

Abstract: Provided herein may be a memory controller and a method of operating the same. The method of operating a memory controller may include determining whether a reset request received from a host is valid, based on boot workload information related to a plurality of boot stages of the host, and performing a reset operation on a memory device depending on whether the reset request is valid.

Abstract: A memory device includes a current source and a memory array. The current source is configured to provide a current to a first node. The memory array is coupled to the current source at the first node. The memory array includes memory cells. First terminals of the memory cells are coupled to the first node. Each of the memory cells has a first resistance in response to having a first data value, and has a second resistance in response to having a second data value. The second data value is N times the first data value. The second resistance is approximately one-Nth of the first resistance, for N being a positive integer larger than one. A method of operating a memory device is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A memory controller may include: a request checker identifying memory devices corresponding to requests received from a host among the plurality of memory devices and generating device information on the identified memory devices to perform operations corresponding to the requests; a dummy manager outputting a request for controlling a dummy pulse to be applied to channels of selected memory devices according to the device information among the plurality of channels; and a dummy pulse generator sequentially applying the dummy pulse to the channels coupled to the selected memory devices, based on the request for controlling the dummy pulse. A memory controller may include an idle time monitor outputting an idle time interval of the memory device and a clock signal generator generating a clock signal based on the idle time interval and outputting the clock signal to the memory device through the channel to perform a current operation.

Abstract: The embodiments herein describe technologies of initializing resistive memory devices (e.g., non-volatile and volatile memory devices). In one method, a first voltage is applied across a resistance change material of a memory cell to form an initial filament and multiple cycles are performed to condition the initial filament. Each of the multiple cycles includes: applying a second voltage with a first polarity across the resistance change material; and applying a third voltage with a second polarity across the resistance change material.

Abstract: A column select signal cell circuit, a bit line sense circuit and a memory are disclosed. The column select signal cell circuit includes four column select cells, each of which includes 4*N input and output ports, 4*N bit line connection ports and one control port. The control ports of a first column select cell and a fourth column select cell are connected to a first column select signal, and the control ports of a second column select cell and a third column select cell are connected to a second column select signal. The bit line connection ports of the first column select cell and the third column select cell are connected to 8*N bit lines of a first storage unit group, the bit line connection ports of the second column select cell and the fourth column select cell are connected to 8*N bit lines of a second storage unit group.

Abstract: A memory circuit includes a bias voltage generator including a bias voltage node, an activation voltage generator including a resistive device, and a first amplifier, a drive circuit including a second amplifier including an input terminal coupled to the bias voltage node, and a resistive random-access memory (RRAM) array. The activation voltage generator and the first amplifier are configured to generate a portion of a bias voltage level on the bias voltage node based on a resistance of the resistive device, and the drive circuit is configured to output a drive voltage having the bias voltage level to the RRAM array.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an RRAM cell includes forming a first wire, forming an insulator on the first wire, the insulator having a pore and an insulator surface, and forming a first electrode layer on the first wire and the insulator, the first electrode having an electrode surface. The method further includes recessing the first electrode layer such that the electrode surface is recessed toward the first wire from the insulator surface, forming a switching layer on the insulator and the first electrode, and forming a second electrode on the switching layer.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus related to memory devices. In one approach, a vertical three-dimensional cross-point memory device uses digit line decoders that include, on the digit line side of memory cells, a current limiter and sensing circuit configured to control program current in either of positive or negative program polarities, as selected by a controller. Two current limiters are each used on the digit line side of each memory cell. A negative polarity current limiter is used for pull-up, and a positive polarity current limiter is used for pull-down. A negative polarity sensing circuit is used between the respective digit line decoder and a positive supply voltage. A positive polarity sensing circuit is used between the respective digit line decoder and a negative supply voltage. The current limiter and sensing circuit pair of the same polarity is coupled to each digit line decoder based on the selected program polarity.

Abstract: Memory devices may have a memory array and a delay locked loop (DLL) circuit that adjusts signals associated with operations to access of the memory array. The memory device may also include a controller that delays an access command to access the memory array by transmitting the access command through delay circuitry of the DLL circuit. This may cause the access command to be delayed by a first duration of time when output from the delay circuitry. Delay of the access command may align a data signal and the access command such that the access command and a system clock may cause latching of suitable data of the data signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a film quality inspection method and system for providing a stress evaluation scheme for inspection of film quality of a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) cell of spin-transfer torque magnetic random access memory (STT-MRAM), wherein a bipolar signal and a unipolar signal including a unipolar hole (positive polarity) and a unipolar electron (negative polarity) are simultaneously applied to the same MTJ cell, and then according to a result of a comparison of a cycling gap, the quality of a thin film having a thickness of about 1 nm may be inspected.

Abstract: A method includes: programming a first bit of a physical unclonable function into a first memory cell; and generating, by a first memory circuit in the first memory cell, a first current indicating a logic value of the first bit. The programming the first bit includes: turning on a first switch in the first memory circuit and at least one second switch in at least one second memory circuit in the first memory cell in response to a first bit line signal, to program one of the first memory circuit and the at least one second memory circuit while rest of the first memory circuit and the at least one second memory circuit is not programmed, according to the first bit line signal. A memory device and a system are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A memory circuit includes: a memory array unit including a plurality of memory cells-MG and a word line for connecting the plurality of memory cells-MG to each other and applying a drive voltage for driving the memory cells; a drive voltage control unit that generates a drive voltage in which a pre-pulse is set at a timing corresponding to the rising or falling of a voltage signal that changes by a predetermined voltage value in a stepwise manner, applies the drive voltage to a terminal of the word line, and performs control to variably set the time width or the peak value of the pre-pulse in the drive voltage based on address information designating the memory cell at an access destination received from the outside; and a sense amplifier unit that accesses the memory cell-MG designated by the address information.

Abstract: A memory device includes a plurality of resistive random access memory (RRAM) cells commonly connected between a bit line (BL) and a source line (SL). Each of the RRAM cells includes a resistor, a first transistor, and a second transistor coupled to each other in series, with the resistor connected to the BL and the second transistor connected to the SL. The first transistor has a first threshold voltage, and the second transistor has a second threshold voltage, the first threshold voltage being less than the second threshold voltage.

Abstract: A filament forming method includes: performing first stage to apply first bias including gate and drain voltages to a resistive memory unit plural times until read current reaches first saturating state, latching read current in first saturating state as saturating read current, determining whether rate of increase of saturating read current is less than first threshold value; when rate of increase of saturating read current is not less than first threshold value, performing second stage to apply second bias, by increasing gate voltage and decreasing drain voltage, to the resistive memory unit plural times until read current reaches second saturating state, latching read current in second saturating state as saturating read current and determining whether rate of increase of saturating read current is less than first threshold value; finishing the method when rate of increase of saturating read current is less than first threshold value and saturating read current reaches target current value.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are related to a system and a method of extending a lifetime of a memory cell. In one aspect, a memory controller applies a first pulse having a first amplitude to the memory cell to write input data to the memory cell. In one aspect, the memory controller applies a second pulse having a second amplitude larger than the first amplitude to the memory cell to extend a lifetime of the memory cell. The memory cell may include a resistive memory device or a phase change random access memory device. In one aspect, the memory controller applies the second pulse to the memory cell to repair the memory cell in response to determining that the memory cell has failed. In one aspect, the memory controller periodically applies the second pulse to the memory cell to extend the lifetime of the memory cell before the memory cell fails.

Abstract: A chip includes a first circuitry and a second circuitry. The first circuitry includes first circuits which have first power consumption at a point of time. The second circuitry includes second circuits which have second power consumption at the point of time, and the first power consumption is higher than the second power consumption. At least one of the first circuits and at least one the second circuits are alternately arranged, in order to lower an operating temperature of the plurality of first circuits at the point of time.

Abstract: A memory device includes a memory cell array including a plurality of memory cells, each of the plurality of memory cells having a switch element, and a data storage element connected to the switch element and containing a phis change material; and a memory controller for obtaining first read voltages from the plurality of memory cells, inputting a first write current to the plurality of memory cells, and then, obtaining second read voltages from the plurality of memory cells, wherein the memory controller compares the first read voltage of a first memory cell of the plurality of memory cells to the second read voltage of the first memory cell to determine a state of the first memory cell.

Abstract: A resistive memory device includes: conductive layers and interlayer insulating layers, which are alternatively stacked; a vertical hole vertically penetrating the conductive layers and the interlayer insulating layers; a gate insulating layer disposed over an inner wall of the vertical hole; a charge trap layer disposed over an inner wall of the gate insulating layer; a channel layer disposed over an inner wall of the charge trap layer; and a variable resistance layer disposed over an inner wall of the channel layer.

Abstract: One aspect of this description relates to a memory array. In some embodiments, the memory array includes a first memory cell coupled between a first local select line and a first local bit line, a second memory cell coupled between a second local select line and a second local bit line, a first switch coupled to a global bit line, a second switch coupled between the first local bit line and the first switch, and a third switch coupled between the second local select line and the first switch.

Abstract: The invention is notably directed to a device for performing a matrix-vector multiplication of a matrix with a vector. The device comprises a memory crossbar array comprising a plurality of row lines, a plurality of column lines and a plurality of junctions arranged between the plurality of row lines and the plurality of column lines. Each junction comprises a programmable resistive element and an access element for accessing the programmable resistive element. The device further comprises a readout circuit configured to perform read operations by applying positive read voltages of one or more first amplitudes and negative read voltages of one or more second amplitudes corresponding to the one or more first amplitudes. The one or more first amplitudes and the corresponding one or more second amplitudes are different from each other, thereby correcting polarity dependent current asymmetricities.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a memory device includes a first wiring line, a second wiring line, a memory cell connected between the first and second wiring lines, including a resistance change memory element having first and second resistance states, and a two-terminal switching element connected in series to the resistance change memory element, and a voltage application circuit which applies a write voltage signal having a first polarity and setting a desired resistance state to the resistance change memory element, to the memory cell, and applies, after the write voltage signal is applied to the memory cell, a second polarity voltage signal having a magnitude that prevents the two-terminal switching element from being set to the on-state, to the memory cell.

Abstract: A memory may include a first wafer, and a second wafer stacked on and bonded to the first wafer. The first wafer may include a cell structure including a memory cell array; and a first logic structure disposed under the cell structure, and including a row control circuit. The second wafer may include a second logic structure including a column control circuit.

Abstract: A resistive memory device includes word lines, first memory cells, second memory cells, bit lines, source lines, and a driver. The driver provides a forming voltage to the first memory cells and the second memory cells through the bit lines and the source lines in a forming process. A first connection length along the bit lines and the source lines between the first memory cells and the driver is longer than a second connection length along the bit lines and the source lines between the second memory cells and the driver. The forming process is performed to the first memory cells before the forming process is performed to the second memory cells. A first value of the forming voltage provided to the first memory cells is less than a second value of the forming voltage provided to the second memory cells.

Abstract: A memory architecture includes: a plurality of cell arrays each of which comprises a plurality of bit cells, wherein each of bit cells of the plurality of cell arrays uses a respective variable resistance dielectric layer to transition between first and second logic states; and a control logic circuit, coupled to the plurality of cell arrays, and configured to cause a first information bit to be written into respective bit cells of a pair of cell arrays as an original logic state of the first information bit and a logically complementary logic state of the first information bit, wherein the respective variable resistance dielectric layers are formed by using a same recipe of deposition equipment and have different diameters.

Abstract: A memory device includes a first chip, a second chip and a processor. The second chip is coupled to the first chip at a first node. The second chip includes a first capacitor and a first variable resistor. The first capacitor is coupled to the first node. The first variable resistor is coupled in series with the first capacitor. The processor is coupled to the first node, and is configured to perform a first read operation to the first chip via the first node. A method for operating a memory device is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for reducing noise in a read signal due attributable to read element asymmetry provides for transmitting a write signal through a write precompensation circuit that shifts rising edges and falling edges of each of pulse in the write signal by a select magnitude and in opposite directions. After the write signal is encoded on a media, a corresponding read signal is read, with a read element, from the media. The method further provides for transmitting the read signal through a magnetoresistive asymmetry compensation (MRAC) block that is tuned to correct second-order non-linearities characterized by a particular set of distortion signatures. The select magnitude of the waveform shift applied by the write precompensation circuit introduces a non-linear signal characteristic that combines with non-linear signal characteristics introduced by the read element to generate one of the particular distortion signatures that is correctable by the MRAC block.

Abstract: A method includes forming a bottom electrode, forming a dielectric layer, forming a Phase-Change Random Access Memory (PCRAM) region in contact with the dielectric layer, and forming a top electrode. The dielectric layer and the PCRAM region are between the bottom electrode and the top electrode. A filament is formed in the dielectric layer. The filament is in contact with the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A memory system according to an embodiment includes a first wiring, a second wiring, a memory cell between the first wiring and the second wiring and a controller. The memory cell includes a variable resistance element and a switching element. The variable resistance element is switchable between a first low-resistance state and a first high-resistance state. The switching element is switchable between a second low-resistance state and a second high-resistance state in accordance with a supplied voltage. The controller is configured to supply the first wiring with a first voltage switching the switching element to the second low-resistance state, supply the first wiring with a second voltage switching the switching element from the second low-resistance state to the second high-resistance state after the first voltage is supplied, and detect a first target voltage of the second wiring after the second voltage is supplied.

Abstract: An analog neuromorphic circuit is disclosed, having input voltages applied to a plurality of inputs of the analog neuromorphic circuit. The circuit also includes a plurality of resistive memories that provide a resistance to each input voltage applied to each of the inputs so that each input voltage is multiplied in parallel by the corresponding resistance of each corresponding resistive memory to generate a corresponding current for each input voltage and each corresponding current is added in parallel. The circuit also includes at least one output signal that is generated from each of the input voltages multiplied in parallel with each of the corresponding currents for each of the input voltages added in parallel. The multiplying of each input voltage with each corresponding resistance is executed simultaneously with adding each corresponding current for each input voltage.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to a non-volatile (NV) static random-access memory (SRAM) device, and to a method of operating the same. The NV-SRAM device includes a plurality of bit-cells, wherein each bit-cell comprises: an SRAM bit-cell; a first bit-line connected via a first access element to the SRAM bit-cell; a NV bit-cell connected via a switch to the SRAM bit-cell; and a second bit-line connected via a second access element to the NV bit-cell. The NV-SRAM device is configured to independently write data from the first bit-line into the SRAM bit-cell through the first access element, and respectively from the second bit-line into the NV bit-cell through the second access element.