The sneak path current (SPC) is the inevitable issue in crossbar memory array while implementing high-density storage configuration. The crosstalks are attracting much attention, and the read accuracy in the crossbar architecture is deteriorated by the SPC. In this work, the sneak path current problem is observed and investigated by the electrical experimental measurements in the crossbar array structure with the half-read scheme. The read margin of the selected cell is improved by the bilayer stacked structure, and the sneak path current is reduced ~20% in the bilayer structure. The voltage-read stress-induced read margin degradation has also been investigated, and less voltage stress degradation is showed in bilayer structure due to the intrinsic nonlinearity. The oxide-based bilayer stacked resistive random access memory (RRAM) is presented to offer immunity toward sneak path currents in high-density memory integrations when implementing the future high-density storage and in-memory computing applications.
1 September 2016 in Progress in Solid State Chemistry
Resistive random access memory (RRAM) is a leading candidate in the race towards emerging nonvolatile memory technologies. The sneak path current (SPC) problem is one of the main difficulties in crossbar memory configurations. RRAM devices with desirable properties such as a selectorless, 1R-only architecture with self-rectifying behavior are potential SPC solutions. In this work, the intrinsic nonlinear (NL) characteristics and relaxation characteristics of bilayer high-k/low-k stacked RRAMs are presented. The intrinsic nonlinearity reliability of bilayer selectorless 1R-only RRAM without additional switches has been studied for their ability to effectively suppress SPC in RRAM arrays. The relaxation properties with resistive switching identification method by utilizing the activation energy (Ea) extraction methodology is demonstrated, which provides insights and design guidance for non-uniform bilayer selectorless 1R-only RRAM array applications.
Characteristics of HfOx-based resistive switching memory (RRAM) in Al/HfOx/Al and Al/AlOx/HfOx/Al structures were studied using a dynamic conductance method. Step-like RESET behaviors as well as pre- and post-RESET regions of operation were characterized. The results indicated that defects at the oxide interface caused cycling issues in the Al/AlOx/HfOx/Al structure. No such RESET behavior was observed for the Al/HfOx/Al structure. Current induced over-heating, which caused an early RESET event, could be avoided using current-sweep technique that caused less electrical and thermal stress in localized regions. The experimental results not only provided insights into potential reliability issues and power management in HfOx-based RRAM, but also helped clarifying the resistive switching mechanisms.