Phase Change Memory Enters a New Phase

Phase Change Memory Enters a New Phase

Phase Change Memory Enters a New Phase outlines the challenges phase change memory faces as it vies to compete with mainstream charge-based memories. The report provides thorough analysis of PCM versus current mainstream semiconductor memories such as SRAM, DRAM, NOR flash and NAND flash. An update on the PCM activities of major vendors as well as a market and price forecast out to 2015 based on a detailed roadmap is also provided.

Contents
Contents
List of Figures
List of Tables
Terminology
Executive Summary
Memory Overview
Introduction
The Memory Technology Hierarchy
SRAM
Concept
Technology Evolution
DRAM
Concept
Technology Evolution
NOR Flash
Concept
Technology Evolution
NROM
Concept
Technology Evolution
NAND Flash
Concept
Technology Evolution
Phase Change Memory
Introduction
Phase Change Material
Memory Cell Concept
Basic Operation
Memory Cell Variations
Selection Device
PCM Characteristics
Set Time
Reset Current
Endurance
Memory Comparison
Multi-level Cell PCM
Device Layout
PCM Reliability
PCM Cost Drivers
Die Size
Process Complexity
Technology Scaling
Scaling Parameters
Roadmaps
PCM Development Status
PCM Development Status
ATMI, Inc.
BAE Systems
CAMELS
Elpida
Hynix Semiconductor
IBM
IMEC
ITRI
Macronix International
Nanochip
Numonyx (Intel/ST)
NXP Semiconductors
Ovonyx
Qimonda AG
Renesas Technology
Samsung Electronics
STMicroelectronics
ULVAC
Market Forecast
Applications
Market
References
About the Author
About Forward Insights
Services
Contact



List of Figures
Figure 1. Memory Technology Hierarchy
Figure 2. SRAM Cell Layout
Figure 3. 3D SRAM Technology
Figure 4. DRAM Cell
Figure 5. DRAM Cell Transistor Evolution
Figure 6. DRAM Cell Capacitor Trend
Figure 7. NOR Flash Cell
Figure 8. NOR Architecture
Figure 9. NOR Flash Cell
Figure 10. NOR Flash Technology Evolution
Figure 11. Drain Bias Margin
Figure 12. NROM Cell Concept
Figure 13. NROM Architecture
Figure 14. NROM Cell
Figure 15. NROM Technology Evolution
Figure 16. Bit Disturb (“Second Bit Effect”)
Figure 17. NAND Flash Cell Concept
Figure 18. NAND Architecture
Figure 19. NAND Cell String
Figure 20. NAND Flash Technology Evolution
Figure 21. NAND Flash Memory Gap Fill
Figure 22. Electrons Stored on the Floating Gate
Figure 23. Samsung 32Gb CTF Memory
Figure 24. Timeline of Phase Change Memory
Figure 25. Periodic Table
Figure 26. GST Composition
Figure 27. Basic PCM Cell Structure
Figure 28. Set Operation
Figure 29. Reset Operation
Figure 30. Phase Change Memory I-V Curve
Figure 31. Memory Array Operation
Figure 32. µTrench and Lance Structures
Figure 33. Lance and pore structure
Figure 34. Phase Change Bridge Memory
Figure 35. MOS and BJT Selector
Figure 36. Diode Selector
Figure 37. Set Time Trend
Figure 38. Dependence of Reset Current on Contact Area
Figure 39. Reset Current Reduction with Ta2O5 Interfacial Layer
Figure 40. Reset Current Trend
Figure 41. PCM Endurance
Figure 42. Read Access Time Comparison
Figure 43. Write Throughput
Figure 44. Program Performance Comparison
Figure 45. MLC Write Approaches
Figure 46. MLC Distribution
Figure 47. Multi-level States as a Function of Pulse Tail
Figure 48. 16-Level and 4-Level PCM
Figure 49. Samsung Phase Change Memory Device Evolution
Figure 50. Samsung 90nm 512Mb PRAM Layout
Figure 51. ST/Intel Phase Change Memory Device Evolution
Figure 52. NOR Flash and PCM Architecture
Figure 53. Intel 256Mb 130nm 28F256L18 StrataFlash Organization
Figure 54. 128Mb (256Mb MLC) PCM Organization
Figure 55. Endurance as a function of Energy per Pulse
Figure 56. PCM vs. NOR Flash
Figure 57. Phase Change Memory Technology Evolution
Figure 58. Samsung PRAM Cell Size Evolution
Figure 59. SABEC Process
Figure 60. PRAM Module
Figure 61. 180nm Process µTrench PCM Process
Figure 62. Phase Change Memory with µTrench Cell
Figure 63. Scaling Parameters
Figure 64. PCM Scaling Challenges
Figure 65. Memory Roadmaps
Figure 66. Bit Size Trend
Figure 67. Density Trend
Figure 68. Areal Density Trend
Figure 69. Embedded PCM Roadmap
Figure 70. U.S. PCM Patents from 1990 to January 2007
Figure 71. Radition-hard C-RAM
Figure 72. Memory Device Characteristics - 2012
Figure 73. PCM in the Memory System
Figure 74. PCM as an Unified Memory
Figure 75. PCM in the Memory Hierarchy
Figure 76. $/MB Forecast
Figure 77. PCM NOR Replacement Rate
Figure 78. Memory Revenue Forecast






List of Tables
Table 1. Memory Comparison
Table 2. PCM Development Status
Table 3. PCM DRAM Replacement Rate