Patent ID: 7042001
Filing Date: 2006-05-09
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A phase-change memory device comprising: first and second spaced apart conductive electrodes; a phase-change memory element coupled between the first and second conductive electrodes, wherein a first portion of the phase-change memory element has a first cross-sectional area along a current path between the first and second conductive electrodes, wherein a second portion of the phase-change memory element has a second cross-sectional area along the current path between the first and second conductive electrodes, and wherein the first and second cross-sectional areas are different; a semiconductor substrate wherein the first and second conductive electrodes are spaced apart in a direction parallel to a surface of the semiconductor substrate; and an insulating layer on the semiconductor substrate between the first and second conductive electrodes wherein the phase-change memory element is on the insulating layer and wherein the insulating layer is between the phase-change memory layer and the semiconductor substrate.