Patent ID: 7633079
Filing Date: 2009-12-15
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A programmable phase change material (PCM) structure, comprising: a heater element formed at a back end of line (BEOL) level of a semiconductor device, the BEOL level including a low-K dielectric material therein; a first via in electrical contact with a first end of the heater element and a second via in electrical contact with a second end of the heater element, thereby defining a programming current path which passes through the first via, the heater element, and the second via; a PCM element disposed above the heater element, wherein the PCM element is configured to be programmed between a lower resistance crystalline state and a higher resistance amorphous state through the use of SET and RESET programming currents through the heater element; and a third via in electrical contact with the PCM element, thereby defining a sense current path which passes through the third via, the PCM element, the heater element, and the second via, wherein the sense current path is used to detect the programmed resistance state of the PCM element.