Patent ID: 8183551
Filing Date: 2012-05-22
Classification: G11C,H01L,H03K

Abstract:
1. A multi-terminal phase change device (PCD) comprising: first and second active terminals for establishing electrical connections capable of facilitating a current representing a signal to pass from the first active terminal to the second active terminal; a phase-change material (PCM) disposed between the first and second active terminals; a heating element in thermal and electrical contact with the PCM, wherein the heating element is configured to have higher resistance than a control terminal for generating Joule heating; and the control terminal configured to provide a programming current passing through the PCM and heater element via a current path between the control terminal and one of the first and second active terminals, in order to modify temperature of the heating element and the electrical conductivity of the PCM, and thereby modify an electrical connection between the first and second active terminals.