Patent ID: 7919807
Filing Date: 2011-04-05
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A semiconductor memory formed in a semiconductor material of a first conductivity type, the semiconductor memory comprising: a first doped region of a second conductivity type formed in the semiconductor material; a second doped region of the second conductivity type formed in the semiconductor material, the first and second doped regions being spaced apart; a channel region of the semiconductor material that lies between and touches the first and second doped regions; a non-conductive structure that touches and lies directly over the channel region; a floating gate that touches the non-conductive structure and lies directly over the channel region, the floating gate being conductive and electrically isolated from all other conductive structures; an isolation structure that touches the floating gate; and a heating element that touches the isolation structure, the heating element being conductive, and generating heat in response to a current flowing through the heating element, the heating element lying directly over the floating gate, the heating element having a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end, the first end to be electrically connected to a voltage source, the second end to be electrically connected to ground, a voltage output by the voltage source being different than ground when the current flows through the heating element, no part of the heating element lies directly over the channel region.