Patent ID: 8125818
Filing Date: 2012-02-28
Classification: G11C,H01L

Abstract:
1. A method of programming a variable resistance element, the variable resistance element being nonvolatile and including a variable resistance layer and first and second electrodes connected to the variable resistance layer, and the variable resistance layer comprising a metal oxide and changing between a high resistance state and a low resistance state depending on a polarity of an applied electric pulse, said method comprising: writing to cause the variable resistance layer to change from the low resistance state to the high resistance state, by applying a write voltage pulse with a first polarity between the first and second electrodes; and erasing to cause the variable resistance layer to change from the high resistance state to the low resistance state, by applying an erasing voltage pulse with a second polarity different from the first polarity between the first and second electrodes, wherein said writing includes applying the write voltage pulse and the erasing voltage pulse between the first and second electrodes so as to satisfy where Vw