Dynamic pulse operation for phase change memory

The control circuit performs a reset operation and a set operation that change the resistance states of phase change memory cells of the array. The control circuit changes at least one parameter, of at least one of the reset operation and the set operation for future operations. This change is responsive to an indicator of degraded memory state retention of the array.

PARTIES TO A RESEARCH AGREEMENT

International Business Machines Corporation, a New York corporation and Macronix International Corporation, Ltd., a Taiwan corporation, are parties to a Joint Research Agreement.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This technology relates to phase change memory cells.

2. Description of Related Art

Phase change memory cells degrade with continued regular operation. It is believed that the degradation is caused by the flow of current through the phase change memory cell. A result of degradation is that, the resistance of the amorphous state decreases and the resistance of the crystalline state decreases.

In application Ser. No. 12/286,874, a mesh of phase change material and dielectric material is formed to control the formation of particular crystalline phases of phase change material. Such controlled formation of particular crystalline phases limits the volume of phase change material which undergoes the change between the amorphous state and the crystalline state. Nevertheless, this volume continues to undergo stress. This shares a common feature of many memory algorithms that adjust the operation of a phase change memory array once, and then continue without adjustment thereafter during regular operation of the phase change memory array.

Memory verify algorithms generally adjust the operation of a phase change memory array, upon a demonstrated failure of the phase change memory array. However, it is costly in time and throughput to rely on such demonstrated failure before every algorithm adjustment, particularly if the cause of the failure is widespread among many memory cells in an array, rather than limited to only a small number of memory cells in an array.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the technology is a memory device, with an array of phase change memory cells and a control circuit coupled to the array.

The array of phase change memory cells has an amorphous phase corresponding to a first resistance state and a crystalline phase corresponding to a second resistance state.

The control circuit performs a reset operation and a set operation that change the resistance states of the array. The control circuit changes at least one parameter, of at least one of the reset operation and the set operation for future operations. This change is responsive to an indicator of degraded memory state retention of at least part of the array. In several embodiments, the reset operation changes at least one phase change memory cell in the array to the amorphous phase, and the set operation changes at least one phase change memory cell in the array to the crystalline phase.

In some embodiments, the indicator of degraded memory state retention is a number of lifetime cycles of the reset operation and/or the set operation performed on at least part of the array. An advantage of defining the indicator of degraded memory state retention based on the number of set operations, is that the set operation is performed on multiple word lines at a time.

In some embodiment, the control circuit changes a total period of applying energy to at least part of the array as the number of lifetime cycles increases. For example, the control circuit causes the set operation to apply energy to at least part of the array for a shorter total period as the number of lifetime cycles increases. In another example, control circuit causes the reset operation to apply energy to at least part of the array for a longer total period as the number of lifetime cycles increases.

In some embodiment, the control circuit changes a current applied to at least part of the array as the number of lifetime cycles increases. For example, the control circuit causes the set operation to apply a lower current to at least part of the array as the number of lifetime cycles increases. In another example, the control circuit causes the reset operation to apply a higher current to at least part of the array as the number of lifetime cycles increases.

In one embodiment, the control circuit changes a total energy applied to at least part of the array as the number of lifetime cycles increases.

In some embodiments, the indicator of degraded memory state retention is set resistance, which decreases with cycling.

Another aspect of the technology is a method of operating a memory device, comprising the following step(s):responsive to an indicator of degraded memory state retention of an array of phase change memory cells having an amorphous phase corresponding to a first resistance state and a crystalline phase corresponding to a second resistance state, changing at least one parameter of at least one of a reset operation and a set operation that changes the resistance states of at least part of the array for future operations.

In some embodiments, the indicator of degraded memory state retention is a number of lifetime cycles of the reset operation and/or the set operation performed on at least part of the array. An advantage of defining the indicator of degraded memory state retention based on the number of set operations, is that the set operation is performed on multiple word lines at a time.

In some embodiment, the method changes a total period of applying energy to at least part of the array as the number of lifetime cycles increases. For example, the method causes the set operation to apply energy to at least part of the array for a shorter total period as the number of lifetime cycles increases. In another example, method causes the reset operation to apply energy to at least part of the array for a longer total period as the number of lifetime cycles increases.

In some embodiment, the method changes a current applied to at least part of the array as the number of lifetime cycles increases. For example, the method causes the set operation to apply a lower current to at least part of the array as the number of lifetime cycles increases. In another example, the method causes the reset operation to apply a higher current to at least part of the array as the number of lifetime cycles increases.

In one embodiment, the method changes a total energy applied to at least part of the array as the number of lifetime cycles increases.

In some embodiments, the indicator of degraded memory state retention is set resistance, which decreases with cycling.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1shows a distribution of memory cells in different states.

The SET state and RESET state each have a separate distribution of memory cells with different ranges of resistance. The low distribution of resistance100has an upper bound of resistance R1. The high distribution of resistance102has a lower bound of resistance R2. The sense amplifier distinguishes the state of a memory cell by determining whether the resistance is lower or higher than the resistance RSA between R1and R2.

FIG. 2shows another distribution of memory cells in different states, following degradation of memory retention.

Because of degradation of memory retention, the low distribution of resistance100has fallen to degraded low distribution104, with an upper bound of resistance R1′. The degraded upper bound of resistance R1′ is significantly below the original upper bound of resistance R1. Also because of degradation of memory retention, the high distribution of resistance102has fallen to degraded high distribution105, with a lower bound of resistance R2′. The degraded lower bound of resistance R2′ is significantly below the original lower bound of resistance R2.

Because of the degraded distributions of resistance, if the sense amplifier continued to rely on the resistance RSA to distinguish between the possible states of a memory cell, numerous errors will result. The resistance RSA will result in the sense amplifier determining that memory cells fall in the low distribution of resistance100, when the memory cells are actually in the degraded high distribution105.

Various embodiments help to suppress the degraded memory retention shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, with the accompanying errors in sense amplifier operation.

FIG. 3shows a flowchart of a memory cell operation for a RESET operation, to address degradation of memory retention.

At210, the cycle count is determined, and responsive to the cycle count the particular operation is performed. The particular RESET operation is determined, responsive to the cycle count range in which the cycle count falls. In the shown embodiment, there are three cycles count ranges: 1-100, 101<#<=1K, and 1K<#<=10K.

Other embodiments vary the number of cycle count ranges, and vary the endpoints of the cycle count ranges. More ranges improve retention due to less current stress on the programmable resistive material.

If the cycle count falls in the range 1-100, then operation RESET A is performed. If the cycle count falls in the range 101<#<=1K, then operation RESET B is performed. If the cycle count falls in the range 1K<#<=10K, then operation RESET C is performed.

In230, the verify RESET resistance operation is performed. If the RESET resistance is acceptable, then the verify operation is passed. The cycle count is incremented in220, and the process starts over. If the RESET resistance is unacceptable, then the verify operation is failed. In240, the RESET timing and/or RESET current is changed. The cycle count is incremented in220, and the process starts over (with the RESET operation being repeated on the failed memory cell as necessary).

FIG. 4shows a flowchart of a memory cell operation for a SET operation, to address degradation of memory retention.

At310, the cycle count is determined, and responsive to the cycle count the particular operation is performed. The particular SET operation is determined, responsive to the cycle count range in which the cycle count falls. In the shown embodiment, there are three cycles count ranges: 1-100, 101<#<=1K, and 1K<#<=10K.

Other embodiments vary the number of cycle count ranges, and vary the endpoints of the cycle count ranges.

If the cycle count falls in the range 1-100, then operation SET A is performed. If the cycle count falls in the range 101<#<=1K, then operation SET B is performed. If the cycle count falls in the range 1K<#<=10K, then operation SET C is performed.

In330, the verify SET resistance operation is performed. If the SET resistance is acceptable, then the verify operation is passed. The cycle count is incremented in320, and the process starts over. If the SET resistance is unacceptable, then the verify operation is failed In340, the SET timing and/or SET current is changed. The cycle count is incremented in320, and the process starts over (with the SET operation being repeated on the failed memory cell as necessary).

In some embodiments, the indicator of degraded memory state retention is set resistance, which decreases with cycling. In such embodiments, the cycle count ranges ofFIGS. 3 and 4are replaced with set resistance ranges.

FIG. 5shows various examples of varying a memory cell operation, including varying pulse length and pulse number.

FIG. 5ashows a single pulse. In comparison,FIG. 5bshows a lengthened pulse, andFIG. 5cshows two pulses whose combined duration is lengthened. BothFIGS. 5band5care examples of varying the total period of applying energy during an operation, and examples of varying the total energy, compared to the original operation ofFIG. 5a.

FIG. 6shows additional various examples of varying a memory cell operation, including varying pulse length and pulse number, and stepped pulse values.

FIG. 6ashows six pulses with stepped down values. In comparison,FIG. 6bshows three pulses with stepped down values, with and another three pulses with stepped down values that start from a lower initial value.FIG. 6balso shows with the ellipses that intermediate beginning values occur. Accordingly,FIG. 6bshows examples of varying the total period of applying energy during an operation, examples of varying the total energy, and examples of varying the current, compared to the original operation ofFIG. 6a.

FIG. 7is a simplified block diagram of an integrated circuit710including a memory array712implemented with improved control circuitry disclosed herein. A word line decoder714having read, set and reset modes is coupled to and in electrical communication with a plurality of word lines716arranged along rows in the memory array712. A bit line (column) decoder718is in electrical communication with a plurality of bit lines720arranged along columns in the array712for reading, setting, and resetting the phase change memory cells (not shown) in array712. Addresses are supplied on bus722to word line decoder and drivers714and bit line decoder718. Sense circuitry (sense amplifiers) and data-in structures in block724, including voltage and/or current sources for the read, set, and reset modes are coupled to bit line decoder718via data bus726. Data is supplied via a data-in line728from input/output ports on integrated circuit710, or from other data sources internal or external to integrated circuit710, to data-in structures in block724. Other circuitry730may be included on integrated circuit710, such as a general purpose processor or special purpose application circuitry, or a combination of modules providing system-on-a-chip functionality supported by array712. Data is supplied via a data-out line732from the sense amplifiers in block724to input/output ports on integrated circuit710, or to other data destinations internal or external to integrated circuit710.

A controller734implemented in this example, using a bias arrangement state machine, controls the application of bias circuitry voltage and current sources736for the application of bias arrangements including read, program, erase, erase verify and program verify voltages and/or currents for the word lines and bit lines. Controller734may be implemented using special-purpose logic circuitry as known in the art. In alternative embodiments, controller734comprises a general-purpose processor, which may be implemented on the same integrated circuit to execute a computer program to control the operations of the device. In yet other embodiments, a combination of special-purpose logic circuitry and a general-purpose processor may be utilized for implementation of controller734.

The controller includes a counter circuit to record the cycling count of each memory page, sector, or other unit of memory. The cycling count is an example of an indicator of degraded memory state retention. In some embodiments, each memory page, sector, or other unit of memory is cycled uniformly so that the memory cells on each memory page, sector, or other unit of memory can use the same write conditions.

When the indicator of degraded memory state retention is a number of lifetime cycles of the set operation performed on at least part of the array, then an increasing number of lifetime cycles of the set operation corresponds to an increasing indicator of degraded memory state retention.

When the indicator of degraded memory state retention is resistance value of the resistance state in the crystalline phase, then a decreasing resistance value corresponds to an increasing indicator of degraded memory state retention.

As shown inFIG. 8, each of the memory cells of array712includes an access transistor (or other access device such as a diode) and memory element having a phase change structure with a thin layer between an electrode and an oxide as described herein. InFIG. 8four memory cells830,832,834,836having respective memory elements840,842,844,846are illustrated, representing a small section of an array that can include millions of memory cells.

Sources of each of the access transistors of memory cells830,832,834,836are connected in common to source line854that terminates in a source line termination circuit855, such as a ground terminal. In another embodiment the source lines of the access devices are not electrically connected, but independently controllable. The source line termination circuit855may include bias circuitry such as voltage sources and current sources, and decoding circuits for applying bias arrangements, other than ground, to the source line854in some embodiments.

A plurality of word lines including word lines856,858extend in parallel along a first direction. Word lines856,858are in electrical communication with word line decoder714. The gates of access transistors of memory cells830and834are connected to word line856, and the gates of access transistors of memory cells832and836are connected in common to word line858.

A plurality of bit lines including bit lines860,862extend in parallel in a second direction and are in electrical communication with bit line decoder718. In the illustrated embodiment each of the memory elements are arranged between the drain of the corresponding access device and the corresponding bit line. Alternatively, the memory elements may be on the source side of the corresponding access device.

It will be understood that the memory array712is not limited to the array configuration illustrated inFIG. 8, and additional array configurations can also be used. Additionally, instead of MOS transistors, bipolar transistors or diodes may be used as access devices in some embodiments.

In operation, each of the memory cells in the array712stores data depending upon the resistance of the corresponding memory element. The data value may be determined, for example, by comparison of current on a bit line for a selected memory cell to that of a suitable reference current by sense amplifiers of sense circuitry724. The reference current can be established so that a predetermined range of currents correspond to a logical “0”, and a differing range of currents correspond to a logical “1”.

Reading or writing to a memory cell of array712, therefore, can be achieved by applying a suitable voltage to one of word lines858,856and coupling one of bit lines860,862to a voltage source so that current flows through the selected memory cell. For example, a current path880through a selected memory cell (in this example memory cell830and corresponding memory element840) is established by applying voltages to the bit line860, word line856, and source line854sufficient to turn on the access transistor of memory cell830and induce current in path880to flow from the bit line860to the source line854, or vice-versa. The level and duration of the voltages applied is dependent upon the operation performed, e.g. a reading operation or a writing operation.

In a reset (or program) operation of the memory cell830, word line decoder714facilitates providing word line856with a suitable voltage pulse to turn on the access transistor of the memory cell830. Bit line decoder718facilitates supplying a voltage pulse to bit line860of suitable amplitude and duration to induce a current to flow though the memory element840, the current raising the temperature of the active region of the memory element840above the transition temperature of the phase change material and also above the melting temperature to place the phase change material of the active region in a liquid state. The current is then terminated, for example, by terminating the voltage pulses on the bit line860and on the word line856, resulting in a relatively quick quenching time as the active region cools to a high resistance generally amorphous phase in the phase change material in the active region to establish a high resistance reset state in the memory cell830.

In a set (or erase) operation of the selected memory cell830, word line decoder714facilitates providing word line856with a suitable voltage pulse to turn on the access transistor of the memory cell830. Bit line decoder718facilitates supplying a voltage pulse to bit line860of suitable amplitude and duration to induce a current to flow through the memory element840, the current pulse sufficient to raise the temperature of the active region above the transition temperature and cause a transition in the phase change material in the active region from the high resistance generally amorphous condition into a low resistance generally crystalline condition, this transition lowering the resistance of the memory element840and setting the memory cell830to the low resistance state. The set operation can also comprise more than one pulse, for example using a pair of pulses.

In a read (or sense) operation of the data value stored in the memory cell830, word line decoder714facilitates providing word line856with a suitable voltage pulse to turn on the access transistor of the memory cell830. Bit line decoder718facilitates supplying a voltage to bit line860of suitable amplitude and duration to induce current to flow through the memory element840that does not result in the memory element undergoing a change in resistive state. The current on the bit line860and through the memory cell830is dependent upon the resistance of, and therefore the data state associated with, the memory cell. Thus, the data state of the memory cell may be determined by detecting whether the resistance of the memory cell830corresponds to the high resistance state or the low resistance state, for example by comparison of the current on bit line860with a suitable reference current by sense amplifiers of sense circuitry724.

FIGS. 9-12show various types of phase change memory cells in various embodiments.

The materials used in the embodiment described herein comprise a basis phase change material of Ge2Sb2Te5. Other chalcogenides may be used as well. Chalcogens include any of the four elements oxygen (O), sulfur (S), selenium (Se), and Tellurium (Te), forming part of group VIA of the periodic table. Chalcogenides comprise compounds of a chalcogen with a more electropositive element or radical. Chalcogenide alloys comprise combinations of chalcogenides with other materials such as transition metals. A chalcogenide alloy usually contains one or more elements from group IVA of the periodic table of elements, such as germanium (Ge) and tin (Sn). Often, chalcogenide alloys include combinations including one or more of antimony (Sb), gallium (Ga), indium (In), and silver (Ag). Many phase change based memory materials have been described in technical literature, including alloys of: Ga/Sb, In/Sb, In/Se, Sb/Te, Ge/Te, Ge/Sb/Te, In/Sb/Te, Ga/Se/Te, Sn/Sb/Te, In/Sb/Ge, Ag/In/Sb/Te, Ge/Sn/Sb/Te, Ge/Sb/Se/Te and Te/Ge/Sb/S. In the family of Ge/Sb/Te alloys, a wide range of alloy compositions may be workable. The compositions can be characterized as TeaGebSb100-(a+b). One researcher has described the most useful alloys as having an average concentration of Te in the deposited materials well below 70%, typically below about 60%, and ranged in general from as low as about 23% up to about 58% Te and most preferably about 48% to 58% Te. Concentrations of Ge were above about 5% and ranged from a low of about 8% to about 30% average in the material, remaining generally below 50%. Most preferably, concentrations of Ge ranged from about 8% to about 40%. The remainder of the principal constituent elements in this composition was Sb. These percentages are atomic percentages that total 100% of the atoms of the constituent elements. (Ovshinsky U.S. Pat. No. 5,687,112, cols. 10-11.) Particular alloys evaluated by another researcher include Ge2Sb2Te5, GeSb2Te4and GeSb4Te7(Noboru Yamada, “Potential of Ge—Sb—Te Phase-Change Optical Disks for High-Data-Rate Recording,” SPIE v.3109, pp. 28-37 (1997).) More generally, a transition metal such as chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), niobium (Nb), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt) and mixtures or alloys thereof may be combined with Ge/Sb/Te to form a phase change alloy that has programmable resistive properties. Specific examples of memory materials that may be useful are given in Ovshinsky '112 at columns 11-13, which examples are hereby incorporated by reference.

The first (bottom) and second (e.g., bit line) electrodes may comprise, for example, TiN or TaN. Alternatively, the first and second electrodes may each be W, WN, TiAlN or TaAlN.

The relatively narrow width (which in some embodiments is a diameter) of the first electrode results in an area of contact between the first electrode and the memory element that, in some embodiments, is less than the area of contact between the memory element and the top electrode. Thus current is concentrated in the portion of the memory element adjacent the first electrode, resulting in the active region in contact with or near the bottom electrode. The memory element also includes an inactive region, outside the active region, which is inactive in the sense that it does not undergo phase transitions during operation.

The basis phase change material of memory element in this example comprises Ge2Sb2Te5. The basic material can be defined as the combination of elements selected as the phase change material, and deposited with a concentration profile that is characteristic of that material. For example, other basis phase change materials may include Ge(x)Sb(2y)Te(x+3y), where x and y are integers (including 0). Other basic phase change materials other than GeSbTe-based materials can also be used, including GaSbTe system, which can be described as Ga(x)Sb(x+2y)Te(3y), and x, y are integers. Alternatively, the basic phase change material can be selected from a Ag(x)In(y)Sb2Te3 system, where x, y decimal numbers that can be below 1.

In a reset operation of the memory cell, bias circuitry (See, for example, bias circuitry voltage and current sources ofFIG. 7with the accompanying controller) coupled to the first and second electrodes induces a current to flow between the first and second electrodes via the memory element sufficient to induce a high resistance generally amorphous phase in the phase change domains of the active region to establish a high resistance reset state in the memory cell.

Underlying access circuitry can be formed by standard processes as known in the art, and the configuration of elements of the access circuitry depends upon the array configuration in which the memory cells described herein are implemented. Generally, the access circuitry may include access devices such as transistors and diodes, word lines and sources lines, conductive plugs, and doped regions within a semiconductor substrate.

The first electrode and the dielectric layer can be formed, for example, using methods, materials, and processes as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/764,678 filed on 18 Jun. 2007 entitled “Method for Manufacturing a Phase Change Memory Device with Pillar Bottom Electrode” (now U.S. Publication 2008/0191187), which is incorporated by reference herein. For example, a layer of electrode material can be formed on the top surface of access circuitry (not shown), followed by patterning of a layer of photoresist on the electrode layer using standard photolithographic techniques so as to form a mask of photoresist overlying the location of the first electrode. Next the mask of photoresist is trimmed, using for example oxygen plasma, to form a mask structure having sublithographic dimensions overlying the location of the first electrode. Then the layer of electrode material is etched using the trimmed mask of photoresist, thereby forming the first electrode having a sublithographic diameter. Next surrounding dielectric material is formed and planarized.

As another example, the first electrode and dielectric can be formed using methods, materials, and processes as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/855,979 filed on 14 Sep. 2007 entitled “Phase Change Memory Cell in Via Array with Self-Aligned, Self-Converged Bottom Electrode and Method for Manufacturing” (now U.S. Publication 2009/0072215) which is incorporated by reference herein. For example, the dielectric can be formed on the top surface of access circuitry followed by sequentially forming an isolation layer and a sacrificial layer. Next, a mask having openings close to or equal to the minimum feature size of the process used to create the mask is formed on the sacrificial layer, the openings overlying the location of the first electrode. The isolation layer and the sacrificial layers are then selectively etched using the mask, thereby forming a via in the isolation and sacrificial layers and exposing a top surface of the dielectric layer. After removal of the mask, a selective undercutting etch is performed on the via such that the isolation layer is etched while leaving the sacrificial layer and the dielectric layer intact. A fill material is then formed in the via, which, due to the selective undercutting etch process, results in a self-aligned void in the fill material being formed within the via. Next, an anisotropic etching process is performed on the fill material to open the void, and etching continues until the dielectric layer is exposed in the region below the void, thereby forming a sidewall spacer comprising fill material within the via. The sidewall spacer has an opening dimension substantially determined by the dimensions of the void, and thus can be less than the minimum feature size of a lithographic process. Next, the dielectric layer is etched using the sidewall spacers as an etch mask, thereby forming an opening in the dielectric layer having a diameter less than the minimum feature size. Next, an electrode layer is formed within the openings in the dielectric layer. A planarizing process, such as chemical mechanical polishing CMP, is then performed to remove the isolation layer and the sacrificial layer and to form the first electrode.

A phase change structure is formed, comprising a basic phase change material Ge2Sb2Te5. Sputtering is an example. Also, other deposition technologies can be applied, including chemical vapor deposition, atomic layer deposition and so on.

Next, a second electrode is formed and at back-end-of-line (BEOL) processing is performed to complete the semiconductor process steps of the chip. The BEOL processes can be standard processes as known in the art, and the processes performed depend upon the configuration of the chip in which the memory cell is implemented. Generally, the structures formed by BEOL processes may include contacts, inter-layer dielectrics and various metal layers for interconnections on the chip including circuitry to couple the memory cell to periphery circuitry. These BEOL processes may include deposition of dielectric material at elevated temperatures, such as depositing SiN at 400° C. or high density plasma HDP oxide deposition at temperatures of 500° C. or greater. As a result of these processes, control circuits and biasing circuits as shown inFIG. 7are formed on the device.

In the mushroom cell, the current is concentrated by the bottom electrode, resulting in the active region being adjacent the bottom electrode. Bridge or pillar or pore structures are other configurations of phase change memory cell.