page_title: Electrochemical random-access memory
section_title: Operation
hierarchical_section_title: Electrochemical random-access memory / Operation
caption_attribution_description: English: ECRAM electrochemical synaptic cell layout and operating principle
context_page_description: Electrochemical Random-Access Memory is a type of non-volatile memory with multiple levels per cell designed for deep learning analog acceleration. An ECRAM cell is a three-terminal device composed of a conductive channel, an insulating electrolyte, an ionic reservoir, and metal contacts. The resistance of the channel is modulated by ionic exchange at the interface between the channel and the electrolyte upon application of an electric field. The charge-transfer process allows both for state retention in the absence of applied power, and for programming of multiple distinct levels, both differentiating ECRAM operation from the one of a field-effect transistor. The write operation is deterministic and can result in symmetrical potentiation and depression, making ECRAM arrays attractive for acting as artificial synaptic weights in physical implementations of artificial neural networks. The technology challenges include open circuit potential and semiconductor foundry compatibility associated with energy materials. Universities, government laboratories, and corporate research teams have contributed to the development of ECRAM for analog computing.
caption: ECRAM synaptic cell layout and operating principle
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