Patent ID: 8268678

Claim:
A method of making a non-volatile memory device, comprising: providing a substrate having a substrate surface; and forming a non-volatile memory array over the substrate surface; wherein: the non-volatile memory array comprises an array of semiconductor diodes; and each semiconductor diode of the array of semiconductor diodes is disposed substantially parallel to the substrate surface; and forming at least one pillar conductor which is disposed vertically with respect to the substrate surface and which contacts first conductivity type regions of the diodes of the array of semiconductor diodes; and forming a plurality of horizontal conductors which are disposed horizontally in the plurality of device levels with respect to the substrate surface and which contact second conductivity type regions of the diodes of the array of semiconductor diodes; wherein: the horizontal conductors extend to a different distance in a stepped configuration such that a portion of each horizontal conductor is exposed below an adjacent overlying horizontal conductor; and one of a plurality of separate electrical connectors contacts each exposed portion of each horizontal conductor.