Patent ID: 8704203

Claim:
A nonvolatile memory element comprising: a first layer operable as a first electrode; a second layer operable as a second electrode; a third layer comprising Me 1 w Me 2 x Si y O z between the first layer and the second layer; and a fourth layer comprising Me 1 a Me 2 b Si c O d between the first layer and the second layer; wherein Me 1 and Me 2 are metals; wherein w≧0, x≧0, y≧0, z>0, a≧0, b≧0, c≧0, and d>0; wherein at least one of w, x, or y>0; wherein at least one of a, b, or c>0; wherein one of the third layer or the fourth layer has a linear resistance and a substoichiometric composition; and wherein another one of the third layer or the fourth layer has a bistable resistance and a near-stoichiometric composition.