Patent ID: 8293650

Claim:
A method for manufacturing a phase change memory device, comprising the steps of: forming a lower electrode on a semiconductor substrate containing a plurality of phase change cell regions, the lower electrode being formed in each phase change cell region; forming an insulation layer over the semiconductor substrate to cover the lower electrode; defining a contact hole by etching the insulation layer to expose the lower electrode; depositing a first conductive layer on the insulation layer, during which the contact hole is filled; etching the first conductive layer, such that a heater is formed in the contact hole and a conductive pattern is formed on the insulation layer, and the heater and portions of the insulation layer on both sides of the heater are exposed, wherein when etching the first conductive layer, the heater and the conductive pattern are formed simultaneously; depositing a phase change material layer and a second conductive layer for an upper electrode on the exposed heater, the insulation layer, and the conductive pattern; and etching the second conductive layer and the phase change material layer, such that a phase change layer and an upper electrode are formed on the heater, the portions of the insulation layer on both sides of the heater, and the conductive pattern.