Patent ID: 7646627

Claim:
A nonvolatile memory device comprising: a plurality of memory cells arranged in rows and columns; first and second current supply lines provided correspondingly to each of the columns where said plurality of memory cells are arranged; and a data write and read circuit writing data by supplying a write current to a selected memory cell through the first and second current supply lines and reading data by supplying a read current to a selected memory cell through the first and second current supply lines, each memory cell of said plurality of memory cells having a resistance value changeable in nonvolatile manner by receiving said write current flowing in a direction according to write data, said data write and read circuit reading data based on the resistance value of said selected memory cell detected by supplying said read current, and said data write and read circuit supplying said read current for a supply duration shorter than a supply duration for which said write current is supplied, wherein said data write and read circuit supplies said read current for the supply duration shorter than a time constant of a temperature increase of a memory cell that is caused by a supplied current.