Resistive memory including bipolar transistor access devices

One type of memory is resistive memory. Resistive memory utilizes the resistance value of a memory element to store one or more bits of data. For example, a memory element programmed to have a high resistance value may represent a logic “1” data bit value and a memory element programmed to have a low resistance value may represent a logic “0” data bit value. Typically, the resistance value of the memory element is switched electrically by applying a voltage pulse or a current pulse to the memory element.

One type of resistive memory is phase change memory. Phase change memory uses a phase change material in the resistive memory element. The phase change material exhibits at least two different states. The states of the phase change material may be referred to as the amorphous state and the crystalline state, where the amorphous state involves a more disordered atomic structure and the crystalline state involves a more ordered lattice. The amorphous state usually exhibits higher resistivity than the crystalline state. Also, some phase change materials exhibit multiple crystalline states, e.g. a face-centered cubic (FCC) state and a hexagonal closest packing (HCP) state, which have different resistivities and may be used to store bits of data. In the following description, the amorphous state generally refers to the state having the higher resistivity and the crystalline state generally refers to the state having the lower resistivity.

Phase changes in the phase change materials may be induced reversibly. In this way, the memory may change from the amorphous state to the crystalline state and from the crystalline state to the amorphous state in response to temperature changes. The temperature changes to the phase change material may be achieved by driving current through the phase change material itself or by driving current through a resistive heater adjacent the phase change material. With both of these methods, controllable heating of the phase change material causes controllable phase change within the phase change material.

A phase change memory including a memory array having a plurality of memory cells that are made of phase change material may be programmed to store data utilizing the memory states of the phase change material. One way to read and write data in such a phase change memory device is to control a current and/or a voltage pulse that is applied to the phase change material. The level of current and/or voltage generally corresponds to the temperature induced within the phase change material in each memory cell.

To achieve higher density phase change memories, a phase change memory cell can store multiple bits of data. Multi-bit storage in a phase change memory cell can be achieved by programming the phase change material to have intermediate resistance values or states, where the multi-bit or multilevel phase change memory cell can be written to more than two states. If the phase change memory cell is programmed to one of three different resistance levels, 1.5 bits of data per cell can be stored. If the phase change memory cell is programmed to one of four different resistance levels, two bits of data per cell can be stored, and so on. To program a phase change memory cell to an intermediate resistance value, the amount of crystalline material coexisting with amorphous material and hence the cell resistance is controlled via a suitable write strategy.

Higher density phase change memories can also be achieved by reducing the physical size of the memory. Increasing the density of a phase change memory increases the amount of data that can be stored within the memory while at the same time typically reducing the cost of the memory.

For these and other reasons, there is a need for the present invention.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a memory. The memory includes a first bipolar transistor, a first bit line, and a first resistive memory element coupled between a collector of the first bipolar transistor and the first bit line. The memory includes a second bit line, a second resistive memory element coupled between an emitter of the first bipolar transistor and the second bit line, and a word line coupled to a base of the first bipolar transistor.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate the embodiments of the present invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. Other embodiments of the present invention and many of the intended advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding similar parts.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a memory device.

FIG. 2A is a graph illustrating one embodiment of a voltage signal applied to a first bit line of a memory array for a read operation.

FIG. 2B is a graph illustrating one embodiment of a voltage signal applied to a second bit line of a memory array for a read operation.

FIG. 2C is a graph illustrating one embodiment of a voltage signal applied to a third bit line of a memory array for a read operation.

FIG. 3A is a graph illustrating one embodiment of read signals from two phase change elements in response to a read operation.

FIG. 3B is a graph illustrating another embodiment of read signals from two phase change elements in response to a read operation.

FIG. 3C is a graph illustrating another embodiment of read signals from two phase change elements in response to a read operation.

FIG. 3D is a graph illustrating another embodiment of read signals from two phase change elements in response to a read operation.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a phase change memory array.

FIG. 5A is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating one embodiment of the phase change memory array illustrated in FIG. 4 .

FIG. 5B is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the phase change memory array illustrated in FIG. 4 .

FIG. 5C is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the phase change memory array illustrated in FIG. 4 .

FIG. 5D is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the phase change memory array illustrated in FIG. 4 .

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of a phase change memory array.

FIG. 7A is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating one embodiment of the phase change memory array illustrated in FIG. 6 .

FIG. 7B is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the phase change memory array illustrated in FIG. 6 .

FIG. 7C is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the phase change memory array illustrated in FIG. 6 .

FIG. 7D is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the phase change memory array illustrated in FIG. 6 .

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of a phase change memory array.

FIG. 9 is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating one embodiment of the phase change memory array illustrated in FIG. 8 .

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of a phase change memory array.

FIG. 11A is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating one embodiment of the phase change memory array illustrated in FIG. 10 .

FIG. 11B a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the phase change memory array illustrated in FIG. 10 .

In the following Detailed Description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “leading,” “trailing,” etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments of the present invention can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a memory device 100 . Memory device 100 includes a controller 102 , a write circuit 106 , a memory array 110 , and a read circuit 116 . Memory array 110 includes a memory array portion 112 . Memory array portion 112 includes a first bit line (BL 1 ) 120 a , a second bit line (BL 2 ) 120 b , a word line (WL) 122 , a bipolar transistor 124 , a first phase change element (R 1 ) 126 , and a second phase change element (R 2 ) 128 . First phase change element 126 and second phase change element 128 store data based on the amorphous and crystalline states of phase change material in the phase change element. The remainder of memory array 110 (not shown) is similar to memory array portion 112 .

In one embodiment, first phase change element 126 and second phase change element 128 can each be programmed into one of two states by programming the phase change material to one of the amorphous and crystalline states. In another embodiment, first phase change element 126 and second phase change element 128 can each be programmed into one of three or more state by programming the phase change material to have intermediate resistance values. To program first phase change element 126 or second phase change element 128 to an intermediate resistance value, the amount of crystalline material coexisting with amorphous material, and hence the phase change element resistance, is controlled using a suitable write strategy.

Both first phase change element 126 and second phase change element 128 are accessed by bipolar transistor 124 for read and write access. First phase change element 126 is independently programmed and read without affecting the resistance state of second phase change element 128 . Likewise, second phase change element 128 is independently programmed and read without affecting the resistance state of first phase change element 126 .

As used herein, the term “electrically coupled” is not meant to mean that the elements must be directly coupled together and intervening elements may be provided between the “electrically coupled” elements.

Controller 102 is electrically coupled to write circuit 106 through signal path 104 and to read circuit 116 through signal path 118 . Write circuit 106 is electrically coupled to memory array 110 though signal path 108 . Memory array 110 is electrically coupled to read circuit 116 through signal path 114 . First bit line 120 a is electrically coupled to one side of first phase change element 126 . The other side of first phase change element 126 is electrically coupled to the emitter of bipolar transistor 124 . The base of bipolar transistor 124 is electrically coupled to word line 122 . The collector of bipolar transistor 124 is electrically coupled to one side of second phase change element 128 . The other side of phase change element 128 is electrically coupled to second bit line 120 b . In another embodiment, first phase change element 126 is electrically coupled to the collector of bipolar transistor 124 and second phase change element 128 is electrically coupled to the emitter of bipolar transistor 124 . While in the illustrated embodiment bipolar transistor 124 is a pnp transistor, in other embodiments bipolar transistor 124 is an npn transistor.

In one embodiment, first phase change element 126 and second phase change element 128 each include a phase change material that may be changed from an amorphous state to a crystalline state or from a crystalline state to an amorphous state under the influence of temperature change. The amount of crystalline phase change material coexisting with amorphous phase change material in each of first phase change element 126 and second phase change element 128 thereby defines two or more states for storing data within memory array 110 .

In the amorphous state, a phase change material exhibits significantly higher resistivity than in the crystalline state. Therefore, the two or more states of first phase change element 126 and second phase change element 128 differ in their electrical resistivity. In one embodiment, the two or more states include two states and a binary system is used, wherein the two states are assigned bit values of “0” and “1”. In another embodiment, the two or more states include three states and a ternary system is used, wherein the three states are assigned bit values of “0”, “1”, and “2”. In another embodiment, the two or more states include four states, wherein the four states are assigned bit values of “00”, “01”, “10”, and “11”. In other embodiments, first phase change element 126 and second phase change element 128 can include any suitable number of states.

The phase change material of first phase change element 126 and second phase change element 128 may be made up of a variety of materials in accordance with the present invention. Generally, chalcogenide alloys that contain one or more elements from group VI of the periodic table are useful as such materials. In one embodiment, the phase change material is made up of a chalcogenide compound material, such as GeSbTe, SbTe, GeTe, or AgInSbTe. In another embodiment, the phase change material is chalcogen free, such as GeSb, GaSb, InSb, or GeGaInSb. In other embodiments, the phase change material is made up of any suitable material including one or more of the elements Ge, Sb, Te, Ga, As, In, Se, and S.

Controller 102 includes a microprocessor, microcontroller, or other suitable logic circuitry for controlling the operation of memory circuit 100 . Controller 102 controls read and write operations of memory circuit 100 including the application of control and data signals to memory array 110 through write circuit 106 and read circuit 116 .

Write circuit 106 provides voltage and/or current pulses through signal path 108 to word line 122 and bit lines 120 a and 120 b to program first phase change element 126 and second phase change element 128 . To program first phase change element 126 , write circuit 106 generates a bias voltage between first bit line 120 a and word line 122 to generate a write current through first phase change element 126 capable of programming first phase change element 126 . At the same time, write circuit 106 maintains no bias voltage between second bit line 120 b and word line 122 such that a current is not generated through second phase change element 128 that is capable of programming second phase change element 128 . To program second phase change element 128 , write circuit 106 generates a bias voltage between second bit line 120 b and word line 122 to generate a write current through second phase change element 128 capable of programming second phase change element 128 . At the same time, write circuit 106 maintains no bias voltage between first bit line 120 a and word line 122 such that a current is not generated through first phase change element 126 that is capable of programming first phase change element 126 .

The write current generated through first phase change element 126 or second phase change element 128 during a write operation heats the phase change material in the target phase change element. The current pulse amplitude and duration is controlled depending on whether the phase change element is being set or reset. Generally, a “set” operation of a phase change element is heating the phase change material of the target phase change element above its crystallization temperature (but below its melting temperature) long enough to achieve the crystalline state or a partially crystalline and partially amorphous state. Generally, a “reset” operation of a phase change element is heating the phase change material of the target phase change element above its melting temperature, and then quickly quench cooling the material, thereby achieving the amorphous state or a partially amorphous and partially crystalline state.

Read circuit 116 reads each of the two or more states of first phase change element 126 and second phase change element 128 through signal path 114 . To read the resistance state of one of first phase change element 126 and second phase change element 128 , read circuit 116 provides voltage pulses on word line 122 and bit lines 120 a and 120 b and reads the current on bit lines 120 a and 120 b . To read the resistance state of first phase change element 126 , read circuit 116 generates a bias voltage between first bit line 120 a and word line 122 to generate a current through first phase change element 126 indicating the resistance state of first phase change element 126 . At the same time, read circuit 116 maintains no bias voltage between second bit line 120 b and word line 122 such that a current is not generated through second phase change element 128 that is capable of disturbing the resistance state of second phase change element 128 . To read the resistance state of second phase change element 128 , read circuit 116 generates a bias voltage between second bit line 120 b and word line 122 to generate a current through second phase change element 128 indicating the resistance state of second phase change element 128 . At the same time, read circuit 116 maintains no bias voltage between first bit line 120 a and word line 122 such that a current is not generated through first phase change element 126 that is capable of disturbing the resistance state of first phase change element 126 .

FIG. 2A is a graph 148 a illustrating one embodiment of a voltage signal 154 applied to first bit line 120 a of memory array 110 for a read operation. FIG. 2B is a graph 148 b illustrating one embodiment of a voltage signal 156 applied to second bit line 120 b of memory array 110 for the read operation. FIG. 2C is a graph 148 c illustrating one embodiment of a voltage signal 158 applied to a third bit line (not shown in FIG. 1 ) of memory array 110 adjacent to second bit line 120 b for the read operation. Each graph 148 a - 148 c includes time in seconds (s) on x-axis 150 versus volts (V) on y-axis 152 . Between 0 ns and 10 ns, the resistance state of first phase change element 126 is sensed. Between 10 ns and 20 ns, the resistance state of second phase change element 128 is sensed. By properly biasing bipolar transistor 124 , the resistance state of one of first phase change element 126 and second phase change element 128 can be sensed without affecting the resistance state of the other of first phase change element 126 and second phase change element 128 .

FIG. 2A illustrates voltage signal 154 applied to first bit line 120 a during a read operation. At 0 ns, voltage signal 154 transitions from 0V to 1.8V. Between approximately 0 ns and 8 ns, voltage signal 154 is maintained at 1.8V as indicated at 176 . At approximately 8 ns, voltage signal 154 transitions back to 0V where the voltage signal is maintained as indicated at 178 .

FIG. 2B illustrates voltage signal 156 applied to second bit line 120 b during the read operation. Between approximately 0 ns and 10 ns, voltage signal 156 is maintained at 0V as indicated at 170 . At approximately 10 ns, voltage signal 156 transitions to 1.8V where the voltage signal is maintained as indicated at 172 . Voltage signal 156 transitions back to 0V at approximately 18 ns where the voltage signal is maintained as indicated at 174 . In one embodiment, word line 122 and second bit line 120 b are biased to different values during read and write operations where the voltage applied to second bit line 120 b and/or word line 122 is not constant for the complete cycle but rather changes as a function of time or any other measured resistance value.

FIG. 2C illustrates voltage signal 158 applied to a third bit line adjacent to second bit line 120 b . Between approximately 0 ns and 2.5 ns, voltage signal 154 is maintained at 1.8V as indicated at 160 . Voltage signal 158 transitions from 1.8V to 0V at approximately 2.5 ns where the voltage signal is maintained as indicated at 162 . At approximately 6.5 ns, voltage signal 158 transitions back to 1.8V where the voltage signal is maintained as indicated at 164 . Voltage signal 158 transitions back to 0V at approximately 12.5 ns where the voltage signal is maintained as indicated at 166 . At approximately 16.5 ns, voltage signal 158 transitions back to 1.8V where the voltage signal is maintained as indicated at 168 .

FIG. 3A is a graph 198 a illustrating one embodiment of read signals from first phase change element 126 and second phase change element 128 in response to the read operation. FIG. 3B is a graph 198 b illustrating another embodiment of read signals from first phase change element 126 and second phase change element 128 in response to the read operation. FIG. 3C is a graph 198 c illustrating another embodiment of read signals from first phase change element 126 and second phase change element 128 in response to the read operation. FIG. 3D is a graph 198 d illustrating another embodiment of read signals from first phase change element 126 and second phase change element 128 in response to the read operation.

Each graph 198 a - 198 d includes time in seconds on x-axis 150 versus current in amps (A) on y-axis 200 . For each graph 198 a - 198 d , the resistance state of first phase change element 126 is sensed between 0 ns and 10 ns as indicated at 202 . For each graph 198 a - 198 d , the resistance state of second phase change element 128 is sensed between 10 ns and 20 ns as indicated at 204 . Each graph 198 a - 198 d includes current signal 208 on first bit line 120 a and current signal 206 on second bit line 120 b . Current signal 208 and current signal 206 are provided in response to voltage signals 154 , 156 , and 158 applied to the bit lines as previously described and illustrated with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C .

FIG. 3A illustrates current signal 208 in response to sensing a low resistance or “0” state of first phase change element 126 at 202 and current signal 206 in response to sensing a low resistance or “0” state of second phase change element 128 at 204 . In response to voltage signal 154 at 176 , voltage signal 156 at 170 , and voltage signal 158 at 162 , the current through first phase change element 126 is approximately −100 μA as indicated at 212 while the current through second phase change element 128 is 0 μA as indicated at 210 . Read circuit 116 senses current signal 208 at 212 . Based on the current signal, read circuit 116 determines that first phase change element 126 is programmed to the “0” state.

In response to voltage signal 154 at 178 , voltage signal 156 at 172 , and voltage signal 158 at 166 , the current through second phase change element 128 is approximately −100 μA as indicated at 216 while the current through first phase change element 126 is approximately 60 μA as indicated at 214 . Read circuit 116 senses current signal 206 at 216 . Based on the current signal, read circuit 116 determines that second phase change element 120 is programmed to the “0” state. The current through first phase change element 126 at 214 is ignored and is not large enough to alter the resistance state of first phase change element 126 .

FIG. 3B illustrates current signal 208 in response to sensing a low resistance or “0” state of first phase change element 126 at 202 and current signal 206 in response to sensing a high resistance or “1” state of second phase change element 128 at 204 . In response to voltage signal 154 at 176 , voltage signal 156 at 170 , and voltage signal 158 at 162 , the current through first phase change element 126 is approximately −100 μA as indicated at 222 while the current through second phase change element 128 is 0 μA as indicated at 220 . Read circuit 116 senses current signal 208 at 222 . Based on the current signal, read circuit 116 determines that first phase change element 126 is programmed to the “0” state.

In response to voltage signal 154 at 178 , voltage signal 156 at 172 , and voltage signal 158 at 166 , the current through second phase change element 128 is approximately −1 μA as indicated at 226 while the current through first phase change element 126 is approximately 1 μA as indicated at 224 . Read circuit 116 senses current signal 206 at 226 . Based on the current signal, read circuit 116 determines that second phase change element 128 is programmed to the “1” state. The current through first phase change element 126 at 224 is ignored and is not large enough to alter the resistance state of first phase change element 126 .

FIG. 3C illustrates current signal 208 in response to sensing a high resistance or “1” state of first phase change element 126 at 202 and current signal 206 in response to sensing a low resistance or “0” state of second phase change element 128 at 204 . In response to voltage signal 154 at 176 , voltage signal 156 at 170 , and voltage signal 158 at 162 , the current through first phase change element 126 is approximately −1 μA as indicated at 232 while the current through second phase change element 128 is 0 μA as indicated at 230 . Read circuit 116 senses current signal 208 at 232 . Based on the current signal, read circuit 116 determines that first phase change element 126 is programmed to the “1” state.

In response to voltage signal 154 at 178 , voltage signal 156 at 172 , and voltage signal 158 at 166 , the current through second phase change element 128 is approximately −100 μA as indicated at 236 while the current through first phase change element 126 is approximately 1 μA as indicated at 234 . Read circuit 116 senses current signal 206 at 236 . Based on the current signal, read circuit 116 determines that second phase change element 128 is programmed to the “0” state. The current through first phase change element 126 at 234 is ignored and is not large enough to alter the resistance state of first phase change element 126 .

FIG. 3D illustrates current signal 208 in response to sensing a high resistance or “1” state of first phase change element 126 at 202 and current signal 206 in response to sensing a high resistance or “1” state of second phase change element 128 at 204 . In response to voltage signal 154 at 176 , voltage signal 156 at 170 , and voltage signal 158 at 162 , the current through first phase change element 126 is approximately −1 μA as indicated at 242 while the current through second phase change element 128 is 0 μA as indicated at 240 . Read circuit 116 senses current signal 208 at 242 . Based on the current signal, read circuit 116 determines that first phase change element 126 is programmed to the “1” state.

In response to voltage signal 154 at 178 , voltage signal 156 at 172 , and voltage signal 158 at 166 , the current through second phase change element 128 is approximately −1 μA as indicated at 246 while the current through first phase change element 126 is approximately 1 μA as indicated at 244 . Read circuit 116 senses current signal 206 at 246 . Based on the current signal, read circuit 116 determines that second phase change element 128 is programmed to the “1” state. The current through first phase change element 126 at 244 is ignored and is not large enough to alter the resistance state of first phase change element 126 .

As illustrated in graphs 198 a - 198 d , the difference in current sensed in response to a phase change element in a low resistance state and a phase change element in a high resistance state is approximately 9 μA. In addition, the current sensed from one of first phase change element 126 and second phase change element 128 for each resistance state is independent of the resistance state of the other of first phase change element 126 and second phase change element 128 . In other embodiments, the specific voltages applied to the bit lines as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C and the specific currents sensed in response to the applied voltages as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3D vary based on the specific memory array components and peripheral circuitry used. The specific current levels sensed also depend on the programmed state of the selected memory element. Embodiments of the present invention apply to both single bit and multi-bit memory elements.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a phase change memory array 110 a . In one embodiment, memory array 110 is similar to phase change memory array 110 a . Memory array 110 a includes bit lines 120 a - 120 d , word lines 122 a - 122 b , bipolar transistors 124 a - 124 f , first phase change elements 126 a - 126 f , and second phase change elements 128 a - 128 f . Each bit line 120 is electrically coupled to a plurality of first phase change elements 126 and to a plurality of second phase change elements 128 . Each bipolar transistor 124 is electrically coupled to a first phase change element 126 , a second phase change element 128 , and a word line 122 .

Bit line 120 a is electrically coupled to one side of first phase change element 126 a . The other side of first phase change element 126 a is electrically coupled to the emitter of bipolar transistor 124 a . The base of bipolar transistor 124 a is electrically coupled to word line 122 a . The collector of bipolar transistor of 124 a is electrically coupled to one side of second phase change element 128 a . The other side of second phase change element 128 a is electrically coupled to bit line 120 b.

Bit line 120 b is electrically coupled to one side of first phase change element 126 b . The other side of first phase change element 126 b is electrically coupled to the emitter of bipolar transistor 124 b . The base of bipolar transistor 124 b is electrically coupled to word line 122 a . The collector of bipolar transistor of 124 b is electrically coupled to one side of second phase change element 128 b . The other side of second phase change element 128 b is electrically coupled to bit line 120 c.

Bit line 120 c is electrically coupled to one side of first phase change element 126 c . The other side of first phase change element 126 c is electrically coupled to the emitter of bipolar transistor 124 c . The base of bipolar transistor 124 c is electrically coupled to word line 122 a . The collector of bipolar transistor of 124 c is electrically coupled to one side of second phase change element 128 c . The other side of second phase change element 128 c is electrically coupled to bit line 120 d.

Bit line 120 a is electrically coupled to one side of first phase change element 126 d . The other side of first phase change element 126 d is electrically coupled to the emitter of bipolar transistor 124 d . The base of bipolar transistor 124 d is electrically coupled to word line 122 b . The collector of bipolar transistor of 124 d is electrically coupled to one side of second phase change element 128 d . The other side of second phase change element 128 d is electrically coupled to bit line 120 b.

Bit line 120 b is electrically coupled to one side of first phase change element 126 e . The other side of first phase change element 126 e is electrically coupled to the emitter of bipolar transistor 124 e . The base of bipolar transistor 124 e is electrically coupled to word line 122 b . The collector of bipolar transistor of 124 e is electrically coupled to one side of second phase change element 128 e . The other side of second phase change element 128 e is electrically coupled to bit line 120 c.

Bit line 120 c is electrically coupled to one side of first phase change element 126 f . The other side of first phase change element 126 f is electrically coupled to the emitter of bipolar transistor 124 f . The base of bipolar transistor 124 f is electrically coupled to word line 122 b . The collector of bipolar transistor of 124 f is electrically coupled to one side of second phase change element 128 f . The other side of second phase change element 128 f is electrically coupled to bit line 120 d.

In another embodiment, each first phase change element 126 is electrically coupled to a collector of a bipolar transistor 124 and each second phase change element 128 is electrically coupled to an emitter of a bipolar transistor 124 . While in the illustrated embodiment bipolar transistors 124 are npn transistors, in other embodiments bipolar transistors 124 are pnp transistors.

In this embodiment, each bipolar transistor 124 is used to access one first phase change element 126 and one second phase change element 128 as previously described and illustrated with reference to memory array portion 112 in FIG. 1 . Phase change memory array 110 a operates similarly to memory array 110 .

FIG. 5A is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating one embodiment 200 a of phase change memory array 110 a previously described and illustrated with reference to FIG. 4 . Embodiment 200 a includes bit lines 120 a - 120 e , word line 122 a , word line contacts 204 a - 204 b , contacts and phase change elements 202 a - 202 e , n-type collector/emitter regions 206 a - 206 e of bipolar transistors 124 , p-type base regions 208 a - 208 b of bipolar transistors 124 , isolation region 210 , and p-type substrate 212 . In this embodiment, each bipolar transistor 124 is an npn transistor and shares a common base region 208 with an adjacent bipolar transistor 124 .

Bit line 120 a is electrically coupled to contacts and phase change elements 202 a . Contacts and phase change elements 202 a include first phase change element 126 a and a second phase change element 128 . Contacts and phase change elements 202 a are electrically coupled to collector/emitter region 206 a . Bit line 120 b is electrically coupled to contacts and phase change elements 202 b . Contacts and phase change elements 202 b include first phase change element 126 b and second phase change element 128 a . Contacts and phase change elements 202 b are electrically coupled to collector/emitter region 206 b . Word line 122 a is electrically coupled to base region 208 a through word line contact 204 a . Collector/emitter regions 206 a and 206 b and base region 208 a form bipolar transistor 124 a.

Bit line 120 c is electrically coupled to contacts and phase change elements 202 c . Contacts and phase change elements 202 c include first phase change element 126 c and second phase change element 128 b . Contacts and phase change elements 202 c are electrically coupled to collector/emitter region 206 c . Collector/emitter regions 206 b and 206 c and base region 208 a form bipolar transistor 124 b.

Bit line 120 d is electrically coupled to contacts and phase change elements 202 d . Contacts and phase change elements 202 d include second phase change element 128 c and a first phase change element 126 . Contacts and phase change elements 202 d are electrically coupled to collector/emitter region 206 d . Word line 122 a is electrically coupled to base region 208 b through word line contact 204 b . Collector/emitter regions 206 c and 206 d and base region 208 b form bipolar transistor 124 c.

Bit line 120 e is electrically coupled to contacts and phase change elements 202 e . Contacts and phase change elements 202 e include a first phase change element 126 and a second phase change element 128 . Contacts and phase change elements 202 e are electrically coupled to collector/emitter region 206 e . Collector/emitter regions 206 d and 206 e and base region 208 b form a bipolar transistor 124 .

Bit lines 120 a - 120 e are formed above word line 122 a . Collector/emitter region 206 b is formed directly above and is surrounded by base region 208 a . Collector/emitter region 206 d is formed directly above and is surrounded by base region 208 b . Collector/emitter region 206 a is formed adjacent to base region 208 a . Collector/emitter region 206 c is formed adjacent to and between base region 208 a and base region 208 b . Collector/emitter region 206 e is formed adjacent to base region 208 b . In this embodiment, a silicon on insulator (SOI) fabrication technique is used. Isolation region 210 isolates collector/emitter regions 206 a , 206 c , and 206 e from each other and from substrate 212 . Isolation region 210 also isolates base regions 208 a and 208 b from each other and from substrate 212 .

FIG. 5B is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment 200 b of phase change memory array 110 a previously described and illustrated with reference to FIG. 4 . Embodiment 200 b includes bit lines 120 a - 120 c , word line 122 a , word line contacts 204 a - 204 b , contacts and phase change elements 202 a - 202 c , n-type collector/emitter regions 206 a - 206 c of bipolar transistors 124 , p-type base regions 208 a - 208 b of bipolar transistors 124 , isolation region 210 , and p-type substrate 212 . In this embodiment, each bipolar transistor 124 is an npn transistor.

Bit line 120 a is electrically coupled to contacts and phase change elements 202 a . Contacts and phase change elements 202 a include first phase change element 126 a and a second phase change element 128 . Contacts and phase change elements 202 a are electrically coupled to collector/emitter region 206 a . Word line 122 a is electrically coupled to base region 208 a through word line contact 204 a . Bit line 120 b is electrically coupled to contacts and phase change elements 202 b . Contacts and phase change elements 202 b include first phase change element 126 b and second phase change element 128 a . Contacts and phase change elements 202 b are electrically coupled to collector/emitter region 206 b . Collector/emitter regions 206 a and 206 b and base region 208 a form bipolar transistor 124 a.

Word line 122 a is electrically coupled to base region 208 b through word line contact 204 b . Bit line 120 c is electrically coupled to contacts and phase change elements 202 c . Contacts and phase change elements 202 c include first phase change element 126 c and second phase change element 128 b . Contacts and phase change elements 202 c are electrically coupled to collector/emitter region 206 c . Collector/emitter regions 206 b and 206 c and base region 208 b form bipolar transistor 124 b.

Bit lines 120 a - 120 c are formed above word line 122 a . Each collector/emitter region 206 is formed adjacent to and between two base regions 208 . For example, collector/emitter region 206 b is formed adjacent to and between base region 208 a and base region 208 b . In this embodiment, a SOI fabrication technique is used. Isolation region 210 isolates collector/emitter regions 206 a - 206 c from each other and from substrate 212 . Isolation region 210 also isolates base regions 208 a and 208 b from each other and from substrate 212 .

FIG. 5C a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment 200 c of phase change memory array 110 a previously described and illustrated with reference to FIG. 4 . Embodiment 200 c includes bit lines 120 a - 120 d , word line 122 a , word line contacts 204 a - 204 e , contacts and phase change elements 202 a - 202 d , n-type collector/emitter regions 206 a - 206 d of bipolar transistors 124 , p-type base regions 208 a - 208 e of bipolar transistors 124 , isolation region 210 , dielectric material 214 , and p-type substrate 212 . In this embodiment, each bipolar transistor 124 is an npn transistor.

Word line 122 a is electrically coupled to base region 208 a through word line contact 204 a . Bit line 120 a is electrically coupled to contacts and phase change elements 202 a . Contacts and phase change elements 202 a include first phase change element 126 a and a second phase change element 128 . Contacts and phase change elements 202 a are electrically coupled to collector/emitter region 206 a . Word line 122 a is electrically coupled to base region 208 b through word line contact 204 b . Bit line 120 b is electrically coupled to contacts and phase change elements 202 b . Contacts and phase change elements 202 b include first phase change element 126 b and second phase change element 128 a . Contacts and phase change elements 202 b are electrically coupled to collector/emitter region 206 b . Collector/emitter regions 206 a and 206 b and base region 208 b form bipolar transistor 124 a.

Word line 122 a is electrically coupled to base region 208 c through word line contact 204 c . Bit line 120 c is electrically coupled to contacts and phase change elements 202 c . Contacts and phase change elements 202 c include first phase change element 126 c and second phase change element 128 b . Contacts and phase change elements 202 c are electrically coupled to collector/emitter region 206 c . Collector/emitter regions 206 b and 206 c and base region 208 c form bipolar transistor 124 b.

Word line 122 a is electrically coupled to base region 208 d through word line contact 204 d . Bit line 120 d is electrically coupled to contacts and phase change elements 202 d . Contacts and phase change elements 202 d include second phase change element 128 c and a first phase change element 126 . Contacts and phase change elements 202 d are electrically coupled to collector/emitter region 206 d . Collector/emitter regions 206 c and 206 d and base region 208 d form bipolar transistor 124 c . Word line 122 a is electrically coupled to base region 208 e through word line contact 204 e.

Bit lines 120 a - 120 d are formed below word line 122 a . Each bit line 120 a - 120 d and each contact and phase change element 202 a - 202 d is laterally surrounded by dielectric material 214 to electrically isolate them from word line contacts 204 a - 204 e . Each collector/emitter region 206 is formed adjacent to and between two base regions 208 . For example, collector/emitter region 206 b is formed adjacent to and between base region 208 b and base region 208 c . In this embodiment, a SOI fabrication technique is used. Isolation region 210 isolates collector/emitter regions 206 a - 206 d from each other and from substrate 212 . Isolation region 210 also isolates base regions 208 a - 208 e from each other and from substrate 212 .

FIG. 5D a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment 200 d of phase change memory array 110 a previously described and illustrated with reference to FIG. 4 . Embodiment 200 d is similar to embodiment 200 c previously described and illustrated with reference to FIG. 5C , except that in embodiment 200 d the npn transistors are replaced with pnp transistors. Collector/emitter regions 206 a - 206 d are p-type and base regions 208 a - 208 e are n-type.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of a phase change memory array 110 b . In one embodiment, memory array 110 is similar to memory array 110 b . Memory array 110 b includes bit lines 120 a - 120 d , word lines 122 a - 122 b , bipolar transistors 124 a - 124 d , first phase change elements 126 a - 126 d , and second phase change elements 128 a - 128 d . Each bit line 120 is electrically coupled to a plurality of phase change elements 126 or 128 . Each bipolar transistor 124 is electrically coupled to a first phase change element 126 , a second phase change element 128 , and a word line 122 .

Bit line 120 a is electrically coupled to one side of first phase change element 126 a . The other side of first phase change element 126 a is electrically coupled to the emitter of bipolar transistor 124 a . The base of bipolar transistor 124 a is electrically coupled to word line 122 a . The collector of bipolar transistor 124 a is electrically coupled to one side of second phase change element 128 a . The other side of second phase change element 128 a is electrically coupled to bit line 120 b.

Bit line 120 c is electrically coupled to one side of first phase change element 126 b . The other side of first phase change element 126 b is electrically coupled to the emitter of bipolar transistor 124 b . The base of bipolar transistor 124 b is electrically coupled to word line 122 a . The collector of bipolar transistor 124 b is electrically coupled to one side of second phase change element 128 b . The other side of second phase change element 128 b is electrically coupled to bit line 120 d.

Bit line 120 a is electrically coupled to one side of first phase change element 126 c . The other side of first phase change element 126 c is electrically coupled to the emitter of bipolar transistor 124 c . The base of bipolar transistor 124 c is electrically coupled to word line 122 b . The collector of bipolar transistor 124 c is electrically coupled to one side of second phase change element 128 c . The other side of second phase change element 128 c is electrically coupled to bit line 120 b.

Bit line 120 c is electrically coupled to one side of first phase change element 126 d . The other side of first phase change element 126 d is electrically coupled to the emitter of bipolar transistor 124 d . The base of bipolar transistor 124 d is electrically coupled to word line 122 b . The collector of bipolar transistor 124 d is electrically coupled to one side of second phase change element 128 d . The other side of second phase change element 128 d is electrically coupled to bit line 120 d.

In another embodiment, each first phase change element 126 is electrically coupled to a collector of a bipolar transistor 124 and each second phase change element 128 is electrically coupled to an emitter of a bipolar transistor 124 . While in the illustrated embodiment bipolar transistors 124 are npn transistors, in other embodiments bipolar transistors 124 are pnp transistors.

In this embodiment, each bipolar transistor 124 is used to access one first phase change element 126 and one second phase change element 128 as previously described and illustrated with reference to memory array portion 112 in FIG. 1 . Phase change memory array 110 b operates similarly to memory array 110 .

FIG. 7A is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating one embodiment 220 a of phase change memory array 110 b previously described and illustrated with reference to FIG. 6 . Embodiment 220 a includes bit lines 120 a - 120 d , word line 122 a , word line contacts 204 a - 204 b , contacts and phase change elements 202 a - 202 d , n-type collector/emitter regions 206 a - 206 d of bipolar transistors 124 , p-type base regions 208 a - 208 b of bipolar transistors 124 , isolation regions 210 , and p-type substrate 212 . In this embodiment, each bipolar transistor 124 is an npn transistor.

Bit line 120 a is electrically coupled to contacts and phase change element 202 a . Contacts and phase change element 202 a include first phase change element 126 a . Contacts and phase change element 202 a are electrically coupled to collector/emitter region 206 a . Word line 122 a is electrically coupled to base region 208 a through word line contact 204 a . Bit line 120 b is electrically coupled to contacts and phase change element 202 b . Contacts and phase change element 202 b include second phase change element 128 a . Contacts and phase change element 202 b are electrically coupled to collector/emitter region 206 b . Collector/emitter regions 206 a and 206 b and base region 208 a form transistor 124 a.

Bit line 120 c is electrically coupled to contacts and phase change element 202 c . Contacts and phase change element 202 c include first phase change element 126 b . Contacts and phase change element 202 c are electrically coupled to collector/emitter region 206 c . Word line 122 a is electrically coupled to base region 208 b through word line contact 204 b . Bit line 120 d is electrically coupled to contacts and phase change element 202 d . Contacts and phase change element 202 d include second phase change element 128 b . Contacts and phase change element 202 d are electrically coupled to collector/emitter region 206 d . Collector/emitter regions 206 c and 206 d and base region 208 b form transistor 124 b.

Bit lines 120 a - 120 d are formed above word line 122 a . Each base region 208 is formed adjacent to and between two collector/emitter regions 206 . For example, base region 208 a is formed adjacent to and between collector/emitter region 206 a and collector/emitter region 206 b . In this embodiment, a SOI fabrication technique and shallow trench isolation (STI) is used. Isolation regions 210 isolate collector/emitter regions 206 a - 206 c from each other and from substrate 212 . Isolation regions 210 also isolate base regions 208 a and 208 b from each other and from substrate 212 .

FIG. 7B is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment 220 b of phase change memory array 110 b previously described and illustrated with reference to FIG. 6 . Embodiment 220 b includes bit lines 120 a - 120 d , word line 122 a , word line contacts 204 a - 204 b , contacts and phase change elements 202 a - 202 d , n-type collector/emitter regions 206 a - 206 d of bipolar transistors 124 , p-type base regions 208 a - 208 b of bipolar transistors 124 , and p-type substrate 212 . In this embodiment, each bipolar transistor 124 is an npn transistor. Bit lines 120 a - 120 d , word line 122 a , word line contacts 204 a - 204 b , contacts and phase change elements 202 a - 202 d , collector/emitter regions 206 a - 206 d , and base regions 208 a - 208 b are electrically coupled as previously described and illustrated with reference to FIG. 7A .

Bit lines 120 a - 120 d are formed above word line 122 a . Collector/emitter region 206 a is formed directly above and is surrounded by base region 208 a . Base region 208 a is formed directly above and is surrounded by collector/emitter region 206 b . Collector/emitter region 206 c is formed directly above and is surrounded by base region 208 b . Base region 208 b is formed directly above and is surrounded by collector/emitter region 206 d . In this embodiment, junction isolation is used. Substrate 212 isolates collector/emitter region 206 b from collector/emitter region 206 d.

FIG. 7C is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment 220 c of phase change memory array 110 b previously described and illustrated with reference to FIG. 6 . Embodiment 220 c is similar to embodiment 220 b previously described and illustrated with reference to FIG. 7B , except that in embodiment 220 c the npn transistors are replaced with pnp transistors. Collector/emitter regions 206 a - 206 d are p-type and base regions 208 a and 208 b are n-type. Collector/emitter region 206 b is formed directly above and is surrounded by an n-type region 222 a . Collector/emitter region 206 d is formed directly above and is surrounded by an n-type region 222 b . Regions 222 a and 222 b isolate collector/emitter regions 206 b and 206 d from substrate 212 .

FIG. 7D is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment 220 d of phase change memory array 110 b previously described and illustrated with reference to FIG. 6 . Embodiment 220 d includes bit lines 120 a - 120 d , word line 122 a , word line contacts 204 a - 204 b , contacts and phase change elements 202 a - 202 d , n-type collector/emitter regions 206 a - 206 d of bipolar transistors 124 , p-type base regions 208 a - 208 b of bipolar transistors 124 , isolation regions 210 , and p-type substrate 212 . In this embodiment, each bipolar transistor 124 is an npn transistor. Bit lines 120 a - 120 d , word line 122 a , word line contacts 204 a - 204 b , contacts and phase change elements 202 a - 202 d , collector/emitter regions 206 a - 206 d , and base regions 208 a - 208 b are electrically coupled as previously described and illustrated with reference to FIG. 7A .

Bit lines 120 a - 120 d are formed above word line 122 a . In this embodiment, a SOI fabrication technique and STI is used. Collector/emitter region 206 a is formed directly above and is surrounded on one side by base region 208 a and on another side by an isolation region 210 . Base region 208 a is adjacent to collector/emitter region 206 b on one side and is adjacent to an isolation region 210 on another side. Collector/emitter region 206 c is formed directly above and is surrounded on one side by base region 208 b and on another side by an isolation region 210 . Base region 208 b is adjacent to collector/emitter region 206 d on one side and is adjacent to an isolation region 210 on another side. Collector/emitter region 206 b is formed adjacent to and between base region 208 a and an isolation region 210 . Collector/emitter region 206 d is formed adjacent to and between base region 208 b and an isolation region 210 . An isolation region 210 also isolates collector/emitter regions 206 a and 206 d from each other and from substrate 212 and base regions 208 a and 208 b from each other and from substrate 212 .

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of a phase change memory array 110 c . In one embodiment, memory array 110 is similar to memory array 110 c . Memory array 110 c includes bit lines 120 a - 120 f , word lines 122 a - 122 b , bipolar transistors 124 a - 124 d , first phase change elements 126 a - 126 h , and second phase change elements 128 a - 128 d . Each bit line 120 is electrically coupled to a plurality phase change elements 126 or 128 . Each bipolar transistor 124 is electrically coupled to a first phase change element 126 , a second phase change element 128 , and a word line 122 . Each bipolar transistor 124 includes a shared base and a shared emitter for individually accessing three phase change elements.

Bit line 120 a is electrically coupled to one side of first phase change element 126 a . Bit line 120 b is electrically coupled to one side of first phase change element 126 b . The other side of first phase change element 126 a and the other side of second phase change element 126 b are electrically coupled to the shared emitter of bipolar transistor 124 a . The base of bipolar transistor 124 a is electrically coupled to word line 122 a . The collector of bipolar transistor 124 a is electrically coupled to one side of second phase change element 128 a . The other side of second phase change element 128 a is electrically coupled to bit line 120 c.

Bit line 120 d is electrically coupled to one side of first phase change element 126 c . Bit line 120 e is electrically coupled to one side of first phase change element 126 d . The other side of first phase change element 126 c and the other side of first phase change element 126 d are electrically coupled to the shared emitter of bipolar transistor 124 b . The base of bipolar transistor 124 b is electrically coupled to word line 122 a . The collector of bipolar transistor 124 b is electrically coupled to one side of second phase change element 128 b . The other side of second phase change element 128 b is electrically coupled to bit line 120 f.

Bit line 120 a is electrically coupled to one side of first phase change element 126 e . Bit line 120 b is electrically coupled to one side of first phase change element 126 f . The other side of first phase change element 126 e and the other side of first phase change element 126 f are electrically coupled to the shared emitter of bipolar transistor 124 c . The base of bipolar transistor 124 c is electrically coupled to word line 122 b . The collector of bipolar transistor 124 c is electrically coupled to one side of second phase change element 128 c . The other side of second phase change element 128 c is electrically coupled to bit line 120 c.

Bit line 120 d is electrically coupled to one side of first phase change element 126 g . Bit line 120 e is electrically coupled to one side of first phase change element 126 h . The other side of first phase change element 126 g and the other side of first phase change element 126 h are electrically coupled to the shared emitter of bipolar transistor 124 d . The base of bipolar transistor 124 d is electrically coupled to word line 122 b . The collector of bipolar transistor 124 d is electrically coupled to one side of second phase change element 128 d . The other side of second phase change element 128 d is electrically coupled to bit line 120 f.

In another embodiment, each first phase change element 126 is electrically coupled to a shared collector of a bipolar transistor 124 and each second phase change element 128 is electrically coupled to an emitter of a bipolar transistor 124 . While in the illustrated embodiment bipolar transistors 124 are npn transistors, in other embodiments bipolar transistors 124 are pnp transistors.

In this embodiment, each shared bipolar transistor 124 is used to access two first phase change elements 126 and one second phase change element 128 . Each phase change element is accessed as previously described and illustrated with reference to memory array portion 112 in FIG. 1 . Phase change memory array 110 c operates similarly to memory array 110 .

FIG. 9 is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating one embodiment 240 of phase change memory array 110 c previously described and illustrated with reference to FIG. 8 . Embodiment 240 includes bit lines 120 a - 120 f , word line 122 a , word line contacts 204 a - 204 b , contacts and phase change elements 202 a - 202 f , n-type collector/emitter regions 206 a - 206 f of bipolar transistors 124 , p-type base regions 208 a - 208 b of bipolar transistors 124 , isolation regions 210 , and p-type substrate 212 . In this embodiment, each bipolar transistor 124 is an npn transistor and shares a common base region 208 .

Bit line 120 a is electrically coupled to contacts and phase change element 202 a . Contacts and phase change element 202 a include first phase change element 126 a . Contacts and phase change element 202 a are electrically coupled to collector/emitter region 206 a . Bit line 120 c is electrically coupled to contacts and phase change element 202 c . Contacts and phase change element 202 c include second phase change element 128 a . Contacts and phase change element 202 c are electrically coupled to collector/emitter region 206 c . Word line 122 a is electrically coupled to base region 208 a through word line contact 204 a . Collector/emitter regions 206 a and 206 c and base region 208 a form a bipolar transistor 124 a.

Bit line 120 b is electrically coupled to contacts and phase change element 202 b . Contacts and phase change element 202 b include first phase change element 126 b . Contacts and phase change element 202 b are electrically coupled to collector/emitter region 206 b . Collector/emitter regions 206 b and 206 c and base region 208 a form a bipolar transistor 124 a.

Bit line 120 d is electrically coupled to contacts and phase change element 202 d . Contacts and phase change element 202 d include first phase change element 126 c . Contacts and phase change element 202 d are electrically coupled to collector/emitter region 206 d . Bit line 120 f is electrically coupled to contacts and phase change element 202 f . Contacts and phase change element 202 f include second phase change element 128 b . Contacts and phase change element 202 f are electrically coupled to collector/emitter region 206 f . Word line 122 a is electrically coupled to base region 208 b through word line contact 204 b . Collector/emitter regions 206 d and 206 f and base region 208 b form a bipolar transistor 124 b.

Bit line 120 e is electrically coupled to contacts and phase change element 202 e . Contacts and phase change element 202 e include first phase change element 126 d . Contacts and phase change element 202 e are electrically coupled to collector/emitter region 206 e . Collector/emitter regions 206 e and 206 f and base region 208 b form a bipolar transistor 124 b.

Bit lines 120 a - 120 f are formed above word line 122 a . In this embodiment, a SOI fabrication technique and STI is used. Collector/emitter region 206 c is formed directly above and is surrounded by base region 208 a . Collector/emitter region 206 a is formed adjacent to and between base region 208 a and an isolation region 210 . Collector/emitter region 206 b is formed adjacent to and between base region 208 a and an isolation region 210 . Collector/emitter region 206 f is formed directly above and is surrounded by base region 208 b . Collector/emitter region 206 d is formed adjacent to and between base region 208 b and an isolation region 210 . Collector/emitter region 206 e is formed adjacent to and between base region 208 b and an isolation region 210 . An isolation region 210 also isolates collector/emitter regions 206 a , 206 b , 206 d , and 206 e from each other and from substrate 212 and base regions 208 a and 208 b from each other and from substrate 212 .

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of a phase change memory array 110 d . In one embodiment, memory array 110 is similar to memory array 110 d . Memory array 110 d includes bit lines 120 a - 120 h , word lines 122 a - 122 b , bipolar transistors 124 a - 124 d , first phase change elements 126 a - 126 h , and second phase change elements 128 a - 128 h . Each bit line 120 is electrically coupled to a plurality of phase change elements 126 or 128 . Each bipolar transistor 124 is electrically coupled to a first phase change element 126 , a second phase change element 128 , and a word line 122 . Each bipolar transistor 124 includes a shared base, a shared emitter, and a shared collector for individually accessing four phase change elements.

Bit line 120 a is electrically coupled to one side of first phase change element 126 a . Bit line 120 b is electrically coupled to one side of first phase change element 126 b . The other side of first phase change element 126 a and the other side of first phase change element 126 b are electrically coupled to the shared emitter of bipolar transistor 124 a . The base of bipolar transistor 124 a is electrically coupled to word line 122 a . The shared collector of bipolar transistor 124 a is electrically coupled to one side of second phase change element 128 a and one side of second phase change element 128 b . The other side of second phase change element 128 a is electrically coupled to bit line 120 d . The other side of second phase change element 128 b is electrically coupled to bit line 120 c.

Bit line 120 e is electrically coupled to one side of first phase change element 126 c . Bit line 120 f is electrically coupled to one side of first phase change element 126 d . The other side of first phase change element 126 c and the other side of first phase change element 126 d are electrically coupled to the shared emitter of bipolar transistor 124 b . The base of bipolar transistor 124 b is electrically coupled to word line 122 a . The shared collector of bipolar transistor 124 b is electrically coupled to one side of second phase change element 128 c and one side of second phase change element 128 d . The other side of second phase change element 128 c is electrically coupled to bit line 120 h . The other side of second phase change element 128 d is electrically coupled to bit line 120 g.

Bit line 120 a is electrically coupled to one side of first phase change element 126 e . Bit line 120 b is electrically coupled to one side of first phase change element 126 f . The other side of first phase change element 126 e and the other side of first phase change element 126 f are electrically coupled to the shared emitter of bipolar transistor 124 c . The base of bipolar transistor 124 c is electrically coupled to word line 122 b . The shared collector of bipolar transistor 124 c is electrically coupled to one side of second phase change element 128 e and one side of second phase change element 128 f . The other side of second phase change element 128 e is electrically coupled to bit line 120 d . The other side of second phase change element 128 f is electrically coupled to bit line 120 c.

Bit line 120 e is electrically coupled to one side of first phase change element 126 g . Bit line 120 f is electrically coupled to one side of first phase change element 126 h . The other side of first phase change element 126 g and the other side of first phase change element 126 h are electrically coupled to the shared emitter of bipolar transistor 124 d . The base of bipolar transistor 124 d is electrically coupled to word line 122 b . The shared collector of bipolar transistor 124 d is electrically coupled to one side of second phase change element 128 g and one side of second phase change element 128 h . The other side of second phase change element 128 g is electrically coupled to bit line 120 h . The other side of second phase change element 128 h is electrically coupled to bit line 120 g.

In another embodiment, each first phase change element 126 is electrically coupled to a shared collector of a bipolar transistor 124 and each second phase change element 128 is electrically coupled to a shared emitter of a bipolar transistor 124 . While in the illustrated embodiment bipolar transistors 124 are npn transistors, in other embodiments bipolar transistors 124 are pnp transistors.

In this embodiment, each shared bipolar transistor 124 is used to access two first phase change elements 126 and two second phase change elements 128 . Each phase change element is accessed as previously described and illustrated with reference to memory array portion 112 in FIG. 1 . Phase change memory array 110 d operates similarly to memory array 110 .

FIG. 11A is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating one embodiment 260 a of phase change memory array 110 d previously described and illustrated with reference to FIG. 10 . Embodiment 260 a includes bit lines 120 a - 120 h , word line 122 a , word line contacts 204 a - 204 b , contacts and phase change elements 202 a - 202 h , n-type collector/emitter regions 206 a - 206 h of bipolar transistors 124 , p-type base regions 208 a - 208 b of bipolar transistors 124 , isolation regions 210 , and p-type substrate 212 . In this embodiment, each bipolar transistor 124 is an npn transistor and shares a common base region 208 .

Bit line 120 a is electrically coupled to contacts and phase change element 202 a . Contacts and phase change element 202 a include first phase change element 126 a . Contacts and phase change element 202 a are electrically coupled to collector/emitter region 206 a . Bit line 120 d is electrically coupled to contacts and phase change element 202 d . Contacts and phase change element 202 d include second phase change element 128 a . Contacts and phase change element 202 d are electrically coupled to collector/emitter region 206 d . Bit line 120 b is electrically coupled to contacts and phase change element 202 b . Contacts and phase change element 202 b include first phase change element 126 b . Contacts and phase change element 202 b are electrically coupled to collector/emitter region 206 b . Word line 122 a is electrically coupled to base region 208 a through word line contact 204 a . Bit line 120 c is electrically coupled to contacts and phase change element 202 c . Contacts and phase change element 202 c include second phase change element 128 b . Contacts and phase change element 202 c are electrically coupled to collector/emitter region 206 c . Collector/emitter regions 206 a and 206 d and base region 208 a form a bipolar transistor 124 a . Collector/emitter regions 206 b and 206 c and base region 208 a form a bipolar transistor 124 a.

Bit line 120 e is electrically coupled to contacts and phase change element 202 e . Contacts and phase change element 202 e include first phase change element 126 c . Contacts and phase change element 202 e are electrically coupled to collector/emitter region 206 e . Bit line 120 h is electrically coupled to contacts and phase change element 202 h . Contacts and phase change element 202 h include second phase change element 128 c . Contacts and phase change element 202 h are electrically coupled to collector/emitter region 206 h . Bit line 120 f is electrically coupled to contacts and phase change element 202 f . Contacts and phase change element 202 f include first phase change element 126 d . Contacts and phase change element 202 f are electrically coupled to collector/emitter region 206 f . Word line 122 a is electrically coupled to base region 208 b through word line contact 204 b . Bit line 120 g is electrically coupled to contacts and phase change element 202 g . Contacts and phase change element 202 g include second phase change element 128 d . Contacts and phase change element 202 g are electrically coupled to collector/emitter region 206 g . Collector/emitter regions 206 e and 206 h and base region 208 b form a bipolar transistor 124 b . Collector/emitter regions 206 f and 206 g and base region 208 b form a bipolar transistor 124 b.

Bit lines 120 a - 120 h are formed above word line 122 a . In this embodiment, a SOI fabrication technique and STI is used. Collector/emitter region 206 b is isolated from collector/emitter region 206 d by an isolation region 210 . Collector/emitter regions 206 b and 206 d are formed directly above and are surrounded by base region 208 a . Collector/emitter region 206 a is formed adjacent to and between base region 208 a and an isolation region 210 . Collector/emitter region 206 c is formed adjacent to and between base region 208 a and an isolation region 210 .

Collector/emitter region 206 f is isolated from collector/emitter region 206 h by an isolation region 210 . Collector/emitter regions 206 f and 206 h are formed directly above and are surrounded by base region 208 b . Collector/emitter region 206 e is formed adjacent to and between base region 208 b and an isolation region 210 . Collector/emitter region 206 g is formed adjacent to and between base region 208 b and an isolation region 210 . An isolation region 210 also isolates collector/emitter regions 206 a , 206 c , 206 e , and 206 g from each other and from substrate 212 and base regions 208 a and 208 b from each other and from substrate 212 .

FIG. 11B is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment 260 b of phase change memory array 110 d previously described and illustrated with reference to FIG. 10 . Embodiment 260 b includes bit lines 120 a - 120 h , word line 122 a , word line contacts 204 a - 204 b , contacts and phase change elements 202 a - 202 h , n-type collector/emitter regions 206 a - 206 h of bipolar transistors 124 , p-type base regions 208 a - 208 b of bipolar transistors 124 , isolation regions 210 , and p-type substrate 212 . Embodiment 260 b is similar to embodiment 260 a previously described and illustrated with reference to FIG. 11A , except that in embodiment 260 b word line 122 a is electrically coupled to base region 208 a through word line contact 204 a and p-type contact region 262 a and to base region 208 b through word line contact 204 b and p-type contact region 262 b . Contact region 262 a isolates collector/emitter region 206 b from collector/emitter region 206 d . Contact region 262 b isolates collector/emitter region 206 f from collector/emitter region 206 h.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a phase change memory using bipolar transistors that each access two phase change elements. By controlling the biasing of each bipolar transistor through the word lines and bit lines, each phase change element can be programmed individually and read individually without affecting the other phase change elements. In this way, the density of the phase change memory can be increased. While the specific embodiments described herein substantially focused on using phase change memory elements, the present invention can be applied to any suitable type of resistive memory elements including unipolar memory elements, such as binary oxide resistive memory elements.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.