Address: | Via C.Olivetti 2, 20041 Agrate Brianza, Milan |
Country: | Italy |
Website: |
Organisation type: | Commercial |
Storage activities: | development of flash and phase-change memories |
Profile: | STMicroelectronics is the world’s fifth largest semiconductor company with net revenues of US$9.84 billion in 2008. STMicroelectronics offers a complete NAND Flash memory product range, intended for the growing number of applications that can benefit from a wider spectrum of densities, a modular interface, and footprint independent from density. STMicroelectronics is also a leading Supplier of NOR Flash subsystem solutions for Mobile Applications, offering reliable, advanced and state-of-the-art technology devices. Recent work aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of multilevel storage in chalcogenide-based Phase Change Memories, and at defining material properties, cell architectures and programming conditions to achieve this objective. Chalcogenide-based Phase Change Memories are considered the best candidate to replace Flash memories, beyond the 45nm node. However, in order to maintain the present growth rate in terms of storage densities, and to support the emerging, memory-intensive applications (e.g. video-phones, high resolution pictures, storage of short movies), ways must be found to further increase the storage capability of Phase Change Memories, introducing multilevel storage (two or more bits/cell). The research activity involved understanding and modelling the phase change mechanism in existing chalcogenide material (GST), including long term stability of the phases and the factors influencing it. Statistical analysis on large samples was also performed to assess the role of defects. Investigation of basic material properties was included, starting from theoretical models, to develop the most suitable material for multilevel storage (new compositions or use of dopants). Sample deposition tests and analysis were performed in a research environment, taking into account future compatibility with industrial environments. |
Email: | |
Tel: | +39-039 60 36 901 |
Fax: | +39-039 60 35 348 |