Group III-Antimonide Based Phase-Change Multilevel Memory

Background:

Phase change memory (PCM) is a type of non-volatile RAM that stores data by changing the state of the material used, back and forth between amorphous and crystalline states. PCM has emerged in recent years by offering great potential for future non-volatile solid-state memory. Multilevel storage (storage of multiple bits in a memory cell) and storage of analog data comprise a key factor for the competitiveness of PCM technology in the nonvolatile memory market. Multilevel storage techniques can increase storage density and reduce energy consumption in PCM devices. Analog processing and storage are considered disruptive emerging technology for neuromorphic computer applications. However, accurately controlling the phase transitions as well as understanding the underlying switching mechanisms are still hindering the wider adoption of PCM multi-level memory technology.

Technology Overview:

This technology is a novel group III-Antimonide phase change memory (PCM) materials that comprise likely candidates for multilevel and analog PCM devices. The technology uses thin films of group Ill-Sb alloys (AISb, GaSb and AIGaSb) deposited on TiN or W plugs in a Si/SiO2 structures to form mushroom-type PCM cells. The technology provides improved scalability, reduced complexity and cost, multilevel data read/write with high data retention, and endurance. These features will enable the fabrication of PCM devices that meet the requirements for distributed self-learning hardware (such as smart sensors) and neuromorphic fabrics for artificial intelligence and big data analysis.

Advantages:

•    High data retention and endurance.
•    Improved scalability.
•    Reduced variability. 
•    Tellurium free.

Applications:

•    Self-learning hardware such as smart sensors.
•    Neuromorphic computing.
•    Big data analysis (for example, data centers.
•    Artificial intelligence.

Intellectual Property Summary:

Know-how based.

Stage of Development:

TRL 3 - Experimental proof of concept

Licensing Status:

This technology is available for licensing.

Licensing Potential:

This technology would be of interest to anyone involved in the manufacture and use of PCM based devices, including:
•    Electronic components manufacturers.
•    Computing equipment manufacturers.
•    Artificial intelligence developers.
•    Data analysis developers.