2-Mb Embedded Phase Change Memory With 16-ns Read Access Time and 5-Mb/s Write Throughput in 90-nm BCD Technology for Automotive Applications

This letter presents a 2-Mb embedded phase change memory (ePCM) macrocell designed in 90-nm BJT-CMOS-DMOS (BCD) technology able to address the next generation of automotive and smart-power products exploiting an ePCM cell based on a Ge-rich chalcogenide alloy. The optimized memory allows 16-ns random access time and 5-Mbit/s write throughput from -40 °C to 175 °C, with 100 kcycle endurance. The sense amplifier, the programming circuitry, and the data processing logic able to meet automotive requirements are described. The silicon results are provided.