A memory circuit includes a first programming device, a first circuit branch and a second circuit branch. The first programming device includes a first control terminal coupled to a first word line, and a first connecting end. The first circuit branch includes a first diode, and a first fuse element coupled to the first diode. The second circuit branch includes a second diode, and a second fuse element coupled to the second diode. The first circuit branch and the second circuit branch are coupled to the first connecting end of the first programming device.

A non-volatile memory circuit includes: a first memory including a plurality of cells that store values by respectively having elements whose states change physically due to application of a voltage from an exterior, a second memory including a plurality of cells that store values by respectively having the elements, a detector that, at a time of reading from the first memory, judges a value stored in each of the cells by comparing a threshold value and current values from the plurality of cells and a judging circuit supplying current of a predetermined current value to the detector as the threshold value.

Implementations of a diode may include a first electrode; a first dielectric layer coupled to the first electrode; a second dielectric layer coupled to the first dielectric layer; and a second electrode coupled to the second dielectric layer. The first dielectric layer may be one of silicon dioxide or aluminum oxide; and the second dielectric layer may be one of niobium oxide, tantalum oxide, zirconium oxide, hafnium oxide, or any combination thereof.

A semiconductor memory device includes at least an OTP cell having a transistor and a PN junction diode. The OTP cell further includes a substrate having a first conductivity type, and a source and a drain in the substrate. The source includes a source doping region having the first conductivity type. The drain includes a drain doping region having a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type. A gate is disposed on the substrate between the source and the drain. The source further includes a pocket doping region having the second conductivity type under the gate. The pocket doping region and the source doping region constitute the PN junction diode.

A semiconductor memory device includes at least an OTP cell having a transistor and a PN junction diode. The OTP cell further includes a substrate having a first conductivity type, and a source and a drain in the substrate. The source includes a source doping region having the first conductivity type. The drain includes a drain doping region having a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type. A gate is disposed on the substrate between the source and the drain. The source further includes a pocket doping region having the second conductivity type under the gate. The pocket doping region and the source doping region constitute the PN junction diode.

A method of making stacked lateral semiconductor devices is disclosed. The method includes depositing a stack of alternating layers of different materials. Slots or holes are cut through the layers for subsequent formation of single crystal semiconductor fences or pillars. When each of the alternating layers of one material are removed space is provided for formation of single crystal semiconductor devices between the remaining layers. The devices are doped as the single crystal silicon is formed.

A semiconductor device capable of efficiently increasing a capacity of a mounted storage element while achieving space saving, and an electronic apparatus including this semiconductor device are provided. The semiconductor device includes a storage element including a filament that has a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, and an insulation layer. The first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are stacked with at least the insulation layer interposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. The filament obtains at least three identifiable resistance states by changing a combination of a state of the first conductive layer, a state of the second conductive layer, and a state of the insulation layer. The semiconductor device further includes a writing unit that produces the at least three identifiable resistance states by applying a blow current to the storage element.

A semiconductor device capable of efficiently increasing a capacity of a mounted storage element while achieving space saving, and an electronic apparatus including this semiconductor device are provided. The semiconductor device includes a storage element including a filament that has a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, and an insulation layer. The first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are stacked with at least the insulation layer interposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. The filament obtains at least three identifiable resistance states by changing a combination of a state of the first conductive layer, a state of the second conductive layer, and a state of the insulation layer. The semiconductor device further includes a writing unit that produces the at least three identifiable resistance states by applying a blow current to the storage element.

A method of operating a memory circuit includes turning on a first programming device and turning on a first selection device thereby causing a first current to flow through a first fuse element. The first fuse element is coupled between the first selection device and the first programming device. The method further includes turning off a second programming device and turning off a second selection device, and blocking the first current from flowing through a second fuse element that is coupled between the second selection device and the first programming device.

A method of operating a memory circuit includes turning on a first programming device and turning on a first selection device thereby causing a first current to flow through a first fuse element. The first fuse element is coupled between the first selection device and the first programming device. The method further includes turning off a second programming device and turning off a second selection device, and blocking the first current from flowing through a second fuse element that is coupled between the second selection device and the first programming device.