Systems, methods and apparatus to read target memory cells having an associated reference memory cell configured to be representative of drift or changes in the threshold voltages of the target memory cells. The reference cell is programmed to a predetermined threshold level when the target cells are programmed to store data. In response to a command to read the target memory cells, estimation of a drift of the threshold voltage of the reference is performed in parallel with applying an initial voltage pulse to read the target cells. Based on a result of the drift estimation, voltage pulses used to read the target cells can be modified and/or added to account for the drift estimated using the reference cell.

Various embodiments provide methods for configuring a phase-change random-access memory (PCRAM) structures, such as PCRAM operating in a single-level-cell (SLC) mode or a multi-level-cell (MLC) mode. Various embodiments may support a PCRAM structure being operating in a SLC mode for lower power and a MLC mode for lower variability. Various embodiments may support a PCRAM structure being operating in a SLC mode or a MLC mode based at least in part on an error tolerance for a neural network layer.

A current operating characteristic value of a unit of the memory device is identified. An operating characteristic threshold value is identified from a set of operating characteristic thresholds, where the current operating characteristic value satisfies an operating characteristic threshold criterion that is based on the operating characteristic threshold value. A set of write-to-read (W2R) delay time thresholds that corresponds to the operating characteristic threshold value is identified from a plurality of sets of W2R delay time thresholds. Each of the W2R delay time thresholds in the set is associated with a corresponding read voltage level. A W2R delay time threshold associated with a W2R delay time threshold criterion is identified from the set of W2R delay time thresholds, where the W2R threshold criterion is satisfied by a current W2R delay time of the memory sub-system. A read voltage level associated with the identified W2R delay time threshold is identified.

In a memory array with a cross-point structure, at each cross-point junction a programmable resistive memory element, such as an MRAM memory cell, is connected in series with a threshold switching selector, such as an ovonic threshold switch. The threshold switching selector switches to a conducting state when a voltage above a threshold voltage is applied. When powered down for extended periods, the threshold voltage can drift upward. If the drift is excessive, this can make the memory cell difficult to access and can disturb stored data values when accessed. Techniques are presented to determine whether excessive voltage threshold drift may have occurred, including a read based test and a time based test.

Concurrent access of multiple memory cells in a cross-point memory array is disclosed. In one aspect, a forced current approach is used in which, while a select voltage is applied to a selected bit line, an access current is driven separately through each selected word line to concurrently drive the access current separately through each selected memory cell. Hence, multiple memory cells are concurrently accessed. In some aspects, the memory cells are accessed using a self-referenced read (SRR), which improves read margin. Concurrently accessing more than one memory cell in a cross-point memory array improves bandwidth. Moreover, such concurrent accessing allows the memory system to be constructed with fewer, but larger cross-point arrays, which increases array efficiency. Moreover, concurrent access as disclosed herein is compatible with memory cells such as MRAM which require bipolar operation.

A read-out circuit and a read-out method for a three-dimensional memory, comprises a read reference circuit and a sensitive amplifier, the read reference circuit produces read reference current capable of quickly distinguishing reading low-resistance state unit current and reading high-resistance state unit current. The read reference circuit comprises a reference unit, a bit line matching module, a word line matching module and a transmission gate parasitic parameter matching module. With respect to the parasitic effect and electric leakage of the three-dimensional memory in the plane and vertical directions, the present invention introduces the matching of bit line parasite parameters, leakage current and transmission gate parasitic parameters into the read reference current, and introduces the matching of parasitic parameters of current mirror into the read current, thereby eliminating the phenomenon of pseudo reading and reducing the read-out time.

A page buffer includes a charging circuit, first and second storage circuits, and a selection circuit. The charging circuit charges a bit line during a precharging period. The first storage circuit determines and stores data corresponding to a state of a selected memory cell among memory cells connected to the bit line while the charging circuit charges the bit line. The second storage circuit, which is a circuit separate from the first storage circuit, determines and stores data corresponding to a state of the selected memory cell after the precharging period. The selection circuit outputs a control voltage controlling a switch element connected between the bit line and the charging circuit, and determines a magnitude of the control voltage during the precharging period, based on the data stored in the first storage circuit.

Techniques are provided for accessing two memory cells of a memory tile concurrently. A memory tile may include a plurality of self-selecting memory cells addressable using a row decoder and a column decoder. A memory controller may access a first self-selecting memory cell of the memory tile using a first pulse having a first polarity to the first self-selecting memory cell. The memory controller may also access a second self-selecting memory cell of the memory tile concurrently with accessing the first self-selecting memory cell using a second pulse having a second polarity different than the first polarity. The memory controller may determine characteristics of the pulses to mitigate disturbances of unselected self-selecting memory cells of the memory tile.

Methods, systems, and devices for a modified write voltage for memory devices are described. In an example, the memory device may determine a first set of memory cells to be switched from a first logic state (e.g., a SET state) to a second logic state (e.g., a RESET state) based on a received write command. The memory device may perform a read operation to determine a subset of the first set of memory cells (e.g., a second set of memory cells) having a conductance threshold satisfying a criteria based on a predicted drift of the memory cells. The memory device may apply a RESET pulse to each of the memory cells within the first set of memory cells, where the RESET pulse applied to the second set of memory cells is modified to decrease voltage threshold drift in the RESET state.

A system is provided. The system includes a multiply-and-accumulate circuit and a local generator. The multiply-and-accumulate circuit is coupled to a memory array and generates a multiply-and-accumulate signal indicating a computational output of the memory array. The local generator is coupled to the memory array and generates at least one reference signal at a node in response to one of a plurality of global signals that are generated according to a number of the computational output. The local generator is further configured to generate an output signal according to the signal and a summation of the at least one reference signal at the node.