PHASE-CHANGE MEMORY MATERIAL, PREPARATION METHOD THEREOF, PHASE-CHANGE MEMORY CHIP, AND DEVICE
20250031588 ยท 2025-01-23
Inventors
Cpc classification
H10N70/231
ELECTRICITY
International classification
H10N70/00
ELECTRICITY
Abstract
This application relates to the field of data storage technologies, and specifically, to a phase-change memory material, a preparation method thereof, a phase-change memory chip, and a device. The phase-change memory material includes a material shown by Ti.sub.aSb.sub.bTe.sub.cD.sub.d, where a represents an atom percent of Ti, b represents an atom percent of Sb, c represents an atom percent of Te, d represents an atom percent of an element D, and a+b+c+d=1; 3%a45%, and 0.5(b:c)3; and D is a doping element, and 0d15%. The phase-change memory material has low operation power consumption and a low operation delay.
Claims
1. A phase-change memory material, wherein the phase-change memory material comprises a material shown by a formula (1):
Ti.sub.aSb.sub.bTe.sub.cD.sub.d(1), wherein a represents an atom percent of Ti, b represents an atom percent of Sb, c represents an atom percent of Te, d represents an atom percent of an element D, and a+b+c+d=1; 3%a45%, and 0.5(b:c)3; and D is a doping element, and 0d15%.
2. The phase-change memory material according to claim 1, wherein a value range of the atom percent a of Ti is 20%a35%.
3. The phase-change memory material according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of the atom percent b of Sb to the atom percent c of Te is 2:3.
4. The phase-change memory material according to claim 1, wherein the atom percent d of the doping element D is 3%d8%.
5. The phase-change memory material according to claim 1, wherein the doping element comprises one or a combination of at least two of a first non-metallic element, a first metallic element, and a telluride of the first metallic element, wherein the first non-metallic element is one or a combination of at least two of C, O, N, and Si; and the first metallic element is one or a combination of at least two of Zr, Cr, Al, Sc, Y, Ta, Hf, Er, In, Ge, Ga, and Sn.
6. A phase-change memory chip, comprising a plurality of memory cells, wherein the plurality of memory cells form a memory cell array, and each memory cell comprises: a phase-change layer, a first electrode located on one side of the phase-change layer, and a second electrode located on another side of the phase-change layer, wherein the phase-change layer is made of the phase-change memory material, wherein the phase-change memory material comprises a material shown by a formula (1):
Ti.sub.aSb.sub.bTe.sub.cD.sub.d(1), wherein a represents an atom percent of Ti, b represents an atom percent of Sb, c represents an atom percent of Te, d represents an atom percent of an element D, and a+b+c+d=1; 3%a45%, and 0.5(b:c)3; and D is a doping element, and 0d15%.
7. The phase-change memory chip according to claim 6, wherein a value range of the atom percent a of Ti is 20%a35%.
8. The phase-change memory chip according to claim 6, wherein a ratio of the atom percent b of Sb to the atom percent c of Te is 2:3.
9. The phase-change memory chip according to claim 6, wherein the atom percent d of the doping element D is 3%d8%.
10. The phase-change memory chip according to claim 6, wherein the doping element comprises one or a combination of at least two of a first non-metallic element, a first metallic element, and a telluride of the first metallic element, wherein the first non-metallic element is one or a combination of at least two of C, O, N, and Si; and the first metallic element is one or a combination of at least two of Zr, Cr, Al, Sc, Y, Ta, Hf, Er, In, Ge, Ga, and Sn.
11. The phase-change memory chip according to claim 6, wherein each memory cell further comprises a buffer layer in contact with the phase-change layer, wherein the buffer layer is made of one of carbon, a third metal, a nitride of the third metal, and a telluride of a fourth metal; and the third metal is one or a combination of at least two of W, Ta, and Ti, and the fourth metal is one or a combination of at least two of Zr, Cr, Al, Sc, Y, Ta, Hf, Er, In, Ge, Bi, Ti, Ga, and Sn.
12. The phase-change memory chip according to claim 6, wherein each memory cell further comprises at least one phase-change layer and at least one chalcogenide layer, wherein both the at least one phase-change layer and the at least one chalcogenide layer are located between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the at least one phase-change layer and the at least one chalcogenide layer are stacked alternately.
13. The phase-change memory chip according to claim 12, wherein a lattice coefficient of the chalcogenide layer is less than a lattice coefficient of SbTe.
14. A storage device, wherein the storage device comprises a controller and the phase-change memory chip, wherein the phase-change memory chip comprises a plurality of memory cells, wherein the plurality of memory cells form a memory cell array, and each memory cell comprises: a phase-change layer, a first electrode located on one side of the phase-change layer, and a second electrode located on another side of the phase-change layer, wherein the phase-change layer is made of the phase-change memory material, wherein the phase-change memory material comprises a material shown by a formula (1):
Ti.sub.aSb.sub.bTe.sub.cD.sub.d(1), wherein a represents an atom percent of Ti, b represents an atom percent of Sb, c represents an atom percent of Te, d represents an atom percent of an element D, and a+b+c+d=1; 3%a45%, and 0.5(b:c)3; and D is a doping element, and 0d15%.
15. The storage device according to claim 14, wherein a value range of the atom percent a of Ti is 20%a35%.
16. The storage device according to claim 14, wherein a ratio of the atom percent b of Sb to the atom percent c of Te is 2:3.
17. The storage device according to claim 14, wherein the atom percent d of the doping element D is 3%d8%.
18. The storage device according to claim 14, wherein the doping element comprises one or a combination of at least two of a first non-metallic element, a first metallic element, and a telluride of the first metallic element, wherein the first non-metallic element is one or a combination of at least two of C, O, N, and Si; and the first metallic element is one or a combination of at least two of Zr, Cr, Al, Sc, Y, Ta, Hf, Er, In, Ge, Ga, and Sn.
19. The storage device according to claim 14, wherein each memory cell further comprises a buffer layer in contact with the phase-change layer, wherein the buffer layer is made of one of carbon, a third metal, a nitride of the third metal, and a telluride of a fourth metal; and the third metal is one or a combination of at least two of W, Ta, and Ti, and the fourth metal is one or a combination of at least two of Zr, Cr, Al, Sc, Y, Ta, Hf, Er, In, Ge, Bi, Ti, Ga, and Sn.
20. The storage device according to claim 14, wherein each memory cell further comprises at least one phase-change layer and at least one chalcogenide layer, wherein both the at least one phase-change layer and the at least one chalcogenide layer are located between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the at least one phase-change layer and the at least one chalcogenide layer are stacked alternately.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
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DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0063] The following describes technical solutions in embodiments of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is clear that the described embodiments are merely a part of but not all of embodiments of this application.
[0064] In the descriptions of this specification, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in a proper manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.
[0065] It may be understood that in the descriptions of embodiments of this application, a word such as example, for example, or exemplary is used to represent giving an example, an illustration, or a description. Any embodiment or design scheme described as an example, for example, or exemplary in embodiments of this application should not be explained as being more preferred or having more advantages than another embodiment or design scheme. Exactly, use of the word such as example, for example, or exemplary is intended to present a related concept in a specific manner.
[0066] A term and/or in the descriptions of embodiments of this application describes only an association relationship between associated objects and indicates that there may be three relationships. For example, A and/or B may indicate the following three cases: Only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist. In addition, unless otherwise stated, a term a plurality of means two or more than two. For example, a plurality of systems mean two or more systems, and a plurality of terminals mean two or more terminals.
[0067] A phase-change memory chip is a chip that stores data by using a conductivity difference shown by a phase-change memory material during conversion of the phase-change memory material between a crystalline state and an amorphous state. Specifically, in the crystalline state, atoms in the phase-change memory material are arranged in order, so that the phase-change memory material has a long-distance atomic energy level and high free electron density, and therefore, the phase-change memory material has low resistivity. Therefore, the crystalline state may be referred to as a low resistance state. In the amorphous state, the atoms in the phase-change memory material are arranged in a disorderly manner, so that the phase-change memory material has a short-distance atomic energy level and low free electron density, and therefore, the phase-change memory material has high resistivity. Therefore, the amorphous state may be referred to as a high resistance state. It may be set that a phase-change memory material in the low resistance state corresponds to one of 0 and 1, and a phase-change memory material in the high resistance state corresponds to the other of 0 and 1.
[0068] When a specific pulse voltage is applied to the phase-change memory material, the phase-change memory material may be converted between the high resistance state and the low resistance state. Specifically, a high and narrow electrical pulse (which may be referred to as a reset pulse) may be applied to the phase-change memory chip, so that the phase-change memory material is converted from the low resistance state to the high resistance state. A low and wide electrical pulse (which may be referred to as a set pulse) may be applied to the phase-change memory chip, so that the phase-change memory material is converted from the high resistance state to the low resistance state. Therefore, a write operation on the phase-change memory material can be implemented.
[0069] In addition, the high resistance state and the low resistance state of the phase-change memory material respectively correspond to different bit values. In this way, a low read voltage (a voltage that cannot cause the phase-change memory material to be converted between the high resistance state and the low resistance state) may be applied to the phase-change memory material, to read a resistance value of the phase-change memory material, and implement a read operation.
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[0071] During writing, a current or a voltage is applied to a word line 130, so that the word line 130 is at a high potential, and the transistor 120 is conducted. Then, a current or a voltage is applied to a bit line 140, so that the phase-change layer of the phase-change memory cell is converted between a high resistance state and a low resistance state, to perform the write operation. During reading, a column selection circuit adds a small preset potential to the bit line 140 (where the preset potential does not change a resistance state of the phase-change memory cell). As described above, the word line 130 is at the high potential. This affects a potential on the bit line 140, where a magnitude of influence is related to a magnitude of a resistance of the phase-change memory cell. The influence of the word line 130 on the potential on the bit line 140 is equivalent to that the phase-change memory cell outputs a signal, and an influence result (a potential on the bit line 140 after being affected by the word line 130) is equivalent to the output signal. The influence result is compared with a reference potential, to determine a resistance state of the phase-change memory cell, and determine, based on the resistance state, data stored in the phase-change memory cell. The column selection circuit is described below, and details are not described herein.
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[0073] Specifically, the electrode 112 may be connected to a word line 130 through the selection layer 116 and the electrode 117. When a voltage difference between two ends of the selection layer 116 exceeds a threshold switching voltage Vth of the selection layer 116, the selection layer 116 is conducted, and voltages at the two ends of the selection layer 116 decrease, so that more voltages are applied to two ends of the phase-change layer 113. Therefore, the write operation or the read operation can be implemented.
[0074] In some embodiments, a material of the selection layer 116 is a threshold switching device (ovonic threshold switching, OTS) material including Ge, Se, and As. The OTS material forming the selection layer 116 may be doped with at least one of Si, N, and S. In some embodiments, the material of the selection layer 116 is a GeAsSe alloy. In some embodiments, the material of the selection layer 116 is a GeAsSe alloy doped with at least one of Si, N, C, As, Se, and the like.
[0075] In addition, materials of the phase-change layer 113, the electrode 111, the electrode 112, the electrode 116, and the electrode 117 are described below. In the following descriptions, when no particular distinction is made, the electrode 111, the electrode 112, the electrode 116, and the electrode 117 may be referred to as electrodes for short.
[0076] The foregoing examples describe structures of the phase-change memory chip and the phase-change memory cell provided in embodiments of this application. The following describes the phase-change memory material.
[0077] Performance in phase-change power consumption (to be specific, energy consumption required for conversion between a high resistance state and a low resistance state), a fatigue life, a phase-change speed (time required for the conversion between the high resistance state and the low resistance state), a thermal stability, and the like of the phase-change memory material has important influence on an operation delay, a life, and reliability of the phase-change memory chip. A conventional germanium-antimony-tellurium (GeSbTe, GST) system phase-change memory material has good thermal stability and a good fatigue life. However, as shown in
[0078] An embodiment of this application provides a Ti doped SbTe phase-change memory material. Ti doping improves thermal stability of an SbTe phase-change system, reduces phase-change power consumption, and improves a fatigue life. In addition, existence of a TiTe nucleation center can accelerate crystallization, and therefore, reduce an operation delay. A chemical general formula of the Ti doped SbTe phase-change memory material is: Ti.sub.aSb.sub.bTe.sub.cD.sub.d. a represents an atom percent of a chemical element titanium Ti. To be specific, a represents a proportion of the chemical element titanium Ti in a total quantity of all atoms in the phase-change memory material. b represents an atom percent of a chemical element antimony Sb. To be specific, b represents a proportion of the chemical element antimony Sb in the total quantity of all atoms in the phase-change memory material. c represents an atom percent of a chemical element tellurium Te. To be specific, c represents a proportion of the chemical element tellurium Te in the total quantity of all atoms in the phase-change memory material. d represents an atom percent of a doping element D. To be specific, d represents a proportion of the doping element D in the total quantity of all atoms in the phase-change memory material. In short, a+b+c+d=1.
[0079] In the phase-change memory material provided in this embodiment of this application, 3%a45%. To be specific, the proportion of Ti in the total quantity of all atoms in the phase-change memory material is greater than or equal to 3% and is less than or equal to 45%. In addition, 0.5(b:c)3. To be specific, in the phase-change memory material, a ratio of an atom quantity of Sb to an atom quantity of Te is greater than or equal to 0.5 and less than or equal to 3.0d15%. To be specific, the proportion of the doping element D in the total quantity of all atoms in the phase-change memory material is less than or equal to 15%. In other words, the phase-change memory material may not include the doping element, or may include the doping element, and the atom percentage of the doping element does not exceed 15%.
[0080] The phase-change memory material provided in this embodiment of this application is a new SbTe-based phase-change memory material. When SbTe is crystallized, that is, in a crystalline state, the phase-change memory material is in the low resistance state; or when SbTe is amorphous, that is, in an amorphous state, the phase-change memory material is in the high resistance state. Different resistance states of the phase-change memory material may represent different information, to implement information storage. In addition, the information can be read by measuring the resistance state of the phase-change memory material.
[0081] Refer to
[0082] In addition, a lattice mismatch degree between lattices of TiTe and SbTe is 12%, and Ti is introduced into the phase-change memory material provided in this embodiment of this application. This may cause lattice distortion or a lattice defect of TiSbTe, so that the phase-change memory material is converted from the crystalline state to the amorphous state more easily, and therefore, power consumption required for conversion from the crystalline state to the amorphous state can be reduced.
[0083] In addition, based on an experimental test, Ti included in the phase-change memory material provided in this embodiment of this application can reduce a grain size, and therefore, improve a fatigue life.
[0084] In addition, based on the experimental test, Ti included in the phase-change memory material provided in this embodiment of this application can improve thermal stability of the phase-change memory material in the low resistance state and the high resistance state.
[0085] In some embodiments, a value range of an atom percent a of Ti may be 5%a40%, 10%a38%, 15%a30%, 20%a35%, or the like. Details are not listed one by one herein. When the value range of the atom percent a of Ti is 20%a35%, the phase-change memory material has better performance in the operation delay, the power consumption, the thermal stability, the fatigue life, and the like.
[0086] In an example, a may be specifically 5%. In an example, a may be specifically 8%. In an example, a may be specifically 10%. In an example, a may be specifically 13%. In an example, a may be specifically 15%. In an example, a may be specifically 18%. In an example, a may be specifically 20%. In an example, a may be specifically 25%. In an example, a may be specifically 28%. In an example, a may be specifically 30%. In an example, a may be specifically 32%. In an example, a may be specifically 35%. In an example, a may be specifically 37%. In an example, a may be specifically 40%. In an example, a may be specifically 45%.
[0087] In some embodiments, a ratio of an atom percent b of Sb to an atom percent c of Te, that is, (b:c), may be 0.5(b:c)1, 0.5(b:c)2, 1(b:c)3, 2(b:c)3, or the like. Details are not listed one by one herein.
[0088] In an example, (b:c) may be specifically 0.5, (2:3), 1, 2, 3, or the like. Details are not listed one by one herein. When (b:c) is (2:3), the phase-change memory material has better performance in the operation delay, the power consumption, thermal stability, the fatigue life, and the like.
[0089] In some embodiments, the value range of the atom percent a of Ti is 20%a35%, and the ratio of the atom percent b of Sb to the atom percent c of Te is (2:3). In this case, the phase-change memory material has a lower operation delay, lower power consumption, higher thermal stability, and a higher fatigue life.
[0090] In some embodiments, a doping element D may be specifically one or a combination of at least two of non-metallic elements such as C, O, N, and Si. In some embodiments, the doping element D may be specifically one or a combination of at least two of metallic elements such as Zr, Cr, Al, Sc, Y, Ta, Hf, Er, In, Ge, Ga, and Sn. In some embodiments, the doping element D may be specifically one or a combination of at least two of tellurides of the metallic elements such as Zr, Cr, Al, Sc, Y, Ta, Hf, Er, In, Ge, Ga, and Sn. In some embodiments, the doping element D may be specifically one or a combination of at least two of the non-metallic elements such as C, O, N, and Si, the metallic elements such as Zr, Cr, Al, Sc, Y, Ta, Hf, Er, In, Ge, Ga, and Sn, and the tellurides of the metallic elements.
[0091] The doping element D is added into the phase-change memory material, so that a thermal stability and the fatigue life of the phase-change memory material can be improved, and a crystallization speed (to be specific, a speed of conversion from the high resistance state to the low resistance state) of the phase-change memory material can be further increased. Therefore, the operation delay is reduced.
[0092] In some embodiments, an atom percent d of the doping element D may be 0%d10%, 0%d8%, 3%d10%, or 3%d8%. When 3%d8%, the phase-change memory material has a lower operation delay and a higher fatigue life.
[0093] In an example, the atom percent d of the doping element D is 0, that is, the phase-change memory material does not include the doping element D. In an example, d is 1%. In an example, d is 3%. In an example, d is 5%. In an example, d is 8%. In an example, d is 10%. In an example, d is 15%.
[0094] The foregoing examples describe compositions of the phase-change memory material. The following uses examples to describe preparation solutions of the phase-change memory material.
[0095] In embodiments of this application, the phase-change memory material may be deposited on a base material according to an element ratio shown by Ti.sub.aSb.sub.bTe.sub.cD.sub.d in a material deposition manner such as chemical vapor deposition (chemical vapor deposition, CVD), physical vapor deposition (physical vapor deposition, PVD), or atomic layer deposition (atomic layer deposition, ALD). The base material may be an electrode, may be an electrode, may be a buffer layer to be described below, may be a chalcogenide layer to be described below, or may be another specific base material. Details are not described herein.
[0096] In some embodiments, the phase-change memory material is prepared on the base material by using a Ti single elemental target material and an SbTe alloy target material. In a sputtering process, different deposition rates may be obtained by controlling power of different target materials, to obtain a phase-change memory material with a corresponding composition distribution ratio.
[0097] In some embodiments, the phase-change memory material may be specifically prepared on the base material by sputtering a single-target material in a sputtering manner (for example, a magnetron sputtering method) in the physical vapor deposition. Specifically, when a doping element D is not included, or a doping element D1 is not N and/or O, sputtering may be performed using a Ti single elemental target material, an Sb single elemental target material, a Te single elemental target material, and a doping element D (when a phase-change material includes the doping element D) single elemental target material, to prepare the phase-change memory material on the base material. When the doping element D1 is N, sputtering may be performed using a titanium nitride alloy target material, an Sb single elemental target material, and a Te single elemental target material, to prepare the phase-change memory material on the base material. When the doping element D1 is O, sputtering may be performed using a titanium oxide alloy target material, an Sb single elemental target material, and a Te single elemental target material, to prepare the phase-change memory material on the base material. In the sputtering process, different deposition rates may be obtained by controlling the power of the different target materials, to obtain the phase-change memory material with the corresponding composition distribution ratio.
[0098] In some embodiments, a Ti.sub.aSb.sub.bTe.sub.cD.sub.d alloy may be prepared (for example, smelted) first. Then, the sputtering is performed using the Ti.sub.aSb.sub.b Te Da alloy, to prepare the phase-change memory material on the base material.
[0099] The following describes a preparation process of the phase-change memory material in specific embodiments.
Embodiment 1
[0100] A phase-change memory material whose element composition is Ti.sub.8Sb.sub.36.8Te.sub.55.2 is prepared. Details are as follows.
[0101] A Ti single elemental target material and an SbTe alloy target material each having an atom percentage purity of not less than 99.99% are placed at different target material locations in a sputtering cavity. A ratio of atoms of Sb to atoms of Te in the SbTe alloy is 2:3. A base material is placed on a sample table in the sputtering cavity. Sputtering power is applied to the Ti single elemental target material and the SbTe alloy target material to generate sputtering glow. Sputtering power applied to the Ti single elemental target material is 10 W, and sputtering power applied to the SbTe alloy target material is 7 W. An argon flow is 35 sccm in a sputtering process. In this way, the phase-change memory material whose element composition is Ti.sub.8Sb.sub.36.8Te.sub.55.2 can be prepared on the base material.
Embodiment 2
[0102] A phase-change memory material whose element composition is Ti.sub.22Sb.sub.31.2Te.sub.46.8 is prepared. Details are as follows.
[0103] A Ti single elemental target material and an SbTe alloy target material each having an atom percentage purity of not less than 99.99% are placed at different target material locations in a sputtering cavity. A ratio of atoms of Sb to atoms of Te in the SbTe alloy is 2:3. A base material is placed on a sample table in the sputtering cavity. Sputtering power is applied to the Ti single elemental target material and the SbTe alloy target material to generate sputtering glow. Sputtering power applied to the Ti single elemental target material is 30 W, and sputtering power applied to the SbTe alloy target material is 7 W. An argon flow is 35 sccm in a sputtering process. In this way, the phase-change memory material whose element composition is Ti.sub.22Sb.sub.31.2Te.sub.46.8 can be prepared on the base material.
Embodiment 3
[0104] A phase-change memory material whose element composition is Ti.sub.28Sb.sub.28.8Te.sub.43.2 is prepared. Details are as follows.
[0105] A Ti single elemental target material and an SbTe alloy target material each having an atom percentage purity of not less than 99.99% are placed at different target material locations in a sputtering cavity. A ratio of atoms of Sb to atoms of Te in the SbTe alloy is 2:3. A base material is placed on a sample table in the sputtering cavity. Sputtering power is applied to the Ti single elemental target material and the SbTe alloy target material to generate sputtering glow. Sputtering power applied to the Ti single elemental target material is 40 W, and sputtering power applied to the SbTe alloy target material is 7 W. An argon flow is 35 sccm in a sputtering process. In this way, the phase-change memory material whose element composition is Ti.sub.22Sb.sub.31.2Te.sub.46.8 can be prepared on the base material.
Embodiment 4
[0106] A phase-change memory material whose element composition is Ti.sub.3Sb.sub.38.8Te.sub.58.2 is prepared. For a specific preparation process, refer to the descriptions in Embodiment 1. Details are not described herein again.
Embodiment 5
[0107] A phase-change memory material whose element composition is Ti.sub.45Sb.sub.18.8Te.sub.36.2 is prepared. For a specific preparation process, refer to the descriptions in Embodiment 1. Details are not described herein again.
Embodiment 6
[0108] A phase-change memory material whose element composition is Ti.sub.40Sb.sub.23.8Te.sub.36.2 is prepared. For a specific preparation process, refer to the descriptions in Embodiment 1. Details are not described herein again.
Embodiment 7
[0109] A phase-change memory material whose element composition is Ti.sub.21Sb.sub.29.6Te.sub.44.4C.sub.5 is prepared. An alloy whose element composition is Ti.sub.21Sb.sub.29.6Te.sub.44.4C.sub.5 is smelted. The Ti.sub.21Sb.sub.29.6Te.sub.44.4C.sub.5 alloy is placed at a target material location in a sputtering cavity. A base material is placed on a sample table in the sputtering cavity. Sputtering power is applied to the Ti.sub.21Sb.sub.29.6Te.sub.44.4C.sub.5 alloy to generate sputtering glow. Therefore, the Ti.sub.21Sb.sub.29.6Te.sub.44.4C.sub.5 alloy is sputtered onto the base material, to prepare the Ti.sub.21Sb.sub.29.6Te.sub.44.4C.sub.5 phase-change memory material.
Embodiment 8
[0110] A phase-change memory material whose element composition is Ti.sub.25.7Sb.sub.27.7Te.sub.41.6C.sub.5 is prepared. An alloy whose element composition is Ti.sub.25.7Sb.sub.27.7Te.sub.41.6C.sub.5 is smelted. The Ti.sub.25.7Sb.sub.27.7Te.sub.41.6C.sub.5 alloy is placed at a target material location in a sputtering cavity. A base material is placed on a sample table in the sputtering cavity. Sputtering power is applied to the Ti.sub.25.7Sb.sub.27.7Te.sub.41.6C.sub.5 alloy to generate sputtering glow. Therefore, the Ti.sub.25.7Sb.sub.27.7Te.sub.41.6C.sub.5 alloy is sputtered onto the base material, to prepare the Ti.sub.25.7Sb.sub.27.7Te.sub.41.6C.sub.5 phase-change memory material.
Embodiment 9
[0111] A phase-change memory material whose element composition is Ti.sub.17Sb.sub.31.2Te.sub.46.8O.sub.5 is prepared. An alloy whose element composition is Ti.sub.17Sb.sub.31.2Te.sub.46.8O.sub.5 is smelted. The Ti.sub.17Sb.sub.31.2Te.sub.46.8O.sub.5 alloy is placed at a target material location in a sputtering cavity. A base material is placed on a sample table in the sputtering cavity. Sputtering power is applied to the Ti.sub.17Sb.sub.31.2Te.sub.46.8O.sub.5 alloy to generate sputtering glow. Therefore, the Ti.sub.17Sb.sub.31.2Te.sub.46.8O.sub.5 alloy is sputtered onto the base material, to prepare the Ti.sub.17Sb.sub.31.2 Te.sub.46.8O.sub.5 phase-change memory material.
Embodiment 10
[0112] A phase-change memory material whose element composition is Ti.sub.14Sb.sub.31.2Te.sub.46.8Si.sub.8 is prepared. An alloy whose element composition is Ti.sub.14Sb.sub.31.2Te.sub.46.8Si.sub.5 is smelted. The Ti.sub.14Sb.sub.31.2Te.sub.46.8Si.sub.5 alloy is placed at a target material location in a sputtering cavity. A base material is placed on a sample table in the sputtering cavity. Sputtering power is applied to the Ti.sub.14Sb.sub.31.2Te.sub.46.8Si.sub.5 alloy to generate sputtering glow. Therefore, the Ti.sub.14Sb.sub.31.2Te.sub.46.8Si.sub.5 alloy is sputtered onto the base material, to prepare the Ti.sub.14Sb.sub.31.2Te.sub.46.8Si.sub.5 phase-change memory material.
[0113] The foregoing examples describe the preparation solutions of the phase-change memory material provided in embodiments of this application. The following describes data related to a fatigue life and thermal stability of a phase-change memory material provided in embodiments of this application.
[0114] The phase-change memory material prepared in Embodiment 1 and the phase-change memory material prepared in Embodiment 2 are separately observed using a transmission electron microscope, and results are respectively shown in
[0115] Resistances of the phase-change material prepared in Embodiment 1 are measured at different temperatures. Results are shown by a curve 601a and a curve 601b in
[0116] Resistances of the phase-change material prepared in Embodiment 2 are measured at different temperatures. Results are shown by a curve 602a and a curve 602b in
[0117] Resistances of the phase-change material prepared in Embodiment 3 are measured at different temperatures. Results are shown by a curve 603a and a curve 603b in
[0118] The temperature fall curve indicates a change of the resistance in a temperature falling process. The temperature rise curve indicates a change of the resistance in a temperature rising process. As shown in
[0119] In addition, it can be seen from
[0120] It can be learned from
[0121] The foregoing describes element compositions, preparation methods, and performance of the phase-change memory material provided in embodiments of this application. The following describes a phase-change memory chip formed by the phase-change memory material provided in embodiments of this application.
[0122] The phase-change memory chip provided in this embodiment of this application may include a phase-change memory cell memory array and a peripheral circuit. For details, refer to the foregoing descriptions of the embodiment shown in
[0123] The phase-change memory cell array may include a plurality of phase-change memory cells. In some embodiments, a structure of the phase-change memory cell may be implemented with reference to the structure shown in
[0124] In Embodiment a, the phase-change memory cell 110 may further include a buffer layer 114. The buffer layer 114 is in contact with the phase-change layer 113, and is also located between an electrode 111 and an electrode 112. In an illustrative example, a material of the buffer layer 114 may be a non-metal such as carbon (C). In an illustrative example, a material of the buffer layer 114 may be a non-metal such as carbon (C). In an illustrative example, a material of the buffer layer 114 may be a metal such as W, Ta, or Ti. In an illustrative example, a material of the buffer layer 114 may be a metallic nitride such as TiN or TaN. In an illustrative example, a material of the buffer layer 114 may be a telluride of a metal such as Zr, Cr, Al, Sc, Y, Ta, Hf, Er, In, Ge, Bi, Ti, Ga, or Sn.
[0125] The buffer layer 114 in contact with the phase-change layer 113 is introduced into the phase-change memory cell 110, so that performance of the phase-change layer 113 can be further improved. Specifically, when the material of the buffer layer 114 is the non-metal such as carbon (C), the buffer layer 114 can improve a heat insulation effect of the phase-change layer 113, reduce operation power consumption of the phase-change memory cell, avoid element diffusion in the phase-change layer 113, and improve an adhesion effect between the phase-change layer and the electrode. When the material of the buffer layer 114 is the telluride of the metal such as Zr, Cr, Al, Sc, Y, Ta, Hf, Er, In, Ge, Bi, Ti, Ga, or Sn, the buffer layer 114 may be used as a crystallization template of the phase-change memory material, so that a speed of conversion of the phase-change memory material from an amorphous state to a crystalline state can be accelerated. Therefore, an operation delay of the phase-change memory operation cell 110 can be reduced, heating efficiency of the phase-change memory cell 110 can be improved, and operation power consumption of the phase-change memory cell 110 can be reduced. When the material of the buffer layer 114 is the metal such as W or Ta, the buffer layer 114 can avoid element diffusion in the phase-change memory material, and can also improve an adhesion effect between the phase-change layer and the electrode. When the material of the buffer layer 114 is the metallic nitride, the buffer layer 114 can improve the adhesion effect between the phase-change layer and the electrode, improve heating efficiency of the phase-change memory material, reduce resistance drift, repair a void at an interface of the phase-change memory material, improve the adhesion effect between the phase-change layer and the electrode, and so on.
[0126] The foregoing describes the material and a function of the buffer layer 114. The following uses an example to describe a location relationship between the buffer layer 114 and the phase-change layer 113.
[0127] In an illustrative example of Embodiment a, with reference to
[0128] In another illustrative example of Embodiment a, with reference to
[0129] In another illustrative example of Embodiment a, with reference to
[0130] In another illustrative example of Embodiment a, with reference to
[0131] In another illustrative example of Embodiment a, with reference to
[0132] The foregoing uses the structures shown in
[0133] In Embodiment b, the phase-change memory cell 110 may further include at least one chalcogenide layer 115 and at least one phase-change layer 113. The at least one phase-change layer 113 and the at least one chalcogenide layer 115 are stacked alternately, and are both located between the electrode 111 and the electrode 112.
[0134] In an illustrative example of Embodiment b, a material of the chalcogenide layer 115 may be a metal sulfide, for example, GeS.sub.x.
[0135] In another illustrative example of Embodiment b, a material of the chalcogenide layer 115 may be a metal Te compound, for example, TiTe.sub.2, Hf.sub.xTe.sub.y or Zr.sub.xTe.sub.y.
[0136] In another illustrative example of Embodiment b, a material of the chalcogenide layer 115 may alternatively be a phase-change memory material, for example, one or a combination of at least two of Sb.sub.xTe.sub.y, Ge.sub.xSb.sub.yTe.sub.z, Ge.sub.xTe.sub.y, Bi.sub.xTe.sub.y, and Inx Te.sub.y. In the foregoing chemical formulas, subscripts x, y, and z respectively represent proportions of corresponding atoms.
[0137] The phase-change layer 113 and the chalcogenide layer 115 are stacked alternately. It is not difficult to understand that there is an interface between one phase-change layer 113 and one adjacent chalcogenide layer 115. In this way, alternate stacking of the phase-change layer 113 and the chalcogenide layer 115 can introduce more interfaces for the phase-change memory material, and the interface can reduce thermal conduction. Therefore, the operation power consumption of the phase-change memory cell 110 is reduced, and a fatigue life of the phase-change memory cell 110 is improved. In addition, a chalcogenide has good thermal insulation performance. This can reduce the operation power consumption of the phase-change memory cell 110 and improve the fatigue life of the phase-change memory cell 110. In addition, when the material of the chalcogenide layer 115 is TiTe.sub.2 or the like, a lattice coefficient of the chalcogenide layer 115 is less than a lattice coefficient of the phase-change memory material provided in embodiments of this application, so that the element diffusion in the phase-change layer 113 can be avoided, and a fatigue life of the phase-change layer 113 is improved, in other words, the fatigue life of the phase-change memory cell 110 is improved.
[0138] In another illustrative example of Embodiment b, with reference to
[0139] In another illustrative example of Embodiment b, with reference to
[0140] In another illustrative example of Embodiment b, with reference to
[0141] In another illustrative example of Embodiment b, with reference to
[0142] The foregoing uses the structures shown in
[0143] Refer to
[0144] In some embodiments, the phase-change memory chip 910 may be implemented with reference to the foregoing descriptions of the embodiment shown in
[0145] Refer to
[0146] In some embodiments, the storage device 900 may be used as a memory (memory) of the electronic device 1000. In some embodiments, the storage device 900 may be used as an external memory of the electronic device 1000. In some embodiments, the processor 1010 may be a neural-network processing unit (neural-network processing unit, NPU). In some embodiments, the storage device 900 may alternatively be another form of apparatus that has a data storage capability and that is in the electronic device 1000. An implementation of the storage device 900 is not specifically limited in this application.
[0147] In some embodiments, the processor 1010 may be a central processing unit (central processing unit, CPU). In some embodiments, the processor 1010 may be a graphics processing unit (graphics processing unit, GPU). In some embodiments, the processor 1010 may be an application-specific integrated circuit (application-specific integrated circuit, ASIC). In some embodiments, the processor 1010 may be a neural-network processing unit (neural-network processing unit, NPU). In some embodiments, the processor 1010 may alternatively be another form of apparatus that has a data processing capability and that is in the electronic device 100. An implementation of the processor 1010 is not specifically limited in this application.
[0148] In some embodiments, the electronic device 1000 may be a server, a mobile terminal (for example, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or a notebook computer), a vehicle-mounted terminal, or the like. An implementation of an electronic device in which the processor 1010 and the storage device 900 are located is not specifically limited in this embodiment of this application.
[0149] It may be understood that the foregoing embodiments are merely intended for describing the technical solutions of this application, but not for limiting this application. Although this application is described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, a person of ordinary skill in the art should understand that modifications to the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing embodiments or equivalent replacements to some technical features thereof may still be made; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions depart from the scope of the technical solutions in embodiments of this application.
[0150] The foregoing descriptions are merely specific implementations of this application, but are not intended to limit the scope of the protection of this application. Any variation or replacement readily figured out by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention shall fall within the scope of the protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of the protection of this application shall be subject to the scope of the protection of the claims.