27-04-2011, 11:35 AM
programmable metallization cell, or PMC, is a new form of non-volatile computer memory being developed at Arizona State University.
PMC is based on the physical re-location of ions within a solid electrolyte. A PMC memory cell is made of two solid metal electrodes, one relatively inert (e.g., tungsten) the other electrochemically active (e.g., silver or copper), with a thin film of the electrolyte between them. A control transistor can also be included in each cell.
When a negative bias is applied to the inert electrode, metal ions in the electrolyte, as well as some originating from the now-positive active electrode, flow in the electrolyte and are reduced (converted to atoms) by electrons from the inert electrode. After a short period of time the ions flowing into the filament form a small metallic "nanowire" between the two electrodes. The "nanowire" dramatically reduces the resistance along that path, which can be measured to indicate that the "writing" process is complete.
PMC developed to replace the widely used flash memory, providing a combination of longer lifetimes, lower power, and better memory density
PMC is based on the physical re-location of ions within a solid electrolyte. A PMC memory cell is made of two solid metal electrodes, one relatively inert (e.g., tungsten) the other electrochemically active (e.g., silver or copper), with a thin film of the electrolyte between them. A control transistor can also be included in each cell.
When a negative bias is applied to the inert electrode, metal ions in the electrolyte, as well as some originating from the now-positive active electrode, flow in the electrolyte and are reduced (converted to atoms) by electrons from the inert electrode. After a short period of time the ions flowing into the filament form a small metallic "nanowire" between the two electrodes. The "nanowire" dramatically reduces the resistance along that path, which can be measured to indicate that the "writing" process is complete.
PMC developed to replace the widely used flash memory, providing a combination of longer lifetimes, lower power, and better memory density