Fujitsu unveils fast, power-efficient ReRAM

Fujitsu unveiled a new type of resistive RAM (ReRAM) non-volatile memory which combines low power consumption with limited fluctuation of resistance value.

By changing the structure of the ReRAM by adding titanium (Ti) to nickel oxide (NiO), and by limiting the current flow from the transistor, Fujitsu Labs has successfully reduced the current needed to erase memory to 100 micro-amperes or less. Furthermore, even in high-speed erasure operations requiring only 5 nanoseconds, fluctuation of resistance value which affects the device's quality has been reduced to one-tenth (1/10th) that of conventional ReRAMs. Fujitsu Labs views the new ReRAM as an alternative to flash memory that combines high speed and low power consumption, in a low-cost embedded memory.

As with flash memory microcontrollers, current system LSIs feature embedded non-volatile memory- such as flash memory - rather than read-only memory (ROM). These system LSIs which enable software to be updated after manufacture are becoming the mainstream. However, it is anticipated that miniaturization of flash memory will reach its limits in the near future, and a number of memory technologies are under development as alternatives to flash memory.

ReRAM is a type of memory that uses material for which the resistance value changes when voltage is applied. ReRAM is amenable to miniaturization and can be manufactured inexpensively, making it attractive as an alternative to flash memory.

Conventionally, ReRAM devices have been formed from nickel oxide (NiO) films. In Fujitsu Labs' new ReRAM, a NiO film doped with titanium (Ti:NiO) was developed, and its performance was evaluated in combination with a transistor.

As a result, voltage can be increased for memory erasures, and operations require only 5ns, approximately 10,000 times faster than in the past. At the same time, fluctuations in resistance value have been reduced to one-tenth (1/10th). Furthermore, by optimizing the voltage applied to the transistor, current required for an erase operation is reduced to 100 micro-amperes or less.

By utilizing this new material, Fujitsu Labs created a prototype ReRAM device that features low fluctuation of resistance value, even during high-speed operation. As an alternative to flash memory, if further minute non-volatile memory can be realized using ReRAM, there is potential for higher performance of mobile devices.

Fujitsu Labs plans to conduct further R&D related to ReRAM, such as development of miniaturization process technologies for ReRAM devices, and design of read and write circuits.