Phase change memory with finite annular conductive path

摘要

A phase change memory device and a method for programming the same. The method includes determining a maximum possible resistance for the memory cells in the phase change memory device. The method includes determining a high resistance state for the memory cells in the phase change memory device. The method includes receiving a request to program a target memory cell in the phase change memory device to the high resistance state. The method also includes resetting the target memory cell in the phase change memory device to the high resistance state such that the high resistance state of the target memory cell is of less resistance than the maximum possible resistance. In one embodiment of the invention, the high resistance state for the memory cells in the phase change memory device is at least 10% less than the maximum possible resistance.