An Analytical Compact PCM Model Accounting for Partial Crystallization

This paper presents a simple yet predictive compact model for phase change memory (PCM). We successfully implement the model in a circuit simulator using Verilog-A. Due to the physical nature of the model, it can be used to predict the temperature and crystalline fraction in the cell, simply via SPICE simulation. This paper also demonstrates the use of the model in static resistance calculation, i.e. the set and reset statuses in R-I characteristics. More importantly, the crystal status transitions such as partial crystalline and amorphous statuses, resulting in uncertain resistance, are accounted for. The model can facilitate the PCM technology development not only in the device level, but also in the circuit level.