OUM nonvolatile semiconductor memory technology overview

OUM (TM) (Ovonic Unified Memory), also called PCRAM (phase-change RAM) or CRAM (chalcogenide RAM), is a nonvolatile semiconductor memory technology being developed by Ovonyx, Inc. in a number of industrial joint development programs. OUM technology is based on an electrically initiated reversible amorphous to crystalline phase change process in multi-component chalcogenide alloy materials similar to those used in rewriteable optical disks. Fundamental processes in phase-change memory devices, manufacturing technology, and progress towards commercialization of the technology will be reviewed.