SneakPath compensation circuit for programming and read operations in RRAM-based CrossPoint architectures

Abstract

Passive crossbar memories based on resistive switching bit-cells are today seen as the most promising candidates for flash memories replacement. However, inherent sneak currents through unselected devices lead to low operating margins and over-consumption during read and programming operations. Crossbar memory simulations with bit-cells based on two terminal nonlinear selectors, also show degraded performances due to sneak path currents, leading to nonfunctional memories. Thus, peripheral circuits have to be designed in order to mitigate the sneak currents that impact memory operations. In this paper, we propose a dynamic sneak current compensation circuit for SET and read operations, enabling multi-level cell programming. This circuit is simulated using CMOS 130nm Bulk core process with OxRAM and tunnel barrier-based selector bit-cell.