Abstract
PRAM (Phase change random access memory) is one of the most promising candidates for next generation non-volatile memories. However, the high reset current is one major obstacle to develop a high density PRAM. One way of the reset current reduction is to change the heater electrode material. In this paper, to reduce the reset current for phase transition, we have investigated the effect of heater electrode material parameters using finite element analysis. From the simulation. the reset current of PRAM cell is reduced from 2.0 mA to 0.72 mA as the electrical conductivity of heater is decreased from $1.0{\times}10^6\;(1/{\Omega}{\cdot}m$) to $1.0{\times}10^4\;(1/{\Omega}{\cdot}m$). As the thermal conductivity of heater is decreased, the reset current is slightly reduced. But the reset current of PRAM cell is not changed as the specific heat of heater is changed.
