Evaluation of Ferroelectric Materials for Memory Applications

Abstract

Ferroelectric materials have wide application in area such as piezoelectric transducers, pyroelectric detectors, and electro-optics, and now thin-film ferroelectric materials are being integrated with conventional semiconductor processes to produce memory devices. Memories based on this technology potentially offer nonvolatile data storage and extended read-write endurance in comparison with EEPROMs, without speed or power penalties. These memories are also radiation hard. Considerable interest in ferroelectric memory exists in the Department of Defense (DOD) because of these characteristics. However, several problems remain unsolved and no memory devices have been produced as yet. The physical mechanisms (as they are understood) are discussed, the claims made for the technology are examined, and the potential roadblocks, such as: cycle dependent fatigue, time dependent degradation of memory retention, and fabrication problems are evaluated.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1990
Accession Number
ADA232112

Entities

People

  • Carl E. Josefson

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Chemistry
  • Crystal Structure
  • Crystals
  • Data Storage Systems
  • Dielectric Permittivity
  • Dielectrics
  • Electromagnetic Fields
  • Fabrication
  • Failure Mode And Effect Analysis
  • Material Degradation Processes
  • Materials
  • Materials Processing
  • Memory Devices
  • Piezoceramics
  • Piezoelectric Crystals
  • Semiconductor Manufacturing
  • Test And Evaluation

Readers

  • Integrated Circuit Design and Technology.
  • Materials Science and Engineering.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics