Abstract:
Techniques are disclosed for forming non-planar resistive memory cells, such as non-planar resistive random-access memory (ReRAM or RRAM) cells. The techniques can be used to reduce forming voltage requirements and/or resistances involved (such as the resistance during the low-resistance state) relative to planar resistive memory cells for a given memory cell space. The non-planar resistive memory cell includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a switching layer disposed between the first and second electrodes. The second electrode may be substantially between opposing portions of the switching layer, and the first electrode may be substantially adjacent to at least two sides of the switching layer, after the non-planar resistive memory cell is formed. In some cases, an oxygen exchange layer (OEL) may be disposed between the switching layer and one of the first and second electrodes to, for example, increase flexibility in incorporating materials in the cell.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for controlling access to DMA control registers, specifically operating according to a Distributed Direct Memory Access (DDMA) protocol. When an access to a peripheral device (50a-c) ends in a Master Abort due to the failure of the peripheral device (50a-c) to respond to the DDMA Master component (43a) during a DDMA transaction, a System Management Interrupt (SMI#) is generated to the central processing unit (31). In the resulting execution of the System Management Mode code by the CPU (31), the cause of the peripheral component (50a-c) not responding (e.g., that the peripheral (50a-c) is in a low power mode, the connection between the DDMA Master (43a) and the peripheral (50a-c) is interrupted, etc.) is determined. The CPU (31), executing SMM code, takes steps to correct the problem. For example, if the peripheral (50a-c) is powered down, the CPU (31) will power it up so the DDMA transaction can subsequently occur.