Current pulse generator: A circuit for programming RRAM in current mode

2026-02-27

AI Summary

This work addresses the poor programming switching uniformity that limits resistive random-access memory (RRAM) in storage applications. To overcome this challenge, the authors propose a current-mode programming scheme based on a current-mirror topology, wherein an external voltage pulse is precisely converted by a current pulse generator into a programming current that matches a stable DC reference current. This current directly drives the RRAM cell, enabling high-precision programming. The proposed circuit supports programming currents up to 400 μA while achieving a remarkably low current mismatch of only 1% under these conditions. Consequently, the approach significantly enhances the programming accuracy, uniformity, and reliability of RRAM devices.

Technology Category

• Machine Learning: Hardware-aware ML
• Reasoning under Uncertainty: Probabilistic Programming
• Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Neural Spike Coding

Application Category

• Search and Retrieval-Augmented AI: Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and multi-modal RAG
• User Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: On-Device user modeling, personalization, and recommendation
• Responsible Web: Data and user privacy-enhancing technologies for the Web

Abstract

Switching uniformity, as a major challenge, hinders the practical implementation of \ac{RRAM} in memory application. Operating \ac{RRAM} in current mode, is proposed as an efficient method to improve programming schemes accuracy within the finite readout window. In this article, we demonstrate a current generator circuit to perform current programming on \ac{RRAM}. Current mirror topology is used in our circuit to convert an external pulse voltage into a pulse current fed to \ac{RRAM} directly with an amplitude equivalent with the DC reference current. The targeting ranges of \ac{RRAM}'s programming current are up to 400\,\textmu A and, in that case, our proposed circuit achieved minimum current mismatch of 1\%.

Problem

• RRAM
• switching uniformity
• current mode programming
• programming accuracy
• memory application

Innovation

• current pulse generator
• RRAM programming
• current mode operation
• current mirror
• switching uniformity