US Patent 7787278 Resistance variable memory device and operating method thereof

Provided is a resistance variable memory device and a method for operating same. The resistance variable memory device has a phase change material between a top electrode and a bottom electrode. In the method for operating a resistance variable memory, the write current is applied in a direction from the top electrode to the bottom electrode, and the read current is applied in a direction from the bottom electrode to the top electrode. The phase change material is programmed by applying the write current, and a resistance drift of the phase change material is restrained by applying the read current.