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227-0621-00L 3 Credits MSC D-MATL , D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-ITET , D-HEST

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Emerging Memory Technologies

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Maksym Yarema

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:30:14

Abstract

This course focuses on the current state and prospects of memory technologies, emerging beyond the silicon transistor era. We explore resistive PCM and RRAM, magnetic MRAM and ferroelectric FRAM memories, covering physics, device aspects and the latest research in the field. Through interactive lectures and laboratory sessions, students gain up-to-date knowledge and compare emerging memory techs.

Objective

In this course, students will learn about the leading contenders for post-silicon storage-class and main memory technologies. Decades of research have yielded several efficient memory device working principles, including phase-change of the structure (PCM), materials conversion (OxRAM), ion diffusion (CBRAM), magnetic properties (STT-MRAM, MTJ), and ferroelectricity (FRAM, FeFET). Currently, these memory technologies are transitioning from research to industry, and are predicted to have at least niche applications in the ever-growing hardware market. Some technologies, such as PCM, may even eventually surpass silicon-based flash memory, providing better performance and unique features. Students will have the opportunity to compare emerging memory technologies with state-of-the-art SSD Flash, DRAM, and SRAM, as well as evaluate their potential. Through critical thinking discussions, students will acquire important skills for assessing the strengths and limitations of these emerging technologies.

Content

The course is organized as a series of lectures, focusing on selected memory technologies. This class also includes practical laboratory sessions for the PCM research topics. Students will spend 2 hours per week in the class or laboratory and additional 2-3 hours per week to prepare for the exam.

Resources

Literature

Lecture notes will be made available on the website.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

The course grade will be determined by a final exam, which will cover topics discussed in class as well as in the suggested literature. The exam questions will be reviewed in class. The attendance is thus highly recommended.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Emerging Memory Technologies	Mon 16:15-17:00 (ETZ E 9)	1 h weekly
exercise	Emerging Memory Technologies	Mon 17:15-18:00 (ETZ E 9)	1 h weekly

Offered In

Materials Science Master
- Elective Courses (The students are free to choose individually from the entire course offer of ETH Zürich on the Master level. Please consult the study administration in case of questions.)
Biomedical Engineering Master
- Track Courses
  - Bioelectronics
    - Recommended Elective Courses (These courses are particularly recommended for the Bioelectronics track. Please consult your track advisor if you wish to select other subjects.)
Micro- and Nanosystems Master
- Core Courses
  - Elective Core Courses
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Master
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2018)
  - Track: Electronics and Photonics (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Electronics and Photonics", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Specialisation Courses (These specialisation courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Electronics and Photonics", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialisation courses during the Master's Programme.)
Physics Master
- Electives
  - General Electives (Students may choose General Electives from the entire course programme of ETH Zurich - with the following restrictions: courses that belong to the first or second year of a Bachelor curriculum at ETH Zurich as well as courses from GESS "Science in Perspective" are not eligible here. The following courses are explicitly recommended to physics students by their lecturers. (Courses in this list may be assigned to the category "General Electives" directly in myStudies. For the category assignment of other eligible courses keep the choice "no category" and take contact with the Study Administration ( ) after having received the credits.))