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

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Emerging Memory Technologies

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Maksym Yarema

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:43

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 workshops, 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 (VCM), ion diffusion (ECM), magnetic properties (STT-MRAM, MTJ), and ferroelectricity (FeRAM, 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 memory technologies.

Content

The course is organized as a series of lectures, focusing on selected memory technologies. This class also includes workshops to compare different memory technologies. Students will spend 2 hours per week in the class 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

Materialwissenschaft Master
- Wahlfächer (Den Studierenden steht das gesamte Lehrangebot der ETH Zürich auf Master-Stufe zur Auswahl offen. Bitte wenden Sie sich bei Unklarheiten ans Studiensekretariat.)
Biomedical Engineering Master
- Vertiefungsfächer
  - Bioelectronics
    - Wahlfächer der Vertiefung (Diese Fächer sind für die Vertiefung in Bioelectronics besonders empfohlen. Bei abweichender Fächerwahl konsultieren Sie bitte den Track Adviser.)
Mikro- und Nanosysteme Master
- Kernfächer
  - Wählbare Kernfächer
Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnologie Master
- 01 - Fächer der Vertiefungen
  - Vertiefung: 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.)
    - Vertiefungsfächer (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. Semester / Research Projects are not allowed in this category. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialisation courses during the Master's Programme.)
Physik Master
- Wahlfächer
  - Allgemeine Wahlfächer (Den Studierenden steht das gesamte Lehrangebot der ETH Zürich zur individuellen Auswahl offen - mit folgenden Einschränkungen: Lehrveranstaltungen aus den ersten beiden Studienjahren eines Bachelor-Curriculums der ETH Zürich sowie Lehrveranstaltungen aus GESS "Wissenschaft im Kontext" sind nicht als allgemeines Wahlfach anrechenbar. Die Dozierenden folgender Lehrveranstaltungen empfehlen sie ausdrücklich den Studierenden der Physik. (Für die Lehrveranstaltungen in dieser Liste können Sie die Kategorie "Allgemeine Wahlfächer" direkt in myStudies zuordnen. Für die Kategoriezuordnung anderer zugelassener Lehrveranstaltungen lassen Sie bei der Prüfungsanmeldung "keine Kategorie" ausgewählt und wenden Sie sich nach dem Verfügen des Prüfungsresultates an das Studiensekretariat ( ).))