INDUSTRY COMPONENT

Memory Cell

A memory cell is the fundamental storage unit in semiconductor memory arrays, capable of storing one bit of binary data.

Component Specifications

Definition
A memory cell is the smallest addressable unit in a memory array, typically consisting of a transistor-capacitor pair (DRAM) or multiple transistors (SRAM, Flash) that stores electrical charge or state to represent binary data (0 or 1). It is characterized by its ability to be written to, read from, and retain data, with performance metrics including access time, retention period, and endurance cycles.
Working Principle
Operates by storing electrical charge in a capacitor (DRAM) or maintaining voltage levels through cross-coupled transistors (SRAM). Data is written by applying voltage to set the charge/state, read by sensing the resulting current or voltage, and retained through periodic refresh (DRAM) or stable biasing (SRAM). Non-volatile variants (e.g., Flash) use floating-gate transistors to trap charge for long-term storage.
Materials
Silicon substrate, polysilicon gates, silicon dioxide or high-k dielectric insulators, tungsten or copper interconnects, doped semiconductor regions (n-type/p-type). Advanced nodes may use materials like hafnium-based dielectrics or 3D NAND charge-trap layers.
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Cell Size6-10 F² (DRAM), 50-100 F² (SRAM), ~4 F² (3D NAND)
EnduranceUnlimited (SRAM/DRAM), 10^3-10^5 cycles (Flash)
Access Time0.5-10 ns (SRAM), 10-50 ns (DRAM), 25-100 μs (Flash read)
Retention TimeMilliseconds to seconds (DRAM), years (Flash)
Leakage CurrentpA to nA range
Storage Capacity1 bit per cell (SLC), 2 bits (MLC), 3 bits (TLC), 4 bits (QLC)
Operating Voltage1.0-3.3 V

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Standards
ISO/IEC 7816, JEDEC JESD21-C, IEC 60749

Parent Products

This component is used in the following industrial products

Engineering Analysis

Risks & Mitigation
  • Data retention failure
  • Charge leakage
  • Write endurance exhaustion
  • Soft errors from radiation
  • Process variation defects
FMEA Triads
Trigger: Dielectric breakdown or charge leakage
Failure: Data corruption or loss
Mitigation: Use robust materials, implement error-correcting codes (ECC), and design with redundancy.
Trigger: Electromigration in interconnects
Failure: Increased resistance or open circuit
Mitigation: Optimize layout, use barrier layers, and control current density.
Trigger: Process variations during fabrication
Failure: Performance inconsistency or yield loss
Mitigation: Statistical process control, design for manufacturability (DFM), and post-fabrication testing.

Industrial Ecosystem

Compatible With

Typical Suppliers & Equivalents

Compliance & Inspection

Tolerance
±5% for electrical parameters (e.g., voltage, timing), within specified leakage and retention limits per JEDEC standards.
Test Method
Automated test equipment (ATE) for functional and parametric testing, including write/read cycles, retention tests, and accelerated life testing (ALT) per JESD22-A108.

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation
Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.
Manufacturing capability
Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.
Inspection readiness
Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.
Supplier transparency
Check the legal entity, factory address, ownership, certifications, and direct contacts.

CNFX does not score or rank suppliers. Buyers must verify all claims and documents with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Manufacturers of Memory Cell

Manufacturer profiles associated with Memory Cell.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between DRAM and SRAM memory cells?

DRAM cells use one transistor and one capacitor, requiring periodic refresh, offering high density but slower access. SRAM cells use six transistors, are faster and do not need refresh, but are larger and more power-hungry.

How does a Flash memory cell store data without power?

Flash cells use a floating-gate transistor that traps electrical charge in an insulated gate, retaining the charge for years without power, making it non-volatile.

What factors affect memory cell reliability?

Key factors include material degradation, charge leakage, write/erase endurance, thermal effects, and radiation-induced soft errors, mitigated through design, testing, and error correction.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records. See the editorial policy.

Preliminary Technical Classification
This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.

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