Resistive memory structure for single or multi-bit data storage

A circuit for use in performing read, write, and/or erase operations of a resistive memory element, comprising:

• an electrical node configured for electrical connection to the resistive memory element;
• a resistor electrically connected to the electrical node;
• and
• an interpretation circuit electrically connected to the electrical node and configured to interpret the voltage at the electrical node, wherein the interpretation circuit comprises
• one or more active devices each configured to generate a threshold voltage derived from a voltage at the electrical node that is less than the voltage at the electrical node, and
• one or more comparators each configured to compare a reference voltage with the voltage threshold generated by a corresponding active device that is less than the voltage at the electrical node,
• wherein the interpretation circuit is configured to determine a resistive state of the resistive memory element based on the comparison(s) of the reference voltage with the threshold voltage(s) that are less than the voltage at the electrical node.

A method of performing a read or write operation on a resistive memory element serially connected to a resistor to form a voltage divider and electrical node therebetween, comprising:

• applying at least one selection voltage to the resistive memory element;
• interpreting, by an interpretation circuit, a voltage at the electrical node between the resistive memory element and the resistor, the interpreting step comprising comparing, by each of one or more comparators, a reference voltage with a threshold voltage derived from the voltage at the electrical node and generated by an active device corresponding to that comparator, wherein each generated threshold voltage is less than the voltage at the electrical node;
• and
• determining a resistive state of the resistive memory element based on the comparison(s) of the reference voltage with the threshold voltage(s) that are less than the voltage at the electrical node.