A data storage device is disclosed that comprises a cross-point memory
array formed on a dielectric substrate material. The cross-point memory
array comprises first and second sets of transverse electrodes separated
by a storage layer including at least one semiconductor layer. The storage
layer forms a non-volatile memory element at each crossing point of
electrodes from the first and second sets. Each memory element can be
switched between low and high impedance states, representing respective
binary data states, by application of a write signal in the form of a
predetermined current density through the memory element. Each memory
element includes a diode junction formed in the storage layer, at least
whilst in the low impedance state. A plurality of the data storage devices
can be stacked and laminated into a memory module providing inexpensive
high capacity data storage. Such a memory module can be employed in an
archival data storage system in which the memory module provides a
write-once data storage unit receivable in an appliance or interface card.