The object of the invention is to avoid an unselected data line being
driven in a memory array composed of memory cells each of which uses a
storage element depending upon variable resistance and a selection
transistor when the selection transistors in all memory cells on a
selected word line conduct. To achieve the object, a source line parallel
to a data line is provided, a precharge circuit for equipotentially
driving both and a circuit for selectively driving the source line are
arranged. Owing to this configuration, a current path is created in only
a cell selected by a row decoder and a column decoder and a read-out
signal can be generated. Therefore, a lower-power, lower-noise and more
highly integrated nonvolatile memory such as a phase change memory can be
realized, compared with a conventional type.