A system of writing data to a phase change random access memory (PCRAM) on an integrated circuit (IC), and a design structure including the IC embodied in a machine readable medium are disclosed. The system includes an array of phase change elements with a plurality of devices providing independent control of a row access and a column access to the PCRAM. A column line (bit line) is pre-charged to a single predetermined level prior to enabling current flow to a corresponding selected phase change element. A current flow in the phase change element with a row (word line) is initiated once the column (bit line) has been pre-charged, to write data to the PCRAM cell. The current flow is terminated in the phase change element by closing the column line (bit line) preferably by quenching.