Patents Assigned to Avalanche Technology
  • Publication number: 20120182795
    Abstract: A magnetic memory system includes a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) including a plurality of magnetic memory banks and operative to store data during a write operation initiated by a write command. The magnetic memory system further includes a first-in-first-out (FIFO) interface device coupled to the MRAM and including a plurality of FIFOs Each of the magnetic memory banks is coupled to a respective one of the plurality of FIFOs, the FIFO being operative to queue write commands on a per magnetic memory bank basis and further operative to issue the queued write commands at a time when the MRAM is not in use, wherein concurrent write operations are performed to at least two of the plurality of magnetic memory banks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: AVALANCHE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Petro Estakhri, Ebrahim Abedifard, Frederick Jaffin, Siamack Nemazie
  • Publication number: 20120170361
    Abstract: A flash-RAM memory includes non-volatile random access memory (RAM) formed on a monolithic die and non-volatile page-mode memory formed on top of the non-volatile RAM, the non-volatile page-mode memory and the non-volatile RAM reside on the monolithic die. The non-volatile RAM is formed of stacks of magnetic memory cells arranged in three-dimensional form for higher density and lower costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: AVALANCHE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Rajiv Yadav Ranjan, Parviz Keshtbod, Mahmud ASSAR
  • Publication number: 20120148735
    Abstract: A spin toque transfer magnetic random access memory (STTMRAM) element and a method of manufacturing the same is disclosed having a free sub-layer structure with enhanced internal stiffness. A first free sub-layer is deposited, the first free sub-layer being made partially of boron (B), annealing is performed of the STTMRAM element at a first temperature after depositing the first free sub-layer to reduce the B content at an interface between the first free sub-layer and the barrier layer, the annealing causing a second free sub-layer to be formed on top of the first free sub-layer and being made partially of B, the amount of B of the second free sub-layer being greater than the amount of B in the first free sub-layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: AVALANCHE TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: Yuchen Zhou
  • Publication number: 20120146167
    Abstract: A spin-torque transfer magnetic random access memory (STTMRAM) element employed to store a state based on the magnetic orientation of a free layer, the STTMRAM element is made of a first perpendicular free layer (PFL) including a first perpendicular enhancement layer (PEL). The first PFL is formed on top of a seed layer. The STTMRAM element further includes a barrier layer formed on top of the first PFL and a second perpendicular reference layer (PRL) that has a second PEL, the second PRL is formed on top of the barrier layer. The STTMRAM element further includes a capping layer that is formed on top of the second PRL.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: Avalanche Technology
    Inventors: Yiming Huai, Yuchen Zhou, Jing Zhang, Roger Klas Malmhall, Ioan Tudosa, Rajiv Yadav Ranjan
  • Patent number: 8183652
    Abstract: A non-volatile current-switching magnetic memory element includes a bottom electrode, a pinning layer formed on top of the bottom electrode, and a fixed layer formed on top of the pinning layer. The memory element further includes a tunnel layer formed on top of the pinning layer, a first free layer formed on top of the tunnel layer, a granular film layer formed on top of the first free layer, a second free layer formed on top of the granular film layer, a cap layer formed on top of the second free layer, and a top electrode formed on top of the cap layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Avalanche Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajiv Yadav Ranjan, Parviz Keshtbod
  • Publication number: 20120107964
    Abstract: A method of flash-RAM memory includes non-volatile random access memory (RAM) formed on a monolithic die and non-volatile page-mode memory formed on top of the non-volatile RAM, the non-volatile page-mode memory and the non-volatile RAM reside on the monolithic die. The non-volatile RAM is formed of stacks of magnetic memory cells arranged in three-dimensional form for higher density and lower costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: Avalanche Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajiv Yadav RANJAN, Parviz KESHTBOD, Mahmud ASSAR
  • Patent number: 8169821
    Abstract: A spin-torque transfer memory random access memory (STTMRAM) element is disclosed and has a fixed layer, a barrier layer formed upon the fixed layer, and a free layer comprised of a low-crystallization temperature alloy of CoFeB—Z where Z is below 25 atomic percent of one or more of titanium, (Ti), yittrium (Y), zirconium (Zr), and vanadium (V), wherein during a write operation, a bidirectional electric current is applied across the STTMRAM element to switch the magnetization of the free layer between parallel and anti-parallel states relative to the magnetization of the fixed layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Avalanche Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajiv Yadav Ranjan, Roger Klas Malmhall
  • Patent number: 8164947
    Abstract: A multi-state low-current-switching magnetic memory element (magnetic memory element) comprising a free layer, two stacks, and a magnetic tunneling junction is disclosed. The stacks and magnetic tunneling junction are disposed upon surfaces of the free layer, with the magnetic tunneling junction located between the stacks. The stacks pin magnetic domains within the free layer, creating a free layer domain wall. A current passed from stack to stack pushes the domain wall, repositioning the domain wall within the free layer. The position of the domain wall relative to the magnetic tunnel junction corresponds to a unique resistance value, and passing current from a stack to the magnetic tunnel junction reads the magnetic memory element's resistance. Thus, unique memory states may be achieved by moving the domain wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Avalanche Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajiv Yadav Ranjan, Roger Klaus Malmhall, Parviz Keshtbod
  • Publication number: 20120087185
    Abstract: A spin-transfer torque magnetic random access memory (STTMRAM) element is configured to store a state when electrical current is applied thereto. The STTMRAM element includes first and second free layers, each of which having an associated direction of magnetization defining the state of the STTMRAM element. Prior to the application of electrical current to the STTMRAM element, the direction of the magnetization of the first and second free layers each is in-plane and after the application of electrical current to the STTMRAM element, the direction of magnetization of the second free layer becomes substantially titled out-of-plane and the direction of magnetization of the first free layer switches. Upon electrical current being discontinued, the direction of magnetization of the second free layer remains in a direction that is substantially opposite to that of the first free layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: AVALANCHE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Yuchen Zhou, Yiming Huai, Rajiv Yadav Ranjan, Roger Klas Malmhall
  • Patent number: 8148174
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnetic memory element includes the steps of performing a first etching an oxide layer is etched, using a first photo-resist, the oxide layer formed on top of a contact layer that is formed on top of a magneto tunnel junction (MTJ), depositing a second photo-resist and second etching to leave a portion of the contact layer used to suitably connect the MTJ to circuits outside of the magnetic memory element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Avalanche Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ebrahim Abedifard, Parviz Keshtbod
  • Publication number: 20120068236
    Abstract: A non-uniform switching based non-volatile magnetic memory element includes a fixed layer, a barrier layer formed on top of the fixed layer, a first free layer formed on top of the barrier layer, a non-uniform switching layer (NSL) formed on top of the first free layer, and a second free layer formed on top of the non-uniform switching layer. Switching current is applied, in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the fixed layer, barrier layer, first free layer, non-uniform switching layer and the second free layer causing switching between states of the first free layer, second free layer and non-uniform switching layer with substantially reduced switching current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: AVALANCHE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Rajiv Yadav Ranjan, Petro Estakhri, Mahmud Assar, Parviz Keshtbod
  • Publication number: 20120069643
    Abstract: A non-uniform switching based non-volatile magnetic memory element includes a fixed layer, a barrier layer formed on top of the fixed layer, a first free layer formed on top of the barrier layer, a non-uniform switching layer (NSL) formed on top of the first free layer, and a second free layer formed on top of the non-uniform switching layer. Switching current is applied, in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the fixed layer, barrier layer, first free layer, non-uniform switching layer and the second free layer causing switching between states of the first free layer, second free layer and non-uniform switching layer with substantially reduced switching current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: AVALANCHE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Rajiv Yadav Ranjan, Petro Estakhri, Mahmud Assar, Parviz Keshtbod
  • Publication number: 20120069649
    Abstract: A non-uniform switching based non-volatile magnetic memory element includes a fixed layer, a barrier layer formed on top of the fixed layer, a first free layer formed on top of the barrier layer, a non-uniform switching layer (NSL) formed on top of the first free layer, and a second free layer formed on top of the non-uniform switching layer. Switching current is applied, in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the fixed layer, barrier layer, first free layer, non-uniform switching layer and the second free layer causing switching between states of the first free layer, second free layer and non-uniform switching layer with substantially reduced switching current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: AVALANCHE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Rajiv Yadav Ranjan, Petro Estakhri, Mahmud Assar, Parviz Keshtbod
  • Publication number: 20120063218
    Abstract: A spin-torque transfer memory random access memory (STTMRAM) element includes a composite fixed layer formed on top of a substrate and a tunnel layer formed upon the fixed layer and a composite free layer formed upon the tunnel barrier layer, the magnetization direction of each of the composite free layer and fixed layer being substantially perpendicular to the plane of the substrate. The composite layers are made of multiple repeats of a bi-layer unit which consists of a non-magnetic insulating layer and magnetic layer with thicknesses adjusted in a range that makes the magnetization have a preferred direction perpendicular to film plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: Avalanche Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Yiming Huai, Jing Zhang, Rajiv Yadav Ranjan, Yuchen Zhou, Roger Klas Malmhall, Ioan Tudosa
  • Patent number: 8120949
    Abstract: A flash-RAM memory includes non-volatile random access memory (RAM) formed on a monolithic die and non-volatile page-mode memory formed on top of the non-volatile RAM, the non-volatile page-mode memory and the non-volatile RAM reside on the monolithic die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Avalanche Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajiv Yadav Ranjan, Parviz Keshtbod, Mahmud Assar
  • Publication number: 20120025338
    Abstract: A non-volatile magnetic memory element includes a number of layers one of which is a free layer which is graded. The graded free layer may include various elements with each element having a different anisotropy or it may include nonmagnetic compounds and magnetic regions with the non-magnetic compounds forming graded contents forming a unique shape such as cone shaped, diamond shaped or other shapes and whose thickness is based on the reactivity of the magnetic compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: AVALANCHE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Rajiv Yadav Ranjan, Parviz Keshtbod, Roger Klas Malmhall
  • Publication number: 20120026785
    Abstract: A non-volatile magnetic memory element includes a number of layers one of which is a free layer which is graded. The graded free layer may include various elements with each element having a different anisotropy or it may include nonmagnetic compounds and magnetic regions with the non-magnetic compounds forming graded contents forming a unique shape such as cone shaped, diamond shaped or other shapes and whose thickness is based on the reactivity of the magnetic compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: AVALANCHE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Rajiv Yadav Ranjan, Parviz Keshtbod, Roger Klas Malmhall
  • Publication number: 20120018823
    Abstract: A spin transfer torque memory random access memory (STTMRAM) element is capable of switching states when electrical current is applied thereto for storing data and includes the following layers. An anti-ferromagnetic layer, a fixed layer formed on top of the anti-ferromagnetic layer, a barrier layer formed on top of the second magnetic layer of the fixed layer, and a free layer including a first magnetic layer formed on top of the barrier layer, a second magnetic layer formed on top of the first magnetic layer, a non-magnetic insulating layer formed on top of the second magnetic layer and a third magnetic layer formed on top of the non-magnetic insulating layer. A capping layer is formed on top of the non-magnetic insulating layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: AVALANCHE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Yiming Huai, Rajiv Yadav Ranjan, Ioan Tudosa, Roger Klas Malmhall, Yuchen Zhou
  • Publication number: 20120002463
    Abstract: A multi-state current-switching magnetic memory element includes a stack of magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) separated by a non-magnetic layer for storing more than one bit of information, wherein different levels of current applied to the memory element cause switching to different states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: AVALANCHE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Rajiv Yadav Ranjan, Mahmud Assar, Parviz Keshtbod
  • Publication number: 20120003757
    Abstract: A multi-state current-switching magnetic memory element includes a stack of magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) separated by a non-magnetic layer for storing more than one bit of information, wherein different levels of current applied to the memory element cause switching to different states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: AVALANCHE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Rajiv Yadav Ranjan, Mahmud Assar, Parviz Keshtbod