Abstract: A high-density DRAM in a MTBL method which reduces interference noise between bit lines is provided. Duplication of sense amplifiers (SA) and bit switches (BSW) in a conventional MTBL method is eliminated, and one line of sense amplifiers and bit switches (BSW/SA) is arranged between cell areas. Specifically, arrays are horizontally moved and vertically cumulated so as to reduce the areas. Bit line pairs to be connected are alternately interchanged above and below, every one horizontally aligned sense amplifier (SA) such that there is only one bit line pair connected to each sense amplifier. Bit lines of a bit line pair 11 cross at one place on the way, and from the cross, a space between the bit lines is wider. Further, bit lines of a bit line pair 16 do not cross each other, and a space between the bit lines is wider on the way.

Abstract: Methods of operating an integrated circuit memory device include providing a first address and a first command to the memory device and executing the first command within the memory device. This step of executing the first command is performed concurrently with providing at least one of a second address and a second command to the memory device prior to terminating execution of the first command. This providing of at least one of the second address and the second command prior to termination execution of the first command improves timing efficiency by reducing delay associated with execution of each new command.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device has: a word driver configured to apply a driving voltage to a word line connected to a memory cell; and an internal power supply circuit configured to supply the driving voltage to the word driver and to apply a substrate voltage to back gates of transistors included in the word driver. The internal power supply circuit controls the driving voltage and the substrate voltage independently of each other. In a read operation, the internal power supply circuit constantly supplies the substrate voltage, while turns on and off supply of the driving voltage.

Abstract: A new read scheme is provided for an MRAM bit having a pinned layer (fixed) and a storage layer (free) sandwiching a nonmagnetic spacer layer. By applying a magnetic field to the bit at least partially orthogonal to the easy axis of the bit, the magnetization direction of the storage layer can be partially rotated or canted without switching the logical state of the MRAM bit. The resistivity of the bit is measured (calculated based on a voltage/current relationship) in two ways: (i) with the magnetization direction of the storage layer partially rotated in a first direction and (ii) with the magnetization direction of the storage layer in its bi-stable orientation parallel to the easy axis. Those measures can then be used to compare and determine the logical state of the storage layer.

Abstract: A method and magnetic device for improving the desirable properties of a magnetic device, e.g., magnetization uniformity and reproducibility. Moreover the invention provides magnetic cells that are more magnetically homogeneous, with smaller amount of end domain magnetization canting from the average cell magnetization direction. The invention may provide a magnetic memory cell with less variation in switching fields, more spatially coherent dynamical magnetic properties for high speed and processional or coherent magnetic switching, and higher signal due to the increased uniformity. It may provide a magnetic sensor with more spatially coherent magnetic properties for high speed and processional or coherent magnetic switching, and increased signal. It may provide a read head element with more spatially coherent magnetic properties for high speed and processional or coherent magnetic sensing, and increased signal.