Abstract: A tunneling magneto-resistive reader includes a sensor stack separating a top magnetic shield from a bottom magnetic shield. The sensor stack includes a reference magnetic element having a reference magnetization orientation direction and a free magnetic element having a free magnetization orientation direction substantially perpendicular to the reference magnetization orientation direction. A non-magnetic spacer layer separates the reference magnetic element from the free magnetic element. A first side magnetic shield and a second side magnetic shield is disposed between the top magnetic shield from a bottom magnetic shield, and the sensor stack is between the first side magnetic shield and the second side magnetic shield. The first side magnetic shield and the second side magnetic shield electrically insulates the top magnetic shield from a bottom magnetic shield.

Abstract: Connectors to connect optional or daughter cards or boards to main or motherboards. One example provides a connector that is capable of supporting high-speed data rates by employing contacts that provide short signal paths and a ground plane to improve signal quality. The space consumed in electronic devices may be reduced by providing a connector having a low profile, while another example may provide a connector having mechanical stability. Another example provides a connector having an increased manufacturability. Other examples include wider contacts for increased current capabilities.

Abstract: Connector inserts and receptacles that are robust, easily manufactured, and provide an improved connector performance. One example may provide a connector receptacle having a power contact located in a ground surface. An insulating layer may be placed between the power contact and the ground surface. The ground surface may be curved or flat, or it may have other shapes. Another example may provide a robust connector insert. This connector insert may include a crimping piece that fits over a cable braiding and is crimped. The crimping piece may then be attached to an attraction plate. A cover or shell may be attached to provide further reinforcement. Another example may provide a connector system having a ground contact and a power contact, where the ground contact is a make-first-break-last contact.

Abstract: A magnetic cell includes a ferromagnetic free layer having a free magnetization orientation direction and a first ferromagnetic pinned reference layer having a first reference magnetization orientation direction that is parallel or anti-parallel to the free magnetization orientation direction. A first oxide barrier layer is between the ferromagnetic free layer and the first ferromagnetic pinned reference layer. The magnetic cell further includes a second ferromagnetic pinned reference layer having a second reference magnetization orientation direction that is orthogonal to the first reference magnetization orientation direction. The ferromagnetic free layer is between the first ferromagnetic pinned reference layer and the second ferromagnetic pinned reference layer.

Abstract: Magnetic tunnel junctions having a specular insulative spacer are disclosed. The magnetic tunnel junction includes a free magnetic layer, a reference magnetic layer, an electrically insulating and non-magnetic tunneling barrier layer separating the free magnetic layer from the reference magnetic layer, and an electrically insulating and electronically reflective layer positioned to reflect at least a portion of electrons back into the free magnetic layer.

Abstract: Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted, or are very thin or have a low profile. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing. Another example provides a super-thin connector receptacle by removing fingers and portions of a shell along one or more sides.

Abstract: Connectors that may allow SIM cards to be easily removed and replaced, may be resistant to damage by an improper insertion of a SIM card, and may provide reliable mechanical performance. One example may provide a plunger system where a user can push on a plunger rod and eject a SIM card. Another example may provide contacts that are not damaged by improper insertion of a SIM card.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor includes a reference layer having a first magnetization direction and a free layer assembly having an effective magnetization direction substantially perpendicular to the first magnetization direction and substantially perpendicular to a plane of each layer of the free layer assembly. A spacer layer is between the reference layer and the free layer, and a signal enhancement layer is exchange coupled to the free layer assembly on a side opposite the spacer layer.

Abstract: Electrical connections that provide a highly manufacturable, well-shielded path from a cable to a printed circuit board. One example provides a path that includes a card and a connector. Conductors in a cable may be attached to a card. The card may be shielded with a ground plane on one or more sides and edges. The card may insert into a connector that may be attached to a printed circuit board. The connector may include a shield that may have a top portion that forms electrical contact with a ground plane on a top of a card inserted in the connector. The connector may have an opening for accepting the card that is defined by the top portion of the shield and a plurality of rows of contacts. The rows of contacts may include an outer row of ground contacts, and an inner row of signal contacts.

Abstract: Connector receptacles that provide a right-angle translation, may be readily manufactured, and may have an aesthetically pleasing appearance. One example may provide a connector receptacle having contacts that provide a right-angle translation. Another example may provide a connector receptacle having an aesthetically pleasing appearance. By inserting an injection molded housing into an over-mold, the interior of a connector may appear to be formed from a single piece of plastic or other material.

Abstract: A magnetic cell includes a ferromagnetic free layer having a free magnetization orientation direction and a first ferromagnetic pinned reference layer having a first reference magnetization orientation direction that is parallel or anti-parallel to the free magnetization orientation direction. A first oxide barrier layer is between the ferromagnetic free layer and the first ferromagnetic pinned reference layer. The magnetic cell further includes a second ferromagnetic pinned reference layer having a second reference magnetization orientation direction that is orthogonal to the first reference magnetization orientation direction. The ferromagnetic free layer is between the first ferromagnetic pinned reference layer and the second ferromagnetic pinned reference layer.

Abstract: Edge connectors to connect a daughter or optional board to an edge of a main or motherboard. These connectors may have a low profile or height to save space in electronic devices, and allow electronic devices incorporating the connector have a thin form factor. These connectors may also provide for reliable manufacturing by providing a robust connection to a motherboard and easy insertion of a daughter card.

Abstract: Magnetic tunnel junctions having a specular insulative spacer are disclosed. The magnetic tunnel junction includes a free magnetic layer, a reference magnetic layer, an electrically insulating and non-magnetic tunneling barrier layer separating the free magnetic layer from the reference magnetic layer, and an electrically insulating and electronically reflective layer positioned to reflect at least a portion of electrons back into the free magnetic layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for a non-volatile memory cell, such as a multi-bit magnetic random access memory cell. In accordance with various embodiments, a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) has a ferromagnetic free layer with multiple magnetic domains that are each independently programmable to predetermined magnetizations. Those magnetizations can then be read as different logical states of the MTJ.

Abstract: A magnetic stack having a ferromagnetic free layer, a metal oxide layer that is antiferromagnetic at a first temperature and non-magnetic at a second temperature higher than the first temperature, a ferromagnetic pinned reference layer, and a non-magnetic spacer layer between the free layer and the reference layer. During a writing process, the metal oxide layer is non-magnetic. For magnetic memory cells, such as magnetic tunnel junction cells, the metal oxide layer provides reduced switching currents.

Abstract: A magnetic stack having a ferromagnetic free layer, a metal oxide layer that is antiferromagnetic at a first temperature and non-magnetic at a second temperature higher than the first temperature, a ferromagnetic pinned reference layer, and a non-magnetic spacer layer between the free layer and the reference layer. During a writing process, the metal oxide layer is non-magnetic. For magnetic memory cells, such as magnetic tunnel junction cells, the metal oxide layer provides reduced switching currents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a TMR sensor that reduces damage to a sensor stack during intermediate stages of the manufacturing process. In an embodiment of the invention, after formation of a sensor stack, a protective layer is deposited on the sensor stack that provides protection from materials that may be used in subsequent steps of the manufacturing process. The protective layer is subsequently converted to an insulating layer and the thickness of the insulating layer is extended to an appropriate thickness. In converting the protective layer to an insulating layer, the sensor stack is not directly exposed to materials that may damage it. For example, in an embodiment of the invention, Mg is used as the protective layer that is subsequently converted to MgO with the introduction of oxygen. Although direct contact of oxygen with the sensor stack may cause damage to the sensor stack, direct contact is avoided by the present invention.

Abstract: A multipart computer housing is described. The multipart computer housing includes at least a clutch barrel. The clutch barrel encloses a connector assembly, the connector assembly providing support for a lid. The clutch barrel is configured such that a junction formed by the clutch barrel and a top layer of the lid is not visible to a user when the computer housing is on a horizontal surface.

Abstract: A multi-bit spin torque magnetic element that has a ferromagnetic pinned layer having a pinned magnetization orientation, a non-magnetic layer, and a ferromagnetic free layer having a magnetization orientation switchable among at least four directions, the at least four directions being defined by a physical shape of the free layer. The magnetic element has at least four distinct resistance states. Magnetic elements with at least eight magnetization directions are also provided.