Magnetic Cell Patents (Class 365/50)
-
Patent number: 12238938Abstract: Structures for a random number generator that include magnetic-tunnel-junction layer stacks and methods of forming such structures. The structure comprises a write line, first and source lines, a first transistor connected by the first source line to a first end of the write line, and a second transistor connected by the second source line to a second end of the write line. The structure further comprises a plurality of magnetic-tunneling-junction layer stacks disposed on the write line between the first and second ends of the write line.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2024Date of Patent: February 25, 2025Assignee: GlobalFoundries Singapore Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Vinayak Bharat Naik, Jian Peng Chan, Seidikkurippu Nellainayagam Piramanayagam
-
Patent number: 11342356Abstract: A memory cell comprises an elevationally extending programmable field effect transistor comprising a gate insulator that is reversibly programmable into two programmable states characterized by two different Vt's of the programmable transistor. The programmable transistor comprises a top source/drain region and a bottom source/drain region. A bottom select device is electrically coupled in series with and elevationally inward of the bottom source/drain region of the programmable transistor. A top select device is electrically coupled in series with and is elevationally outward of the top source/drain region of the programmable transistor. A bottom select line is electrically coupled in series with and is elevationally inward of the bottom select device. A top select line is electrically coupled in series with and is elevationally outward of the top select device. Other embodiments are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2021Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Ferdinando Bedeschi
-
Patent number: 10559357Abstract: One aspect relates to a memory circuit that has a programmable non-volatile memory (NVM) cell configured to generate an NVM output signal indicative of a program state of the NVM cell and to configure a volatile output based on the program state of the NVM cell. The NVM cell comprises a first magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) device, a first select device connected in series with the first MTJ device at a first node, and a first pass device. The memory circuit also may have a programmable (independently of the NVM cell) volatile memory (VM) cell configured to receive the NVM output signal at a VM input node and to generate a VM output signal indicative of the program state of the VM cell.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2018Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor CorporationInventor: Ronald L. Cline
-
Patent number: 10372359Abstract: The present invention discloses a first preferred processor comprising a fixed look-up table circuit (LTC) and a writable LTC. The fixed LTC realizes at least a common function while the writable LTC realizes at least a non-common function. The present invention further discloses a second preferred processor comprising a two-dimensional (2-D) LTC and a three-dimensional (3-D) LTC. The 2-D LTC realizes at least a fast function while the 3-D LTC realizes at least a non-fast function.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2017Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignees: ChengDu HaiCun IP Technology LLCInventor: Guobiao Zhang
-
Patent number: 9818465Abstract: A self-referenced MRAM cell comprises a first portion of a magnetic tunnel junction including a storage layer; a second portion of the magnetic tunnel junction portion including a tunnel barrier layer, a sense layer and a seed layer; the seed layer comprising a material having high spin-orbit coupling such that passing a sense current along the plane of the sense layer and/or seed layer exerts a spin-orbit torque adapted for switching a sense magnetization of the sense layer. A memory device comprising a plurality of the MRAM cells and a method for operating the memory device are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2014Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: CROCUS TECHNOLOGY SAInventor: Sebastien Bandiera
-
Patent number: 9437294Abstract: The present disclosure includes apparatuses and methods for sensing a resistance variable memory cell. A number of embodiments include programming a memory cell to an initial data state and determining a data state of the memory cell by applying a programming signal to the memory cell, the programming signal associated with programming memory cells to a particular data state, and determining whether the data state of the memory cell changes from the initial data state to the particular data state during application of the programming signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2015Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Ferdinando Bedeschi, Roberto Gastaldi
-
Patent number: 9368200Abstract: A low read current architecture for memory. Bit lines of a cross point memory array are allowed to be charged by a selected word line until a minimum voltage differential between a memory state and a reference level is assured.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2014Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: Unity Semiconductor CorporationInventors: Bruce Lynn Bateman, Christophe Chevallier, Darrell Rinerson, Chang Hua Siau
-
Patent number: 8913423Abstract: An apparatus includes a memory cell including a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) structure coupled between a bit line and a source line. The MTJ structure includes a free layer coupled to the bit line and a pinned layer. A magnetic moment of the free layer is substantially parallel to a magnetic moment of the pinned layer in a first state and substantially antiparallel to the magnetic moment of the pinned layer in a second state. A physical dimension of the pinned layer produces an unbalanced offset magnetic field which corresponds to a first switching current of the MTJ structure that enables switching from the first state to the second state when a first voltage is applied to the bit line and corresponds to a second switching current that enables switching from the second state to the first state when the first voltage is applied to the source line.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2013Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Kangho Lee, Seung H. Kang, Xiaochun Zhu
-
Patent number: 8908407Abstract: A content addressable memory device based on an extremely compact design, potentially as small as 16F2 per memory cell. One embodiment is based on cells having two memory storage elements, such as RRAM elements. Each RRAM element and a respective FET are connected in series between a common matchline and a respective bitline. Cell content for each cell is matched against a bit of a search word by applying voltages to the respective bitlines dependent upon bit value and causing one of the two RRAM elements for each cell to discharge the matchline over a low resistance path in event of mismatch between the cell content and the bit. If no “quick” discharge occurs for multiple cells of a row, then a match is detected. In addition, a matchline recharge path to a high voltage bitline is substantially eliminated by controlling the FETs with specific wordline voltages.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2012Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Rambus Inc.Inventors: Brent Steven Haukness, Mark D. Kellam
-
Patent number: 8885379Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a self-referenced magnetic random access memory-based ternary content addressable memory (MRAM-based TCAM) cell comprising a first and second magnetic tunnel junction; a first and second conducting strap adapted to pass a heating current in the first and second magnetic tunnel junction, respectively; a conductive line electrically connecting the first and second magnetic tunnel junctions in series; a first current line for passing a first field current to selectively write a first write data to the first magnetic tunnel junction; and a second current line for passing a write current to selectively write a second write data to the second magnetic tunnel junction, such that three distinct cell logic states can be written in the MRAM-based TCAM cell.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2013Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: CROCUS Technology SAInventors: Jeremy Alvarez-Herault, Yann Conraux, Lucien Lombard
-
Patent number: 8879307Abstract: A magnetoresistive device of an embodiment includes: first and second devices each including, a first magnetic layer having a changeable magnetization perpendicular to a film plane, a second magnetic layer having a fixed and perpendicular magnetization, and a nonmagnetic layer interposed between the first and second magnetic layers, the first and second devices being disposed in parallel on a first face of an interconnect layer; and a TMR device including a third magnetic layer having perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and having a changeable magnetization, a fourth magnetic layer having a fixed magnetization parallel to a film plane, and a tunnel barrier layer interposed between the third and fourth magnetic layers, the TMR device being disposed on a second face of the interconnect layer, and the third magnetic layer being magnetostatically coupled to the first magnetic layers of the first and second devices.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2012Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Eiji Kitagawa, Naoharu Shimomura, Hiroaki Yoda, Junichi Ito, Minoru Amano, Chikayoshi Kamata, Keiko Abe
-
Patent number: 8767453Abstract: A magnetic device includes a magnetic layer having a variable direction of magnetization, and a first antiferromagnetic layer in contact with the magnetic layer, the first antiferromagnetic layer being able to trap the direction of magnetization of the magnetic layer. The magnetic device also includes a layer made of a ferromagnetic material in contact with the first antiferromagnetic layer through its face opposite to the magnetic layer, the directions of magnetization of the magnetic and ferromagnetic layers being substantially perpendicular. A first layer among the magnetic and ferromagnetic layers has a magnetization, the direction of which is oriented in the plane of the first layer whereas the second of the two layers among the magnetic and ferromagnetic layers has a magnetization, the direction of which is oriented outside of the plane of the second layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternativesInventors: Bernard Dieny, Jérôme Moritz
-
Patent number: 8717794Abstract: A check engine includes a plurality of comparators each including a first directional characteristic aligned to store at least one reference bit included in a set of reference bits, and a second directional characteristic aligned to present at least one target bit included in a set of target bits. Each of the plurality of comparators is configured to produce an output representing a level of matching between the at least one target bit and the at least one reference bit, based on a relative alignment between the first directional characteristic and the second directional characteristic. The check engine is configured such that the outputs of the plurality of comparators are combined to produce a combined output. The check engine is configured to determine that the set of target bits matches the set of reference bits based on the combined output of the plurality of comparators.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Crocus Technology Inc.Inventors: Bertrand F. Cambou, Neal Berger, Mourad El Baraji
-
Patent number: 8681538Abstract: A semiconductor storage device according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of bit lines, a plurality of word lines, and a plurality of memory cells each including a storage element and a switching element which are connected in series between adjacently paired ones of the bit lines. Gates of the switching elements of the memory cells connected between one of the adjacently paired ones of the bit lines are respectively connected to different ones of the word lines. A plurality of the storage elements and a plurality of the switching elements of the adjacent memory cells are alternately connected in series.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Tsuneo Inaba
-
Publication number: 20140071728Abstract: Voltage controlled magnetoelectric tunnel junction (MEJ) based content addressable memory is described which provides efficient high speed switching of MEJs toward eliminating any read disturbance of written data. Each cell of said CAM having two MEJs and transistor circuitry for performing a write at voltages of a first polarity, and reads at voltages of a second polarity. If the data searched does not equal the data written in the CAM, then the match line state is changed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Pedram Khalili Amiri, Richard Dorrance, Dejan Markovic, Kang L. Wang
-
Patent number: 8644058Abstract: Provided are a spin-injection element having high spin-injection efficiency, and a magnetic field sensor and a magnetic recording memory employing the element. The element comprises a barrier layer, a magnetic conductive layer, and a spin accumulation portion comprised of non-magnetic conductive material. In the element, a first spin accumulation layer (103) and the barrier layer (102) have respectively a body-centered cubic lattice structure. Due to this, the first spin accumulation layer (103) and the barrier layer (102) come into contact with each other through a boundary face with improved crystalline symmetry. Thereby, lattice matching is improved and scattering of the tunnel electrons in the ?1 band is prevented, resulting in improvement in the spin polarizability. Further, the characteristics of the device employing the spin injection element are improved.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2010Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Masaki Yamada, Hiromasa Takahashi
-
Patent number: 8605479Abstract: Representative implementations of memory devices have transistors between memory cells of a memory device. Memory devices may be arranged in memory arrays. The use of transistors may include alternately providing electrical isolation or current paths between pairs or groups of memory cells in a memory array.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2010Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Cyrille Dray, Alexandre Ney, Karl Hofmann
-
Patent number: 8576601Abstract: One embodiment provides a content addressable memory, including: a pair of spin MOSFETs including: a first spin MOSFET whose magnetization state is set in accordance with stored data; and a second spin MOSFET whose magnetization state is set in accordance with the stored data, the second spin MOSFET being connected in parallel with the first spin MOSFET; a first wiring configured to apply a gate voltage so that any one of the first spin MOSFET and the second spin MOSFET becomes electrically conductive in accordance with search data; and a second wiring configured to apply a current to both of the first spin MOSFET and the second spin MOSFET.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2012Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Takao Marukame, Tomoaki Inokuchi, Hideyuki Sugiyama, Mizue Ishikawa, Yoshiaki Saito, Atsuhiro Kinoshita, Kosuke Tatsumura
-
Publication number: 20130208523Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a self-referenced magnetic random access memory-based ternary content addressable memory (MRAM-based TCAM) cell comprising a first and second magnetic tunnel junction; a first and second conducting strap adapted to pass a heating current in the first and second magnetic tunnel junction, respectively; a conductive line electrically connecting the first and second magnetic tunnel junctions in series; a first current line for passing a first field current to selectively write a first write data to the first magnetic tunnel junction; and a second current line for passing a write current to selectively write a second write data to the second magnetic tunnel junction, such that three distinct cell logic states can be written in the MRAM-based TCAM cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2013Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: CROCUS TECHNOLOGY SAInventor: CROCUS TECHNOLOGY SA
-
Patent number: 8400867Abstract: A method and apparatus for stray magnetic field compensation in a non-volatile memory cell, such as a spin-torque transfer random access memory (STRAM). In some embodiments, a first tunneling barrier is coupled to a reference structure that has a perpendicular anisotropy and a first magnetization direction. A recording structure that has a perpendicular anisotropy is coupled to the first tunneling barrier and a nonmagnetic spacer layer. A compensation layer that has a perpendicular anisotropy and a second magnetization direction in substantial opposition to the first magnetization direction is coupled to the nonmagnetic spacer layer. Further, the memory cell is programmable to a selected resistance state with application of a current to the recording structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2011Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Dimitar Dimitrov, Olle Gunnar Heinonen, Dexin Wang, Haiwen Xi
-
Patent number: 8289765Abstract: A magnetic random access memory (MRAM) cell with a thermally assisted writing procedure comprising a magnetic tunnel junction formed from a magnetic storage layer, a reference layer, and an insulating layer inserted between the reference layer and the storage layer; and a first strap portion laterally connecting one end of the magnetic tunnel junction to a first selection transistor; wherein the cell further comprises a second strap portion extending opposite to the first strap portion and connecting laterally said one end of the magnetic tunnel junction to a second selection transistor, and in that said first and second strap portions being adapted for passing a portion of current via the first and second selection transistors. The disclosed cell has lower power consumption than conventional MRAM cells.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2010Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Crocus Technology SAInventors: Virgile Javerliac, Erwan Gapihan, Mourad El Baraji
-
Patent number: 8261367Abstract: Data, stored in MRAM-cells should be protected against misuse or read-out by unauthorized persons. The present invention provides an array of MRAM-cells provided with a security device for destroying data stored in the MRAM-cells when they are tampered with. This is achieved by placing a permanent magnet adjacent the MRAM-array in combination with a soft-magnetic flux-closing layer. As long as the soft-magnetic layer is present, the magnetic field lines from the permanent magnet are deviated and flow through this soft-magnetic layer. When somebody is tampering with the MRAM-array, e.g. by means of reverse engineering, and the flux-closing layer is removed, the flux is no longer deviated and affects the nearby MRAM-array, thus destroying the data stored in the MRAM-cells.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2010Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Crocus Technology, Inc.Inventors: Kars-Michiel Hubert Lenssen, Robert Jochemsen
-
Publication number: 20120218802Abstract: One embodiment provides a content addressable memory, including: a pair of spin MOSFETs including: a first spin MOSFET whose magnetization state is set in accordance with stored data; and a second spin MOSFET whose magnetization state is set in accordance with the stored data, the second spin MOSFET being connected in parallel with the first spin MOSFET; a first wiring configured to apply a gate voltage so that any one of the first spin MOSFET and the second spin MOSFET becomes electrically conductive in accordance with search data; and a second wiring configured to apply a current to both of the first spin MOSFET and the second spin MOSFET.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2012Publication date: August 30, 2012Inventors: Takao MARUKAME, Tomoaki INOKUCHI, Hideyuki SUGIYAMA, Mizue ISHIKAWA, Yoshiaki SAITO, Atsuhiro KINOSHITA, Kosuke TATSUMURA
-
Patent number: 8238143Abstract: A magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) device and fabrication method is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed that includes an MTJ device. The MTJ device includes a barrier layer, a free layer, and a magnesium (Mg) capping layer. The free layer is positioned between the barrier layer and the magnesium (Mg) capping layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Kangho Lee, Xiaochun Zhu, Xia Li, Seung H. Kang
-
Patent number: 8228702Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a magnetic random access memory-based ternary content addressable memory cell, comprising a first and second magnetic tunnel junction respectively connected to a first and second straps extending on each side of the first and second magnetic tunnel junctions, respectively; a first and second selection transistors, respectively connected to one extremity of the first and second straps; a first and second current lines; and a conductive line electrically connecting in series the first and second magnetic tunnel junctions at their ends opposed to the ones connecting the first and second straps. The cell disclosed herein has smaller size and can be advantageously used in memory devices having a high cell density array.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2010Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Crocus Technology SAInventors: Virgile Javerliac, Mourad El Baraji
-
Patent number: 8228703Abstract: A method for writing a magnetic random access memory-based ternary content addressable memory cell comprising a first magnetic tunnel junction being formed from a storage layer, a sense layer having a magnetization direction adjustable relative to the magnetization of the storage layer, and an insulating layer between the storage and sense layers; a sense line coupled with the storage layer; a first field line and a second field line, and the first field line being orthogonal to the second field line; comprising: providing a first write data to said storage layer via the second field line to store a first stored data with a high or low logic state; characterized in that, the method further comprises providing the first write data to said storage layer via the first field line to store the first stored data with a masked logic state.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2009Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Crocus Technology SAInventors: Virgile Javerliac, Mourad El Baraji
-
Patent number: 8138758Abstract: A method of operating a magnetoresistive device is described. The device comprises a ferromagnetic region configured to exhibit magnetic anisotropy and to allow magnetisation thereof to be switched between at least first and second orientations and a gate capacitively coupled to the ferromagnetic region. The method comprises applying an electric field pulse to the ferromagnetic region so as to cause orientation of magnetic anisotropy to change for switching magnetisation between the first and second orientations.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Universite Paris Sud XI, Centre National de la Recherche ScientifiqueInventors: Joerg Wunderlich, Tomas Jungwirth, Jan Zemen, Bryan Gallagher, Claude Chappert, Thibaut Devolder
-
Patent number: 8098541Abstract: A method and apparatus for stray magnetic field compensation in a non-volatile memory cell, such as a spin-torque transfer random access memory (STRAM). In some embodiments, a first tunneling barrier is coupled to a reference structure that has a perpendicular anisotropy and a first magnetization direction. A recording structure that has a perpendicular anisotropy is coupled to the first tunneling barrier and a nonmagnetic spacer layer. A compensation layer that has a perpendicular anisotropy and a second magnetization direction in substantial opposition to the first magnetization direction is coupled to the nonmagnetic spacer layer. Further, the memory cell is programmable to a selected resistance state with application of a current to the recording structure.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2011Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Dimitar Dimitrov, Olle Gunnar Heinonen, Dexin Wang, Haiwen Xi
-
Patent number: 7969768Abstract: A magnetic random access memory of an aspect of the present invention including a magnetoresistive effect element having a fixed layer whose magnetization direction is fixed, a recording layer whose magnetization direction is reversible, and a non-magnetic layer provided between the fixed and recording layers, wherein the magnetization directions of the fixed and recording layers are in a parallel state or in an anti-parallel state depending on a direction of a current flowing between the fixed and recording layers, a first transistor having a gate and a first current path having one end connected to the fixed layer, a second transistor having a gate and a second current path having one end connected to the recording layer, a first bit line to which other end of the first current path is connected, and a second bit line to which other end of the second current path is connected.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2009Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Ryousuke Takizawa, Kenji Tsuchida
-
Patent number: 7948783Abstract: An MRAM comprises: a plurality of magnetic memory cells each having a magnetoresistive element; and a magnetic field application section. The magnetic field application section applies an offset adjustment magnetic field in a certain direction to the plurality of magnetic memory cells from outside the plurality of magnetic memory cells. Respective data stored in the plurality of magnetic memory cells become the same when the offset adjustment magnetic field is removed.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2007Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: NEC CorporationInventors: Tadahiko Sugibayashi, Takeshi Honda, Noboru Sakimura, Nobuyuki Ishiwata, Shuichi Tahara
-
Patent number: 7940600Abstract: A method and apparatus for stray magnetic field compensation in a non-volatile memory cell, such as a spin-torque transfer random access memory (STRAM). In some embodiments, a first tunneling barrier is coupled to a reference structure that has a perpendicular anisotropy and a first magnetization direction. A recording structure that has a perpendicular anisotropy is coupled to the first tunneling barrier and a nonmagnetic spacer layer. A compensation layer that has a perpendicular anisotropy and a second magnetization direction in substantial opposition to the first magnetization direction is coupled to the nonmagnetic spacer layer. Further, the memory cell is programmable to a selected resistance state with application of a current to the recording structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2008Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Dimitar Dimitrov, Olle Gunnar Heinonen, Dexin Wang, Haiwen Xi
-
Patent number: 7898833Abstract: A magnetic element with thermally-assisted writing using a field or spin transfer provided, including a magnetic reference layer referred to as the “trapped layer,” the magnetization of which is in a fixed direction, and a magnetic storage layer called the “free layer” having a variable magnetization direction and consisting of a layer made of a ferromagnetic material with magnetization in the plane of the layer and magnetically coupled to a magnetization-trapping layer made of an antiferromagnetic material. A semiconductor or an insulating layer with confined-current-paths is sandwiched between the reference layer and the storage layer. At least one bilayer, consisting respectively of an amorphous or quasi-amorphous material and a material having the same structure or the same crystal lattice as the antiferromagnetic layer, is provided in the storage layer between ferromagnetic layer, which is in contact with the semiconductor or insulating layer with confined-current-paths, and antiferromagnetic layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2008Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Commissariat A l' Energie AtomiqueInventors: Lucian Prejbeanu, Cécile Maunoury, Bernard Dieny, Clarisse Ducruet, Ricardo Sousa
-
Patent number: 7894228Abstract: A content-addressable random access memory having magnetic tunnel junction-based memory cells and methods for making and using same. The magnetic tunnel junction has first and second magnetic layers and can act as a data store and a data sense. Within each cell, registered data is written by setting a magnetic orientation of the first magnetic layer in the magnetic tunnel junction via current pulses in one or more current lines. Input data for comparison with the registered data can be similarly set through the magnetic orientation of the second magnetic layer via the current lines. The data sense is performed by measuring cell resistance, which depends upon the relative magnetic orientation of the magnetic layers. Since data storage, data input, and data sense are integrated into one cell, the memory combines higher densities with non-volatility. The memory can support high speed, reduced power consumption, and data masking.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2009Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Crocus Technology S.A.Inventors: Jean-Pierre Nozieres, Virgile Javerliac
-
Publication number: 20110002151Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a magnetic random access memory-based ternary content addressable memory cell, comprising a first and second magnetic tunnel junction respectively connected to a first and second straps extending on each side of the first and second magnetic tunnel junctions, respectively; a first and second selection transistors, respectively connected to one extremity of the first and second straps; a first and second current lines; and a conductive line electrically connecting in series the first and second magnetic tunnel junctions at their ends opposed to the ones connecting the first and second straps. The cell disclosed herein has smaller size and can be advantageously used in memory devices having a high cell density array.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2010Publication date: January 6, 2011Applicant: CROCUS TECHNOLOGY SAInventors: Virgile Javerliac, Mourad El Baraji
-
Patent number: 7864564Abstract: Between the value of an electric current and the supply duration for which the electric current is supplied that cause magnetization reversal, there is the relation of monotonous decrease. This means that, as the supply duration is shortened, the threshold current value for causing the magnetization reversal is larger. Therefore, in terms of suppressing occurrence of read disturb, the read current supply duration may be shortened to increase the threshold value of the current causing the magnetization reversal and thereby ensure a sufficient read disturb margin. Therefore, the read current supply duration may be shortened relative to the write current supply duration ensure the read disturb margin and suppress occurrence of read disturb.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2009Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Renesas Electronics CorporationInventor: Hideto Hidaka
-
Patent number: 7826260Abstract: A spin-transfer torque memory apparatus and self-reference read and write assist schemes are described. One method of self-reference reading a spin-transfer torque memory unit includes applying a first read current through a magnetic tunnel junction data cell and forming a first bit line read voltage and storing the first bit line read voltage. A magnetic field is applied through the free magnetic layer the forming a magnetic field modified magnetic tunnel junction data cell, the magnetic field rotates the magnetization orientation of the free magnetic layer without switching a resistance state of the magnetic tunnel junction data cell.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2009Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Wenzhong Zhu, Yiran Chen, Xiaobin Wang, Zheng Gao, Haiwen Xi, Dimitar V. Dimitrov
-
Patent number: 7791917Abstract: A content-addressable random access memory having magnetic tunnel junction-based memory cells and methods for making and using same. The magnetic tunnel junction has first and second magnetic layers and can act as a data store and a data sense. Within each cell, registered data is written by setting a magnetic orientation of the first magnetic layer in the magnetic tunnel junction via current pulses in one or more current lines. Input data for comparison with the registered data can be similarly set through the magnetic orientation of the second magnetic layer via the current lines. The data sense is performed by measuring cell resistance, which depends upon the relative magnetic orientation of the magnetic layers. Since data storage, data input, and data sense are integrated into one cell, the memory combines higher densities with non-volatility. The memory can support high speed, reduced power consumption, and data masking.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2009Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Crocus Technology S.A.Inventors: Jean-Pierre Nozieres, Virgile Javerliac
-
Patent number: 7751220Abstract: An associative memory device includes a magnetically responsive layer adapted to store a representation of a pattern, the magnetically responsive layer includes magnetic nanoparticles as a magnetically active component. The magnetic nanoparticles of the associative memory device are dispersed in a solvent with variable viscosity, and the magnetically responsive layer is a layer of ferrofluid.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2006Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Inventor: Vladislav Korenivski
-
Publication number: 20100110744Abstract: A method for writing a magnetic random access memory-based ternary content addressable memory cell comprising a first magnetic tunnel junction being formed from a storage layer, a sense layer having a magnetization direction adjustable relative to the magnetization of the storage layer, and an insulating layer between the storage and sense layers; a sense line coupled with the storage layer; a first field line and a second field line, and the first field line being orthogonal to the second field line; comprising: providing a first write data to said storage layer via the second field line to store a first stored data with a high or low logic state; characterized in that, the method further comprises providing the first write data to said storage layer via the first field line to store the first stored data with a masked logic state.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: CROCUS TECHNOLOGY SAInventors: Mourad El Baraji, Virgile Javerliac
-
Patent number: 7712147Abstract: Data, stored in MRAM-cells (12) should be protected against misuse or read-out by unauthorised persons. The present invention provides an array (10) of MRAM-cells (12) provided with a security device (14) for destroying data stored in the MRAM-cells (12) when they are tampered with. This is achieved by placing a permanent magnet (16) adjacent the MRAM-array (10) in combination with a soft-magnetic flux-closing layer (18). As long as the soft-magnetic layer (18) is present, the magnetic field lines (20) from the permanent magnet (16) are deviated and flow through this soft-magnetic layer (18). When somebody is tampering with the MRAM-array (10), e.g. by means of reverse engineering, and the flux-closing layer (18) is removed, the flux is no longer deviated and affects the nearby MRAM-array (10), thus destroying the data stored in the MRAM-cells (12).Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2003Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventors: Kars-Michiel Hubert Lenssen, Robert Jochemsen
-
Patent number: 7646627Abstract: Between the value of an electric current and the supply duration for which the electric current is supplied that cause magnetization reversal, there is the relation of monotonous decrease. This means that, as the supply duration is shortened, the threshold current value for causing the magnetization reversal is larger. Therefore, in terms of suppressing occurrence of read disturb, the read current supply duration may be shortened to increase the threshold value of the current causing the magnetization reversal and thereby ensure a sufficient read disturb margin. Therefore, the read current supply duration may be shortened relative to the write current supply duration ensure the read disturb margin and suppress occurrence of read disturb.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Renesas Technology Corp.Inventor: Hideto Hidaka
-
Publication number: 20090213632Abstract: A content-addressable random access memory having magnetic tunnel junction-based memory cells and methods for making and using same. The magnetic tunnel junction has first and second magnetic layers and can act as a data store and a data sense. Within each cell, registered data is written by setting a magnetic orientation of the first magnetic layer in the magnetic tunnel junction via current pulses in one or more current lines. Input data for comparison with the registered data can be similarly set through the magnetic orientation of the second magnetic layer via the current lines. The data sense is performed by measuring cell resistance, which depends upon the relative magnetic orientation of the magnetic layers. Since data storage, data input, and data sense are integrated into one cell, the memory combines higher densities with non-volatility. The memory can support high speed, reduced power consumption, and data masking.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2009Publication date: August 27, 2009Inventors: Jean-Pierre Nozieres, Virgile Javerliac
-
Publication number: 20090109719Abstract: A content-addressable random access memory having magnetic tunnel junction-based memory cells and methods for making and using same. The magnetic tunnel junction has first and second magnetic layers and can act as a data store and a data sense. Within each cell, registered data is written by setting a magnetic orientation of the first magnetic layer in the magnetic tunnel junction via current pulses in one or more current lines. Input data for comparison with the registered data can be similarly set through the magnetic orientation of the second magnetic layer via the current lines. The data sense is performed by measuring cell resistance, which depends upon the relative magnetic orientation of the magnetic layers. Since data storage, data input, and data sense are integrated into one cell, the memory combines higher densities with non-volatility. The memory can support high speed, reduced power consumption, and data masking.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2009Publication date: April 30, 2009Inventors: Jean-Pierre Nozieres, Virgile Javerliac
-
Patent number: 7518907Abstract: A magnetoresistive element includes a first ferromagnetic layer having a first magnetization, the first magnetization having a first pattern when the magnetoresistive element is half-selected during a first data write, a second pattern when the magnetoresistive element is selected during a second data write, and a third pattern of residual magnetization, the first pattern being different from the second and third pattern, a second ferromagnetic layer having a second magnetization, and a nonmagnetic layer arranged between the first ferromagnetic layer and the second ferromagnetic layer and having a tunnel conductance changing dependent on a relative angle between the first magnetization and the second magnetization.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2008Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Masahiko Nakayama, Tadashi Kai, Tatsuya Kishi, Yoshiaki Fukuzumi, Toshihiko Nagase, Sumio Ikegawa, Hiroaki Yoda
-
Patent number: 7518897Abstract: A content-addressable random access memory having magnetic tunnel junction-based memory cells and methods for making and using same. The magnetic tunnel junction has first and second magnetic layers and can act as a data store and a data sense. Within each cell, registered data is written by setting a magnetic orientation of the first magnetic layer in the magnetic tunnel junction via current pulses in one or more current lines. Input data for comparison with the registered data can be similarly set through the magnetic orientation of the second magnetic layer via the current lines. The data sense is performed by measuring cell resistance, which depends upon the relative magnetic orientation of the magnetic layers. Since data storage, data input, and data sense are integrated into one cell, the memory combines higher densities with non-volatility. The memory can support high speed, reduced power consumption, and data masking.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2007Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Crocus Technology S.A.Inventors: Jean-Pierre Nozieres, Virgile Javerliac
-
Patent number: 7499303Abstract: A CAM cell array according to embodiments of the present invention include an array of CAM cells, each of the CAM cells comprising a first cell, the first cell including a non-volatile storage element coupled to at least one first data line and a match line; a match line controller coupled to the match line; and a data line controller coupled to the data lines, wherein a write operation is performed by changing a state of the non-volatile storage element by providing data to the at least one data line, wherein a read operation is performed by determining the state of the non-volatile storage element through the at least one data line, and wherein a comparison operation is performed by applying data to the at least one data line and determining a match condition on the match line.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2004Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Integrated Device Technology, Inc.Inventors: Chuen-Der Lien, Shih-Ked Lee
-
Patent number: 7487290Abstract: Where realtime performance-critical processing is executed in parallel with data integrity-critical processing, embodiments of the invention improve the realtime performance by raising the data transfer efficiency for sequential access-dominant realtime processing. In one embodiment, if a non-realtime processing command is received while read-ahead is in progress for a realtime processing command, processing of the non-realtime processing command is not started until a certain amount of data is cached. In addition, in order to prevent the periodicity disturbance of realtime processing, when the processing of the non-realtime processing command is postponed, the read-ahead is continued maximally until the timestamp at which the next realtime processing command is expected to be issued.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2005Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Yukie Hiratsuka, Manabu Nishikawa
-
Patent number: 7471551Abstract: The direction of magnetization of a reading ferromagnetic material 5R forming a spin filter when reading is the same as that of a pinned layer 1. In this case, a torque that works on the spin of a free layer 3 due to a spin polarized current becomes “zero.” When the element size is made small so as to improve the integration degree of the magnetic memory, according to the scaling law, the writing current can be made small. In the present invention, the resistance to the spin injection magnetization reversal due to a reading current is high, so that the magnitude of the writing current can be lowered.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: TDK CorporationInventor: Tohru Oikawa
-
Patent number: 7460382Abstract: A device is fabricated on a flash process semiconductor die. The device includes main memory to store processor information. A cache memory caches a portion of the processor information. A cache controller controls the cache memory. A device interface communicates the processor information to another semiconductor die. Control logic controls the device interface.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2005Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.Inventor: Masayuki Urabe
-
Publication number: 20080285323Abstract: The present invention provides an associative memory device based on a ferromagnetic nano-colloid, or ferrofluid. The design comprises inductive input and output units for training the ferrofluid as well as sensors incorporated into the output units for performing recall.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2006Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventor: Vladislav Korenivski