1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a magnetic memory for storing data in magnetoresistive effect elements.
2. Related Background of the Invention
In recent years, attention is paid to MRAM (magnetic random access memory) as a memory device for use in information processing equipment such as computers and communication equipments. Since stores data by means of magnetism, there is no inconvenience of losing information in the MRAM due to a power break, as happens in a volatile memory such as DRAM (dynamic random access memory) and SRAM (static RAM). Further, as is compared with conventional nonvolatile storage means such as the flash EEPROM and hard disk unit, the MRAM has excellent features in regard to access speed, reliability, power consumption, etc. Therefore, the MRAM has future possibilities of thoroughly replacing the functions of the volatile memory including DRAM and SRAM, and the functions of the nonvolatile storage means including EEPROM and the hard disk unit. At present, there has rapidly been developed information processing equipment aiming so-called ubiquitous computing, enabling information processing at anytime, anywhere. It is expected that the MRAM will play a role of key device in such information processing equipment.
However, the MRAM structure shown in
As a technique for preventing such incorrect data waiting, there is a magnetic memory disclosed, for example, in the Patent Document 1. The above disclosed magnetic memory includes TMR element, wiring (a cell bit line) for making a write current flow into the TMR element, and a transistor being connected to the cell bit line. By controlling the write current for writing a binary data into the TMR element by means of the transistor, a magnetic field is supplied only to the TMR element into which the binary data is to be written.
[Patent document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2004-153,182
However, the structure disclosed in the above Patent document 1 has the following problem. That is, when the write current to the TMR element is large, the transistor provided in each memory area is compelled to be large in size. This results in a large size of the overall magnetic memory, which is not practical for use. On the contrary, when the size of the TMR element is reduced so as to miniaturize the magnetic memory, the demagnetizing field is increased because of a reduced ratio of the length L to the thickness T of the first magnetic layer (L/T). This necessitates an increase of the external magnetic field intensity required for reversing the magnetization direction in the first magnetic layer, which requires a larger write current. Thus, if the size of one component between the TMR element and the transistor is reduced, the size of the other component has to be increased, which becomes a cause to impede minaturization of the magnetic memory. Additionally, in the magnetic memory disclosed in the above Patent document 1, a yoke is formed on a cell bit line disposed on the opposite side to the TMR element side. However, such a structure is not yet sufficient for reducing the write current.
Considering the aforementioned problem, it is an object of the present invention to provide a magnetic memory capable of preventing incorrect writing with a reduced write current
In order to solve the aforementioned problems, a first magnetic memory according to the present invention includes a plurality of memory areas, each of which includes a magnetoresistive effect element having a magnetoresistive layer of which magnetization direction is changed by an external magnetic field; a write wiring for supplying the eternal magnetic field to the magnetosensitive layer by means of a write current; a magnetic yoke which is formed of an approximate ring shape having at least a pair of open end portions disposed face-to-face with a gap of a predetermined length intervening therebetween, and disposed so as to surround the periphery of the write wiring at a portion of the write wiring in its extending direction; and a write switch means for controlling conduction of the write current in the write wiring, wherein the magnetoresistive effect element is disposed so that each of a pair of side aces of the magnetoresistive effect element is positioned face-to-face or in contact with each of the pair of open end portions of the magnetic yoke respectively.
Further, a second magnetic memory according to the preset invention includes a plurality of memory areas, and each of a plurality of memory areas includes a magnetoresistive effect element having a magnetosensitive layer of which magnetization direction is changed by an external magnetic field; a write wiring for supplying the external magnetic field to the magnetosensitive layer by means of a write current; a magnetic yoke formed of an approximate ring shape, being disposed so as to continuously surround the periphery of the write wiring at a portion of the write wring in its extending direction; and a write switch means for controlling conduction of the write current in the write wiring, wherein the magnetosensitive layer of the magnetoresistive effect element is constituted of a portion of the magnetic yoke.
In the above-mentioned first and second magnetic memories, the magnetic yoke is formed of an approximate ring shape, and disposed so as to surround the periphery of the write wiring at a portion of the write wiring in its extending direction. Because the write wiring is surrounded by the magnetic yoke, it becomes possible to reduce the magnetic field going out to a direction deflecting from the magnetoresistive effect element. Further, in the first magnetic memory, because the magnetic yoke has a pair of open end portions respectively disposed face-to-face or in contact with a pair of side faces of the magnetoresistive effect element, it becomes possible to efficiently supply the magnetosensitive layer of the magnetoresistive effect element with the magnetic field inside the magnetic yoke (which is an external magnetic field when viewed from the magnetoresistive effect element) constituting a closed path in the direction of the periphery of the write wiring. Also, in the second magnetic memory, because the magnetosensitive layer of the magnetoresistive effect element is formed of a portion of the magnetic yoke surrounding the periphery of the write wiring, it becomes possible to efficiently supply the external magnetic field to the magnetosensitive layer of the magnetoresistive effect element. As such, according to the above magnetic memories, the eternal magnetic field produced by the write current can be supplied efficiently to the magnetoresistive effect element. Accordingly, the magnetization direction in the magnetosensitive layer of the magnetoresistive effect element can be reversed by means of a small write current.
Also, according to the above-mentioned magnetic memories, because the magnetization direction in the magnetosensitive layer can be reversed by the small write current, the write switch means for controlling conduction of the write current can be miniaturized, making it possible to dispose the write switch means on each memory area. Thus, virtually, it becomes possible to supply the external magnetic field only to the magnetoresistive effect element of the memory area into which data is to be written, enabling prevention of incorrect writing onto other memory areas.
Further, the first magnetic memory may be structured such that the cross section area of the magnetic yoke perpendicular to the surrounding damson is the smallest at the pair of open end portions. With this, it becomes possible to supply the magnetosensitive layer of the magnetoresistive effect element with the external magnetic field produced by the write current more efficiently.
Also, in the first magnetic memory, preferably, the easy-to-magnetize axis direction of the magnetic yoke runs along the easy-to-magnetize axis direction of the magnetosensitive layer.
Still finer, in each of the first and second magnetic memories, a plurality of memory areas may be arrayed in a two-dimensional form constituted of m rows and n columns (where m, n are integers of 2 or more). The magnetic memory may further include a first wiring which is provided correspondingly to each column of a plurality of memory areas, and connected to the write wiring provided in each memory area of the corresponding column; and a second wiring which is provided correspondingly to each row of a plurality of memory areas, and connected to a control terminal of the write switch means provided in each memory area of the corresponding row.
For example, when the write current is made to flow into the first wiring corresponding to an i-th column (1≦i≦n) including the memory area into which the data is to be written, and also conduction is made to the entire write switch means being connected to the second wiring corresponding to a j-th row (1≦j≦m) including the above memory area, the write current flows in the write wiring of this memory area corresponding to the j-th row and the i-th column, and the external magnetic field produced by the above write current is supplied to the magnetoresistive effect element. As such, according to the above-mentioned magnetic memories, it becomes possible to select each memory area into which the data is to be written with a simple structure and operation
Further, each of the first and the second magnetic memories may include a write current generation means for supplying a positive and a negative write current to the write wiring. According to the above magnetic memory, by supplying either a positive or a negative write current from the write curt generation means depending on the need, it becomes possible to appropriately reverse the magnetization direction in the magnetosensitive layer in the magnetoresistive effect element
Further, in the first and the second magnetic memories, each of a plural of memory areas may include a readout wiring electrically connected to the magnetoresistive effect element, for making a readout cat flow into the magnetoresistive effect element; and a readout switch means for controlling conduction of the readout current in the readout wiring.
Thus, the magnetic memory according to the present invention can prevent incorrect writing, and reduce the write current as well.
Hereafter, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail referring to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, same numerals are given to the same elements, and duplication of the description is omitted
First, the structure of a magnetic memory according to one embodiment of the present invention is described hereafter.
The TMR element 4 is a magnetoresistive effect element including a magnetosensitive layer of which magnetization direction is changed by the external magnetic field. More specifically, the TMR element 4 includes a first magnetic layer, which is the magnetosensitive layer, a second magnetic layer having a fixed magnetization direction, and a nonmagnetic insulating layer being sandwiched between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. The TMR element 4 is disposed along a portion of the write wiring 31 so that the magnetization direction in the first magnetic layer is changed by receiving the external magnetic field produced by the write current flowing in the write wring 31. When the magnetization direction in the first magnetic layer is changed by the write current, a resistance value between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer is changed according to the relation between the magnetization direction in the first magnetic layer and the magnetization direction in the second magnetic layer.
The write wiring 31 is a kind of wiring to supply an external magnetic field to the first magnetic layer of the TMR element 4 by the write current. One end of the write wiring 31 is electrically connected to the bit wiring 13a. The other end of the write wiring 31 is electrically connected to the source or the drain of the write transistor 32. The write transistor 32 is a write switch means for controlling conduction of the write current in the write wiring 31. In the write transistor 32, either one of the drain and the source thereof is electrically connected to the write wiring 31, while the other is electrically connected to the bit wiring 13b. The gate of the write transistor 32 is electrically connected to the word wiring 14.
The readout wiring 33 is a kind of wiring to make a readout current flow into the TMR element 4. More specifically, one end of the readout wiring 33 is electrically connected to the bit wiring 13a, while the other end of the readout wiring 33 is electrically connected to the first magnetic layer side of the TMR element 4. Further, the readout transistor 34 is a readout switch means for controlling conduction of the readout current in the readout wiring 33. Either one of the source and the drain of the readout transistor 34 is electrically connected to the second magnetic layer side of the TMR element 4, while the other of the source and the drain is electrically connected to the ground wiring 15. Also, the gate of the readout transistor 34 is electrically connected to the word wiring 14. In the above description, the first magnetic layer side (or the second magnetic layer side) of the TMR element 4 signifies the side of the first magnetic layer (or the side of the second magnetic layer) against the nonmagnetic insulating layer, which includes a case of another layer intervening on the first magnetic layer (or the second magnetic layer).
Each bit wiring 13a, 13b is disposed correspondingly to each column of the memory areas 3. The bit wiring 13a is a first wiring in the present embodiment. Namely, the bit wiring 13a is electrically connected to one end of the write wiring 31 provided in each memory area 3 of the corresponding column. The bit wiring 13a in accordance with the present embodiment is also electrically connected to one end of the readout wiring 33 provided in each memory area 3 of the corresponding column. The bit wiring 13b is electrically connected to the drain or the source of the write transistor 32 provided in each memory area 3 of the corresponding column. Further, the word wiring 14 is a second wiring in the present embodiment. Namely, the word wiring 14 is disposed correspondingly to each row of the memory areas 3, and electrically connected to the gate, a control terminal, of the write transistor 32 provided in each memory area 3 of the corresponding row.
The bit selection circuit 11 is a write current generation means in the present embodiment. Namely, the bit selection circuit 11 has a function of supplying a positive or a negative write current to the write wiring 31 of each memory area 3. More specifically, the bit selection circuit 11 is constituted of an address decoder circuit for selecting a column corresponding to the address specified from the inside or the outside of the magnetic memory 1 at the time of data writing, and a current drive circuit for supplying the positive or the negative write current between the bit wring 13a and the bit wring 13b corresponding to the selected column. Also, the word selection circuit 12 has functions of selecting a row corresponding to the address specified from the inside or the outside of the magnetic memory 1 at the time of data writing, and supplying the word wiring 14 corresponding to the selected row with the control current.
The magnetic memory 1 having the above structure operates in the following way. When a data write address (i-row and j-column, 1≦i≦m, 1≦j≦n) is specified from the inside or the outside of the magnetic memory 1, the bit selection circuit 11 and the word selection circuit 12 select the corresponding j-column and i-row, respectively. In the write transistor 32 of the memory area 3 included in the i-row being selected by the word selection circuit 12, a control current is supplied to the gate, thereby producing a conducive state of the write current. Also, in the memory area 3 included in the j-column being selected by the bit selection circuit 11, a positive or a negative voltage according to the data is applied between the bit wiring 13a and the bit wiring 13b. Further, in the memory area 3 included in both the j-column being selected by the bit selection circuit 11 and the i-row being selected by the word selection circuit 12, a write current is produced in the write wiring 31 through the write transistor 32. Due to the magnetic field produced by the above write current, the magnetization direction in the first magnetic layer in the TMR element 4 is revved. Thus, a binary data is stored into the memory area 3 of the specified address (i-row, j-column).
Also, when a data readout address (k-row and l-column, 1≦k≦m, 1≦l≦n) is specified from the inside or the outside of the magnetic memory 1, the bit selection circuit 11 and the word selection circuit 12 select the corresponding l-column and k-row, respectively. In the readout transistor 34 of the memory area 3 included in the k-row being selected by the word selection circuit 12, a control current is supplied to the gate, thereby producing a conductive state of the readout current. Further, to the bit wring 13a corresponding to the l-column being selected by the bit selection circuit 11, a readout current is supplied from the bit selection circuit 11. Further, in the memory area 3 included in both the l-column being selected by the bit selection circuit 11 and the k-row being selected by the word selection ac it 12, a readout curt from the readout wiring 33 flows to the ground 15 through the TMR element 4 and the readout transistor 34. Then, for example, by determining the amount of voltage drop in the TMR element 4, a binary data being stored in the shed address k-row, l-column) is read nut.
Now, a typical structure of the memory section 2 according to the present embodiment is described in detail.
Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the memory section 2 includes a semiconductor layer 6, a wiring layer 7 and a magnetic material layer 8. The semiconductor layer 6 is a layer in which semiconductor devices such as transistors are formed, including a semiconductor substrate 21 so as to maintain the mechanical strength. The magnetic material layer 8 is a layer in which compositions of magnetic material such as the TMR element 4 and a magnetic yoke 5 for supplying a magnetic field to the TMR element 4 are formed. The wiring layer 7 is disposed between the semiconductor layer 6 and the magnetic material layer 8. The wiring layer 7 is a layer in which the wiring is formed so as to electrically connecting mutually among the magnetic devices including the TMR element 4 formed in the magnetic material layer 8, the semiconductor devices including transistors formed in the semiconductor layer 6, and the wiring penetrating each memory area 3 including the bit wiring 13a, 13b, and the word wring 14.
First, the semiconductor layer 6 is described. The semiconductor layer 6 includes semiconductor substrate 21, insulating region 22, write transistor 32 and readout transistor 34. The semiconductor substrate 21 is formed of, for example, a Si substrate, having p-type or n-type impurities doped therein. The insulating region 22 is formed in regions except regions of the write transistor 32 and the readout transistor 34 of the semiconductor substrate 21, so as to electrically isolate the write transistor 32 from the readout transistor 34. The insulating region 22 is formed of an insulating material such as SiO2.
Referring to
Referring to
Next, the magnetic material layer 8 is described hereafter. The magnetic material layer 8 includes TMR element 4, magnetic yoke 5, insulating region 24, write wiring 31 and readout wiring 33. The region excluding the components described below (TMR element 4, magnetic yoke 5, write wiring 31 and readout wiring 33), and also excluding other wiring, is occupied by the insulating region 24. Here,
Meanwhile, in the second magnetic layer 43, the magnetization direction is fixed by the antiferromagnetic layer 44. Namely, by the exchanging coupling at a junction plane between the antiferromagnetic layer 44 and the second magnetic layer 43, the magnetization direction in the second magnetic layer 43 is stabilized. The easy-to-magnetize axis direction of the second magnetic layer 43 is set so as to rum along the easy-to-ma as direction of the first magnetic layer 41. As a material of the second magnetic layer 43, a ferromagnetic material including, for example, Co, CoFe, NiFe, NiFeCo and CoPt may be used. Also, as material of the ferromagnetic layer 44, materials including IrMn, PtMn, FeMn, PtPdMn and NiO, or an arbitrary combination thereof may be used
The nonmagnetic insulating layer 42 is a layer formed of a material that is nonmagnetic and insulating. By means of the nonmagnetic insulating layer 42 intervening between the first magnetic layer 41 and the second magnetic layer 43, the tunneling magnetoresistive (TMR) effect is produced between the first magnetic layer 41 and the second magnetic layer 43. Namely, between the first magnetic layer 41 and the second magnetic layer 43, there is produced an electric resistance depending on relative relation (parallel or antiparallel) between the magnetization direction in the first magnetic layer 41 and the magnetization direction in the second magnetic layer 43. As material of the nonmagnetic insulating layer 42, for example, oxide or nitride of metal including, for example, Al, Zn and Mg is preferable.
As the layer for stabilizing the magnetization direction in the second magnetic layer 43, in place of the antiferromagnetic layer 44, it may also be possible to provide a third magnetic layer, with a nonmagnetic metal layer or a synthetic antiferromagnetic (AF) layer intervening between the second and the third magnetic layers. By forming antiferromagnetic coupling with the second magnetic layer 43, the third magnetic layer can further stabilize the magnetization direction in the second magnetic layer 43. Also, because the effect of a static magnetic field from the second magnetic layer 43 to the first magnetic layer 41 can be prevented, it becomes possible to make magnetization reversal of the first magnetic layer 41 easy. As material of such the third magnetic layer, although there is no particular restriction, it is preferable to use a ferromagnetic material such as Co, CoFe, NiFe, NiFeCo and CoPt alone or in a compound form. Further, as material of the nonmagnetic metallic layer disposed between the second magnetic layer 43 and the third magnetic layer, Ru, Rh, Ir, Cu and Ag are preferable. Additionally, as the thickness of the nonmagnetic metallic layer, it is preferable to be 2 nm or less, so as to obtain strong antiferromagnetic coupling between the second magnetic layer 43 and the third magnetic layer.
On the first magnetic layer 41 of the TMR element 4, the readout wiring 33 is provided. The readout wiring 33 is formed of a conductive meta that extends to the row direction of the memory area 3. One end of the readout wiring 33 is electrically connected to the first magnetic layer 41. The other end of the readout wiring 33 is electrically connected to an electrode 17b by means of a vertical wiring 16f (refer to
Further, the write wiring 31 is disposed on the readout wing 33. A gap is provided between the readout wiring 33 and the write wiring 31, and insulation is made therebetween by means of filling with material of the insulating region 24. The write wiring 31 is formed of a conductive metal, which extends to the row direction of the memory area 3. One end of the write wiring 31 is electrically connected to an electrode 17a by means of a vertical wiring 16a (refer to
The magnetic yoke 5 is a ferromagnetic member overlaying the periphery of the write wiring 31, for efficiently supplying the TMR element 4 with the magnetic field produced by the write current. The magnetic yoke 5 is formed of an approximate ring shape, having at least a pair of open end portions disposed face-to-face with a gap of a predetermined length intervening therebetween, and disposed so as to surround the periphery of the write wiring 31 at a portion of the write wring in the extending direction 31. More specifically, the magnetic yoke 5 is structured of a pair of face-to-face yokes 5b, a pair of pillar yokes 5c and a beam yoke 5d. Here, the pair of face-to-face yokes 5b has a pair of end faces 5a, as a pair of open end portions. The above pair of end faces 5a is disposed face-to-face along the easy-to-magnetize axis direction of the first magnetic layer 41, with a gap of a predetermined length intervening therebetween. Further, the TMR element 4 is disposed in such a way that a pair of side faces 4a (refer to
As material constituting the magnetic yoke 5, preferably, a metal including at least one element among, for example, Ni, Fe and Co may be used. Further, the magnetic yoke 5 is formed so that the easy-to-magnetize axis direction thereof runs along the easy-to-magnetize axis direction of the first magnetic layer 41 in the TMR element 4. Also, the cross section area of the magnetic yoke 5 at the plane perpendicular to the surrounding direction of the write wiring 31 is set to be the smallest at the pair of end faces 5a. More specifically, among the face-to-face yoke 5b, the pillar yoke 5c and the beam yoke 5d of the magnetic yoke 5, the cross section area of the face-to-face yoke 5b is set to be the smallest. Further, preferably, the face-to-face yoke 5b is structured to be thinner in a nearer position to the end face 5a.
As material of the insulating region 24, similar to the insulating layer 22 of the semiconductor layer 6, an insulating material such as SiO2 may be used.
Next, the wiring layer 7 is described. The wiring layer 7 includes insulating layer 23, bit wiring 13a, 13b, word wiring 14, ground wiring 15, and also a plurality of vertical wirings and horizontal wirings. Additionally, in regard to the wiring layer 7, the entire region excluding each wiring is occupied by the insulating region 23. As material of the insulating region 23, similar to the insulating region 22 in the semiconductor layer 6, insulating material such as SiO2 may be used. Also, as material of the vertical wiring, for example, W. and as material of the horizontal wiring, for example, Al may be used, respectively.
Referring to
Further, referring to
Further, referring to
Now, referring to
On the occurrence of the magnetic field Φ1 produced in the periphery of the write 31, because of the function of the magnetic field confinement in the magnetic yoke 5, the magnetic field Φ1 external magnetic field) can be supplied efficiently to the first magnetic layer 41 of the TMR element 4. Caused by the above magnetic field Φ1, the magnetization direction A in the first magnetic layer 41 is oriented in the same direction as the direction of the magnetic field Φ1. Here, in case that the magnetization direction B of the second magnetic layer 43 is oriented in the same direction as the magnetic field Φ1 in advance through the exchange coupling with the antiferromagnetic layer 44, the magnetization on direction A of the first magnetic layer 41 and the magnetization direction B of the second magnetic layer 43 is oriented mutually in the same direction, that is, falls into a parallel state. Thus, one (for example, 0) of the binary data is written in the TMR element 4.
When reading out the binary data stored in the TMR element 4, as shown in
Also, as shown in
On the occurrence of the magnetic field Φ2 in the periphery of the write wiring 31, because of the function of the magnetic field confinement in the magnetic yoke 5, the magnetic field Φ2 (ex magnetic field) can be supplied efficiently to the first magnetic layer 41 of the TMR element 4. Caused by the above magnetic field Φ2, the magnetization direction A in the first magnetic layer 41 is oriented in the same direction as the direction of the magnetic field Φ2. Here, in case that the magnetization direction B of the second magnetic layer 43 is oriented in the opposite direction to the magnetic field Φ2, the magnetization direction A of the first magnetic layer 41 and the magnetization direction B of the second magnetic layer 43 is oriented mutually in the opposite direction, that is, in an antiparallel state. Thus, the other binary data (for example, 1) is written in the TMR element 4.
For example, when the magnetization direction A of the first magnetic layer 41 is antiparallel to the magnetization direction B of the second magnetic layer 43, due to the tunneling magnetoresistive (TMR) effect in the nonmagnetic insulating layer 42, the resistance value between the first magnetic layer 41 and the second magnetic layer 43 becomes relatively large. Accordingly, as exemplarily shown in
The effects of the magnetic memory 1 according to the present embodiment having been described above will be described. In the magnetic memory 1 according to the present embodiment, the magnetic yoke 5 is formed of an approximate ring shape, which is disposed in such a way as to surround the periphery of the write wiring 31 at a portion of the write wiring 31 in its extending direction. Because the write wiring 31 is surrounded by the magnetic yoke 5, the magnetic field going out to the direction deflected from the TMR element 4 can be reduced. Also, because the magnetic yoke 5 has a pair of end faces 5a respectively disposed face-to-face to a pair of side faces 4a of the TMR element 4, it is possible to efficiently supply the first magnetic layer 41 of the TMR element 4 with the magnetic fields Φ1, Φ2 which are produced inside the magnetic yoke 5 constituting a closed path in the direction of the periphery of the write wiring 31. As such, in the magnetic memory 1 according to the present embodiment, the magnetic fields Φ1, Φ2 caused by the write currents Iw1, Iw2 can be supplied to the first magnetic layer 41 of the TMR element 4 efficiently. Accordingly, it is possible to reverse the magnetization direction A of the first magnetic layer 41 in the TMR element 4 by means of small write currents Iw1, Iw2.
Further, according to the magnetic memory 1 of the present embodiment because the magnetization direction A of the first magnetic layer 41 can be reversed by small write currents Iw1, Iw2, the write transistor 32 for controlling the conduction of the write currents Iw1, Iw2 may be miniaturized, which enables the write transistor 32 to be disposed for each memory area 3. Accordingly, it is virtually possible to supply the magnetic fields Φ1, Φ2 only to the TMR element 4 in the memory area 3 to which the data is to be written, and incorrect writing to other memory areas 3 can be prevented.
Also, in the conventional magnetic memory, as shown in
As shown in the present embodiment, preferably, a plurality of memory areas 3 is two-dimensionally arranged consisting of m rows and n columns (m, n are integers of 2 or more). In this case, preferably, the bit wiring 13a disposed correspondingly to each column of a plurality of memory areas 3 is connected to one end of the write wiring 31 provided in each memory area 3 of the corresponding column. Also, in this case, the word wiring 14 disposed correspondingly to each row of a plurality of memory areas 3 is connected to the gate electrode 32b of the write transistor 32 provided in each memory area 3 of the corresponding row. With this, the memory area 3 to which data is to be written can be selected with a simple structure and operation.
Further, as shown in the present embodiment, preferably, the magnetic memory 1 includes a bit selection circuit 11 as a write current generation means for supplying a positive write current Iw2 and a negative write current Iw1 to the write wiring 31. In his magnetic memory 1, the bit selection circuit 11 supplies the write wiring 31 with either one of the positive write current Iw2 or the negative write current Iw1, depending on the need. Thus, the magnetization direction A in the first magnetic layer 41 of the TMR element 4 can be reversed apply.
Sill further, as shown in the present embodiment, preferably, the easy-to-magnetize axis direction in the magnetic yoke 5 runs along the easy-magnetize axis direction in the first magnetic layer 41. Also, preferably, the cross section area of the magnetic yoke 5 perpendicular to the surrounding direction is the smallest at the pair of end faces 5a With the above structure, it is possible to supply the magnetic fields Φ1, Φ2 inside the magnetic yoke 5 to the first magnetic layer 41 of the TMR element 4 more efficiently.
Now, among manufacturing methods of the magnetic memory 1 according to the present embodiment, a manufacturing method of the structure of the TMR element 4 and its surroundings is described referring to
First, a semiconductor layer 6 and a wring layer 7 (refer to
Net, as shown in
Subsequently, as shown in
Subsequently, as shown in
Subsequently, as shown in
Subsequently, as shown in
Hereafter, an example of modification of the magnetic memory 1 according to the present embodiment will be described
First, referring to
Also, referring to
The magnetic memory according to the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. A variety of other modifications is possible. For example, in the above description of the embodiments, the TMR element is employed as magnetoresistive effect element. However, it is possible to employ a GMR element in which giant magnetoresistive (GMR) effect is utilized. The GMR effect is a phenomenon such that depending on an angle of magnetization direction of two ferromagnetic layers sandwiching a nonmagnetic layer, the resistance values of the ferromagnetic layers in the direction perpendicular to the lamination direction vary. Namely, in the GMR element, the resistance value of the ferromagnetic layer becomes the smallest when the magnetization directions of two ferromagnetic layers are mutually parallel, while the resistance value of the ferromagnetic layer becomes the largest when the magnetization directions of two ferromagnetic layers are mutually antiparallel. Additionally, in the TMR element and the GMR element, there are a pseudo spin-valve type in which write is performed by utilizing the difference of coercive forces, and a spin-valve type in which a magnetization direction of one ferromagnetic layer is fixed through exchange coupling with antiferromagnetic layer. Data readout in the GMR element is performed by detecting a change of the resistance value of the first magnetic layer in the direction perpendicular to the lamination direction. Also, data write in the GMR element is performed by reversing the magnetization direction of one ferromagnetic layer by means of a magnetic field produced by a write current
Further, the magnetic yoke according to the above embodiments is formed integrally from one end face to the other end face in the surrounding direction of the write wiring. As the shape of the magnetic yoke, other than the above, for example, shapes having one gap or more in the surrounding direction, thereby being divided into a plurality of portions, are applicable. Also, according to the above embodiments, the write switch means and the read switch means include transistors. As such switch means, it is possible to apply a variety of means providing current on/off functions depending on the need.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
P2004-264450 | Sep 2004 | JP | national |